Input vs Output Devices

Published: 16/11/2025

A computer works with two main types of hardware: input devices and output devices. Input devices, like a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, touchpad, and digital camera, send information into the computer. Output devices, such as a monitor, printer, speakers, projector, and webcam display, send information out to the user.

People compare input vs output devices because many get confused about things like “is a printer input or output?”, “is a mouse an input or output device?”, or “is a scanner input or output?”. Understanding these basics makes learning computer hardware much easier.

Table of Content

This article will explain the differences, clear common confusions, and list examples of both types.
Let’s see which one suits your needs better.

What is Input Devices?

Input devices are tools that send data into the computer. Examples include the keyboard, mouse, scanner, digital camera, microphone, barcode reader, touchpad, joystick, and USB flash drive. These devices help users enter text, images, audio, commands, or data, and are ideal for typing, scanning, recording, or selecting items on a screen.

What is Output Devices?

Output devices show the processed data from the computer to the user. Common examples include the monitor, printer, speakers, projector, output mouse actions, and webcam display output. These devices are useful for viewing text, watching visuals, printing documents, listening to audio, and presenting information.

Input Devices vs Output Devices (Easy Comparison Table)

Point	Input Devices	Output Devices
What they do	They send data to the computer.	They show the result from the computer.
Examples	Keyboard, mouse, scanner, mic, camera.	Monitor, printer, speakers, projector.
How they work	We type, click, or speak into them.	We see, hear, or print the result.
Easy or Hard?	They are easy to use.	Getting the result is also easy.
Pros	Data goes in quickly.	The result is clear to understand.
Cons	Sometimes setup is needed.	Some devices can be costly.

Input Devices

Here are some common input devices are given below.

Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Webcam
Microphone
Joystick
Touchpad
Barcode Reader
Digital Camera
USB Flash Drive (used for input/output)

1. Keyboard (Input Device)

A keyboard helps you type letters and numbers into the computer.
It sends data into the system, so it is not an output device.
People sometimes ask “Is a keyboard an output device?” — the answer is No, it is an input device.

2. Mouse (Input Device)

A mouse lets you point, click, and move items on the screen.
It sends signals to the computer, so it is not an output device.
Many students ask “Is a mouse an output device?” — the answer is No, it is an input device.

3. Scanner (Input Device)

A scanner copies pictures or documents and sends them into the computer.
So when you ask “Scanner input or output?” — it is always an input device.
It is not an output device.

4. Webcam (Input Device)

A webcam takes live pictures and videos and sends them to the computer.
So “Webcam input or output?” — it is an input device.
It sends data inside the system.

5. Microphone (Input Device)

A microphone records your voice and sends it into the computer.
So “Is microphone input or output?” — it is an input device.
It helps the system take sound as data.

6. Joystick (Input Device)

A joystick is used for games to control movement.
So “Joystick input or output?” — it is an input device.
It gives commands to the computer.

7. Touchpad (Input Device)

A touchpad is found on laptops.
You slide your finger to control the cursor.
So it works as an input device.

8. Barcode Reader (Input Device)

A barcode reader scans product codes in shops.
It sends the code into the computer.
So it is an input device.

9. Digital Camera (Input Device)

A digital camera takes photos and sends them to the computer.
So “Digital camera input or output?” — it is an input device.
It gives image data to the system.

10. USB Flash Drive (Input + Output Device)

A USB flash drive can send data to the computer and also receive data from it.
So “USB input or output?” — it works as both input and output.
It is used for storing and moving files.

Output Devices

Here are some common output devices are given below.

Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Projector

1. Monitor (Output Device)

A monitor shows pictures, videos, and text on the screen’s
So when students ask, “Monitor input or output?” — it is an output device.
It displays the result of your work.

2. Printer (Output Device)

A printer gives you a paper copy of your work.
So “Printer input or output?” — a printer is an output device.
It does not send data into the computer.

3. Speakers (Output Device)

Speakers play sound from the computer.
So “Speaker input or output?” — they are output devices.
They give sound out to the user.

4. Projector (Output Device)

A projector shows images on a big screen.
It takes data from the computer and sends it out as a large picture.
So it is an output device.

Storage Devices (Input + Output)

Here are some Common Storage Devices which are (input + output).

USB Flash Drive
Hard Disk
DVD / CD
SD Card

1.USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive is a small storage device used to save and move files. It works as both input and output storage, because you can copy data into it and take data out of it. Students use it for homework, photos, and projects.

2. Hard Disk

A hard disk is a large computer storage device that keeps all files, apps, and system data safe. It also works as input and output, because the computer reads data from it and writes new data onto it. It is a common part of every computer.

3. DVD / CD

A DVD or CD is a round disc used to store music, videos, or software. It can be input or output depending on how it is used—DVD-RW lets you write data, while normal CDs let you only read data. It is a helpful storage device for sharing files.

4. SD Card

An SD card is a tiny card used in cameras, phones, and tablets to store pictures, videos, and apps. It also acts as input and output, because devices can save data onto it and also read data from it. It is easy to carry and replace.

Final Verdict | Input vs Output Devices

Input and output devices work together, but they serve different jobs. Input devices like the keyboard, mouse, scanner, webcam, microphone, touchpad, joystick, barcode reader, and digital camera send data into the computer. Output devices like the monitor, printer, speakers, projector, and other display tools show or give data back to us. Some tools, such as a USB flash drive, can do both because they let us store and read files.

If you want to enter information, choose an input device. If you need to see, hear, or print information, choose an output device. Students, beginners, and home users mostly rely on simple input devices like the mouse and keyboard. Classrooms and offices need clear output devices like monitors, printers, and projectors. Professionals often mix both to work faster.

Now that you understand the key differences in input vs output devices, pick the devices that match your daily work and learning goals best.

Conclusion

Input and output devices help a computer work as a team. Input devices send data into the computer, while output devices show the results back to us. Both are important because one cannot work well without the other.

Now that you know the difference between input and output devices, choose the right one for your study, work, or home use.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about input and output devices.

What are the input and output devices?

Input devices are tools that send data into the computer.
Output devices are tools that show data from the computer.

Examples of Input Devices:

Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Webcam

Examples of Output Devices:

Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Headphones
Projector

What is a 10 output device?

A “10 output device” simply means a list of ten output devices.

Here are 10 Output Devices:

Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Headphones
Projector
Plotter
LED Display
Smart Board
VR Headset
Television (TV)