10 Best Sublimation Printers for Apparel Businesses in 2026: Top Picks for Every Production Level

Choosing the right sublimation printer for an apparel business means balancing print quality, production speed, running costs, workspace, and the equipment needed to transfer designs onto garments. The best option for a home-based shop may be very different from the right choice for a growing print operation.

This roundup compares 10 selected Epson, Brother, and Sawgrass printers and bundles, including compact entry-level models, wireless systems, starter kits, and larger-format equipment. Use the guide below to match your expected order volume and workflow with the most practical setup.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business Picks for 2026

Best Compact OEM Pick – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for apparel business owners who want a compact, supported setup for producing transfers up to 8.5 inches wide. It includes genuine Epson ink, a 150-sheet enclosed tray, and connections for Windows or macOS computers.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses needing a compact, reliable desktop printer for apparel and other sublimation projects.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and manufacturer support.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for detailed color output.
• Enclosed 150-sheet tray helps protect paper from dust and reduces paper handling.
• Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches, limiting larger apparel designs.
• Mobile-device connectivity is not supported.
• Heat press is required separately for finished transfers.

The F170 is a strong fit when dependable OEM support and a tidy desktop footprint matter more than oversized prints. Its 8.5-inch format is well suited to many shirts, bags, and small-business transfer workflows.

Best App-Connected Starter – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for apparel business projects, especially if you like creating designs from a mobile device. Its Artspira compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, starter ink set, and included sublimation paper make it ready for shirts, bags, mugs, and other coated items.

Best For: DIY creators and small-business users who want app-based design tools and straightforward wireless printing.

Pros:

• Artspira provides more than 100 sublimation designs and supports image importing.
• Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a starter paper pack.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and a touch-controlled display support a convenient workflow.
• Brother states that transfers are designed to withstand repeated washing on suitable polyester-coated items.

Cons:

• A heat press is required and must be purchased separately.
• Maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Use is intended for the U.S. 120-volt market; other use may affect the warranty.

The SP-1 emphasizes accessibility and creative flexibility rather than large-format production. It is a sensible starting point for apparel sellers who value Artspira and wireless, app-assisted project preparation.

Best Growth-Oriented Choice – Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer

The Sawgrass SG500 is a versatile sublimation printer for apparel business owners who need professional-grade color and room to handle varied products. It prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches, includes SubliJet UHD CMYK inks and paper, and can accommodate longer prints through its bypass tray.

Best For: Home-based entrepreneurs and small businesses producing apparel, drinkware, signage, and promotional products.

Pros:

• SubliJet UHD CMYK inks are designed for vivid, consistent color on soft and hard substrates.
• Supports media up to 8.5 x 14 inches, with bypass-tray prints up to 8.5 x 51 inches.
• MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility provide templates and color-management controls.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and automatic printhead maintenance support ongoing use.

Cons:

• Maximum standard media size is still limited to 8.5 inches wide.
• A heat press or other transfer equipment is needed separately.
• The printer is designed for standard 110/120V North American outlets.

The SG500 stands out for businesses that may expand beyond shirts into drinkware and promotional products. Its software ecosystem and media flexibility make it a capable choice for a growing catalog.

Best Expanded Brother Bundle – Brother SP-1 with CMYK Ink and Paper

This Brother SP-1 bundle is a convenient sublimation printer for apparel business owners who want extra supplies included from the start. It combines the SP-1 with four 47 ml CMYK ink bottles, 10 transfer sheets, Artspira software, and connectivity for Windows, Mac, and compatible apps.

Best For: New apparel sellers and crafters who want a bundled setup for shirts, totes, mugs, tumblers, and other sublimation products.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml each of Brother sublimation black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink.
• Includes 10 sheets of 8.5 x 11-inch sublimation paper.
• Artspira software adds 100 designs and supports project creation.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity plus 8.5 x 14-inch media.

Cons:

• The bundle includes only 10 transfer sheets, so additional supplies will be needed for regular production.
• A heat press is not included.
• Its maximum width is 8.5 inches, which limits oversized apparel graphics.

Compared with a printer-only purchase, this package reduces the number of initial supplies to source. It is especially appealing for beginners who want to test apparel and hard-substrate products with Brother’s app-based workflow.

Best for Wide-Format Apparel Shops – Epson SureColor F570

Epson Surecolor F570 24" Desktop Sublimation Printer, Includes Two Full Ink Sets, User Guide, Sublimation Paper, & Free Remote Install SCF570 (Printer & Blanks)

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If you need a sublimation printer for apparel business production, the Epson SureColor F570 is the wide-format option here. It supports rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide, includes a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter, and is designed for detailed, professional transfers.

Best For: Apparel businesses producing larger garments, repeated designs, or higher-volume wide-format work.

Pros:

• Prints on media up to 24 inches wide and 100 feet long.
• PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and Precision Droplet Control support clear output.
• Includes Epson Edge Print Pro with nesting, pattern repeats, and advanced color controls.
• Bundle includes two full ink sets, sublimation paper, a starter kit, user guide, and remote installation.

Cons:

• At 151 pounds, it is substantially less portable than compact desktop models.
• Its wide-format capabilities may be more than small crafters need.

The F570 is the strongest fit when your apparel workflow benefits from large transfers and production-oriented software. Its size and professional feature set make it better suited to a dedicated workspace than occasional home crafting.

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Best for App-Based DIY Apparel – Brother Sublimation Printer SP1

Brother Sublimation Printer, High-Speed Printing with Wireless Connectivity, and Sublimation Paper, 100 Sheets

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For a small sublimation printer for apparel business projects, the Brother SP1 emphasizes accessible design creation and wireless convenience. Its Artspira app supports image importing and ready-made designs, while printing takes up to 45 seconds per sheet and the bundle includes 100 letter-size sublimation paper sheets.

