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Printix and Microsoft Universal Print are both cloud-based print services designed to reduce reliance on traditional print servers. While both address print management, they differ in architecture and platform scope. Universal Print provides cloud print infrastructure integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, while Printix delivers functionality through a single SaaS platform with all features included natively. Importantly, they can work together.
Printix is a cloud-native print management platform from Tungsten Automation -- a standalone SaaS product with all features included natively at every pricing tier. Direct IP printing keeps jobs on the local network. A cloud-based driver store automates driver and queue management. Secure print release is built in via the Printix App (mobile/web with QR and NFC) and Printix Go -- embedded on major MFD brands including Brother, Canon, Epson, FUJIFILM, HP, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lexmark, Ricoh, and Xerox.
Cross-platform support covers Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android. Identity integration spans Entra ID, Google Workspace, Okta, and OneLogin. Capture and scanning with OCR to Email, OneDrive, and SharePoint are native features. Pricing is per active user with published entry rates and all features included regardless of tier.
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud-based print service integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It provides core cloud print infrastructure including cloud-hosted print queues, centralised printer management through the Microsoft 365 admin centre, and integration with Entra ID for identity and access control. Universal Print is included with certain Microsoft 365 licence tiers and is also available as a standalone add-on.
Universal Print uses a job-based usage model with pooled monthly allowances that vary by licence type, with additional volume available as paid add-ons. The platform supports Universal Print-ready printers natively, and older printers connect via a connector component. Capabilities continue to expand through Microsoft's ongoing development and partner ecosystem.
If you are already using Microsoft 365 or evaluating Universal Print, you can deploy Printix alongside your existing setup to simplify print management, extend functionality, and reduce complexity without replacing your current investment.
Try Printix free for 30 days -- all features included, no credit card required.
Printix positions itself as complementary to Universal Print. Organisations that already have Universal Print through their Microsoft 365 licensing can use Printix to extend capabilities with direct IP printing, broader cross-platform device support, native secure print release workflows, and integrated capture and scanning features. This allows organisations to build on their existing Microsoft investment while addressing requirements that may fall outside Universal Print's current scope.
While both platforms provide cloud print capabilities, organisations often choose Printix when they need native functionality delivered through a single SaaS product, rather than relying on additional components or partner integrations to achieve similar outcomes.
Printix provides key capabilities such as secure print release across 10+ MFD brands, automated driver management, cross-platform support, and capture with OCR as native features within one application. Universal Print provides core cloud print infrastructure that is often extended through Microsoft's partner ecosystem, depending on organisational requirements.
This distinction can influence deployment complexity, ongoing administration, and how features are packaged and licensed across environments.
The platforms differ in commercial model. Universal Print uses a job-volume allowance system tied to Microsoft 365 licensing, with paid add-ons for additional volume. Printix uses per-active-user subscription pricing with all features included regardless of tier. The right model depends on printing volume patterns, existing licensing, and the breadth of print management features required.
Both platforms continue to evolve. Microsoft regularly expands Universal Print's capabilities, and the partner ecosystem extends its reach further. Organisations should evaluate current feature sets and roadmaps from both vendors when making decisions.
This comparison is based on publicly available information and general product positioning. Features and capabilities may vary depending on configuration, licensing, and deployment. Verify current details directly with each vendor before making purchasing decisions.
Microsoft and Universal Print are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Printix is a product of Tungsten Automation.
All features included. No credit card required.
