If you are new to the world of printing, you may look to compare an inkjet vs an all-in-one printer. After all, many of the best printers fall into one of these categories. So what are the differences between all-in-one printers and inkjets? If you want to focus solely on multifunction printers, then you should read our guide to what is an all-in-one printer. Or, should you choose from the best all-in-one printers, and what are the pros and cons of each? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Standard inkjet printers specialize in printing color or black and white documents, whereas all-in-one printers bring scanning and copying into the mix.
- Regular inkjet printers are cheaper to buy than all-in-one inkjet printers, especially with the addition of photo paper, though the added features may make the latter worth it.
- Inkjet printers tend to be much smaller and lighter than all-in-one printers, making them portable in some cases.
Differences Between Inkjet and All-in-One Printers
The main difference falls down to functionalities, which is similar to when comparing an all-in-one printer vs a single-function printer. All-in-one models are the most feature-rich type of printer, often adding scanning, copying, and other tasks into the mix. As for printing, all-in-one printers can also be inkjet printers if you compare an all-in-one to a flat-screen printer. However, that is not always the case if you compare a flatbed scanner to an all-in-one printer.
Insider Tip
No matter which type you choose, be sure to keep an eye on how much ink remains in the tank or cartridge.
Additional Features
Standard inkjet printers tend to stop at printing, though they may be able to send a fax or an email, depending on the make and model. As the name suggests, all-in-one printers bring forth a suite of office-related tasks in one device. They start with printing, obviously, but also include copying functions and a dedicated scanner. The scanner, for instance, may not be as feature-rich as a dedicated flatbed scanner, but it will certainly do in a pinch. Inkjet printers, for the most part, start and stop with printing.
Cost
With added features come added costs. Standard inkjet printers tend to be much cheaper than all-in-one printers. You can typically find decent inkjet printers for under $70, but the same cannot be said for all-in-one printers. If you only print once in a while and don’t need added features, go with an inkjet to save some money. To see the primary differences in ink usage, read our resource article on a laser printer vs inkjet.
Size and Portability
Scanners take up a bit of room, as they require a bed for laying documents. This places a minimum size requirement for all-in-one printers. On the other hand, standard inkjet printers have been around for a long time and, as such, have gotten smaller and lighter throughout the years. Modern inkjet printers can get impossibly small, which is great if you live in a cluttered or tiny apartment. Additionally, you can easily scoop up an inkjet and take it with you.
STAT: An inkjet printer uses ink to print documents, while a laser printer uses a laser to print documents. (source)
