Xerox vs Fujitsu: Which Printer Is Best For You?

Submitted by Liz Adair on Fri, 09/20/2024 - 15:48

Who should you buy a printer from—Xerox or Fujitsu?

Choosing the printer brand that aligns most with your printing goals can be the difference between making a good purchase or a bad one.

We all know that choosing the right brand can make all the difference in meeting your printing needs without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, small and large businesses often end up investing in office equipment that can't meet their needs, wasting time and money.

At STPT, our printer experts are here to guide you towards a smart investment that boosts productivity and efficiency for your business. With over 40 years in the industry, we're committed to providing you with accurate, in-depth information to help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we will provide a brief overview of each company, highlighting similarities and differences between brands, including differences in price, printer model options, and cool features.

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Overview of Xerox     

Founded in 1906 in Rochester, New York, Xerox is considered the first printing company to manufacture and sell xerographic copy machines.            

Today, Xerox has over 13,000 active patents for innovation, and its products and business print solutions have reached 160 countries worldwide.        

Now in Norwalk, Connecticut, Xerox continues to innovate and sell office equipment for a wide variety of workgroups. From small home office machines to large production units, their products are well-respected around the world.

Xerox also features a wide range of services and solutions for things like print management and document workflows.

Overview of Fujitsu

Like Xerox, Fujitsu Limited is a multinational information and communications technology (ICT) equipment and services corporation.

Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Fujitsu is one of the world's oldest IT companies and produced Japan's first computer in 1954.

While Fujitsu offers a broad range of IT solutions, its subsidiary, Fujitsu Isotec, is the division specifically focused on printers and office automation products. This makes Fujitsu’s printer solutions distinct within its corporate umbrella, much like Xerox’s specialized approach to office printing solutions.

It’s important to note that Xerox and Fujitsu are both separate entities from Fuji Xerox, another business innovation corporation that is now called Fujifilm.

2 Similarities Between Xerox and Fujitsu

1. Document Management Solutions

Both Xerox and Fujitsu go beyond offering just printers; they also provide comprehensive document management solutions that streamline workflows and enhance organizational efficiency.

Xerox offers its DocuShare platform, which helps businesses manage content, automate processes, and store documents securely in the cloud. DocuShare integrates with Xerox’s MFPs through its ConnectKey for DocuShare printer app.

Similarly, Fujitsu offers PaperStream software as part of its document management ecosystem. PaperStream works with fi Series scanners and provides advanced features like image enhancement, OCR, and barcode recognition, making it ideal for businesses with heavy document processing needs.

In 2023, Fujitsu's fi Series and ScanSnap scanners became Ricoh-branded, though they continue to use Fujitsu's technology and are compatible with PaperStream.

Both companies emphasize secure document handling, improving access, and reducing paper-based workflows, catering to businesses of all sizes.

2. Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Both Xerox and Fujitsu emphasize environmental sustainability in their product offerings.

Xerox offers a range of eco-label and product registry programs that ensure many of their products meet stringent environmental certifications like ENERGY STAR, EPEAT, and Germany’s Blue Angel. These certifications confirm Xerox’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability without compromising performance.

Xerox also has its Green World Alliance recycling program, which makes it easy for users to recycle their printer supplies. Learn more about the steps Xerox is taking to help the environment here.

Similarly, Fujitsu integrates energy-saving features, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes in their serial dot matrix printers. Fujitsu's EPEAT-registered printers and duplex printing features reflect their efforts to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Notably, Fujitsu also emphasizes low-emission production across its printer models, contributing to its overall sustainability approach.

3 Key Differences Between Xerox and Fujitsu

1. Full Range of Printers and Scanners vs. Limited Range

The main difference between Xerox and Fujitsu's printer solutions lies in their product ranges.

Xerox focuses on laser printers, catering to everything from small home offices to large enterprises. Their lineup includes compact single-function printers, multifunction machines, and large digital presses, along with Xerox-branded scanners.

Below is an image of a Xerox multifunction printer, the Xerox VersaLink C415

Xerox VersaLink C415

As we mentioned earlier, Fujitsu sold its scanning products to Ricoh in 2023. This bolstered Ricoh's offerings but limited Fujitsu’s portfolio. Now, Fujitsu mainly offers dot-matrix printers, thermal POS printers, and a few label printers.

Despite the limited range, Fujitsu is a solid choice for label/receipt or dot-matrix printers.

Below is an image of a Fujitsu Dot Matrix Printer, the DL3100

Fujitsu DL3100 (Dot matrix printer0

2. Business Focus: Office Solutions vs IT

When comparing Xerox and Fujitsu, another key difference lies in their business focus.

Xerox excels in offering print management solutions that enhance office workflows. Their Xerox Workplace Cloud allows for secure, remote print management, while ConnectKey apps turn printers into smart workplace assistants. Read our blog on the pros and cons of printer apps to see how they can benefit your business.

These tools integrate with the cloud and offer mobile printing capabilities. They also support workflow automation, making Xerox the go-to option for businesses needing advanced print solutions tailored for high-volume printing and document management.

In contrast, Fujitsu focuses more on IT and information technology services. While it doesn’t offer the same range of multifunction printers or high-volume production machines, it offers expertise in IT systems, including cloud services, data storage solutions, and AI-driven analytics.

Fujitsu's solutions are all about making IT work better and bringing technology into the workplace to make digital tasks easier and manage business information smoothly.

Thus, if your business relies heavily on integrated print management and office automation, Xerox provides more comprehensive solutions. On the other hand, if you're focused on IT innovation, cloud computing, and enterprise IT services, Fujitsu is the better option.

3. Location: USA or Japan

Although both companies offer products for sale internationally, Xerox and Fujitsu are each primarily focused on their home markets.

For Xerox, the North American and European markets are of primary interest, and the range of products and services is geared towards offices and businesses of varying sizes.

On the other hand, Fujitsu is a key player in Japan and focuses more on Asian markets. Fujitsu printers can handle a range of print volumes, but they work best for report printing and restaurant ticket printing.

Which Printer Brand Has the Best Prices?

When considering printer prices, it's essential to look at size, function, and features.

Comparing Fujitsu and Xerox, you’ll notice some price variations.

Fujitsu printers range from $100 to $1,500, varying by model. However, it’s important to note that its most expensive print solution is a dot matrix printer.

In contrast, Xerox offers a broader spectrum, with prices starting at $200 and going up to $25,000 for powerful high-end production units. Xerox’s extensive range makes their prices more variable.

Due to these differences, it's challenging to directly compare Fujitsu and Xerox purely on cost.

Ultimately, the best-priced brand depends on the type of printer you need, what you need it for, and your budget. Check out the following blogs for more insights on printer pricing.

Which Printer Brand Is Right For You?

Xerox and Fujitsu are top names in the printer world, each offering unique solutions for different needs.

Wondering which brand is right for you? It depends on what you’re after. For reliable and eco-friendly label or dot matrix printers, Fujitsu is a strong choice. But if you need a versatile printer that can scan, copy, print, and fax, Xerox shines with its efficient models.

This guide will help you find the perfect office machine, whether it's from Xerox, Fujitsu, or another top brand.

Check out our other brand comparison blogs for more helpful information.