Buying a laser printer is certainly a very wise decision, as you can unlock many efficient functions with a single machine. Whether it's for office use or for personal use, laser printers can come in very handy and can provide you with the freedom to print whatever you want, whenever you like, fast.
Due to the popularity of laser printers, there are now thousands of models that you can go for. You’ve got a large variety of options, features, and additional functionalities that you can opt for while buying a laser printer, so it can be a bit overwhelming. We have reviewed and evaluated the best laser printers in 2021 to prepare a complete buying guide for you that will help you purchase the right laser printer for your needs.
Why should you prefer a laser printer over other printers?
A lot of people are confronted with the choice between laser printers and other conventional technologies, such as inkjet printers. In many cases, laser printers are clearly the better choice, and here’s why:
Speed
To begin with, laser printers are capable of printing at much higher speeds compared to inkjet printers. The laser technology is designed to move quicker, and as a result, laser printers are much faster compared to other printers. Speed is a clear advantage.
Performance
Laser printers promise better overall performance compared to the next best option that is available. Since laser printing is a newer technology, these printers can print large quantities without running into problems that other printers might face. Laser printers are much more reliable and dependable, which is exactly what you’d be looking for if you want to print large volumes.
Quality
Laser printers are known for their high-quality printing. Laser technology is very precise, so it can generate high-quality and crisp prints which is something that you cannot expect from printers based on older technologies. If you’re looking for high-quality printing, laser printers are the way to go.
Cost
While it is true that the initial cost of laser printers is higher than that of inkjet printers, laser printers are actually much more reasonable as far as the printing cost is concerned. The toners used in laser printers are significantly cheaper compared to the cost of ink cartridges that inkjet printers use, and many laser printers are energy-efficient as well.
Operational noise
Laser printers are generally quieter than inkjet printers, which is why people prefer having laser printers in their homes and offices. A quiet printer means less disruptions so you can keep working in peace. While some laser printers may generate more noise than others, the decision lies entirely on your needs, requirements, and budget.
What are all-in-one printers, and should you get those?
All-in-one printers, or multifunction printers, are equipped with additional functionalities such as copying, scanning, or even faxing. While all printers can print, not all of them can copy, scan, or fax.
When shopping for a new laser printer, it is important for you to consider whether you need a multifunction printer or not. There are multiple aspects to these decisions that you need to consider before buying one. Firstly, you need to evaluate if you really need those additional capabilities. If printing is your only primary need, a simple laser printer fits the bill; however, if you find yourself frequently needing to copy, scan, and fax documents, a multifunction printer definitely comes in handy.
While multifuncion printers certainly are more capable and better-equipped, there are other considerations as well. To begin with, multi-function printers are generally more expensive, but it depends a lot on what you’re comparing the cost to. A multifunction printer costs more than a simple laser printer, but it's still a good deal if you compare it to the combined cost of a separate printer, scanner, and a fax machine. Moreover, multifunction printers are also heavier and bulkier, so they take up more space. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal requirements, which will help you determine if an all-in-one printer is worth it or not.
Which type of connectivity do you look for while buying the best laser printer?
Connectivity is a particularly important factor that you should be considering while looking for a laser printer, as it will determine how easily you’ll be able to use your printer. The most important type of connectivity that you should look out for is Ethernet. While you can also use an Ethernet connection at home, it becomes particularly important in an office setting where you’ll have to connect the printer to the office network.
USB is another important type of connectivity to look out for. Almost all laptops/PCs can be connected to a printer using USB connectivity. USB connectivity can also be used to connect the printer to external devices such as flash drives or cameras, which can then directly upload content to print.
Wi-Fi is another commonly used type of connectivity, which allows a lot of devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, to connect to a printer and send printing commands with utmost convenience. With Wi-Fi connectivity, no other cables are needed, and you can print anything from anywhere as long as you're connected to the same network as the printer.
What are other factors to consider while buying the best laser printer?
Duty cycle
Duty cycle refers to the number of pages that a printer is capable of printing on a monthly basis. While a printer might be able to print more than the stated duty cycle, it is recommended that you do not push the printing limits of your printer or else it will face increased wear and tear. A printer with a higher duty cycle naturally will cost more, which is why you should evaluate your monthly requirements and purchase a printer accordingly.
Pages per minute
The pages per minute, or PPM, refers to the number of pages that a printer can print on average in one minute. The PPM does not usually stay fixed and it can vary in accordance with the quality and type of printout that you want; however, you can use that estimated range to choose a printer that suits your average printing requirements and needs.
Toner cost
You should also consider the type of toner that a laser printer uses, in order to estimate the operational and replacement costs that you will be incurring over time. High-quality toners will generally deliver more prints with higher quality and reliability, which is something that you should consider if it falls within your budget.
Noise
While laser printers are generally quieter, some models make more noise than others. If you can find a way to do a test run before buying a printer, try out several printing tasks in order to determine if the printer is quiet enough for your needs or not. Also, check out customer reviews to see if others find the printer to be noisy.
Laser Printer FAQ
Q: What are monochrome laser printers?
A: Monochrome laser printers are those that can only print in black and white. Monochrome printers are usually faster and cheaper, making them a good basic printer choice.
Q: Are laser printer toners expensive?
A: The cost of printing with laser printer toners is actually less compared to inkjet printer cartridges. While they may cost more per unit than individual ink cartridges, they last far longer, thus decreasing the price over time and usage.
Q: Can laser printers handle all page sizes?
A: Generally, laser printers are capable of handling most standard document sizes. Depending upon the type and model, your printer may be able to handle larger sizes as well.