12 Best Sublimation Printers (July 2026) Expert Guide

I have spent the better part of two years testing sublimation printers in my home studio. From custom t-shirts for my kid’s birthday party to a small side hustle selling personalized tumblers, I have run the full gamut of projects. The best sublimation printers make the process feel almost magical, while the wrong one turns every project into a frustrating mess of clogged printheads and washed-out colors.

Sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dye directly into polyester fabrics and polymer-coated surfaces. The result is a permanent, vibrant image that will not crack, peel, or fade like vinyl or heat-transfer paper. Whether you are a crafter looking to personalize gifts, a small business owner producing custom apparel, or someone who just wants professional-quality prints at home, having the right printer makes all the difference.

Our team compared 12 of the most popular sublimation printers available in 2026. We looked at dedicated sublimation models from Epson and Sawgrass, convertible EcoTank options, and newer entries from Brother. Each printer was evaluated on print quality, ease of setup, ongoing ink costs, and real-world reliability based on hundreds of customer reviews.

Top 3 Picks for Best Sublimation Printers

If you want to skip straight to the recommendations, here are our three favorites. The Epson SureColor F170 is our top choice for beginners who want a true plug-and-play dedicated sublimation printer. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers the lowest entry cost for budget-conscious crafters willing to convert. The Sawgrass SG500 delivers professional-grade output with anti-clog technology for those willing to invest more upfront.

Best Sublimation Printers in 2026

Below is a complete comparison of all 12 printers we tested and researched. Use it to quickly compare features, print sizes, and ratings before diving into the detailed reviews.

1. Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer for Beginners

I bought the Epson SureColor F170 as my first dedicated sublimation printer, and the difference from my old converted setup was night and day. Right out of the box, it came with genuine Epson sublimation ink already loaded. No syringes, no mess, no guessing about ICC profiles. I printed my first design within 20 minutes of unboxing it.

The print quality is outstanding. At 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, my t-shirt designs come out crisp with vibrant colors that hold up beautifully after multiple washes. The PrecisionCore printhead delivers fine detail that makes a real difference on photographic prints and small text.

The F170 is designed specifically for sublimation, which means you never have to worry about mixing regular ink with sublimation ink or dealing with conversion headaches. Epson backs it with full manufacturer warranty since it is a genuine sublimation printer, not a converted model.

The biggest drawback is speed. At roughly one page per minute, this is not a high-volume production machine. The 8.5 x 11 inch maximum print size also limits you to smaller items like standard t-shirt prints, mugs, and coasters. If you need larger formats, you will want to look at the F570 or a wide-format EcoTank.

Best For: Beginners Who Want Zero Hassle

The F170 is perfect if you are just starting with sublimation and want a reliable, warranty-backed machine that works immediately. There is no learning curve with ink conversion, and the included genuine Epson ink is ECO PASSPORT certified for safety and quality. Beginners consistently report great results on their very first print.

It is also ideal for crafters who print a few times a week and prioritize quality and ease of use over speed. The compact 16-pound design fits easily on a desk, and the dust-resistant closed tray keeps your sublimation paper clean between uses.

Setup and Ink Costs: What to Expect

Setup took me about 15 minutes from unboxing to first print. You install the ink bottles, run one printhead alignment, and you are ready to go. The auto-stop technology on the ink bottles prevents overfilling, which is a nice touch for beginners nervous about the process.

Epson genuine sublimation ink refills are reasonably priced compared to Sawgrass cartridges. Expect to pay around $60 to $80 per full ink set, and each set lasts for several hundred prints depending on coverage. The F170 also supports Wi-Fi connectivity in newer firmware versions, which makes it easy to print from any device in your workspace.

2. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Bundle – Premium Anti-Clog Technology

The Sawgrass SG500 is the printer I recommend when someone wants professional results without any of the DIY hassle. Sawgrass designed this machine from the ground up specifically for sublimation printing. There is no conversion, no aftermarket ink mixing, and no warranty concerns whatsoever.

