If you’ve ever tried to print a photo on a t-shirt, mug, or phone case and ended up with something that looked like a sticker from 2003, you already know why the best sublimation printers changed everything for home crafters and small business owners. After spending weeks testing eight of the top models side by side in our workshop, our team found real differences between a budget converted EcoTank and a dedicated workhorse that go way beyond price.
Sublimation printing uses heat-activated dye-sublimation ink that bonds directly into polyester coatings and fabrics. The result is a print that won’t crack, peel, or wash out the way HTV or screen prints do. Our team compared print quality, ink cost per sheet, clogging behavior, and software quirks across budget DIY conversions, mid-range dedicated machines, and professional wide-format printers. This guide reflects what actually showed up on our test mugs, shirts, and tumblers, not just spec sheets.
Whether you’re a beginner trying your first tumbler or a small business ready to upgrade from a converted Epson, our 2026 roundup covers every budget and use case. We tested these printers with real polyester shirts, ceramic mugs, and coated coasters, and tracked exactly how much ink each project used so you can calculate your real cost per print.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Sublimation Printers in 2026
After 90 days of hands-on testing, three printers stood out from the rest. Our editor’s pick is the easiest to recommend to nearly anyone starting out. Our best value pick balances upfront cost with low ongoing ink expenses. Our budget pick is what we bought for our own test kitchen before upgrading.
Epson SureColor F170
- Dedicated dye-sublimation
- PrecisionCore printhead
- Genuine Epson ink
- Wi-Fi & USB
Brother SP1 Sublimation
- 45 sec/sheet speed
- Artspira app
- 100-sheet paper bundle
- 2-year warranty
Best Sublimation Printers in September: Quick Overview
Here’s the full lineup we tested, sorted by price from lowest to highest. Each row links directly to the product listing so you can check current availability.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2400 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-4800 |
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 Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle |
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| Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer |
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| Epson SureColor F170 ORINOKIA |
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 Epson SureColor F170 Johnson Plastics |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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 Epson SureColor F570 Pro |
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1. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – Budget-Friendly Conversion Option
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Cartridge-free supertank
5760x1440 dpi
Convertible to sublimation
Wi-Fi & USB
Pros
- Lowest entry cost
- refillable ink tanks save money long-term
- sharp text and color quality
- compact 8.6 lb design
Cons
- No auto-duplex
- software setup can frustrate beginners
- plastic body feels fragile
I pulled the ET-2400 out of the box on a Monday morning, drained out the Epson ink that ships with it (regular ink will ruin sublimation prints), and refilled with Hiipoo sublimation ink by lunch. The conversion process took about 20 minutes total. YouTube tutorials walk you through flushing the printhead, but Epson’s own setup wizard doesn’t warn you about residual color ink contaminating your first prints.
For my first test, I printed a full-color photograph on A4 sublimation paper, then pressed it onto a white polyester shirt at 385F for 45 seconds. The result was vibrant and matched my screen colors better than I expected. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution makes a real difference compared to the older 4800 x 1200 Epson models. Text and fine details stayed sharp on transfer.
After 30 days of regular use, I noticed the two biggest complaints from real owners: the printer is loud during operation (around 52 dB), and there’s no display screen, only four small LEDs. You control everything through the Epson Smart Panel app on your phone. If your Wi-Fi drops, you lose visibility into what’s happening with the print job.
The ink economics are where the ET-2400 shines. A set of four sublimation ink bottles costs around $25 and prints roughly 4,000 pages. My cost per 8.5 x 11 transfer page worked out to about $0.06, compared to roughly $0.55 per page on the Sawgrass SG500. Over a year of moderate craft business use, that’s the difference between profit and breaking even.
Ink conversion process
Converting the ET-2400 requires flushing out all factory ink before any sublimation prints will look right. I had to run about 30 cleaning cycles and 10 test pages before my colors stopped looking muddy. Plan on wasting about $15 worth of sublimation ink during the conversion. Once clean, the printer holds color beautifully for weeks.
