There’s a lot of information to wade through when looking for printers compatible with Mac computers.
Even after you narrow down some options or ask experts for lists of suitable models to consider, you still have to compare printer models to decide which is best for you.
Our team of print experts at STPT has the information to help you make informed printer decisions. As Xerox Diamond Authorized Solution Partners, we are pros at comparing machines’ specs and features.
If you’ve already read our blog 5 Best Office Printers for Macs, then you’ll be familiar with some of the printer models we’re comparing today.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at two of the best printers for Mac computers and compare them based on compatibility for MacBook printing, upfront price, running costs, serviceability, and extra features.
5 Best Office Printers for Macs
In a previous blog, we gave our recommendations for the best printers for the Mac OS, but you don’t necessarily need to be familiar with that blog to follow this article. You can see the list below of the 5 printer models we recommend (in no particular order) for MacBook printing:
1. HP Color LasterJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw Wireless Laster Printer ($819)
2. Brother DCP-L3550CDW Multifunction Color Laster Printer ($200)
3. Xerox VersaLink C405 Multifunction Printer ($1,099)
4. Xerox C310 Color Printer ($450)
5. Canon - MAXIFY MegaTank GX4020 Wireless All-In-One Small Office Printer ($450)
We chose printers based on the needs of a small or medium-sized office, home office, or workgroup.
There are many more printers than these to choose from, but these represent a good variety of what is out on the market right now and is suitable for MacBook printing.
All five of the printers we recommend are quality options based on MacBook compatibility, but they each have unique offerings to consider and compare before purchase.
How to Choose a Printer Model for MacBook Printing
Choosing the machine that is right for you or your business means considering your needs and the printer’s capabilities.
First, you need to know what to look for when choosing a printer model for MacBook printing. To compile our list, we considered several key elements, such as:
• Mac OS compatibility
• Compatibility with Mac AirPrint by Apple
• Printer price (upfront)
• Printer cost (overtime)
• Available service and IT options
• Printer size and overall moveability
• Environmental sustainability
The best printer for the Mac is one that is compatible with Mac OS, supports Apple AirPrint, and works best for your office needs.
Now, we’re going to compare two of the options from our list to illustrate a good method for considering pros, cons, and costs when buying a printer based on computer compatibility.
Xerox VersaLink C405 vs. HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw for MacBook Printing
We chose to compare the most robust printers from our list: the Xerox VersaLink C405 and the HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw. These two printers are both in a similar price range and support small to medium-sized workgroups, so we’ll be looking deeper at their specific pros and cons, upfront price, running costs, and extra features to help you determine which office printer model works best for you.
Xerox VersaLink C405
Print Speed: Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 80,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 8,500 pages
Base Model Dimensions: 17” x 21.3” x 23.6”
Base Model Weight: 72 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $1,099
Photo courtesy of Xerox.
HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw
Print Speed: Up to 28 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: 50,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 4000 pages
Base Model Dimensions: 15.7” x 16.4” x 18.6” in
Base Model Weight: 51 lbs
Cost: Around Starting at around $819
Photo Courtesy of HP
Comparing Printer Models for MacBook Printing In Your Office
Both printers are multifunctional, meaning they can print, copy, scan, and fax.
The VersaLink C405 and LaserJet Pro M479fdw also both support color printing, and both printers support the key features we look for when considering printers compatible with Mac computers: support for multiple Mac OS versions and connectivity features that support Apple AirPrint from MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones.
However, when comparing the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479dfw and the Xerox VersaLink C405, there are a few key differences that stand out:
1. Price Difference Between Printer Models
The HP printer is cheaper upfront than the Xerox model. However, the running cost per page is lower for the Xerox printer.
This means that you’ll need to consider which savings metric works best for you. If your machine needs to support more printing volume, then the Xerox VersaLink C405 is the model for you, whereas small offices with reduced printing volumes might would prefer to save more money upfront with the HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw.
2. Variations in Speed of Printing
The Xerox VersaLink C405 prints at a faster speed in both color and black-and-white than the HP LaserJet Pro M479dfw.
The Xerox model can print up to 36 pages per minute, whereas the HP printer can only print up to 28 pages per minute. This means that the Xerox VersaLink C405 the better option for offices that require fast printing speeds.
The Xerox printer also supports a higher volume of printing than the HP printer model, so a medium sized workgroup or office may find the Xerox VersaLink C405 more suitable.
3. Printer Size and Moveability
The Xerox VersaLink C405 is larger than the HP LaserJet Pro M479dfw in both dimensions and weight.
At 17” x 21.3” x 23.6” and 72 lbs, the Xerox model is heavier and larger than the HP printer, ( 15.7” x 16.4” x 18.6” and 50lbs) this means that offices that are short on space or do not have the capacity to move a heavier machine mayconsider the HP LaserJet Pro M479dfw a good option for them. However, offices with ample space and larger print volume may prefer the VersaLink C405.
4. Extra Support and Features
When bought through a print vendor, the Xerox VersaLink C405 qualifies for office service agreements that offer on-site service and auto toner shipments for users.
Buying a smaller model printer, like the HP LaserJet Pro M479dw would probably mean working with a big box store like Amazon or Wal-Mart, and those retailers don’t typically offer routine service and maintenance agreements with IT support or auto supply shipments.
So, if your office is tech-savvy and you feel comfortable doing installation, covering ongoing service, and IT setup yourself, then the HP model may be more cost-effective for you. If you prefer to have professionals set up and maintain your printer, then the Xerox VersaLink would be a better choice.
Here are some more helpful tips for deciding which printer (for Mac) best fits your unique needs:
• If you need a printer that can support a small to medium-sized office or workgroup and produce quality images, then the HP Color LasterJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw Wireless Laster Printer ($819) is a good option for you.
• If you need a printer that can support a medium-sized office or workgroup and also comes with service agreement options for printer service and IT support, then the Xerox VersaLink C405 Multifunction Printer ($1,099) is a good choice.
• It is always a good idea to read user reviews before purchasing a printer. Sometimes user reviews can give you a good real-world sense of the printer’s functionality and value.
Choosing the MacBook Printer That is Right for You
With over 35 years in the business, STPT is a print vendor that is always ready to help consumers like you find the products and services you need. Your printer should not be a point of stress in your life.
If you have any questions or concerns about the printer buying process, reach out to one of our trained experts for more information.
The Xerox VersaLink C405 and the HP LaserJet Pro M479fdw are good picks, but there are thousands of quality printers on the market.
If you’re not completely sold on either of the machines discussed in this article, then you may want to check out some of our other comparisons before deciding which printer to purchase for MacBook printing.
The more printer options you consider, the better chance you’ll have of finding a perfect match.
Check out one of our other comparisons to get detailed information about office printer models on the market:
• Xerox VersaLink C605 vs. Canon C475iF III (Features, Cost, Overall Quality)
• Xerox VersaLink C405 vs. HP LaserJet Pro M570dn
Don’t know what to look for in your next printer? Download your free Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer for Your Business and make sure you get the right machine the first time.
