Top 6 Alternatives to Virtual Port Monitor – Manage Your Printers Hassle-Free

Managing printers can be a hassle, especially when you have multiple printers connected to your system. Virtual Port Monitor is a software that allows you to manage your printers with ease. It enables you to redirect print jobs from one printer to another, set up restrictions, and monitor printing activities. However, Virtual Port Monitor is not the only software available on the market for printer management. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top six alternatives to Virtual Port Monitor and help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Video Tutorial:

What is Virtual Port Monitor?

Virtual Port Monitor is a software that allows you to manage your printers by redirecting print jobs from one printer to another, setting up restrictions, and monitoring printing activities. It is an essential tool for any organization that has multiple printers in use. With Virtual Port Monitor, you can ensure that print jobs are directed to the correct printer and avoid any unnecessary printing, leading to cost savings. Additionally, it allows you to control printing activities by setting up restrictions such as limiting printing by department, user, or number of pages.

Top Alternatives to Virtual Port Monitor

Top 1: Print Conductor

Print Conductor is a software that simplifies batch printing. It can print multiple files at once, including Adobe PDF, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD formats. With Print Conductor, you can control the printing layout and adjust settings such as double-sided printing and collation. It also offers support for various printers, including local and network printers.

Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Supports various file formats.
– Offers batch printing.

Cons:
– Some users may find the software interface outdated.
– Limited customization options.

Top 2: PaperCut NG

PaperCut NG is a modern printing management software that provides a complete solution for print management. It offers secure printing, tracking of print jobs, and cost accounting. With PaperCut NG, you can set up printing policies, control printing, and manage quotas. It provides support for a wide range of printers, including local and network printers.

Pros:
– Offers advanced features for print management.
– Provides secure printing and tracking of print jobs.
– Offers a wide range of reporting options.

Cons:
– The user interface may not be as intuitive for some users.
– Can be expensive for small businesses.

Top 3: PrinterLogic

PrinterLogic is a web-based printing management software that provides a complete solution for print management. It offers secure printing, tracking of print jobs, and cost accounting. With PrinterLogic, you can eliminate print servers, simplify printer deployment, and manage printers with ease. It provides support for a wide range of printers, including local and network printers.

Pros:
– Offers advanced features for print management.
– Provides secure printing and tracking of print jobs.
– Easy to use and deploy.
– Eliminates print servers, reducing IT workload.

Cons:
– Can be expensive for small businesses.

Top 4: Print Manager Plus

Print Manager Plus is a print management software that allows you to control printing and reduce costs. It provides features such as secure printing, print tracking, and quota management. With Print Manager Plus, you can enforce print policies, set printing budgets, and reduce paper wastage. It supports a wide range of printers, including local and network printers.

Pros:
– Provides comprehensive print management features.
– Offers secure printing and tracking of print jobs.
– Supports a wide range of printers.

Cons:
– Can be expensive for small businesses.
– The user interface may not be as intuitive for some users.

Top 5: UniPrint Infinity

UniPrint Infinity is a printing management software that offers secure printing, tracking of print jobs, and cost accounting. It simplifies printer management by eliminating print servers and streamlining printer deployment. UniPrint Infinity provides support for a wide range of printers, including local and network printers.

Pros:
– Offers advanced features for print management.
– Provides secure printing and tracking of print jobs.
– Eliminates print servers, improving scalability.
– Simplifies printer deployment.

Cons:
– Can be expensive for small businesses.

Top 6: PrinterOn

PrinterOn is a cloud-based printing management software that provides a complete solution for print management. It offers secure printing, tracking of print jobs, and cost accounting. With PrinterOn, you can manage printers from anywhere, control printing, and reduce paper wastage. It provides support for a wide range of printers, including local and network printers.

Pros:
– Offers advanced features for print management.
– Provides secure printing and tracking of print jobs.
– Cloud-based, making it easily accessible from anywhere.

Cons:
– Can be expensive for small businesses.
– The user interface may not be as intuitive for some users.

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

Our Thoughts on Virtual Port Monitor

Virtual Port Monitor is a useful software for managing printers in small organizations. It is affordable, easy to use, and provides basic features for print management. However, for larger organizations, Virtual Port Monitor may not be sufficient, and other alternatives, such as Print Conductor, PaperCut NG, or PrinterLogic, may be more suitable. These alternatives offer more advanced features, secure printing, cost accounting, and printing policies.

FAQs about Virtual Port Monitor

Q1: Is Virtual Port Monitor compatible with all printers?

A1: Virtual Port Monitor supports a wide range of printers, including local and network printers. However, it may not be compatible with all printers.

Q2: Does Virtual Port Monitor offer cost accounting features?

A2: Virtual Port Monitor offers basic cost accounting features, such as monitoring the number of printed pages. However, it does not provide advanced reporting options for cost accounting.

Q3: Can Virtual Port Monitor be used to restrict printing by department or user?

A3: Yes, Virtual Port Monitor allows you to set up restrictions, such as limiting printing by department, user, or number of pages.

Q4: Are there any free alternatives to Virtual Port Monitor?

A4: Unfortunately, there are no free alternatives to Virtual Port Monitor. However, some of the alternatives, such as Print Conductor and UniPrint Infinity, offer free trials.

Q5: Can Virtual Port Monitor be used to redirect print jobs from one printer to another?

A5: Yes, Virtual Port Monitor allows you to redirect print jobs from one printer to another.

In Conclusion

Managing printers can be a daunting task, especially when you have multiple printers connected to your system. Virtual Port Monitor is a useful software for managing printers in small organizations. However, for larger organizations, more advanced software, such as Print Conductor, PaperCut NG, or PrinterLogic may be more suited to your needs. We hope this article has helped you in selecting the best alternative to Virtual Port Monitor for your organization.