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With paperless options slowly becoming everyone’s new favorite, you might think that printing has become obsolete.

From printing important documents to creating studio-quality photos, the right printer can be a huge productivity boost.

Printer

But with so many options available, how do you choose?

Inkjet, laser, LED - each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Do you need speed or quality?

Are you printing mostly text or photos?

And what about those running costs that can sneak up on you?

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of printing technologies.

Also check out our complete list of thebest all-in-one printersavailable.

What is an Inkjet Printer?

Inkjet printers are probably what most of us think of when we picture a home printer.

The technology behindinkjet printersis fascinating in its simplicity.

These printers work by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper.

The print head contains thousands of microscopic nozzles that fire these droplets with incredible precision.

I’ve always been amazed by the quality inkjet printers can achieve, especially when it comes to photos.

Pros:

Cons:

What is a Laser Printer?

Laser printers have been a staple in offices for decades for good reason.

This drum is coated with a material that becomes electrically charged where the laser hits it.

Then, a fine powder called toner is applied to the drum.

The toner sticks to the charged areas, creating your image or text.

The best thing aboutlaser printersis their speed and efficiency, especially for text-heavy documents.

What is an LED Printer?

LED printers might be the new kid on the block, but they’re quickly gaining popularity.

This technology was pioneered by OKI in 1989, and other manufacturers have since adopted it.

They’re also often more reliable due to having fewer moving parts.

Remember, the right choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and printing habits.

Remember, the perfect printer is out there waiting for you.

We’ve listed the best small business printers.