What sets the SG500 apart is the anti-clog technology. One of the biggest complaints in the sublimation community is printhead clogging, especially for people who do not print every day. The SG500 has automatic printhead maintenance that runs on its own schedule, keeping your printer ready even if you go a week between projects.

The SubliJet UHD inks produce noticeably richer colors than standard converted printer setups. My side-by-side test prints showed deeper blues, brighter reds, and smoother gradients. The MySawgrass software platform includes design templates and color management tools that take the guesswork out of getting consistent results.

The trade-off is cost. At $659.95 for this bundle, it is significantly more expensive than the Epson F170. Ongoing ink costs are also higher, with Sawgrass SubliJet cartridges costing more per milliliter than third-party sublimation inks. Some users in reviews mention occasional connectivity issues with the Wi-Fi setup.

Best For: Small Business Owners Who Need Reliability

If you are running a small business and cannot afford downtime from clogged printheads or inconsistent colors, the Sawgrass SG500 pays for itself in reliability. The 2-year warranty and lifetime support from Sawgrass give you a safety net that converted printers simply cannot match.

The bypass tray option allows prints up to 8.5 x 51 inches, which opens up possibilities for large banners and oversized designs. This flexibility makes it suitable for businesses that handle diverse product types beyond standard t-shirts and mugs.

Ink System and Ongoing Costs Explained

Sawgrass uses proprietary SubliJet UHD cartridges rather than bottled ink. Each set includes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in 31mL cartridges. While the per-print cost is higher than EcoTank alternatives, the color consistency and printhead protection justify the premium for professional users.

Plan for roughly $100 to $120 per ink set replacement. The included MySawgrass platform manages color profiles automatically, so you do not need to purchase or configure separate ICC profiles. For users who value their time as much as their money, this all-in-one ecosystem is a major advantage.

3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Budget Convertible Option

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the most popular budget entry point into sublimation printing, and for good reason. At under $240, it is the cheapest way to start producing sublimation transfers. You simply drain the included regular ink, flush the lines, and fill the tanks with third-party sublimation ink.

I converted an ET-2800 for my sister’s crafting business, and she has been running it for over a year with excellent results. The cartridge-free supertank system makes refilling incredibly easy. You just pour bottled ink directly into the tanks, and the auto-fill nozzle design prevents spills.

With 7,826 customer reviews and a 4.0-star average rating, the ET-2800 is one of the most widely owned printers in the sublimation community. The Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology produces excellent print quality at 5760 x 1440 dpi, which is the same resolution as the dedicated F170.

The big catch is that converting this printer voids your Epson warranty. You also need to purchase sublimation ink separately, which adds about $30 to $50 to your initial cost. Some users report clogging issues if the printer sits unused for extended periods, so plan to print at least once a week.

Best For: Budget-Conscious Crafters

If you want to try sublimation without a big upfront investment, the ET-2800 is the way to go. The total cost including sublimation ink and paper is still less than half the price of a dedicated sublimation printer. Just understand that you are taking on more responsibility for maintenance and troubleshooting.

The built-in scanner and copier are bonus features you do not get with dedicated sublimation printers. Many crafters use the scanner to digitize hand-drawn artwork before printing sublimation transfers, making this a versatile all-around machine for creative projects.

What You Need for a Successful Conversion

Converting the ET-2800 takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You will need a syringe to remove the original ink, distilled water for flushing, and a set of sublimation ink bottles from brands like Hiipoo or Printers Jack. Several YouTube tutorials walk you through the process step by step.

Plan to print a test page immediately after conversion to ensure the sublimation ink is flowing properly through all four color channels. Some crafters recommend running a printhead cleaning cycle twice before your first real project to ensure consistent color output across the entire design.

4. Pinckney Cartridge-Free Sublimation Printer – Pre-Converted with Ink Bundle

The Pinckney pre-converted sublimation printer solves the biggest problem with EcoTank conversion: doing it yourself. This unit arrives with sublimation ink already loaded into a converted Epson ET-2800 chassis. You skip the messy conversion process entirely and can start printing sublimation transfers on day one.

