Xerox and Toshiba are two of the top printer brands in the printer/copier industry, but how can you decide which one is right for you?
While it may not be obvious at first, there are key differences between these two brands that could make one more appealing to you than the other. It's important to understand these distinctions before making a purchase.
With almost four decades of experience, we have the expertise to thoroughly compare Xerox and Toshiba.
While we specialize in selling Xerox products, we understand that they may not be the best fit for every workplace. Our commitment to honesty and transparency means that our comparison will be unbiased, and we're not afraid to call out the truth, even if it means going against the products we sell.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Now that we've covered that, let's dive into the comparison. This will include a brief overview of each company, their similarities and differences, pricing, and a printer model comparison. This way, you can see a practical example of how their machines stack up against each other.
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Overview of Xerox
Xerox was founded in 1906 in Rochester, New York, and is credited with being the first printing company to manufacture and sell xerographic plain-paper copiers.
Today, Xerox boasts over 13,000 active patents for innovation and its products, including print solutions for workplaces, have reached 160 countries worldwide.
Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Xerox focuses on selling office equipment such as single-function, multifunction, and production printers for a wide array of workgroups.
Overview of Toshiba
Toshiba was established in 1875 in Tokyo, Japan, as a leading provider of telegraph equipment. Its headquarters are presently situated in Minato City, Tokyo.
They have become one of the leading office equipment suppliers globally, offering over 500 major technologies, including storage, document imaging, and document management solutions.
The company is currently led by CEO Taro Shimada, who has been at the helm since 2022.
2 Similarities Between Xerox and Toshiba
Let’s start by looking at two similarities between Xerox and Toshiba:
1. Range of Multifunction Printing Solutions
Both Xerox and Toshiba offer a wide selection of multifunction (print, copy, scan, and fax) or all-in-one printers for small, medium, and large-sized workgroups.
Small workgroup printers are best for groups of up to 10 daily users who print 800-12,000 pages a month.
Examples of small workgroup printers include the VersaLink B415 and the Toshiba e-STUDIO479S printers, which print at speeds of 50 pages per minute (ppm).
Medium workgroup printers are suitable for up to 20 daily users and can handle a monthly printing volume of 1,500 to 15,000 pages.
Examples include the Xerox VersaLink C7130 and Toshiba e-STUDIO3025AC, both of which are color printers that print at 30 ppm.
Large workgroup printers are designed for more than 20 daily users and are capable of handling a monthly printing volume of 10,000 to 75,000 pages.
Examples within the large workgroup category include the Xerox AltaLink C8270 and the Toshiba e-STUDIO6525AC. These are color multifunction printers (MFPs) capable of printing at speeds between 65 and 70 ppm.
Xerox and Toshiba also offer light production printers, which are a step above advanced all-in-one multifunction devices. These printers are useful for companies that want to produce items like booklets or manuals without investing in large production machines.
Check out Toshiba’s “Business Solutions” page to explore more office printers from them. Also, visit Xerox’s Office Equipment page or read the Xerox review blogs below to learn more about its office printer options:
2. Modernized User Interfaces and Personalization Options
Both Xerox and Toshiba incorporate modernized touchscreens as the primary source of navigation across most of their multifunction printer options.
With advancements in printer technology, tasks such as printing, copying, and scanning have evolved significantly to be more user-friendly.
Even though Xerox and Toshiba feature different-looking touchscreen interfaces, users can still expect a familiar and intuitive experience akin to using a smartphone. With both brands, businesses can customize their machine’s touchscreen to fit their needs.
For example, both Xerox and Toshiba's multifunction printers allow you to customize the home screen of your device. This can expedite tasks by ensuring that your most frequently used features are readily accessible.
For a look at the two brands’ touchscreens, see the pictures below:
Xerox User Interface
Toshiba User Interface
2 Differences Between Xerox and Toshiba
Now that we have discussed the main similarities between Xerox and Toshiba, let's highlight a few key differences between the two brands.
1. Different Printer Options
A major difference between the two brands is the types of printers they offer, aside from the multifunction devices mentioned earlier.
While Toshiba has its own line of multifunction printers, they do not offer single-function machines.
They take an "agnostic" approach with single-function printers and partner with industry leaders such as Lexmark, HP, and Brother to provide their single-function print solutions.
Xerox currently offers nine single-function printers in its product catalog, providing a wide variety for consumers seeking a print-only machine from the same brand.
It's a good idea to stick with the same brand for all your office printers. This way, your supplies and service will be consistent. For example, if you decide to get a Xerox multifunction printer, it's a good idea to consider a Xerox single-function printer if you need one. Learn more about why your printer technology should be the same brand here.
Even though Toshiba doesn't sell its own single-function machines, it does have its own label and receipt printers, a product line that Xerox currently doesn't offer.
So, if you need a separate machine for printing labels or receipts, Toshiba is the best choice in this comparison.
2. Printer Apps
Another key difference lies in their printer apps. These work like smartphone apps, making office tasks easier and more efficient.
Xerox and Toshiba each have apps that allow you to complete tasks like printing from your phone, and both have cloud-storage applications that allow you to store documents in the cloud.
However, Xerox offers a wider range of printer apps than Toshiba, with over 50 apps in their Xerox App Gallery. This platform features apps for specific industries, such as healthcare and education, as well as productivity apps like Xerox Note Converter and Xerox Translate and Print.
