When it comes to printers and copiers, each brand offers various product categories.
Take Xerox, for instance; they have several lines in their catalog, including the VersaLink, AltaLink, and PrimeLink machines.
Among these, the VersaLink and AltaLink families are the most prominent, and that’s what we’ll focus on in this blog.
As a proud platinum partner of Xerox, we know their products like the back of our hand. We sell a significant number of both VersaLink and AltaLink machines to a diverse range of workgroups.
This experience has given us in-depth knowledge about these two leading product families, allowing us to thoroughly address the differences between them.
However, this blog isn't just a sales pitch highlighting the perks of VersaLink and AltaLink.
These printers may not be suitable for everyone, so it's essential to explore all your options to find the best brand for your needs.
Our goal is to equip you with accurate and objective information to help you make an informed choice as you look to purchase your next office printer.
So, let’s dive in and explore the features of both the VersaLink and AltaLink printer families!
Want to know about all of Xerox’s printer options? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Xerox Machines.
What Are Xerox VersaLink Printers?
Xerox’s VersaLink product family offers a range of 13 office printers designed especially for small-to-medium-sized workgroups.
These printers come in different styles: from basic desktop models that print in black-and-white or color, to advanced floor-standing multifunction devices (MFPs). These multifunction devices can print, copy, scan, and fax—available in both black-and-white and color options.
For single-function printing, consider the VersaLink B620 and VersaLink C620. If you're looking for multifunctionality, check out the VersaLink B7125 and VersaLink C625.
Read our blog on the VersaLink printer family to learn more about the Xerox VersaLink machines.
The VersaLink B620 base model:
What Are Xerox AltaLink Printers?
The AltaLink product family includes 8 office printers that are designed to meet the needs of medium-to-large-sized workgroups.
AltaLink devices serve as versatile multifunction printers, featuring two distinct series: the C8200 Series for color printing, and the B8200 Series dedicated to black-and-white output.
An example of a black-and-white AltaLink model is the AltaLink B8255, while an example of a color device in the AltaLink family is the AltaLink C8235.
Read our blog on the AltaLink printer family for a deeper dive into this category of products.
The AltaLink C8235:
3 Differences Between Xerox VersaLink and Altalink Printers
Now that you have a general understanding of what the VersaLink and AltaLink printer families are, let’s jump into three of the main differences between the product categories:
1. Types of Printers
The main distinction between VersaLink and AltaLink machines is that the VersaLink product family includes both single-function and multifunction printers, while the AltaLink printers are all multifunction devices.
In general, the VersaLink machines tend to be more versatile because they have both desktop and floor-standing units that can offer workplaces a print-only solution if they don’t need a multifunction printer.
2. Printer Features
The next difference between VersaLink and AltaLink is in the features that can come with their machines.
Some features found on AltaLink printers, which are more advanced machines, will not be included on a VersaLink device.
A few of these features include:
- Print finishing options, such as staple or hole punch, which will not be optional accessories on some of the VersaLink devices.
- A Smart Proximity Sensor, which is a reflective sensor that automatically wakes the device whenever users approach it and sleeps the device whenever users walk away.
- Adobe PostScript, which is a print driver that comes standard with AltaLink machines, but not on all VersaLink machines.
- Another standout feature of the new AltaLink 8200 series is its AI-assisted adaptive learning capabilities. This feature uses artificial intelligence to learn and automate your everyday workflows.
AltaLink machines also come with more scanning features, such as multi-destination scanning and a Scan Preview feature that allows you to preview a document before it’s been saved.
To learn more about the added features in the C8200 and B8200 Series models, read our blog on 5 new features for AltaLink C8200 and B8200 Series.
3. Printer Cost
When it comes to price, there's a significant distinction between VersaLink and AltaLink machines: VersaLink printers are generally more affordable, often with a price tag that is substantially lower than that of AltaLink models.
To highlight this cost difference, let's take a closer look at the pricing of black-and-white multifunction printers available from each lineup.
Here are the base costs of three different VersaLink machines:
- VersaLink B620, which is a basic print-only device, is around $1,049.
- VersaLink B625, which is a multifunction printer, is around $2,799.
