Laser vs Inkjet Printers: What's the Difference?

When it comes to choosing a printer, the inkjet vs laser printer debate is one of the most common questions people face. Whether you're setting up a home office, running a business, or pursuing creative projects, picking the right printer type is essential.

Both inkjet and laser printers have their own strengths, but which one is best for your needs? One might be a better option that the other based off of the application. When it comes to printing checks, the choice might be make or break.

Let's break down the differences & advantages for both laser & inkjet printing.

Laser vs. Inkjet Printers: The Key Differences

Before you pick sides in the laser printer vs inkjet battle, it’s important to understand how these printers work and what sets them apart. As we said before, inkjet & laser printers have their own unique strengths and use cases, but the way they function inside the printer is extremely different. From the hardware, all the way down to the consumables - inkjet & laser printers couldn't be more different. 

• Inkjet Printers use liquid ink sprayed onto paper through tiny nozzles. They are known for their ability to produce colors and sharp details, making them ideal for photo printing and creative uses.
  
  
• Laser Printers rely on toner, a fine powder that comes in a much larger cartridge, that is then used to create images or text on a page using heat & pressure with a fuser & image drum. Laser printers are typically associated with speed and efficiency, especially for high-volume printing in offices. To get a closer look into laser printer hardware, check out our blog here. 

At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward choice. But depending on your priorities, the laser vs inkjet printer showdown gets a bit more nuanced.

Pros & Cons of Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are a common choice for home use, students, and creative professionals. Here’s a closer look at what they bring to the table.

Pros: 

• Print Quality for Photos and Colors: If you want rich, vibrant colors or high-definition photo prints, an inkjet printer is your best bet. It’s particularly suited for creative projects that demand attention to detail.
  
  
• Lower Initial Cost: Inkjet printers tend to cost less upfront compared to their laser counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option for low-volume users.
  
  
• Versatility: Inkjet printers can handle a wider variety of media types, including photo paper, labels, cardstock, and even specialized art papers.

Cons:

• Higher Operating Costs: While the printer itself is cheaper, replacement ink cartridges are more expensive, and they tend to run out faster. This can add up, especially if you print frequently.
  
  
• Slower Printing Speed: For larger volumes of printing, inkjet printers are slower compared to laser models.
  
  
• Frequent Maintenance: The liquid ink can dry out if not used regularly, requiring more frequent cleaning cycles and occasional replacement of print heads.
  
  

Pros & Cons of Laser Printers

Laser printers are known for their speed and efficiency, making them popular in offices and businesses. But they’re not without their own set of trade-offs.

Pros:

• Speed and Efficiency: Laser printers excel at quickly handling large print jobs. If you need to produce hundreds of pages in a short time, they are the way to go.
  
  
• Lower Long-Term Costs: Although they cost more upfront, toner cartridges last significantly longer than ink cartridges, making them more cost-effective for high-volume users.
  
  
• Crisp Text and Monochrome Printing: Laser printers are especially good at producing sharp, clean text, which is why they’re often used for printing documents and reports.

Want to know more benefits of laser printing? Check out this article from Lenovo. 

Cons:

• Higher Upfront Cost: The initial cost of a laser printer, particularly a color one, is higher than that of an inkjet printer.
  
  
• Limited Media Compatibility: Laser printers are less versatile when it comes to different types of print media. They perform best with standard office paper and can struggle with photo paper and textured materials.
  
  
• Size and Bulky Design: Most laser printers are larger and heavier than inkjet models, which may be a drawback if you’re short on desk space.

Why Laser Printers Are Better for MICR Check Printing

When it comes to MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) check printing for businesses, choosing between laser vs. inkjet printing becomes an important choice. MICR technology relies on the use of specialized magnetic toner or ink to print the characters and designs required for bank checks to be securely processed through automated clearing systems, and each character printed on a check must be legible for MICR image standards, and the MICR signal must be high. 

Although this might seem like a niche need, if you’re running a business that involves check processing, choosing between an inkjet vs laser printer is incredibly important.

Understanding MICR Check Printing Requirements

For MICR printing, adherence to strict specifications is non-negotiable. Banks and financial institutions use magnetic scanners to read the characters at the bottom of your checks in order for money to make it into accounts in a timely manner & without errors. If the printed characters aren’t precise or don’t contain the right magnetic properties, the check could be rejected - which could result in incurring fees of up to $6 for every check you print. 

Here’s why laser printers are the clear choice over inkjet printers when it comes to laser vs inkjet printer for MICR applications.

Why Laser Printers Outperform Inkjet Models in MICR Printing

• Sharp and Precise Text: For MICR printing, crisp, clearly-defined text is a must. The precision of a laser printer vs inkjet printer is unmatched when it comes to creating checks that are legible for magnetic readers.
  
  
• Durability and Resistance to Smudging: Check processing involves lots of handling, so the printing must be resistant to smudging or smearing. Laser-printed checks, thanks to their heat-fusion process, are more durable than inkjet-printed ones, where liquid ink is more prone to smearing.
  
  
• High-Speed Printing for Efficient Check Runs: If you need to print a large batch of checks, the speed of a laser printer will save you significant time. Unlike a laser printer, inkjet models are slower and less efficient for high-volume tasks.
  
  While laser printers might initially cost more, their functionality and compatibility with MICR technology make them the only logical choice for businesses handling financial transactions. Inkjet printers can still be used for MICR printing, but there are certain check printing applications that they're better suited for. 
  
  
  

Who Should Choose a Laser Printer?

Laser printers are ideal for office workers and businesses that need fast and efficient document printing at high volumes. They are also a great choice for home office users who frequently print text-heavy materials like reports or contracts. Additionally, businesses that print checks should opt for laser printers, as their toner’s magnetic properties make them the only suitable option for handling high volumes of check writing with MICR requirements.

When it comes to MICR printing, you've come to the right place. TROY Group is the industry expert in MICR, offering both a full line of both HP LaserJet printers for businesses both large & small that are specifically enhanced for precise MICR check printing. Each printer comes with a range of features that make check printing a breeze, like exact positioning technology for MICR line printing, toner sensing that tell you when your printer is low on toner, and more. 

In addition, you can add additional trays, keylocks, and maintenance kits and more to the MICR laser printer of your choice with any TROY HP MICR printer.

Tips for Choosing Between Inkjet and Laser Printers

Still torn between laser vs inkjet printers? Here are a few additional tips to help you decide.

Consider Your Printing Volume: If you print frequently or in bulk, a laser printer will save you money and time in the long run. For occasional color printing, an inkjet printer may be more economical. 

Think About What You’ll Print Most Often: For rich, vibrant images like photos or artistic designs, go with an inkjet printer. For crisp, monochrome text documents, laser printers are unbeatable.

Calculate Total Cost of Ownership: Don’t just look at the upfront cost. Factor in the price of ink or toner, energy consumption, and how often you’ll need to replace consumables over time.

Ensure MICR Compatibility: Planning to print checks? A laser printer equipped with MICR toner is a must-have.

The Final Verdict

The inkjet printer vs laser printer decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs. If you’re an artist, student, or casual home user, an inkjet printer offers versatility and excellent color output. On the other hand, if you’re managing a busy office, printing checks, sensitive documents or handling heavy volumes, a laser printer’s speed, durability, and efficiency make it the better choice.

By weighing factors like print quality, speed, and total cost, you’ll find the type of printer that meets your needs perfectly. Whatever you choose, you’ll be one step closer to streamlining your workflow and getting your tasks done with ease.

If you still need help deciding on laser vs inkjet printers, contact TROY here.