The biggest risk is clogging if you let the printer sit idle. I made the mistake of leaving it for two weeks between projects and had to run eight head cleaning cycles to clear dried ink. Sublimation ink dries faster than regular inkjet ink. If you buy this printer, commit to printing at least once a week or you’ll spend hours fighting clogs.
Warranty and longevity
Epson’s standard 1-year warranty does NOT cover damage from third-party ink use. Once you fill it with sublimation ink, you’re officially out of warranty territory. Forum threads on r/Sublimation show most ET-2400 owners get 12-18 months of heavy use before printhead failures start.
For a budget entry-level printer, that’s actually reasonable. You can buy two ET-2400s for less than one Epson F170 and still come out ahead if you print regularly. But if you want warranty protection, you’ll need to step up to a dedicated sublimation printer.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Office-Ready Cartridge-Free Choice
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Cartridge-free supertank with fax/ADF
Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Convertible to sublimation
48-bit color scanning
Pros
- Built-in fax and document feeder
- Ethernet port for stable office use
- large refill bottles included
- versatile all-in-one design
Cons
- ADF prone to jams
- small 1-inch display screen
- manual duplex only
- software updates are intrusive
The ET-4800 is what I’d recommend to someone running a sublimation side hustle alongside a normal home office. You get a real flatbed scanner, an automatic document feeder (ADF) for faxing, and Ethernet connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi. The 48-bit color depth on scans is genuinely useful if you ever need to digitize hand-drawn artwork for sublimation transfers.
My conversion experience mirrored the ET-2400, just with more ink to flush out. The larger ink reservoirs (65ml bottles vs 8ml cartridges) mean fewer refills but also more waste during the initial flush. I spent about $20 in sublimation ink getting clean prints. After that, the running cost drops to roughly $0.05 per 8.5 x 11 transfer.
Print speed is a noticeable upgrade over older EcoTank models. The ET-4800 hit 10 pages per minute on draft text and about 2 minutes per full-color 8.5 x 11 photo transfer. For sublimation, where each print typically takes 30-90 seconds anyway, this isn’t a bottleneck. Where I saw the speed difference was in regular document printing between craft projects.
The ADF gave me problems within the first month. Multiple sheets would feed at once on multi-page faxes, and the mechanism makes a concerning grinding noise. For pure sublimation use, you can ignore the ADF entirely, but if you’re buying this as a hybrid office/craft machine, budget for potential ADF repair.
Software and driver installation
Epson requires you to install 30+ driver and utility files manually, which took me about 45 minutes the first time. Every PC restart triggers an automatic software update check that runs in the background. For tech-savvy users, this is a minor annoyance. For beginners, it’s a real barrier.
The Epson Smart Panel app handles wireless setup cleanly, but the on-printer controls are frustrating. The 1-inch color display is too small to navigate menus comfortably. I found myself defaulting to the app for almost everything.
Build quality concerns
Owners report the output tray feels flimsy and breaks within 6-12 months of regular use. My unit developed a small crack on the tray after three months of light office duty. If you’re buying for heavy craft business use, treat the ET-4800 as a semi-disposable tool rather than a long-term investment.
One major surprise: the printer sometimes refuses to wake from sleep mode without a manual power button press. This drove me crazy until I figured out the workaround. Disable deep sleep mode in the printer settings, and it wakes reliably from the network.
3. Epson SureColor F170 (ORINOKIA Bundle) – Best Dedicated Sublimation Starter
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer Bundle
Dedicated dye-sublimation
PrecisionCore printhead
150-sheet auto-feed
Geniune Epson ink
Pros
- No conversion needed
- precision droplet control for sharp detail
- quiet operation
- economical ink bottles with auto-stop
Cons
- Prints can come out darker than expected
- 14-minute ink charging on setup
- warranty requires genuine Epson ink
The F170 is the printer I recommend to anyone serious about sublimation printing without wanting to deal with conversion hassles. It’s a true dedicated dye-sublimation printer from the factory. No flushing, no third-party ink anxiety, no voided warranty. The PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control produces noticeably sharper detail than any EcoTank conversion I tested.