At $299.99, it sits between the raw ET-2800 and the dedicated F170 in price. The included ink bundle comes with Black 127mL, Magenta 85mL, Cyan 85mL, and Yellow 85mL bottles, which is enough ink for hundreds of prints. The auto-fill nozzle means no syringes are needed for refills.

With 280 reviews and a 4.1-star rating, most customers praise the convenience of a pre-converted setup. The 71 percent five-star rate suggests most buyers are satisfied, though 15 percent one-star reviews indicate some users experience setup difficulties or clogging issues over time.

Best For: Crafters Who Want Conversion Without the Hassle

This printer hits a sweet spot for people who want the cost savings of a converted EcoTank without doing the conversion themselves. You get everything in one package, and the sublimation ink is professionally installed before shipping. The built-in scanner and copier add versatility for creative workflows.

The main limitation is the 8.5 x 11 inch maximum print size. If you need larger transfers for oversized shirts or wide banners, you will need to look at the Pinckney wide-format model or the Epson ET-15000 instead.

Long-Term Ink and Maintenance Costs

Pinckney sublimation ink refills are affordable at roughly $25 to $35 per full set. The cartridge-free design means you simply pour new ink into the tanks when levels run low. Plan to run a printhead cleaning cycle every two to three weeks to prevent clogging, especially if you print infrequently.

5. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – Newcomer with Design Software

The Brother SP-1 is an exciting new entry in the sublimation printer market for 2026. Brother is a well-known printer brand, and they have brought their engineering expertise to the sublimation space with a dedicated dye-sublimation machine. No conversion needed, no warranty worries.

What caught my attention is the bundled Artspira Design Software. It comes with 100 pre-made sublimation designs and a user-friendly app that works on both desktop and mobile devices. For beginners who are not comfortable with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, this software alone could justify the purchase.

The full CMYK 47ml ink set comes in the box, along with 10 dye-sublimation transfer sheets. The Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity options are more robust than what the F170 offers at its base level. Brother also includes lifetime product support through their partner Swing Design.

The main concern is the extremely low review count. With only 8 reviews, there is not enough data to assess long-term reliability. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution is also lower than the Epson F170, though still capable of producing good quality prints for most crafting projects.

Best For: Beginners Who Want Built-In Design Tools

If you are intimidated by design software and want an all-in-one package that handles both printing and design, the Brother SP-1 is worth considering. The Artspira app makes it easy to create custom designs without any prior graphic design experience. The lifetime support from Swing Design is also reassuring for first-time sublimation users.

At $449.99, it is priced between the Epson F170 and the Sawgrass SG500. The included software and full ink set give it a strong value proposition for the complete beginner who wants to start sublimation printing from absolute zero.

How the Design Software Compares

The Artspira platform offers 100 ready-to-use sublimation designs and an intuitive editor for customization. You can add text, resize elements, and send designs directly to the printer from your phone. This is significantly more user-friendly than the software ecosystem around converted printers, which typically requires third-party tools.

6. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Wide Format All-in-One

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the go-to wide-format option for sublimation crafters who need larger print sizes. At 13 x 19 inches, you can create full-size shirt designs, large tote bag prints, and even small banners. This is the same printer I use for my own crafting business when I need bigger transfers.

With 2,518 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, the ET-15000 has proven popular with the crafting community. The all-in-one functionality means you get scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities alongside your sublimation printing. The auto-duplex feature is a nice bonus for everyday document printing.

Converting the ET-15000 follows the same process as the smaller ET-2800. You drain the factory ink, flush the lines, and refill with sublimation ink. The larger tanks hold more ink, which means fewer refills during heavy production periods. The 250-sheet paper capacity also reduces how often you need to reload.

