You might notice a new type of printer on the block, we’re all used to the division between inkjet and laser but you’ve probably arrived on this page because you’ve picked up on an LED printer. You’ll often see LED and Laser printers listed in the same category on websites, in fact we tend to put them together with laser printers here. And there’s a good reason for this, they work in very similar ways with a few subtle differences.
Both systems use static electricity applied to a drum, which applies toner and heat to create the image. The real difference comes in how the static charge is applied. In a laser printer a laser beam is used to mark out the image on the image drum, this creates static charge which attracts the ink which is subsequently transferred to the paper.
The LED printers use an array of lights that span the entire drum, they light up to create the static charge. This means that there are less moving parts involved making for a simpler mechanism.
So what are the differences between LED and Laser Printers?
Whilst the technologies are very similar there are a few differences that might influence your decision to purchase one or the other:
- Quality: LED technology is relatively new and therefore not as mature as the tried and tested laser systems. Fortunately LED printers have caught up in the last few years and you can now get similar resolutions for a similar price.
- Cost: Replacement cartridges are very similar so you’ll have comparable long term running costs from either. However LED printers can be cheaper to buy. The LED systems have less moving parts and are easier to make, less likely to fail.
- Speed: Speeds are fairly similar in either approach. You’re best of looking at individual printers if this is a key consideration for you.
- Durability: Because the LED printers are simpler with less moving parts, they tend to be more reliable. There is less to go wrong.
Should I buy a Laser or LED printer?
On the surface it looks like LEDs have the edge, however the more mature Laser market probably has more choice and a wider range of options. In reality both approaches are similar and should give you great results.
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