Bluetooth Printer vs WiFi Printer: Full Comparison Guide

This question is common among printer users: which printer is best, a Bluetooth or WiFi printer? As both of them work differently, it’s tricky to answer this. Most things depend on your use of the printer. WiFi and Bluetooth both offer wireless connectivity, but they may act differently in different areas. So, if you have the same confusion about which printer is better, this blog may help you get a straight answer. So, be ready to see the Bluetooth printer vs WiFi printer. Let’s begin with a brief introduction to both types of printers. 

Bluetooth Printer vs WiFi Printer: An Overview 

Bluetooth printers are very popular among the various types of label printers. You can use them through a mobile app by simply downloading them onto your smartphone. Your device will get connected to the Bluetooth printer and send data to be printed. But for this, your printer and computer should be in proximity and within 30 feet of each other. It will help your printer to work properly. The best part is that you can use any Bluetooth device with your printer, like a mobile phone, tablet, iPhone, Mac, etc, to connect your printer

A wireless printer runs on an internet connection. And with this, you can print from anywhere in your workplace. So, even if your printer is on the ground floor and your computer is on the first floor, it can receive commands and print. However, WiFi networks also have restrictions due to limited bandwidth. This is why even if you send print jobs from anywhere, the print may take longer to process. Printing by standing next to the printer is a different thing.

Bluetooth Printer vs WiFi Printer: Ease of Setup  

Here are a few things that differentiate Bluetooth printers from WiFi printers which we are going to discuss further in this blog. When you know the difference between the two, you can choose the best type of printer for you. Both types of printers offer different experiences when it comes to setup and connection. Bluetooth printers offer a non-hectic connection. And when you pair your printer with the device, the connection will happen automatically in the future without much effort. So, you are just required to enable Bluetooth, select your printer and begin printing. This simple connection is good for people who want a direct connection. 

While on the other hand, wireless printers require a little more effort in the initial setup. So, you need to connect your wireless printer to your local wireless network. And when the printer is connected successfully to the network, you can identify the devices connected to the same network. Therefore, it will take a few extra steps to connect your printer to WiFi as compared to Bluetooth. But once the connection is established, you don’t have to put in the effort again and again. They will connect automatically.

Bluetooth Printer vs WiFi Printer: Print Speed 

Both wireless and WiFi printers are capable of printing fast. And it is quite difficult to judge which type of printer works fast. On average, Bluetooth label printers offer a print speed of 6 inches per second. If you want to print faster, you’ll need to upgrade your device with good quality hardware components such as memory and processors that deliver high speed. 

Bluetooth Printer vs WiFi Printer: Security 

Both printers are vulnerable to security threats. Generally, Bluetooth printers are secure, but they may be at risk if the connection is not encrypted or lacks authentication. Although, the hacker should have to be close to the printer to access it. 

Similarly, the wireless printers that are connected to the local network also have security risks if they aren’t secured properly. Hence, it’s compulsory to set up some strong protocols, such as passwords or encryption, to prevent the interference of unauthorized users. Therefore, it becomes necessary to secure the wireless network by setting a strong password and running regular updates to lower the risk of common security-related issues. 

Overall, it is necessary to update the firmware in your printer and change the default passwords regularly. Also, disable unused network protocols and set up additional security methods to make your network more secure. 

Conclusion 

We saw some common factors upon which you can judge a Bluetooth and a WiFi printer. They both work well for printing. And which printer you choose depends on your specific needs. So, suppose you have an office with many users; a WiFi printer will be suitable for it. Otherwise, a WiFi label printer will be a good choice. In contrast, the Bluetooth printer would be an ideal choice for small offices and home use, where users are limited. If you need assistance to set up your Bluetooth or WiFi printer, visit our Support page and take help.