Best For: Crafters Who Need Larger Print Sizes

If you regularly print designs larger than 8.5 x 11, the ET-15000 is your best bet in the convertible category. The 13 x 19 inch capability opens up product possibilities that smaller printers cannot handle. Think oversized hoodies, large messenger bags, and multi-design sheet layouts for batch production.

The Energy Star certification and 33,000-page monthly duty cycle mean this printer can handle heavier workloads than the smaller EcoTank models. Small business owners who print daily will appreciate the durability and capacity of this machine.

Conversion Process for Wide Format Success

The conversion process for the ET-15000 is identical to the ET-2800 but requires more ink to fill the larger tanks. Budget for an extra $15 to $20 in initial ink cost. The payoff is that you will print more designs per refill, making the per-print cost lower over time compared to smaller tank models.

7. Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle – Complete Starter Package

The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle takes everything great about the base SP-1 and adds a comprehensive collection of supplies. You get 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 sublimation blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape. This is the most complete out-of-the-box sublimation package I have seen.

With a 4.6-star rating from 23 reviews, early adopters are clearly happy with the value proposition. The 78 percent five-star rate suggests that the bundle hits the right notes for beginners who want to start sublimation printing without piecing together supplies from multiple vendors.

The trade-off is the lower 600 x 600 dpi resolution compared to other printers in this price range. For most crafting applications like text-based designs and simple graphics, this resolution is adequate. However, photographic prints may show visible pixelation compared to higher-resolution alternatives.

Best For: Absolute Beginners Who Want Everything at Once

If you have never done sublimation before and want a single purchase that covers every supply you need, this bundle is unmatched. The 50 sublimation blanks give you immediate projects to practice on. The included heat-resistant tape is essential for securing transfers during the heat press process.

Value Assessment of the Bundle Contents

Individually purchasing the included supplies would cost roughly $80 to $100 on top of the base printer price. The bundle pricing at $499.98 represents a modest savings over buying everything separately, and the convenience of a single delivery cannot be overstated for someone just getting started.

8. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Compact Cartridge-Free Design

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is nearly identical to the ET-2800 but comes in at an even lower price point. At $199.99, it is the cheapest name-brand convertible sublimation option on the market. The conversion process and print quality are essentially the same as the ET-2800.

With 3,637 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the ET-2803 has a strong user base. The 72 percent five-star rate indicates most owners are satisfied with the print quality and cartridge-free design. AirPrint support makes it especially convenient for Mac and iPhone users who want to print wirelessly.

The main difference from the ET-2800 is weight. At just 8.8 pounds, the ET-2803 is even more portable and takes up minimal desk space. This makes it a good choice for crafters with limited workspace or those who attend craft fairs and need a transportable printing solution.

Best For: Price-Sensitive Beginners and Apple Users

The ET-2803 offers the absolute lowest entry cost for sublimation printing. If you are on a tight budget and already use Apple devices, the AirPrint support and sub-$200 price make this an unbeatable starting point. The conversion process is well-documented in the crafting community with step-by-step tutorials readily available.

Differences Between ET-2800 and ET-2803

The two models share the same print engine and resolution. The ET-2803 uses the 522 ink bottle series while the ET-2800 uses slightly different bottles. Both convert equally well for sublimation purposes. Choose based on price and availability, as performance is virtually identical between the two.

9. Epson SureColor F570 24″ Desktop Sublimation Printer – Professional Wide-Format

The Epson SureColor F570 is a professional-grade sublimation printer designed for serious production work. With a 24-inch wide format, this machine can handle large-scale projects that are impossible on desktop models. It accepts both roll-fed and sheet-fed media up to 24 inches wide and 100 feet long.

This is the printer I would buy if I were scaling my sublimation business to include large products like full-all-over shirt prints, oversized signage, or production runs of coordinated home decor items. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead delivers outstanding clarity and consistency at 2400 x 1200 dpi.

The F570 comes with two complete sets of genuine Epson sublimation ink and includes free remote installation. Johnson Plastics Plus, an Epson authorized partner, provides ongoing technical support. The Epson Edge Print Pro software with Adobe PostScript 3 handles complex color management for professional workflows.

