Airprint Printer vs. Wireless Printer — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 8, 2024
AirPrint printer is designed specifically for Apple devices, while a wireless printer connects to devices over a network without requiring Apple-specific technology.
Difference Between Airprint Printer and Wireless Printer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
AirPrint printers are specifically designed to be compatible with Apple devices, allowing seamless printing from iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Wireless printers, on the other hand, are designed to connect to a variety of devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, not limited to Apple products.
An AirPrint printer requires no additional drivers or software for Apple devices, making it a plug-and-play solution for users within the Apple ecosystem. In contrast, wireless printers may require installation of specific drivers or software, regardless of the device's operating system.
AirPrint printers are tailored to the Apple AirPrint protocol, ensuring a high level of compatibility and ease of use with Apple software. Wireless printers may support various protocols and standards, such as Wi-Fi Direct, Google Cloud Print, or their proprietary printing apps.
AirPrint printers often come with features that are optimized for Apple's ecosystem, like support for Apple's photo formats and seamless integration with iOS and macOS. Wireless printers offer more generalized features, aiming to provide compatibility with a wider range of devices and operating systems.
When using an AirPrint printer, users can expect a consistent experience across all their Apple devices, thanks to the unified AirPrint standard. Wireless printers may offer a varied experience depending on the brand, model, and the device they are connected to.
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Comparison Chart
Compatibility
Specifically designed for Apple devices
Compatible with various devices and OS
Setup Requirements
No additional drivers needed for Apple devices
May require driver installation
Printing Protocol
Uses Apple's AirPrint protocol
Supports various protocols like Wi-Fi Direct
Integration
Highly integrated with Apple's ecosystem
Offers general integration with multiple systems
User Experience
Consistent experience across Apple devices
Varied experience based on brand and OS compatibility
Compare with Definitions
Airprint Printer
Tailored for plug-and-play use with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The event's AirPrint printer allowed guests to print photos straight from their iPhones.
Wireless Printer
Compatible with a variety of operating systems and devices.
The wireless printer in the library worked with both Windows and Android devices.
Airprint Printer
Uses Apple's AirPrint technology for easy, driverless printing.
The AirPrint printer made it simple to print photos from my iPad.
Wireless Printer
Printer that connects to devices over a network without cables.
I sent my document to the wireless printer from my laptop in the other room.
Airprint Printer
Offers seamless printing from iOS and macOS without additional software.
Setting up my MacBook with the AirPrint printer was hassle-free.
Wireless Printer
Offers flexibility with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
Our wireless printer easily connected to both our phones and computers.
Airprint Printer
Printer specifically designed for compatibility with Apple devices.
I printed my document directly from my iPhone using the AirPrint printer.
Wireless Printer
May require specific drivers or software for different devices.
I had to download the driver to use the wireless printer with my tablet.
Airprint Printer
Provides a unified printing solution within the Apple ecosystem.
Our office's AirPrint printer works flawlessly with all our Apple devices.
Wireless Printer
Provides a broad range of features for diverse printing needs.
The wireless printer’s scanning and copying features are a big help in our home office.
Common Curiosities
What is an AirPrint printer?
It's a printer designed specifically for compatibility with Apple devices.
Is the printing quality different between AirPrint and wireless printers?
Printing quality depends more on the printer model and technology than on the connection type.
Do wireless printers work with Apple devices?
Yes, most wireless printers can work with Apple devices, but they might require additional setup.
Do wireless printers support mobile printing?
Yes, many wireless printers support mobile printing from various smartphones and tablets.
Is setup easier with an AirPrint printer for Apple users?
Yes, it typically offers a more straightforward, driverless setup for Apple users.
How secure is printing over AirPrint compared to wireless printing?
Both can be secure, but it's important to secure your Wi-Fi network and follow best practices.
What defines a wireless printer?
A printer that connects to devices over a network, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, without cables.
Can AirPrint printers be used with non-Apple devices?
Generally, they are optimized for Apple devices, but some may have additional connectivity options.
Can I use an AirPrint printer without Wi-Fi?
AirPrint requires a Wi-Fi connection to communicate with Apple devices.
Is there a cost difference between AirPrint and wireless printers?
Cost varies based on brand, model, and features rather than the type of connectivity.
Can I print from a Windows PC to an AirPrint printer?
It's primarily designed for Apple devices, but some models may support other operating systems.
Are wireless printers more versatile than AirPrint printers?
They tend to offer broader compatibility with different devices and operating systems.
Do AirPrint printers require Internet access?
They require a Wi-Fi network but don't necessarily need Internet access for local printing.
Can I print photos directly from my phone with both types?
Yes, both AirPrint and many wireless printers support direct photo printing from smartphones.
Can I scan and copy with both AirPrint and wireless printers?
It depends on the printer's features; both types can have scanning and copying capabilities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