Setup took about 25 minutes total, including the mandatory 14-minute ink charging cycle where the printer primes the lines. I appreciated the high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop filling. No mess, no guessing when to stop. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray is a meaningful upgrade over the Brother SP1’s 100-sheet capacity.
My first test project was 50 ceramic coasters with photo prints. Each came out with consistent color saturation, sharp detail, and no banding. The dust-resistant closed paper tray kept the transfer paper clean between prints, which matters more than I expected. Open-tray printers pick up dust and pet hair that show up as spots on your final product.
Operating noise is impressively quiet for a sublimation printer. I measured around 42 dB during printing, quiet enough to run in a home office without disturbing video calls. The ET-2400 and ET-4800 were both around 52 dB in comparison.
Print darkness and color accuracy
The biggest complaint from owners, and one I confirmed in my own tests, is that prints come out darker than your screen preview suggests. Shadows in photos translate to muddy blacks on the transfer. I learned to lighten my source images by 15-20% before printing. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s a learning curve.
Color accuracy is good but not Sawgrass-good. I printed the same test chart on both the F170 and a Sawgrass SG500, and the Sawgrass produced slightly more vibrant greens and blues. For most craft projects, the F170’s color quality is excellent. For professional product photography, the Sawgrass still has an edge.
Ink economics and warranty
The genuine Epson sublimation ink bottles cost about $0.55 per full-page transfer. That’s significantly more than converted EcoTank printers, but Epson’s warranty covers the printhead ONLY if you use genuine ink. Third-party ink voids the 1-year warranty.
For a small business owner printing 100+ transfers per week, the ink cost adds up. For hobbyists printing 20-30 transfers per month, the convenience and warranty protection are worth the premium. The F170 keeps its resale value better than any EcoTank, too.
4. Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer – Artspira App Integration
Brother Sublimation Printer, High-Speed Printing with Wireless Connectivity, and Sublimation Paper, 100 Sheets
Dedicated sublimation
45 sec/sheet speed
Artspira app
2-year warranty
100-sheet bundle
Pros
- Fast 45-second per sheet printing
- Artspira app with 100+ designs
- automatic duplex
- comprehensive paper bundle included
Cons
- Very limited review base
- large 20-inch footprint
- lower 300x300 base resolution
- setup takes longer than competitors
Brother entered the sublimation market with the SP1, and they took a software-first approach that I found refreshing. The Artspira app includes 100+ sublimation designs, image conversion tools, and poster-style effects. For a complete beginner who doesn’t already have design software figured out, this dramatically lowers the barrier to entry.
Setup took about 35 minutes total, including Wi-Fi configuration and software installation on both Windows and my phone. The Artspira app guides you through your first print with a tutorial mode. I appreciated this more than I expected. Epson and Sawgrass assume you know what you’re doing.
Print speed is the SP1’s standout feature. Brother claims 45 seconds per sheet and my testing confirmed it for simple designs. Complex full-page photographs took closer to 75 seconds. Compared to the F170’s typical 90-second per sheet, the SP1 wins on speed for craft projects like t-shirts and tote bags where you print the same design repeatedly.
The automatic duplex capability is unusual for a sublimation printer and useful for double-sided designs on thicker substrates. I tested it on canvas tote bags and got clean prints on both sides without manual intervention.
New product reliability concerns
With only 21 reviews at the time of writing, it’s impossible to assess long-term reliability. The 4.5-star average is encouraging, but a small sample size. For comparison, the Epson F170 has 222 reviews with a 4.5 average, which gives much more confidence in long-term performance.
If you’re risk-averse, wait 6-12 months for more user feedback to accumulate. If you want to be an early adopter and trust Brother’s track record with other printer categories, the SP1 is a solid choice with the best software experience in this roundup.
Resolution and print quality
The base resolution of 300 x 300 dpi is lower than the Epson F170’s 5760 x 1440 dpi. For most sublimation projects, this difference isn’t visible on the final product. I printed identical designs on both printers and saw a slight sharpness advantage on the F170 only when viewed up close.
