Office Copier vs. Multifunctional Printer: What Is the Difference?

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of an office debate over whether to invest in an office copier or a multifunctional printer? We’ve all been there! It can be a confusing decision to make, especially when you’re bombarded with technical jargon and a seemingly endless list of features.

An office copier and a multifunctional printer are similar devices that are both very important for a functioning workplace or home office. Although these two machines are not exactly the same, they’re similar enough that you may only need to choose one for your office. Depending on your specific needs, preferences, and priorities, one of these options is likely to be an ideal fit. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two versatile devices and how to choose the best business printer for your office.

What Is a Multifunctional Printer?

A multifunctional printer is a device primarily designed for document printing but also incorporates various other beneficial features. In most instances, high-quality multifunction printers possess the capabilities of copying and faxing alongside their printing functionality. Despite providing multiple functions, these printers typically occupy a relatively compact footprint. While they prove highly effective in home offices and smaller workspaces, they may not be the optimal choice for larger office environments. This is primarily due to the fact that multifunctional printers are generally not equipped to accommodate simultaneous usage by numerous users.

Multifunctional Printer Pros and Cons

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new multifunctional printer, it’s important to consider many different factors, including the advantages and disadvantages of these devices:

Pros:

• Higher-end multifunctional printers can complete multiple tasks simultaneously
• Great for small offices and home offices
• Affordable
• Always offer multiple functions
• Multifunctional printers typically don’t take up too much space

Cons:

• Some multifunctional printers can only perform one function at a time
• Not ideal for larger office settings
• Tend to be adequate at all functions but not truly great at any of them
• Inkjet multifunctional printers can be expensive to own

What Is an Office Copier?

An office copier is primarily utilized for duplicating physical or digital documents. However, modern office copiers offer far more than just copying capabilities; many of them are multifunction copiers that encompass all the functions typically found in a multifunctional printer. For instance, the most versatile office copiers available can also handle printing and faxing tasks seamlessly. Moreover, they often come equipped with a range of additional convenient features, such as support for various paper sizes, finishing options, and even a three-hole punch. If you manage a large-scale office or aim to provide your employees with an extensive array of functions and capabilities, opting for an office copier would be an excellent decision.

Office Copier Pros and Cons

Like multifunction printers, office copiers have notable advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Pros:

• Office copiers can accommodate multiple paper sizes simultaneously
• Office copiers typically offer several useful functions
• Office copiers often come with various extra features
• Excellent speed
• Good choices for large or busy office settings

Cons:

• Office copiers can be quite expensive
• You usually must pay more to get additional features
• Even small business copiers can take up quite a bit of space
• Toner cartridges can really add up in price with some office copiers

The Bottom Line

When you’re looking at the office copier vs multifunctional printer debate, you need to consider your situation and needs. If you need a versatile, reliable device to serve your home office or small business, a quality multifunctional printer may be able to do the job effectively. However, if you have a busy office and need a device that can do work for many different employees at once, you’ll be better off with a quality office copier. A multifunctional printer will usually be less expensive, but if you want to prioritize quality and features, it will be worth spending the extra money for a high-end office copier. If you’re looking for quality business printers and photocopiers in the Scottsdale area, Contact us today!