Print Speed
| Aspects | Inkjet Printers | Printer Dye-Sublimation |
| Print Text Documents | Fast, especially for printers with draft mode | Not recommended for documents |
| Print Photo | Slow, as it requires multiple print head passes to build colors | Faster and more consistent because it prints every color in one heating process |
| Dry Time | Takes time to dry, especially if using glossy paper | Instantly dries as ink seeps into the paper |
Dye-sublimation printers are faster and more practical for printing high-quality photos, but Inkjet printers are faster at printing text or graphic documents.
Tips for Choosing the Right Photo Printer
Choosing a suitable photo printer depends largely on your printing needs, operational costs, and desired quality of results. If you often print small high-quality photos, then a Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub) printer is a great choice because the prints are sharp, waterproof, and do not fade easily.
However, if you need a versatile printer for printing photos and documents, Inkjet printers are a better choice, especially those that use EcoTank systems or more economical ink refills.
Dye-Sub offers speed and consistency in printing photos, while Inkjet provides flexibility in print size and the type of media that can be used. Don’t forget to consider the long-term cost, as Dye-Sub requires color tape and special paper, while Inkjet can be more ink wasteful if you use a regular cartridge.
If you prioritize photo quality and durability, Dye-Sub is superior, but if you’re looking for a multifunctional printer, Inkjet remains the best choice.