The Best Mono Printers
When looking for the best monochrome printer, it can be a challenge knowing where to begin. With colour printers leading the printer industry at the moment, monochrome printing can easily be overlooked. However, mono printers can have their advantages, particularly if you’re only expecting to print in black ink.
Designed to print exclusively in black and white, monochrome printers are used in a wide range of settings. They’re available in a broad selection of models, from budget friendly A4 single function printers all the way through to A3 mono multifunction printer powerhouses, so users can find the perfect monochrome printer for their needs.
With a whole range of advantages, this guide will explain how monochrome printing can benefit every workplace.
What is a Monochrome Printer?
A monochrome printer is a printing device that prints solely in black and white, creating monochrome text and images. Unlike their colour printer counterparts, monochrome printers are not capable of producing colour prints of any kind and only use black ink or toner, depending on whether you’re using an inkjet or laser printer.
Due to a single cartridge set-up, mono printers generally have significantly lower running costs than colour equivalents. Mono printers are usually cheaper than purchasing a colour printer, so if you’re looking for a basic printer to print documents, a mono printer might be perfect for you.
Additionally, due to simpler internal designs when compared to colour printers, mono printers usually require only 1-2 consumable components to be replaced over the lifespan of the printer. Typically, mono printers only require the printer cartridge to be replaced, although this may differ depending on usage and the model of printer purchased.
How Does a Monochrome Printer Work?
Monochrome printers convert digital images and text into physical copies, by converting the picture/text into a series of microscopic dots, precisely arranged to create the final print.
Although printer technologies can vary drastically, the basic principle of tiny dots combining to create highly detailed text and images is common to all printer types. Depending on whether you go for an inkjet or a laser model, the process will be slightly different. As the name suggests, a laser printer uses laser beams to project an image to be printed, whereas inkjet printers use ink for this process instead.
A piece of software known as a printer driver converts digital files into a format that is converted by the device itself, ready for printing. This conversion process allows the printer to interpret digital files into a detailed grid of tiny dots, which then creates the images/text on the page.
As monochrome printers only use black ink and toners, graphics are created using multiple shades of grey.
How Do Monochrome Printers Differ From Colour Printers?
The biggest difference between monochrome printers and colour printers is the colours they’re capable of printing in.
Colour printers typically use a 4-cartridge setup known as CMYK, standing for the different colour types used within the printer - cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black) ink cartridges. These four cartridges work in combination to recreate virtually any colour possible.
Monochrome printers differ in that they use a single cartridge setup using black toner/ink only, making them incapable of producing colour prints of any kind. However, monochrome laser printers can still create highly detailed images using multiple shades of grey.
Despite their inability to print in colour, monochrome printers do not compromise on print quality. Monochrome printers can produce an impressive print quality, comparable to colour printer equivalents.
Monochrome multifunction printers are also available with comprehensive features, such as the ability to print, scan, copy and fax.
Despite their differences, monochrome printers provide the same high-quality prints as colour models. In some respects, monochrome printers exceed the attributes of colour printers, as they’re generally capable of higher print speeds and have lower overall running costs, when compared to colour printers.
Upfront hardware costs are also lower with mono printers than their colour alternatives, contributing to a reduced total cost over the lifespan of the printer you choose to buy.
Due to their single cartridge design, monochrome printers generally feature smaller carbon footprints than colour equivalents, producing less waste overall. Their compact design makes mono printers a great choice for workplaces, especially when space is at a premium.
What’s the Difference Between Laser and Inkjet Monochrome Printers?
Although both monochrome laser and inkjet printers produce black and white images, the differences in print technology are significant.
Monochrome laser printers use microscopic toner particles which are attracted to the page via an electrostatic charge, before being fused to the page using a heated fuser unit.
Due to the high precision associated with laser technology, monochrome laser printers are better suited to text-based printing, making them a perfect choice for office environments. Laser printing technology also allows for increased printing speeds compared to inkjet printing. This is primarily due to the components of laser printers being able to move at much faster speeds than inkjet printers. See our Types of printers guide for more info.
Laser printers have lower toner costs when compared to ink cartridges used in inkjet printers, and higher capacity print cartridges. This means that laser printing generally provides lower overall running costs than inkjet printing.
This combination of superior text quality and higher print speeds makes monochrome laser printers the perfect candidates for high volume office printing.
Inkjet technology uses a series of nozzles to position tiny dots of liquid ink onto the page, creating text and images. Inkjet printers create photorealistic graphics composed of millions of microscopic dots.
Inkjet printers excel at photographic printing due to their ability to produce detailed, high-quality prints, which makes them a good candidate for low volume printing in home settings.
Unlike laser printers, inkjet printing does not require a warm-up time on start-up, meaning first page times can be considerably lower. Despite their differences, both inkjet and laser printers are available in a wide range of models including A4/A3, single function and multifunction formats.
What are the Benefits of Using a Mono Printer?
Like any other printer model, there are numerous advantages to using a monochrome printer over a colour printer, particularly if you only print documents, instead of graphics. We’ve listed some of the benefits below, so you can make a comprehensive decision about whether a mono printer is right for you.
