Comparison of the 3 Types of Printers

Monofunctional, multifunction, and compact photo printers, discover all our advice to make the right choice.

There are 3 main types of printers:

– The single-function printer whose only function is to print.

– The multifunction printer combines the 3 functions of a printer, scanner, and photocopy; some also have the fax function.

– The compact photo printer is exclusively intended for printing photos in 10×15 cm format.

Printer comparison: each printer has its purpose

It would help to choose a printer according to your needs and the use you will make of it:

– The single-function printer: you only want to use the printer function (or you already have a scanner or a photocopier) for mainly office use.

– The multifunction printer: you want a versatile device to use several functions (printer, photocopier, scanner, or fax) for office use.

– The compact photo printer will meet your only need to print your photos in 10×15 cm format.

For each type of printer, it is also essential to choose the kind of printing associated: laser, inkjet, or thermal.

Clarification: under the common name “photo printer,” there are 2 categories of printers.

– The compact photo printer has only one function: printing photos in 10×15 cm format;

– it exists only with one type of printing: thermal printing.

– The inkjet photo printer can print photos in A4 format and smaller (including 10×15 cm);

– you can also use it in office automation (printing texts, graphics, etc.); it is a monofunctional or multifunction printer.

Below, you will find a comparison of the 3 types of printers, monofunctional, multifunction, and photo:

Printer comparison

Features	Types of printers
Features	Monofunction printer	Multifunction printer	Compact photo printer
Print quality	– Very good quality for text and images (black and white and color)	– Very good quality for text and images (black and white and color)	– Excellent quality (photo only)
Printing formats	– Mainly A4 format – Often compatible with smaller formats (Letter, A5, envelopes, etc.) – Sometimes A3 format option – Various media possible: paper, photo paper, labels, CD/DVD, etc.	– Mainly A4 size – Often compatible with smaller formats (Letter, A5, envelopes, etc.) – Sometimes A3 size option – Various media possible: paper, photo paper, labels, CD/DVD, etc.	– Photo paper – Single size: 10×15 cm
User interface	– A few buttons – A basic screen	– A few buttons – A screen that can be basic or more advanced (touch)	– Screen, often quite large and touch-sensitive, which allows to manage many features
Connectivity	– Wired: USB or Ethernet (RJ45) – Widespread options: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – Rarer option: integrated memory card reader – Very rare option: via USB, PictBridge technology (direct link with your camera)	– Wired: USB or Ethernet (RJ45) – Widespread options: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – Rare option: integrated memory card reader – Very rare option: via USB, PictBridge technology (direct link with your camera)	– Wired: USB or Ethernet (RJ45) – Widespread options: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – Rare option: integrated memory card reader – Very rare option: via USB, PictBridge technology (direct link with your camera) – Wired: USB or Ethernet (RJ45) – Widespread options: ◦ Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ◦ Integrated memory card reader ◦ Via USB, PictBridge technology (direct link to your camera)
Footprint	– Despite its “single function” qualification, it can be bulky.	– It remains in general quite bulky.	– Compact and light (< 2 kg), it is easy to transport.
Types of printing	– Laser – Ink jet – Thermal	– Laser – Inkjet	– Thermal

Hope this article has helped you compare the 3 main types of printers on the market. Remember to share your experience in the comments below.