Is a copier the same as a printer?

Not quite. Most modern office copiers are multifunction printers (MFPs) — they can copy, print, scan, and often fax. A standalone printer typically just prints. The key difference is the document feeder, scanner glass, and finishing options (sorting, stapling, hole-punching) that copiers carry.

Should my office lease a copier or a printer?

If you produce more than ~2,000 pages a month, frequently scan multi-page documents, or need finishing options like staple or hole-punch, a copier (MFP) is almost always more cost-effective. If you only print occasionally and never scan in volume, a printer is fine.

Are copiers more expensive than printers to lease?

On a per-month basis copiers cost more, but the cost-per-page is usually lower. For any office with regular daily volume, the all-in cost of leasing a copier is usually less than the combined cost of printers plus their consumables.

Can a copier replace multiple desk printers?

Yes — one well-placed MFP can typically replace 3–8 desk printers and dramatically reduce supply, service, and toner costs. This is the most common consolidation move we help offices make.

Copier vs Printer: What Is the Difference?

"Copier" and "printer" are often used interchangeably, but they aren't the same machine — and the difference matters a lot when you're trying to right-size equipment for an office.

What is a copier?

A modern office "copier" is almost always a multifunction printer (MFP). It can copy, print, scan, and frequently fax — all from one unit. Copiers are designed for higher monthly volumes, larger paper trays, automatic document feeders for multi-page scanning, and finishing features like staple, hole-punch, and booklet folding.

What is a printer?

A printer is a single-purpose device. It takes a print job and outputs paper. There are inkjet printers (good for occasional color, expensive per page) and laser printers (faster, cheaper per page, the default for offices). Most desk printers are sized for low monthly volume and rely on small toner cartridges that are expensive per page.

Key differences

Volume capacity. Copiers handle 5,000–100,000+ pages a month. Most desk printers struggle past 3,000.
Scanning. Copiers have document feeders that scan stacks of paper at 100+ pages per minute. Printers either don't scan or scan slowly via a flatbed.
Cost per page. Copier toner is dramatically cheaper per page than desk-printer cartridges.
Finishing. Copiers can staple, hole-punch, sort, and fold. Printers can't.
Service model. Copiers are typically leased with service and toner included. Printers are usually bought outright with separate supplies.

Which one is better for your office?

Rule of thumb: if your office prints more than about 2,000 pages a month, frequently scans multi-page documents, or needs to staple/sort/punch output, lease a copier. If you print occasionally and rarely scan, a printer is fine.

When to lease a copier

Lease a copier when you want one predictable monthly payment that covers equipment, service, toner, and parts; when you need to consolidate multiple desk printers; or when you scan in volume. See our copier leasing overview for what's included.

When to lease a printer

Lease a printer for low-volume environments, satellite offices, or as a complement to a shared copier. Our business printer leasing page has the full breakdown.

How much does each one cost?

Printer leases are usually a small flat monthly fee plus per-page toner costs. Copier leases bundle equipment, service, parts, and toner into a single all-inclusive payment calculated from your monthly volume. For a side-by-side breakdown of what drives the number, see our copier prices guide.

Still not sure?

If you're caught between the two — or want help sizing an MFP to your real monthly volume — start with the Printree help center for plain-English answers on leasing, pricing, and service, or request a free quote and we'll recommend the right machine.