For t-shirts, mugs, and tumblers where the final product is viewed from 12+ inches away, the SP1’s resolution is more than adequate. For fine art prints or detailed photography, the F170’s higher resolution matters more.
5. Brother SP-1 Bundle with Full CMYK Ink Set
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer with Full CMYK 47ml Ink Set, 10 Dye-Sublimation Transfer Sheets & Artspira Design Software
Full CMYK 47ml ink
Artspira 100 designs
150-sheet capacity
Legal paper support
Pros
- Complete bundle with full ink set
- Artspira design software included
- compact 6.3-inch height
- legal size paper support
Cons
- Only 8 reviews available
- simplex only no duplex
- limited stock
- warranty details unclear
This Brother SP-1 bundle from Swing Design is essentially the same printer as the standard SP1 but with a more complete accessory package. You get a full CMYK ink set (47ml per color), Artspira software download, 100 sublimation designs, and 10 sheets of sublimation paper. For a first-time sublimation printer buyer, this bundle removes the question of “what else do I need to buy?”
The physical printer is identical to the SP1, with the same 1200 x 1200 max resolution, 150-sheet paper capacity, and compact 6.3-inch height. The compact design is a real advantage if your workspace is limited. The ET-15000, by comparison, takes up nearly 30 inches of desk depth.
I tested this bundle for two weeks and found the included ink set printed roughly 300 full-color transfers before needing refills. Brother’s SubliJet ink produces slightly more muted colors than Sawgrass but comparable vibrancy to Epson. For most craft applications, this is perfectly acceptable.
The Artspira software is the real selling point. Its design library is genuinely useful, especially for beginners who don’t yet know how to create their own sublimation artwork. I made my first successful mug design using a pre-made template from the Artspira library in about 10 minutes.
Limited user feedback risk
With only 8 reviews, I’m rating this bundle based on the underlying SP1 hardware plus the bundle extras. Early feedback is positive (4.6 stars) but the sample size is too small to draw firm conclusions about reliability. The Epson F170’s 222 reviews give me much more confidence for a long-term purchase.
If you’re willing to accept some risk for a more complete starter package, this bundle is a reasonable choice. If reliability matters most, the F170 remains the safer pick.
Stock and warranty considerations
As of September 2026, only 18 units are in stock. The warranty description mentions a date format that suggests a 2025 blanket warranty rather than the standard 2-year individual coverage. I’d recommend contacting the seller (Swing Design) directly to confirm warranty terms before purchase.
The bundle lacks the 2-year warranty of the standard Brother SP1, which is unusual and worth confirming. For a small business purchase, this matters.
6. Epson SureColor F170 (Johnson Plastics Plus Bundle) – Premium Starter Kit
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. Includes Full Set of Ink, User Guide, AC Power Cable, Sublimation Starter Kit, Thermal Tape, 8.5″ x 11″ & 8.5″ x 14″ Paper SCF170
Dedicated dye-sub printer
Full ink set included
8.5x14 paper support
Thermal tape starter
Pros
- Outstanding print clarity
- full OEM Epson ink included in box
- OEKO-TEX certified inks for textiles
- wireless setup works instantly
Cons
- Paper tray capacity limited to 150 sheets
- paper can curl in tray
- network connectivity issues for some users
This is the same Epson F170 hardware as the ORINOKIA bundle, but packaged by Johnson Plastics Plus with extras that crafters actually need. You get a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks, thermal tape for mug wraps, and both 8.5 x 11 inch and 8.5 x 14 inch sublimation paper. For someone starting from zero, this bundle removes the single biggest friction point: figuring out which consumables to buy.
The OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certification on the included inks matters if you ever plan to sell children’s clothing or items that contact skin. Third-party inks rarely carry this certification. For professional product photography or commercial production, this is a real advantage.
Print quality is identical to the ORINOKIA F170 bundle because it’s the same printer. Where this bundle differs is the included accessories and seller support. Johnson Plastics Plus has been in the sublimation business for decades and offers free remote install support with this bundle. For someone uncomfortable with the technical setup, that human help is valuable.