If you’re interested in downloading apps for your printer, particularly productivity ones, Xerox offers more options and easier accessibility compared to Toshiba.
Which Printer Brand Has the Best Prices?
Xerox tends to offer cheaper prices when comparing two similar printers. However, the answer might change depending on the specific printer models being compared.
Let's look at a comparison between the Xerox AltaLink C8130 and the Toshiba e-STUDIO 3525AC to understand the differences between the two and why they are priced differently.
A Printer Model Comparison
The current standard retail price for the Xerox AltaLink C8130 is around $11,500, while the Toshiba e-STUDIO 3525AC is approximately $13,000.
There are some similarities between the machines: Both are color multifunction printers, and each has a 10.1” color touchscreen.
So why is there a difference in cost? Let’s break that down in a little more detail:
Difference #1: Finishing and Configuration Options
Both printer models in this comparison offer ways to configure the machine, including adding print finishing options such as staple, hole-punch, and booklet-making accessories.
However, Toshiba's machine provides more configuration options, meaning it offers more ways to add features to your device.
Difference #2: Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle
Another difference of note between the Xerox AltaLink C8130 and the Toshiba e-STUDIO 3525AC is their maximum monthly duty cycle.
A printer’s monthly duty cycle is the manufacturer's maximum limit on the number of prints or copies it can produce in a month.
The Xerox machine's maximum monthly duty cycle is 90,000 pages in both color and black and white. In comparison, the Toshiba machine can handle up to 105,000 pages per month in color and 210,000 pages per month in black and white.
To keep your printer in good shape for longer, it's better to follow the recommended monthly print volume rather than pushing it to its maximum duty cycle. This will help minimize service issues and ensure optimal performance. Read our blog comparing recommended monthly print volume and duty cycle to learn more.
The Xerox machine has a recommended monthly print volume of up to 12,000 pages per month. On the other hand, the recommended volume for the Toshiba machine is currently not listed. However, you can expect the Toshiba printer to safely print around 10% of its monthly duty cycle, which is 18,000 pages per month.
Difference #3: Printer Speed & Size
Another obvious difference lies in their print speed. While similar, the Toshiba printer prints at 35 ppm, which is 5 ppm faster than the C8130.
In addition, both models also differ in size, which is a measure of their base model dimensions and weight.
The Toshiba printer's base dimensions (WxDxH) are 23” x 25.2” x 31”, while the Xerox model's are 24.4” x 28.4” x 44.5”.
The Xerox machine weighs 316 pounds, while the Toshiba model weighs 169.8 pounds. This means that the Xerox machine is likely to be more durable than the Toshiba printer, but it will be more challenging to fit into smaller spaces.
It’s important to consider a printer’s dimensions before making a purchase to ensure it can fit and function properly in your space. Learn more about a printer’s size versus space requirements here.
Which Printer Model Is Better?
Now that you’ve seen some of the differences between the two models, which one should you go with? Here's a breakdown to help you out:
If you're after a color multifunction printer with basic features, the Xerox AltaLink C8130 is a great budget-friendly option. It performs just as well as the Toshiba machine and even offers more productivity printer apps.
However, if you need a smaller machine with more configuration options, higher print speed, and print volume, the Toshiba e-STUDIO 3015AC is the way to go.
Both machines can handle the needs of large workgroups, so your choice might come down to the vendor you prefer to purchase from.
If there's a local print vendor that you trust and that sells Toshiba machines, consider going with Toshiba.
Deciding where to buy, whether it's from a print vendor or directly from a printer brand, will heavily influence which machine you end up with.
It’s crucial to consider your long-term printer purchase carefully instead of just going for the cheapest option. The initial cost should not be the only factor to consider when investing in a permanent printing solution. This is especially true when looking at cost in terms of monthly payments (leasing) rather than paying for it outright.
For more information on the cost of a printer, read these blogs:
- How Much Does a Printer Cost?
- 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Printer
- Leasing vs. Purchasing a Printer/Copier: Which Is Right for You?
Which Printer Brand Is Right for You?
When deciding between Xerox and Toshiba printers, it's important to weigh their differences to make the best choice for your needs.
To ensure your company gets the right long-term machine, it's crucial to understand your printing requirements. Consider what you need in your ideal printer and which features would benefit your workgroup the most. Also, think about any additional services or special offerings that you would like to consider.
These considerations, along with other essential factors like your monthly print volume and budget, will help determine which brand best aligns with your goals.
Both Xerox and Toshiba are reputable brands and major players in the printer/copier industry. They offer quality products and services that can rival those of other major companies.
However, Xerox or Toshiba won't be your only options. We believe in transparency and want you to consider all your options to find the right machine for your company. Both brands might fit your needs, but it's best to compare them with other brands to see what's out there.
Comparing different brands is an excellent way to learn more about your options as a consumer.
Read our other brand comparison blogs as you look to purchase your next machine.
- Xerox vs. HP
- Xerox vs. Brother
- Xerox vs. Konica Minolta
- Xerox vs. Ricoh
- Xerox vs. Lexmark
- Xerox vs. Kyocera
- Xerox vs. Epson
- Xerox vs. Fujitsu
