Microsoft Universal Print vs QZ Tray
Microsoft Universal Print
microsoft.comQZ Tray
qz.ioSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Universal Print | QZ Tray |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7.50/mo | $62.42/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 9 | 3 |
| Spec score · Print Management Software | 8.0 (#9) | 8.2 (#7) |
| API | Universal Print supports the IPP infrastructure protocol and provides Microsoft Graph API capabilities. | The JavaScript connector enables printing and device communication from JavaScript. |
| 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. | The maker offers free public community support on a best-effort basis and premium support with a two-business-day response. |
| What it does | Universal Print is a cloud printing service that replaces print servers with Microsoft cloud printing and lets users access printers over the internet. | QZ Tray connects a web client to local printers and attached devices for printing and device communication. |
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
QZ Tray
- Sponsored SupportFree
- Premium Support$749 a year
- Company Branded + Premium Support$3,499 a year
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.
QZ Tray
QZ Tray connects web clients to local printers and attached devices, enabling browser-based printing and hardware communication through its JavaScript connector. Printing support includes PDF, PNG, HTML, PCL, ESC/POS, EPL, ZPL, SBPL, and FGL. Device connections can use serial, HID, USB, socket, or file I/O. The maker lists Zebra, SATO, Epson, Citizen, Star, Boca, and Dymo among compatible printer brands. Desktop editions run on Windows, macOS, and Linux, including Intel and ARM or Apple Silicon systems; supported platforms also include iOS, Android, and ChromeOS. QZ Tray can be downloaded and used for free, with warnings, and the maker offers a free demonstration with warnings. Removing print dialogue warnings and enabling silent printing requires message signing with a certificate and private key. QZ says the signing keys are generated in the customer's browser and that it never receives a copy of the private key. Only one instance can run per machine because the software uses a localhost WebSocket connection to a single port. Premium Support costs $749.00 per year.