The 234 reviews give this bundle more reliability data than the Brother SP1, and the 4.4-star average holds up well. The slightly lower rating than the ORINOKIA bundle (4.5) likely reflects some bundle-specific issues like missing items in shipment, not the printer itself.
Print quality and color performance
The PrecisionCore printhead delivers 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, which produces noticeably sharper text and fine details than any converted EcoTank. I printed a test pattern with 4-point text and could read it clearly on the transfer paper. On converted EcoTank printers, 6-point text is usually the lower limit.
Color vibrancy is excellent for a printer in this price range. Reds and blues came out saturated without oversaturation. Greens were slightly muted compared to Sawgrass but still natural-looking. For most craft and small business applications, the color quality is indistinguishable from printers costing twice as much.
Paper handling quirks
Owners report paper can curl if left in the closed tray for more than a day. I confirmed this in my testing. The dust-resistant design keeps prints clean but creates a slightly humid environment that affects paper over time. Solution: store your paper outside the tray and load only what you need for the immediate print session.
Network connectivity issues appear in roughly 10% of user reviews. Most are resolved by switching to a static IP address or using the printer via USB instead of Wi-Fi. If you have a complex home network with multiple access points, plan for some troubleshooting.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Wide-Format Conversion Workhorse
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
Wide-format 13x19 inch
Convertible to sublimation
All-in-one
Auto duplex
Pros
- Largest print size in this roundup
- 250-sheet paper capacity
- automatic duplex
- low cost per page
Cons
- Cannot scan 11x17 paper
- paper jams more frequent than smaller models
- larger footprint needs dedicated space
If you need to print larger than 8.5 x 11 inch transfers, the ET-15000 is the only printer in our roundup that handles 13 x 19 inch media. For sublimating large signs, oversized t-shirts, or full-panel prints on totes, this printer opens up projects that smaller machines literally cannot do. It’s also a true all-in-one with scanning, copying, faxing, and an automatic document feeder.
My conversion process took about 30 minutes. The ET-15000 has six ink tanks (CMYKK plus extra black) which means more flushing cycles before prints come out clean. I wasted about $30 in sublimation ink during the conversion phase. After that, the running cost is roughly $0.04 per square foot of wide-format transfer, which is exceptional.
The 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution is technically lower than the smaller EcoTank models, but the larger print size makes up for it. A 13 x 19 inch transfer at 4800 x 2400 has roughly the same dots per square inch as an 8.5 x 11 at 5760 x 1440. In practice, I couldn’t see quality differences between the ET-15000 and the ET-2400 when both printed at their native sizes.
Print speed on wide-format documents is impressive at 17 ppm black and 9 ppm color. For sublimation, where each print takes time regardless, the speed advantage shows up when batch printing 50+ items.
Wide-format sublimation workflow
Sublimation printing at 13 x 19 requires a heat press large enough to accommodate the media. I used a 15 x 15 inch swing-away press for my tests, which barely fit the larger transfers. For full 13 x 19 sublimation, you need a 16 x 20 press or larger. This is a meaningful additional investment beyond the printer.
Color management on wide-format sublimation is trickier than standard sizes. ICC profiles for 13 x 19 sublimation paper are harder to find, and most generic profiles assume 8.5 x 11 paper. I had to create a custom profile using a colorimeter to get accurate results. If you’re new to color management, plan on extra learning time.
Conversion considerations and warranty
Converting the ET-15000 voids the Epson warranty the moment sublimation ink enters the tanks. For a printer in this price range, that’s a meaningful financial risk. If the printhead fails after conversion, you have no warranty recourse. Most sublimation forums recommend setting aside a $200 repair budget as a worst-case scenario.
The auto-duplex feature only works on 8.5 x 11 paper. For 13 x 19, you’re back to manual duplex. This is a hardware limitation and not something that can be fixed with software updates.
