Microsoft Universal Print vs Printix
Microsoft Universal Print
microsoft.com
Printix
printix.netSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Universal Print | Printix |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7.50/mo | $2.09/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 3 |
| Spec score · Print Management Software | 8.0 (#9) | 8.2 (#5) |
| Secure release | QR code secure release can hold print jobs until the user releases them, helping protect document privacy and reduce uncollected print jobs. | Users can release print jobs from a printer using a browser or smartphone, or by card or ID code on many printer models. |
| Security | The service supports Microsoft Entra ID users and security groups, HTTPS communications, X.509-backed printer device objects, and modern authentication for Zero Trust deployments. | Printix says documents are encrypted and stored locally, using AES with a 256-bit key, and do not leave the customer network unless cloud printing is enabled. |
Plans
Microsoft Universal Print
- Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs$25 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs$300 a month
- Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs, EDU$7.50 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs, EDU$90 a month
- Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs), EDU discount$7.50 a month
- Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs)$25 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k), EDU discount$90 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k)$300 a month
- Universal Print (standalone)Priced on request
In their own words
Microsoft Universal Print
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud printing service for organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud. It replaces print servers with cloud-managed printer access, allowing users to print over the internet. Printing is built into supported Windows versions, without extra endpoint software or printer drivers. On macOS, printing from native applications requires the Universal Print app; in OneDrive and Excel on the web, users can choose a printer without setup or installation.
Administrators can manage printers in Azure Portal, automate tasks with PowerShell, and deploy printers with Intune. The service supports IPP and Microsoft Graph API capabilities. Its security features include Microsoft Entra ID users and groups, HTTPS, X.509-backed printer device objects, and modern authentication for Zero Trust deployments. QR code secure release can hold jobs until users retrieve them. Printers without native protocol support need a connector on a Windows computer. Each document counts as one job, regardless of pages or copies, and eligible licenses contribute to a shared monthly tenant pool. Listed capacity add-ons start at $25 a month for 500 jobs; no free plan is offered.
Printix
Printix is cloud-based print management software for businesses managing print environments, including hybrid cloud setups. Administrators use central web-based management to configure printers, print queues, and drivers. Users can print from Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android devices, then release jobs at a printer through a browser or smartphone, or by card or ID code on many printer models. Printix says it supports any printer without requiring new certified printers or print connectors. Its Capture feature can route scans from supported HP, Konica Minolta, and Ricoh multifunction printers to email, OneDrive, and SharePoint Online. Listed integrations include Microsoft Entra ID, Endpoint Manager, Azure Blob Storage, Power BI, Google Workspace, Google Groups, and Google Cloud Storage. Printix says documents are encrypted with AES using a 256-bit key and stored locally; they do not leave the customer network unless cloud printing is enabled. Starter costs $2.09 per user per month for 15 to 50 users, with the first month free. The 30-day trial provides full feature access without a credit card.