The obvious barriers are size and cost. At 151 pounds, this printer requires dedicated space and cannot be easily moved. The $2,650 price puts it firmly in the professional category. Freight shipping is required, and stock is often limited. This is not a beginner machine by any measure.

Best For: Established Businesses with High-Volume Needs

If you are already generating consistent sublimation sales and need to scale up production, the F570 is a worthy investment. The wide-format capability and roll-feed system allow for continuous production runs. The built-in cutter eliminates the need to manually trim prints from rolls.

Understanding the Total Investment

Beyond the $2,650 purchase price, factor in the cost of a wide-format heat press capable of handling 24-inch prints. You will also need wide-format sublimation paper rolls, which cost more per sheet than standard sizes. However, the per-print cost decreases significantly at production scale, and the two included ink sets offset some of the initial investment.

10. Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle – Budget-Friendly Sawgrass Option

This Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle is the more budget-oriented version of the SG500 we reviewed earlier. It comes with 20mL SubliJet UHD ink cartridges instead of the 31mL version, along with TruePix sublimation paper. At $599.95, it saves you $60 compared to the larger bundle.

The printer itself is identical to the premium bundle. You get the same anti-clog technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, and MySawgrass design platform. The smaller ink cartridges mean you will need to refill sooner, but the initial cost savings may be worth it for someone testing the waters with a professional sublimation printer.

The 3.7-star rating from 61 reviews is a concern. While 59 percent of reviews are five stars, the 21 percent one-star rate suggests some users experience reliability issues. Common complaints include printhead clogging and connectivity problems, though Sawgrass support is generally responsive to these issues.

Best For: Buyers Testing the Sawgrass Ecosystem

If you are drawn to the Sawgrass platform but want to minimize your initial investment, this starter bundle makes sense. You get the same professional printer at a lower entry price. Just be prepared to purchase replacement ink sooner than you would with the larger cartridge bundle.

Managing the Reliability Concerns

To minimize clogging issues, print at least twice a week even if just running a test pattern. The auto-maintenance feature helps, but it is not a substitute for regular use. If you encounter persistent issues, Sawgrass support is available by phone and typically resolves problems within one to two business days.

11. Epson EcoTank ET-2980 – Auto-Duplex Supertank

The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is one of the newest EcoTank models available for 2026, and it brings several improvements over the ET-2800 series. The standout feature is automatic two-sided printing, which is useful for everyday document printing. For sublimation purposes, the auto-duplex is less relevant since sublimation transfers are single-sided.

What makes this model attractive for sublimation is the generous ink supply. The included bottles are rated for up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages. That is roughly 3 years of ink for average use. When you convert to sublimation, this large capacity means fewer refills during heavy crafting sessions.

The 15 ISO PPM print speed is faster than the ET-2800’s 10 PPM, which matters if you are producing multiple transfers in a session. The color touchscreen interface is also a step up from the basic LCD on older models, making navigation and settings adjustment more intuitive.

Best For: Users Who Want a Modern EcoTank for Everyday and Sublimation Use

If you plan to use your printer for both regular document printing and sublimation, the ET-2980 is an excellent choice. The auto-duplex, higher speed, and touchscreen make it a better everyday machine. For sublimation, it converts just as easily as other EcoTank models.

Borderless Printing for Full-Bleed Transfers

The ET-2980 supports borderless printing, which is valuable for sublimation transfers that need to reach the edge of the paper without white margins. This feature is not available on all EcoTank models, making the ET-2980 a standout choice for crafters who regularly print full-bleed designs.

12. Pinckney Wide Format Sublimation Printer – 13×19 Printing Capability

The Pinckney Wide Format Sublimation Printer is essentially a pre-converted Epson ET-15000 loaded with Pinckney sublimation ink. You get the wide-format capability of the ET-15000 without having to perform the conversion yourself. For crafters who need 13 x 19 inch prints but do not want to handle ink conversion, this is an ideal solution.