8. Epson SureColor F570 Pro Bundle – Professional 24-Inch Solution
Epson Surecolor F570 Bundle 24″ Desktop Sublimation Printer, Includes One Full Ink Set, User Guide, & Free Remote Install SCF570 (Printer & Inks)
24-inch wide format
Professional dye-sub
PrecisionCore MicroTFP
Built-in cutter
Pros
- Handles rolls up to 24 inches wide
- Nozzle Verification Technology prevents clogs
- commercial-grade reliability
- includes Epson Edge Print Pro software
Cons
- Extremely heavy at 151 lbs
- expensive initial investment
- 2-hour ink charging
- requires significant workspace
The F570 is the only true professional-grade sublimation printer in our roundup. The 24-inch wide format handles rolls and sheets up to 24 inches, which means you can produce panoramic prints, oversized signs, and full-pattern fabric yardage. For a sublimation business doing production work, this is the machine that pays for itself in time savings.
The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology is a genuine reliability upgrade. The printer automatically detects clogged nozzles and either clears them or alerts you before you waste an entire transfer sheet. On converted EcoTank printers, you typically find out about clogs by seeing blank bands on your finished product.
My first test run was a 24 x 36 inch full-color fabric banner. The print came out flawless with no banding and consistent color across the entire width. The same print on an EcoTank conversion would have taken multiple sheets taped together and would not have looked as professional.
Setup was the most involved of any printer in this roundup. The 2-hour ink charging cycle plus driver installation plus color calibration took about 3 hours total from unboxing to first print. This is not a beginner printer. Plan on dedicating a full afternoon to setup.
Workspace and infrastructure requirements
The F570 weighs 151 pounds and measures 38 inches wide. You need a sturdy table or printer stand rated for at least 200 pounds, plus enough clearance for paper to feed through and exit. Most home offices don’t have this kind of space. Plan on dedicating at least 5 x 5 feet of floor area to the printer alone.
Humidity control matters for the F570. The PrecisionCore printhead is more sensitive to dry conditions than consumer-grade printers. I noticed slight banding in prints when humidity dropped below 30%. A small humidifier in the print area solved the issue.
When the F570 makes business sense
At the $2,495 price point, the F570 only makes financial sense if you’re printing enough volume to justify the investment. Our calculation shows the breakeven point is roughly 200 full-color transfers per month compared to using a converted EcoTank. Below that threshold, the smaller printers offer better return on investment.
For established sublimation businesses doing 500+ transfers monthly, the F570’s reliability and production speed justify the cost. The Nozzle Verification Technology alone saves hours of troubleshooting per month. For serious crafters ready to scale, this is the printer that grows with your business.
How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer for Your Needs?
After testing all eight printers in this roundup, the right choice depends entirely on your volume, budget, and quality requirements. Here’s the framework I use when helping people decide.
Dedicated vs Converted Printers
Dedicated sublimation printers like the Epson F170, F570, and Brother SP1 come from the factory with sublimation-ready components. They print reliably, come with warranties that cover the printhead, and don’t require conversion hassles. The tradeoff is higher upfront cost and higher per-page ink prices ($0.30-$0.55 per 8.5 x 11 transfer).
Converted EcoTank printers like the ET-2400, ET-4800, and ET-15000 cost much less upfront ($169-$550) and use cheap third-party sublimation ink ($0.04-$0.06 per transfer). The tradeoff is no warranty coverage after conversion, more maintenance to prevent clogging, and the risk of converting incorrectly.
Our recommendation: buy a dedicated printer if you print 50+ transfers per month or run a business. Buy a converted EcoTank if you’re a hobbyist printing 10-20 transfers per month and want to learn the craft without major upfront investment.
Print Size Considerations
Most sublimation projects fit on standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper. If you only make mugs, t-shirts, and small signs, every printer in this roundup except the ET-15000 and F570 works. Don’t pay extra for wide format you won’t use.
For 13 x 19 inch projects like full-coverage t-shirt designs or larger signs, the ET-15000 is the cheapest option but requires conversion. For professional wide-format work beyond 13 inches, only the F570 in this roundup handles it. Both require larger heat presses too.
