Xerox vs. Pantum: Which Printer Brand is Right for Me?

Choosing the right printer brand can be tricky, especially with so many new players entering the market. If you're stuck deciding between a trusted name like Xerox and a rising manufacturer like Pantum, you're not alone. We get it, you want quality, affordability, and features that suit your specific needs. In this article, we compare these two printer brands so you can confidently decide which one fits your office or home setup best. 

Overview of Xerox

Xerox was founded in 1906 in Rochester, New York. It is credited with being the first printing company to manufacture and sell xerographic plain-paper copiers.           

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

Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Xerox is known for innovation and reliability. It provides a full range of print solutions, from home office printers to enterprise-grade multifunction and production devices. 

Overview of Pantum

Pantum, a Chinese printer brand under Ninestar Corporation, entered the market in 2010. Founded in Zhuhai, China, it has quickly made a name for itself by offering affordable, compact monochrome laser printers that cater to budget-conscious consumers and small offices. 

Pantum's focus is on value, speed, and simple functionality. Their sales network covers more than 110 countries and regions around the world. 

In 2022, Pantum won the BLI Winter A4 Pick Award for their BM5100 series, recognized as exceptional MFPs for small workgroups.

3 Key Similarities Between Xerox and Pantum

1. Monochrome Laser Printing Options

Both brands excel in offering monochrome laser printers, ideal for text-heavy documents and basic office printing. For example, the Xerox B315and the Pantum BM5100FDWare multifunction black-and-white printers tailored for small and mid-sized workgroups.

2. Compact Printer Designs

Xerox and Pantum both prioritize space-saving design. The Xerox B315 is small enough to fit in tight office spaces without compromising on performance. Similarly, Pantum printers like the P2502W and BM5100FDW have a slim footprint, making them ideal for desks or home offices.

3. Mobile Printing Support

Both brands support wireless and mobile printing. Xerox supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct, and the Xerox Print & Scan Experience App. Pantum supports AirPrint, Mopria, and has its own mobile appfor printing via iOS and Android devices.

3 Major Differences Between Xerox and Pantum

1. Printer Apps and User Interface

Xerox leads in user interface design and app support. The Xerox VersaLink C415, for example, includes a 7-inch color touchscreenwith access to dozens of productivity-enhancing apps through the Xerox App Gallery.

In contrast, Pantum printers typically offer small non-touch displays or a limited 3.5-inch touchscreen like on the BM5100FDW. Their app selection is also much narrower.

Learn about the pros and cons of printer apps here.

2. Production and High-End Options

Looking for a powerful machine? Xerox offers a more complete lineup, including production printerslike the Iridesse, which is used by print shops and enterprise clients. 

Pantum does not manufacture production printers, focusing instead on compact monochrome and color (currently available outside of the U.S) models for basic use cases.

3. Additional Workflow Solutions and MPS Availability

Xerox integrates with platforms like Xerox Workflow Centraland offers services like Capture & Content, allowing for advanced automation and digital document processing.

In 2019, Pantum developed its version of Managed Print Services (MPS). However, it does not currently offer these services widely outside of China.

Which Printer Brand Has the Best Prices?

Comparing prices across brands can be tricky, since costs vary depending on suppliers, configurations, and promotions. Instead, let's compare two similar monochrome multifunction printers: 

• Xerox B315
• Pantum BM5100FDW

These printers are designed for small to mid-sized offices that need fast, efficient black-and-white printing with scan, copy, and fax functionality. 

Printer Model Comparison

Difference #1: Print Volume and Workflow Features

While both models are similar in price, offer fast speeds, and have comparable functionality, the Xerox B315 is designed for higher recommended print volumes. It also connects to Xerox Workflow Central, enabling features like auto-translation, document redaction, and text-to-audio. These are capabilities the Pantum BM5100FDW doesn't offer.

Difference #2: Print Resolution and User Interface

The Pantum BM5100FDW offers a higher print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, compared to Xerox B315's 600 x 600 dpi. It also features a larger 3.5-inch color touchscreen, while the Xerox B315 includes a 2.8-inch screen. However, the Pantum interface lacks the broader workflow integration available through Xerox's apps.

Which Printer Model Is Better?

If you prioritize basic features at a lower cost, the Pantum BM5100FDW is a solid choice. It delivers fast printing and a simple interface, making it a good fit for smaller offices.

However, if you need scalability, workflow automation, and long-term reliability, the Xerox B315 is worth the price. Its superior recommended monthly volume and access to advanced apps can significantly boost productivity in more demanding environments.

When deciding between two printers, remember that the price tag isn't the only factor to consider. The best long-term machine for your company is not necessarily the cheapest one. 

It’s also important to consider the total cost of operation (TOC), which includes ongoing service and supply costs. Additionally, narrow down your printing needs to find the perfect fit for your business.

For more information on how to choose the right printer for your situation, read these blogs:    

• Top 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Printer 
• 5 Things to Avoid When Buying a Copier   
• How Much Does a Printer/Copier Cost?

Which Printer Brand Is Best for Me?

Choose Pantum if:

• You want a budget-friendly option.
• Your needs are basic (print, scan, copy, fax).
• You have limited office space.

Choose Xerox if:

• You value advanced workflow tools and app integration.
• You need high reliability and enterprise-ready features.
• You want access to digital services and ongoing support. 

Both brands have their place, but your final decision should align with your specific goals and daily printing demands. If you're still unsure, check out our Complete Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer to get even more clarity before making your decision.

 

Need Help Choosing the Right Printer?

If you’re debating between buying from a retail distributor or a print vendor, consider the pros and cons of both. Where you purchase your printer from will influence which machine you buy. Choosing the right vendor is vital; consider their reputation and support. Also, consider service response time to minimize downtime and maintain smooth operations.

Learn about the problems with buying retail printers instead of commercial printers here.

There’s plenty of competition in the printer/copier world, and Xerox and Pantum are just two of the many players in the office equipment sector.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we believe that quality education is vital for making informed purchases. We’re here to assist you. Contact us today or check out more of our printer comparison blogs:

• Xerox vs. Canon
• Xerox vs. HP
• Xerox vs. Brother
• Xerox vs. Konica Minolta
• Xerox vs. Ricoh
• Xerox vs. Epson
• Xerox vs. Toshiba
• Xerox vs. Kyocera
• Xerox vs. Lexmark
• Xerox vs. Fujitsu