What Are the Different Types of Printers?

We’ve come a long way since Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the world with his movable-type printing press in the 15th century. What started as a groundbreaking way to mass-produce text has evolved into a diverse array of printing technologies, each designed to meet specific needs. At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve spent nearly 40 years staying at the forefront of this evolution, helping businesses navigate the constantly evolving landscape of printer technology.

With our extensive experience in the printer industry, we know that finding the right printer can make all the difference for your business—whether you’re a small company needing personalized solutions or a large organization seeking high-volume efficiency. In this article, we’ll guide you through the different types of printers, focusing on the most common types--laser, inkjet, 3D, and all-in-ones. We’ll highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses. Let STPT's decades of expertise help you find the perfect printer for your needs. 

The Four Most Common Types of Printers

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are among the most versatile and widely used printers on the market. They spray tiny droplets of ink onto paper, creating images and text with remarkable precision.

Inkjet printers are known for their excellent color reproduction, making them the go-to choice for photo printing and high-quality image outputs. They typically have a print resolution ranging from 1200 x 1200 to 9600 x 2400 DPI (dots per inch), ensuring sharp and vibrant prints.

Although slower than laser printers, modern inkjet printers can still achieve respectable print speeds. Inkjet printers are also available in various sizes, from compact models perfect for home use to larger, more robust machines designed for small businesses.

However, their frequent need for ink cartridge replacements and the associated costs can add up over time.

Pros: Affordable upfront cost; excellent color reproduction; versatile for both text and images.

Cons: Ink can be expensive; slower printing speed compared to laser printers; frequent ink cartridge replacements.

Ideal Use Case: Perfect for home users, photographers, and small businesses that need high-quality color prints but don’t require high-volume output.

Laser Printers

Laser printers are designed for speed, efficiency, and precision, making them the preferred choice for businesses and offices with high-volume printing needs. They use a laser beam to produce text and images by attracting toner powder to paper, which is then fused with heat. This method produces incredibly sharp text and clear images, making laser printers ideal for professional documents, reports, and forms.

Additionally, they boast high recommended print volumes, with many models capable of handling thousands of pages per month without a hitch. Learn more about the differences between the monthly duty cycle and recommended monthly print volume here.

Laser printers are widely available and have a broad range of options, from budget-friendly models for small offices to advanced machines designed for large enterprises.

While they may have a higher upfront cost than inkjet printers, their lower cost per page and long-lasting toner cartridges make them more economical in the long run.

Read our blog comparing inkjet vs. laser printers to learn more about their differences.

Pros: Fast printing speeds; sharp text output; cost-effective for high-volume printing.

Cons: Higher upfront cost; not ideal for photo printing.\

Ideal Use Case: Ideal for businesses and offices needing to print large documents quickly and efficiently.

3D Printers

3D printers represent the cutting edge of printing technology, capable of creating three-dimensional objects from digital designs. Unlike traditional printers that lay ink or toner on a flat surface, 3D printers build objects layer by layer, using materials such as plastic, resin, or metal. This process, known as additive manufacturing, has revolutionized industries from prototyping to custom manufacturing.

3D printers vary significantly in size and capabilities, from desktop models used by hobbyists to industrial machines capable of producing complex components. Depending on the printer and material used, print speeds can vary widely, with simple objects taking a few hours to complete and more complex designs requiring several days. Despite their relatively slow print speeds, 3D printers offer unmatched customization and are invaluable in fields like product design, healthcare, and education.

While once the domain of large companies, 3D printers are now accessible to small businesses, educational institutions, and even hobbyists, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Pros: Can create complex, custom objects; excellent for prototyping and small-scale manufacturing.

Cons: Limited build space; higher initial costs.

Ideal Use Case: Perfect for designers, engineers, and manufacturers needing to create prototypes or custom parts.

All-in-One Printers

All-in-One (AIO) printers, also known as multifunction printers (MFPs), combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into a single device. These versatile machines are designed to handle various tasks, making them an excellent choice for home offices and small businesses.

While they may not excel in any one area like dedicated printers, AIO printers offer the convenience of multiple functionalities without the need for several different devices.

Depending on the model, AIO printers can either be inkjet or laser, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs. Many AIO printers also have features like wireless connectivity, mobile printing support, and automatic document feeders (ADF) to quickly scan and copy multiple pages.

These machines are commonly available at office supply stores, with options for both budget-conscious buyers and those needing more advanced features.

Check out our blog on 9 multifunction printer myths explained and debunked to learn more about these machines.

Pros: Space-saving; versatile; often more cost-effective than buying separate devices.

Cons: If one function fails, the whole device may be compromised; may not excel in any one function.

Ideal Use Case: Best suited for small to large businesses, or home offices that need to handle multiple tasks with one machine.

Other Types of Printers

While the four types mentioned above are the most common, other types of printers serve specific needs:

Thermal Printers: Commonly used for printing receipts and labels, these printers use heat to transfer ink onto paper. They are compact, reliable, and typically found in retail and logistics.

Dye-Sublimation Printers: Ideal for printing high-quality photos, these printers use heat to transfer dye onto materials like paper, fabric, or plastic.

Solid Ink Printers: These printers use solid sticks of ink that are melted and then applied to paper. They are known for vibrant colors and being environmentally friendly.

Dot Matrix Printers: An older technology that uses a print head to strike an ink ribbon, creating characters on the page. They are durable and can print on multi-part forms, making them suitable for industrial use.

How to Choose the Right Printer

Choosing the right printer depends on assessing your specific needs. Ask yourself the following questions:

What will I be printing most often? If you need high-quality photos, an inkjet or dye-sublimation printer might be best. For text documents, a laser printer is ideal.

How much volume will I be printing? High-volume users should consider laser printers for their speed and cost-effectiveness. Low-volume users might prefer the versatility of an inkjet.

Do I need multifunction capabilities? If you need to scan, copy, fax, and print, in addition to apps that can enhance business processes, an all-in-one printer could save space and money.

What’s my budget? Consider both the initial cost of the printer and the ongoing costs of ink or toner. Laser printers have higher upfront costs but lower long-term costs compared to inkjets. Learn more about the differences between laser and inkjet printers here.

Check out our comprehensive buyer's guide for in-depth information on all factors to consider before making a printer purchase.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the type of printer, here are a few other factors to consider:

• Connectivity: Make sure the printer supports the type of connectivity you need, whether it's USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.
• Size: Consider the physical size of the printer, especially if you have limited space.
• Maintenance: Some printers require more upkeep than others. Be sure to factor in the time and cost of maintenance.
• User-Friendliness: Look for a printer with an intuitive interface, especially if multiple people will be using it.

For a roundup of the most important factors, read our blog on the top 6 things to consider before buying a printer.  

Making an Informed Printer Choice

Navigating the world of printers can be daunting, but understanding the different types available—whether it’s the versatility of inkjet, the durability of laser, the innovation of 3D printing, or the convenience of all-in-one machines—can make your decision much clearer. Each type of printer has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, from volume and print quality to speed and features.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), our nearly 40 years of experience in the printer industry have taught us that the right printer can make all the difference in your productivity and satisfaction. We’re here to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Ready to take the next step in your printer search? Check out our blog on the Top 5 Best Printer Brands to see which manufacturers consistently deliver the quality and features that professionals and businesses rely on.