Microsoft Universal Print vs Synappx Cloud Print
Microsoft Universal Print
microsoft.comSynappx Cloud Print
sharp.euSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Universal Print | Synappx Cloud Print |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7.50/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 1 |
| Spec score · Print Management Software | 8.0 (#9) | 7.7 (#17) |
| Printer compatibility | Printers without native Universal Print protocol support require a connector, which can run on a Windows computer where the printers are installed. | It supports Sharp multifunction printers and compatible third-party printers. |
| 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. | Sharp says communications use TLS 1.2 with AES-256 or X.509 client security, and that print documents are not stored in the cloud; only print-related metadata is stored there. |
| 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. | Sharp’s Synappx support area provides user and administrator guides, system requirement guides, and FAQs. |
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.
Synappx Cloud Print
Synappx Cloud Print is a cloud print-management service for small and medium-sized enterprises and hybrid workplaces. It works with Sharp multifunction printers and compatible third-party devices. Users release jobs at available printers with a PIN or ID card, and visitors can use temporary PINs. Scanning can send documents to email, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Google Drive, SharePoint, Dropbox, or Box; iOS also supports iCloud and local storage. The Synappx Admin Portal covers device status, users, usage, and application management. Reports include audit trails, usage figures, and individual environmental impact reports. Sharp describes the service as removing on-premises print servers and extra hardware. Clients and apps are listed for Windows, macOS, Chrome, iOS, Android, and web. Cloud-file printing supports up to ten files, generally 100 MB each, with 30 MB limits for some sources. Pricing is on request.