We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance,
functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you
are agreeing to our privacy policy
10 Best Printer That Doesnt Use Ink
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Related Products
Recommended lists
Top rated
Ink Tank Printer
Buying Guide for the Best Printer That Doesnt Use Ink
Choosing a printer that doesn't use ink is a smart move if you want to avoid the ongoing cost and maintenance hassle of ink cartridges. These printers, most commonly referred to as laser or thermal printers, can be especially valuable for home offices, small businesses, or anyone who needs consistent, clean prints without worrying about inks drying out. Before making your purchase, it's important to understand the different technologies available and how their features align with your needs. By focusing on a few key specifications, you'll be better equipped to pick the printer that suits your tasks and environment the best.Printing TechnologyThe most common types of printers that don't use ink are laser and thermal printers. Laser printers use a toner powder and a laser to produce high-quality text and images, making them ideal for offices or users with high-volume printing needs. Thermal printers use heat to transfer images onto special paper and are often used for labels, receipts, and some photo printing. Knowing the technology is important because it directly impacts print quality, speed, and the types of documents you can print. If you mostly print documents and want crisp, fast results, a laser printer is best. If you need to print labels, shipping receipts, or images on special paper, a thermal printer may be a better fit.
Page Yield and MaintenancePage yield refers to how many pages you can print before needing to replace the toner or thermal paper. This is a crucial spec because it affects how often you'll need to perform maintenance or buy supplies. Laser printers usually have higher page yields than ink-based printers, with one toner cartridge often printing thousands of pages. Thermal printers' longevity depends mostly on the paper roll size. If you print a lot, look for printers with high page yields and easy-access maintenance to minimize interruptions.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), tells you how quickly a printer can produce your documents. Fast print speeds can increase productivity, especially in busy offices. Entry-level models often print at 15–20 PPM, while mid-range and high-end models can go up to 40 PPM or more. If you only print occasionally, a lower speed may not bother you, but for frequent or bulk printing, look for a higher PPM to save time.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality, often measured in dots per inch (DPI), indicates how sharp and clear your prints will be. For text documents, a lower DPI (600–1200) is usually sufficient, while for images or graphics you may want higher DPI. Laser printers generally produce very crisp text and adequate graphics, while thermal printers are more specialized for simple images or text. Consider what you print most often; if presentation and readability are key, pay attention to the resolution.
ConnectivityModern printers offer a variety of ways to connect: USB for simple, direct setups, Ethernet for networked offices, and Wi-Fi for wireless printing from multiple devices. Some also support printing from mobile phones or cloud services. Your preferred connectivity will depend on how and where you plan to use the printer. For shared environments or flexible printing, Wi-Fi or network capability is useful. For single users or simple setups, USB may be enough.
Supported Media Types and SizesNot all non-ink printers can handle every paper size or type. Laser printers typically support A4, letter, legal, and sometimes envelopes and heavier cardstock. Thermal printers often work only with specific rolls or label sizes. It's important to match your typical use—like printing invoices, photos, shipping labels, or standard documents—to what the printer supports. Make sure your preferred media matches the printer’s capabilities.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer is designed to handle per month. This spec is important for ensuring your printer is reliable under your typical workload. Printers with higher duty cycles are built for heavier use and last longer under frequent printing, while lower-duty models are fine for occasional jobs. Think about your average and peak usage before deciding.