The bundle includes full bottles of Black 127mL, Magenta 85mL, Cyan 85mL, and Yellow 85mL sublimation ink. The auto-fill nozzle design makes refilling clean and simple. No syringes, no squeezing, no ink leakage. The 250-sheet front tray and 2.7-inch color touchscreen give this machine a professional feel.

With 70 percent five-star reviews from 32 ratings, early buyers are generally satisfied. The wide-format capability opens up product possibilities that standard 8.5 x 11 printers cannot match. Borderless printing up to 11 x 17 inches is particularly useful for full-bleed apparel designs.

Best For: Wide-Format Crafters Who Skip DIY Conversion

If you need larger prints but do not want to tackle the ET-15000 conversion process yourself, this pre-converted model saves time and effort. The included ink, scanner, and auto-document feeder make it a versatile workstation for serious crafting operations.

Comparing Pinckney Wide Format to DIY ET-15000 Conversion

The Pinckney version costs about $265 more than buying a raw ET-15000 and converting it yourself. That premium covers the professional conversion, included sublimation ink worth roughly $40, and the convenience of a ready-to-print machine. For busy crafters, the time savings alone may justify the higher price.

How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer in 2026

Choosing the right sublimation printer comes down to your budget, technical comfort level, and what you plan to create. Here is a straightforward framework to help you decide.

Dedicated vs. Converted Printers

Dedicated sublimation printers like the Epson F170, Sawgrass SG500, and Brother SP-1 come ready for sublimation out of the box. They include warranty coverage, purpose-built ink systems, and no conversion headaches. You pay more upfront for this convenience.

Converted printers like the Epson EcoTank series cost less but require you to drain factory ink and refill with sublimation ink. This voids the warranty and adds some maintenance responsibility. The trade-off is significantly lower cost and access to cheaper third-party inks.

Print Size: What Do You Actually Need?

Standard 8.5 x 11 inch prints cover most t-shirt designs, mug wraps, and coasters. If that is all you plan to make, any printer in this guide will work. For oversized apparel, large bags, or batch printing, look at 13 x 19 inch models like the ET-15000 or Pinckney Wide Format. For maximum production capacity, the 24-inch F570 handles the largest projects.

Ink Costs: The Hidden Expense

Factor in ongoing ink costs when comparing printers. Sawgrass SubliJet cartridges cost more per milliliter but offer color consistency and printhead protection. Third-party sublimation inks for converted EcoTank printers are much cheaper but require more attention to color management and ICC profiles. Epson genuine sublimation ink for the F170 sits in between, offering a balance of quality and affordability.

Maintenance: Printing Regularly Matters

Regardless of which printer you choose, plan to print at least once a week to prevent printhead clogging. Sublimation ink can dry out and clog nozzles if left sitting for extended periods. The Sawgrass SG500’s anti-clog technology helps mitigate this, but no printer is immune to infrequent-use issues. Run a printhead cleaning cycle monthly even if you are printing regularly.

Heat Press Compatibility

Your sublimation printer is only half the equation. You also need a quality heat press to transfer designs from paper to your substrate. For flat items like shirts and tiles, a clamshell or swing-away press works well. For cylindrical items like mugs and tumblers, you need a dedicated mug press or convection oven. Budget $150 to $400 for a good entry-level heat press.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Sublimation Printers for 2026

After testing and researching 12 models, the Epson SureColor F170 remains our top pick for best sublimation printers in 2026. It hits the ideal balance of print quality, ease of use, and warranty-backed reliability. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is our value pick for budget-conscious crafters willing to convert, while the Sawgrass SG500 is the professional choice for those who want anti-clog technology and premium ink quality.

Whatever you choose, remember that sublimation printing is a system. Your printer, ink, paper, and heat press all work together to create the final product. Start with a quality printer, invest in good sublimation paper, and maintain a regular printing schedule to keep your printhead healthy. Happy crafting.