For most offices in 2025, a laser multifunction printer is the best choice for speed, reliability, and cost per page. Inkjet is still worth considering for photo-quality marketing material or speciality media.
Choosing the right printer for your office isn’t just about the purchase price. You’ll also need to weigh up running costs, print quality, reliability, and the types of documents you produce. Two of the most common options are laser and inkjet printers – each with their own strengths.
How laser printers work
Laser printers use static electricity to attract toner powder to the page, which is then fused with heat. This process makes them fast and ideal for high-volume printing, especially when you’re dealing with mostly text-based documents.
Pros:
- High speed for large print jobs
- Sharp, professional text quality
- Lower cost per page over time
- More durable in heavy-use environments
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Larger and heavier than inkjets
- Colour quality often less vibrant than inkjets
How inkjet printers work
Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink directly onto the paper. They excel at printing rich, detailed images, making them a favourite in marketing, design, and photography.
Pros:
- Exceptional colour and photo quality
- Can handle a wide variety of media and paper sizes
- Smaller footprint for cramped spaces
- Lower purchase cost for basic models
Cons:
- Slower than most laser printers for large jobs
- Higher cost per page, especially for colour
- Ink can dry out with infrequent use
Which is best for your office?
For most Australian offices in 2025, a colour or monochrome laser multifunction printer will cover everyday printing, scanning, and copying needs with speed and reliability. If your work includes producing glossy brochures, high-end imagery, or specialised print media, an inkjet can be a worthwhile second printer alongside your main laser unit.
Comparison table
| Feature | Laser printer | Inkjet printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print speed | Fast (20–50+ ppm) | Moderate (5–15 ppm) |
| Text quality | Excellent | Good |
| Photo/image quality | Good | Excellent |
| Cost per page | Low | Higher |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | High-volume, text-heavy documents | High-quality images and small runs |