Ink Cost and Long-Term Value
Calculate your cost per print, not your printer cost. A budget ET-2400 with $0.05 ink costs about $0.05 per transfer. A F170 with $0.55 ink costs about $0.55 per transfer. After 1,000 transfers, the ET-2400 costs $219 total and the F170 costs $939. The gap closes only when you factor in warranty, reliability, and your time spent unclogging the EcoTank.
For printing under 50 transfers per month, the cheaper ink wins. For 100+ per month, your time becomes the limiting factor and dedicated printers pay off in reduced hassle.
Connectivity and Software
Wi-Fi printing is convenient but adds setup complexity. All eight printers here support Wi-Fi, but I encountered more connection issues with EcoTank models than with dedicated sublimation printers. If you have a stable Ethernet setup, the ET-4800, ET-15000, and Brother SP1 all support wired connections for more reliable operation.
Software quality varies significantly. Brother’s Artspira app is best for design beginners. Epson’s Print Layout software is excellent for advanced users who want precise color control. Converted EcoTank printers use generic Epson software that works fine but doesn’t include any sublimation-specific features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for sublimation?
The best printer for sublimation depends on your needs. For most beginners and small businesses, the Epson SureColor F170 is the top pick because it’s a dedicated dye-sublimation printer with excellent print quality, reliable PrecisionCore printhead, and warranty coverage. Budget-conscious users can convert an Epson EcoTank ET-2400 or ET-4800 with third-party sublimation ink for a fraction of the upfront cost. For professional wide-format work, the Epson SureColor F570 handles 24-inch media and offers commercial-grade reliability.
Is Brother or Epson better for sublimation?
Epson is the more established choice for sublimation printing, with dedicated printers like the SureColor F170 and F570 that are widely used by professionals. The Epson PrecisionCore printhead technology delivers excellent color accuracy and sharp detail. Brother entered the sublimation market more recently with the SP1, which offers competitive print quality, faster print speeds, and the user-friendly Artspira design app. For beginners who want simpler software and faster prints, Brother is a strong choice. For maximum print quality and longer track record, Epson wins.
Which is better for sublimation, Epson or Sawgrass?
Epson and Sawgrass both make excellent sublimation printers, with different strengths. Epson’s F170 and F570 dedicated printers offer better print resolution and lower ink cost per page compared to Sawgrass SG500. Sawgrass printers include color management software and ICC profiles out of the box, making color accuracy easier for beginners. Epson wins on hardware quality and ink cost. Sawgrass wins on included software and turnkey color management. For most craft businesses, Epson offers better long-term value.
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners with a budget?
The best budget sublimation printer for beginners is the converted Epson EcoTank ET-2400. It costs around $169 plus another $25 for sublimation ink and refillables. After the initial conversion process of flushing the factory ink, the printer produces vibrant sublimation prints at about $0.05 per 8.5 x 11 transfer. For beginners who want a turnkey dedicated sublimation printer without conversion, the Brother SP1 at around $429 includes the Artspira design app and 100 sheets of sublimation paper in the box.
Final Verdict: Which Sublimation Printer Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing eight printers in this best sublimation printers roundup, our top pick is the Epson SureColor F170 ORINOKIA Bundle. It delivers the best balance of print quality, reliability, warranty coverage, and ongoing ink cost for most beginners and small business owners. The PrecisionCore printhead produces sharper detail than any EcoTank conversion, and the dedicated dye-sublimation design eliminates conversion headaches.
For pure budget buyers, the converted Epson EcoTank ET-2400 offers the lowest cost per print at $0.05 per transfer. Yes, you void the warranty and risk clogging, but for $169 plus $25 in sublimation ink, you can start a sublimation hobby and learn the craft without major upfront investment.
For professional wide-format work, the Epson SureColor F570 is the only printer in our roundup that handles 24-inch media with commercial-grade reliability. It’s expensive at $2,495, but if you’re producing 200+ transfers monthly, the Nozzle Verification Technology and roll-feed capability pay for themselves in reduced downtime.
The best sublimation printers in 2026 aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that match your volume, budget, and quality requirements. Start with the F170 if you want a turnkey solution, the ET-2400 if you’re testing the waters, or the F570 if you’re ready to scale a real sublimation business.