- VersaLink B7135, which is the most advanced multifunction printer in the VersaLink family, is around $6,435.
A machine from the VersaLink B7100 Series with upgrades:
Here are the base costs of the three multifunction machines in the AltaLink B8200 Series:
- AltaLink B8245-Around $12,000
- AltaLink B8255-Around $14,765
- AltaLink B8270-Around $18,295
A machine from the AltaLink B8200 Series with upgrades:
Notice the price differences between VersaLink and AltaLink machines? The VersaLink family includes a variety of single-function and multifunction printers, while the AltaLink family focuses exclusively on advanced multifunction printers. This difference means there will be a cost variance when comparing the two series.
The major reason for this price difference lies in the engineering of the AltaLink machines, which are designed for high-volume printing. For instance, the AltaLink B8270 supports a recommended monthly print volume of up to 100,000 pages, in stark contrast to the VersaLink B7135, which is recommended for up to 17,000 pages monthly.
Moreover, the AltaLink B8270 boasts high speed, printing at 72 pages per minute (ppm) compared to the VersaLink B7135’s 35 pages ppm. As previously mentioned, the AltaLink models have more features and offer greater customization options, including various accessories and print finishing choices.
In a way, you can think of the VersaLink printers as the younger sibling to the larger, more advanced AltaLink machines—a difference that is clearly reflected in their pricing.
Read our blog on printer cost for more information on how much a printer can cost both at the time of purchase and after.
When shopping for a VersaLink or AltaLink printer, it’s a good idea to reach out to a print vendor to ensure you’re taking advantage of any promotions available that might not be reflected in the pricing stated in this blog.
1 Similarity Between VersaLink and AltaLink
Although we focused on some differences, we also want to highlight one major similarity that both families share.
ConnectKey Technology
One advantage of choosing a VersaLink or AltaLink printer is the inclusion of a user-friendly touchscreen, driven by advanced ConnectKey Technology. This digital platform allows users to easily connect to the cloud and explore the extensive Xerox App Gallery. With over 50 apps tailored for various industries, the gallery enhances productivity and streamlines workflows.
Learn more about the pros and cons of printer apps here.
An example of a VersaLink touchscreen
An example of an AltaLink touchscreen
Which Printer Is Best for Me--Xerox VersaLink or AltaLink?
Let’s take a moment to summarize the perfect fit for your office needs when considering a VersaLink or AltaLink printer.
If you’re searching for a reliable office printer—whether single-function or multifunction—and you serve a small to medium-sized workgroup of about 3 to 10 daily users, the VersaLink series is your best bet. Its user-friendly design and dependable performance make it ideal for everyday tasks.
On the other hand, if you require a more robust and advanced multifunction printer designed for larger workgroups with more than 10 daily users, the AltaLink series is the way to go. It’s built to handle higher print volumes with ease, ensuring your team remains productive.
Both VersaLink and AltaLink printers share some key features, such as an intuitive user interface. This means that if your office has a mix of both models, your team will experience a smooth transition with minimal learning curve during training.
Remember, investing in an office printer is a significant decision. Carefully evaluating your specific needs will help you find the perfect match for your workplace, ensuring you make a wise investment that meets your requirements.
Read the blogs below for more information on what to consider before purchasing a printer/copier:
Think a VersaLink or AltaLink Printer Is Right for You?
The VersaLink and AltaLink product families make up the most common portion of Xerox’s machines, but they are tailored to the needs of different workgroups.
If you meet the needs portrayed in the previous section, you could be a candidate for a VersaLink or AltaLink printer, but it’s up to you to decide.
Our aim is to use our experience with Xerox to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
And if you decide that you’re interested in a Xerox printer, and you need a trusted partner to put the right machine in place for your company, we can be that reputable associate you seek.
We have been a local print vendor for nearly 40 years and have helped numerous clients, from large school districts to mom-and-pop shops, find the machine that will effectively suit their work environment.
If you’re ready to purchase a Xerox machine or need help in finding the right office printer for you, reach out to us and we will guide you to your ideal solution, even if it’s not with us.
Or, explore our range of Xerox printers using our product configurator. You can easily search for a specific model or filter for specifications like print speed and price.
