What is the disadvantage of a laser printer?

Asked by: Heath Kunze  |  Last update: February 23, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

Laser printers carry a steeper up-front cost, making them a pricier investment all in one span of time. The required toner used for printing with laser printers is more expensive than the standard replacement inkjet cartridges, and a color laser printer can add to that expense.

Which is better, an inkjet or laser printer?

This depends on the user's needs and budget. Laser printers are generally more expensive than inkjet printers, but they are faster and produce higher-quality prints. Laser printers are also better for printing large volumes of documents, while inkjet printers are better for printing photos and other color documents.

Is it worth getting a laser printer for home use?

But if you want to keep the annoyance to a minimum, we recommend a laser printer: Not only do laser models print sharp text and crisp graphics, but they also run more reliably than inkjets, and they won't clog if they sit unused for weeks between jobs.

What is better, a thermal or laser printer?

Choosing between thermal and laser printing depends on your specific needs. Thermal printing offers speed and durability for monochromatic prints, while laser printing provides versatility and color options. Consider your requirements, budget, and output quality when making your decision.

Which printer type is best for home use?

This depends on the user's needs and budget. Laser printers are generally more expensive than inkjet printers, but they are faster and produce higher-quality prints. Laser printers are also better for printing large volumes of documents, while inkjet printers are better for printing photos and other color documents.

Best Laser Printers 2025 [don’t buy one before watching this]

39 related questions found

What is the no. 1 in printer?

In my experience, for most people, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 will be the best home printer around. This ink tank model is fast, accurate, easy to refill, cheaper to run than a laser or traditional inkjet units, and the print-out results are excellent.

Does laser printer ink dry out?

Laser printers use toner powder which doesn't dry out the same way an ink cartridge does. Unlike an inkjet cartridge, which is liquid-based, toner is composed of plastic components. It's already dry, so it won't dry out further. When stored properly, a sealed printer toner cartridge can technically last for years.

Is a portable printer better than a laser printer?

So, which one is better? It all comes down to your specific needs. If you need a printer for high-volume, professional-quality printing, go with a laser printer. If you want something that's fast, portable, and affordable for everyday use, a thermal printer is the way to go.

What are 5 disadvantages of a thermal printer?

Disadvantages of Direct Thermal Printing
  • Slower print speeds.
  • Short-lasting thermal printheads.
  • High cost of direct thermal films.
  • Limited label material selection.
  • Susceptible to extreme heat, which causes labels to darken.

What type of printer is most efficient?

Compared to inkjet printers, laser printers have a faster print speed and are better equipped to handle large printing needs. Similar to a laser printer, LED printer use the power of light-emitting diodes (LED) to complete your printing tasks.

Are laser printers being phased out?

Epson has announced that it will completely halt the sale and distribution of laser printers by 2026 due to environmental concerns. The manufacturer has previously said that switching from laser to inkjet printers could halve printing-based global energy emmissions.

What is one disadvantage of a laser printer?

Laser printers use a lot of energy, even when turned off. This is because the fuser element in the printer becomes heated and releases heat. The room might get very hot at some point! Laser printers aren't recommended for humid or hot environments, but newer models have an option called power saver to help save energy.

What should you never do when working on a laser printer?

Avoid exposing the imaging cartridge to light, and never open the drum's protective cover as this may damage the light sensitive drum. Overexposure of the drum may cause very dark or light areas to appear on printed documents and reduce its functional life.

Do you need to refill laser printers?

Laser printers use toner, a powder, instead of ink. Unlike inkjet printers, they don't require frequent refilling. Toner cartridges generally last longer than ink cartridges, providing a higher page yield. However, they do eventually run out and need to be replaced or refilled.

What are the disadvantages of HP printers?

Disadvantages: 1. Cost of Consumables: One notable downside of HP printers is the relatively high cost of replacement ink cartridges. Genuine HP ink cartridges can be expensive, impacting the overall cost of ownership over time.

Which lasts longer, laser or inkjet?

Additionally, laser printers tend to have a longer lifespan than inkjet printers, with many models capable of handling high volumes of printing without a decrease in print quality.

Why are thermal printers not popular?

In addition, direct thermal labels are sensitive to abrasions and exposure to water, chemicals, and strong sunlight. For these reasons, direct thermal printing is not the best choice for long-term use. By the same token, direct thermal printing still provides a sufficient lifetime for many applications.

Which of the following are disadvantages of using a laser printer?

Final answer:

Laser printers have two main disadvantages: they are more expensive to purchase and replacement ink cartridges are costly.

What are 3 disadvantages of a printer?

Disadvantages of inkjet printers:
  • Print head is less durable, prone to clogging and damage.
  • Expensive replacement ink cartridges.
  • Not good for high volume printing.
  • Printing speed is not as fast as laser printers.
  • Ink bleeding, ink carried sideways causing blurred effects on some papers.

What does a laser printer not use?

Laser printers use toner powder instead of dye or pigment-based ink.

How many sheets of paper can a laser printer print?

Page Yield

Laser printers can print more pages with a single cartridge. A laser printer toner's total yield is between 2,500 and 3,000 pages. In comparison, a typical ink cartridge will yield 250 to 300 pages, depending on the color density of the prints.

Why would someone use a laser printer over an inkjet printer?

Speed and Volume: Laserjet vs Inkjet

If print speed and high volume are priorities, laser printers generally have the edge. Additionally, print speeds are generally faster for laser printers, making them more suitable for high-volume printing environments.

What is the life expectancy of a laser printer?

Color Laser Printer or Black & White Laser Printer

As print quality goes down over time, this will be a reason to replace the color printer. We find a black and white printer can sometimes last 10 years or more and most color laser printers are replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Is toner better than ink?

While ink is still relatively expensive to refill or replace, toner powder is much more affordable over time. This also makes it more efficient and less wasteful because inkjet cartridges often force users to refill or replace them before they've been completely depleted.

Do laser printers clog up like inkjets?

Inkjets will clog up with infrequent use, but lasers won't. HP makes some interesting compact laser printers these days that could easily be stored away while you're not using them -- something like the HP LaserJet Pro M15w might be nice for infrequent use. That sure is a compact laser printer!