When it comes to getting a printer for your home, many always end up with the same question: laser printer vs inkjet, which one should I buy?
Whether you're printing assignments for your kids, photos for your scrapbook, or just regular bills and documents, choosing the right type of printer can save you a lot of time and money. In this article, we’ll help you break down the inkjet vs laser printer debate in a way that’s super easy to understand. We’ll look at how they work, the pros and cons of each, and which type fits your lifestyle and budget.
So if you’ve been scratching your head about which printer to get for your rumah, keep reading—we’ve got you covered!
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
What is an Inkjet Printer?
An inkjet printer sprays tiny droplets of ink directly onto paper. It’s the most common type you’ll see in Malaysian homes, mainly because it's cheap and works well for colourful print jobs like photos and school projects.
Pros of Inkjet Printers:
- Cheaper upfront – Basic models are affordable (under RM200!).
- Great for colour printing – Sharp, vibrant images.
- Compact size – Fits nicely on a small desk.
Cons of Inkjet Printers:
- Ink can be pricey – Replacement cartridges don’t come cheap.
- Slower print speed – Especially for documents with lots of pages.
- Ink can dry up – If you don’t print often, you might need to clean or replace the cartridge.
What is a Laser Printer?
Laser printers use a laser beam and toner (powder) to print. This type of printer is usually found in offices, but more Malaysians are now getting them for home use too, especially if they print lots of documents.
Pros of Laser Printers:
- Faster printing – Print a whole bunch of pages quickly.
- Lower cost per page – Toner lasts longer than ink.
- Text looks super sharp – Great for reports and official documents.
Cons of Laser Printers:
- More expensive to buy – The starting price is higher than inkjet.
- Not ideal for photos – Not the best for high-quality photo prints.
- Bigger size – Takes up more space than an inkjet.
Inkjet vs Laser: Which One is Better for Home Use
For common home needs:
|
Need |
Best Choice |
Why |
|
Mostly colour/photo printing |
Inkjet Printer |
Better colour accuracy and photo quality. |
|
Mostly text/documents |
Laser Printer |
Faster and sharper for black-and-white prints. |
|
Low budget |
Inkjet Printer |
Cheaper to start with. |
|
Long-term cost saving |
Laser Printer |
Lower cost per page with toner. |
|
Compact home space |
Inkjet Printer |
Smaller and fits tight spaces. |
|
Heavy-duty, frequent printing |
Laser Printer |
Built for high-volume jobs. |
Which Should You Get?
Still torn between laser printer vs inkjet? Here’s a quick guide:
Choose Inkjet if:
- You print photos or colourful documents.
- You want a cheap, small printer.
- You don’t print very often.
Choose Laser if:
- You print lots of black-and-white documents.
- You need fast, high-volume printing.
- You want to save money on printing in the long run.
Final Thoughts
When comparing laser printer vs inkjet for home use, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on what you print, how often you print, and your budget.
If you want something cheap and colourful, inkjet is your buddy. If speed and long-term savings matter more, go with a laser printer. Whatever you choose, just make sure it fits your lifestyle!