Microsoft Universal Print vs PrintNode
Microsoft Universal Print
microsoft.comPrintNode
printnode.comSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Universal Print | PrintNode |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7.50/mo | $7.50/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 9 | 10 |
| Spec score · Print Management Software | 8.0 (#9) | 8.2 (#6) |
| 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. | PrintNode says all communication uses TLS, documents are not read, and Base64-submitted documents are deleted after printing. |
| Support | Microsoft's FAQ directs customers to Universal Print documentation and says customers can contact support if access remains unavailable after licensing and a 24-hour wait. | PrintNode says support is handled by its engineering team and offers telephone and email support. |
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
PrintNode
- LiteFree
- Essential$9 a month
- Standard$29 a month
- Standard Integrator$60 a month
- Essential yearly$90 a year
- Premium$99 a month
- Standard yearly$290 a year
- Large Integrator$500 a month
- Premium yearly$990 a year
- Standalone ServerPriced 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.
PrintNode
PrintNode is a hosted printing service that lets applications send print jobs to printers remotely through a JSON API and client software. It supports PDF and RAW printing, including printer-native formats such as ZPL and EPL. The client finds printers configured on the computer through its operating system and requires appropriate drivers; it does not search the local network for printers. USB HID and serial weighing scales are supported, with scale data available through the API or WebSockets. Developers can use the RESTful API, webhooks, WebSockets, API account management, and delegated authentication. Integrator Account holders can brand the client with their own name and logo. PrintNode says communications use TLS, documents are not read, and Base64-submitted documents are deleted after printing. Private deployment is available through a Standalone Server, and documents can be self-hosted within the customer’s network. Lite is free for 50 prints per month on one computer; Essential is $9 a month for 5,000 prints per month on three computers. A free trial is listed.