Monochrome Printers Help Reduce Printing Costs
Featuring all the benefits of their colour counterparts, monochrome printers allow users to reduce overall printing costs without sacrificing on print quality.Mono ink and toners cost less when compared to colour equivalents, helping to further reduce running costs.
Additionally, monochrome toners generally contain much higher yields compared to similar colour toners. These larger capacities contribute to a lower total cost of ownership.
As mono printers use black consumables only, model designs are less complex when compared to colour models. Fewer moving parts lowers the likelihood of component failure and reduces overall maintenance and servicing costs. We also have a range of low running cost mono printers for those wanting to save even more money.
Boost Productivity with a Monochrome Printer
Just because monochrome printers print solely in black and white, doesn’t mean users have to forfeit quality or performance. Comparable to and in some cases exceeding the performance of colour laser printers, mono laser printers are a valuable tool in all types of work environments. Take a look at our ultimate guide to choosing an office printer for more expert advice.
Monochrome printers excel at a variety of common office print jobs, including text documents, company letters and more. Generally, monochrome printers provide print speeds which surpass comparable colour models, making them perfect for tackling heavy workloads.
With higher ppm output (pages per minute) when comparing both mono laser and mono inkjet technologies to their colour counterparts, monochrome printers have the edge over colour equivalents when it comes to fast printing.
As with colour printers, mono printers are available in a range of multifunction models, allowing users to consolidate several appliances into a single device. Featuring printing, scanning, çopying and faxing functionality, mono multifunction printers offer a centralised productivity hub for home or office workspaces.
A3 Mono laser printers present all the benefits of A3 printing combined with the improved running costs of monochrome printing.
Offering the scalability options of colour printers, monochrome printer capabilities can grow with the needs of the user. With optional accessories available, users can easily expand their mono printers’ functionality with the additional trays and feeders.
Many monochrome printers feature extensive connectivity options, including USB and networking capabilities, as well as wireless mono laser printer options including support for Wi-Fi Direct. Support for mobile print apps such as AirPrint & Mopria Alliance means users can print via Apple and Android devices from anywhere in the office.
Protect Your Data With Advanced Security Software
With online threats growing in scale and sophistication, protection against printer-focused cyber-attacks is often overlooked. Delivering the same cutting edge security features as colour printers, mono laser printers are well equipped to keep user data safe.
Leading printer manufacturers continue to evolve their security solutions, ensuring devices are better protected than ever before.
Xerox have introduced Xerox ConnectKey Technology, a proprietary productivity tool which helps streamline workflows for greater efficiency. Xerox ConnectKey includes a host of benchmark security features designed to prevent, detect, and protect against security threats.
What Are the Best Monochrome Printers on the Market?
There are several different types of monochrome printer available on the market - at Printerland, we sell only the top brands, so you know that whichever printer you choose to go for, you’ll be getting the best monochrome printer deal possible.
Xerox Mono Printers
As one of the leading brands in the printer industry, Xerox mono printers are some of the best on the market. Focusing solely on laser printers, Xerox monochrome printers offer superb performance and reliability.
With models available in both single-function and multifunction formats, Xerox mono printers can fulfil the printing needs of even the most demanding work environments.
Proactive features such as Xerox Smart Start Software automates the installation process, allowing for hassle-free printing and unparalleled performance.
For those requiring a multifunction monochrome printer, the Xerox WorkFlow Central Platform gives users access to a selection of advanced capabilities such as being able to convert documents into other languages and automatically redact content for confidentiality.
HP Mono Printers
Producing highly capable monochrome printers for both home and business users, HP is one of the most recognised names in the printer industry. Offering mono printing solutions in both inkjet and laser options, with single function and multifunction models, the HP range meets a comprehensive range of user requirements.
Over the decades, HP has continued to deliver innovations in print technology ensuring industry-leading performance and print quality.
HP Wolf Security provides continuous hardware-powered protection against cyber-attacks, ensuring data is kept safe. Advanced security features include write protected memory and original HP cartridges, which feature built-in security with tamper resistant chips, firmware, and packaging.
Kyocera Mono Printers
Renowned for producing reliable, high quality laser printing solutions, Kyocera monochrome laser printers help users reach new levels of productivity.
Kyocera’s use of long-life components including image drums greatly decrease the frequency of servicing and maintenance, whilst helping to reduce overall running costs. Kyocera also offers extended warranties for long life components as standard for extra peace of mind.
Printerland’s Range of Monochrome Printers
For those looking for the best monochrome printers, Printerland features a wide range of models and brands, including Xerox, HP, Kyocera and more. All models are available to purchase directly from our website.
Printerland also provides a broad range of monochrome printing solutions including A4, A3 and multifunction printers. For help choosing the best monochrome printer for your needs, browse our vast selection of models or speak to one of our printer experts for help with your purchasing decision.
"Since its release, the Xerox B230 has proven to be a firm customer favourite and is well positioned to meet most customers needs. The Xerox B230 offers great performance and print quality without breaking the bank. It's easy to understand why this printer is so popular."