Best For: Beginners and small apparel sellers making letter-size custom garments from a phone, tablet, or computer.

Pros:

• Works with the free Artspira app for importing images and accessing sublimation designs.
• Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity support flexible setup options.
• Prints a sheet in up to 45 seconds according to the supplied product information.
• Includes 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper.

Cons:

• Maximum media size is limited to 8.5 x 11 inches.
• A heat press is required but must be purchased separately.
• Mobile-device use requires downloading the Artspira app.

The SP1 is a practical entry point for apparel customization when your designs fit letter-size transfers. Its app-centered workflow is convenient, but businesses needing larger prints or a more production-oriented setup should consider a wider-format model.

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Best Compact Starter Bundle – Epson SureColor F170

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

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The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact sublimation printer for apparel business owners who want a straightforward desktop setup. It includes a full set of OEM inks, multiple paper sizes, thermal tape, and starter blanks, while its 150-sheet enclosed tray helps keep paper protected during everyday use.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses producing compact apparel and promotional-item transfers.

Pros:

• Space-saving design measures 13.7 by 14.8 by 7.4 inches.
• Includes a full set of Epson sublimation inks, 8.5 x 11 and 8.5 x 14 paper, thermal tape, and starter blanks.
• 150-sheet dust-resistant auto-feed tray reduces paper preparation.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports detailed image output, and auto-stop ink bottles help with cleaner refills.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches, limiting transfer size.
• Mobile-device connections are not supported.
• Its compact format is better for smaller work than wide-format apparel production.

The F170 offers a well-rounded starting package for small apparel operations, especially when workspace is limited. Its included supplies reduce setup friction, but the 8.5-inch width makes it less suitable for large garment designs.

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Best App-Driven Pick – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

For creators seeking a straightforward sublimation printer for apparel business projects, the Brother SP-1 combines an Artspira-driven design workflow with four-color sublimation printing. It prints letter-size designs in as little as 45 seconds per sheet and includes ink and paper to help start a project quickly.

Best For: Beginners and small apparel businesses that want app-based design support and a compact starter setup.

Pros:

• Artspira provides access to designs and image-based creative tools.
• Includes four standard-yield CMYK sublimation ink cartridges.
• Comes with 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper.
• Supports fabric printing and smartphone-compatible control.

Cons:

• A heat press is required and must be purchased separately.
• Connectivity is listed as USB, rather than Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Its maximum media size is letter-size.

The included supplies and Artspira workflow make this a practical entry point for custom apparel projects. Consider another bundle if you need a heat press or broader included materials.

Best Complete Starter Kit – Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle

This Brother bundle is a well-equipped option for anyone comparing a sublimation printer for apparel business use. Along with the SP-1 printer and full CMYK ink set, it includes transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.

Best For: New apparel sellers who want a broad collection of consumables and blanks without sourcing each item separately.

Pros:

• Includes full 47 ml black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges.
• Provides 160 total sublimation transfer sheets.
• Includes 50 sublimation blanks and multiple rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• A heat press is not listed among the included equipment.
• The included blanks may not match every apparel business’s preferred products.
• Printing is simplex only.

With paper, blanks, tape, and design resources included, this bundle reduces the number of separate startup purchases. You will still need a compatible heat press to transfer designs onto finished items.

Best All-In-One Press Bundle – Brother SP-1 8-in-1 Press Kit

For an apparel business that needs both printing and pressing equipment, this Brother SP-1 package goes beyond a standalone sublimation printer. It combines the printer and full ink set with an 8-in-1 15-by-15-inch swing-away heat press, mug and tumbler attachments, transfer paper, blanks, tape, and design resources.

Best For: Small businesses and creative sellers making apparel, mugs, tumblers, hats, plates, and other compatible sublimation projects.

Pros:

• Includes a 15-by-15-inch 8-in-1 swing-away heat press.
• Provides attachments for hats, plates, mugs, and conical tumblers.
• Includes 56 sublimation blanks, including a six-piece mug set.
• Offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity plus full CMYK ink.

Cons:

• The larger bundle requires more workspace than a printer alone.
• The package is more equipment than a business focused only on apparel may need.
• Printing remains simplex only.

This is the most comprehensive choice of the three for launching a varied customization operation. Its included press attachments add flexibility, but they also make the bundle less streamlined for apparel-only workflows.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business

We evaluated these models for the needs of apparel-focused businesses rather than casual crafting alone. Key considerations included maximum paper or print size, included ink and transfer supplies, connectivity, setup requirements, bundle value, and suitability for different production volumes. We also separated standalone printers from bundles that include paper, blanks, design software, or heat-press equipment, since those extras can significantly affect the real startup cost.

Printer specifications and included accessories can vary by seller or package, so verify the exact contents, warranty, ink availability, and regional compatibility before ordering.

Quick Comparison

• Best compact starter: Epson SureColor F170 models are space-conscious options for smaller apparel designs and limited workspaces.
• Best for design-focused beginners: Brother SP-1 bundles add useful supplies and, in some packages, access to Artspira design software.
• Best established-brand bundle: The Sawgrass SG500 package combines the printer with ink and paper for a more straightforward launch.
• Best for larger production: The Epson SureColor F570 supports wider-format work and includes substantial starter supplies.
• Best all-in-one setup: Brother SP-1 bundles with a heat press and blanks can reduce the number of separate purchases.

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business

Print Size and Apparel Applications

Check the maximum printable area before choosing a model. Compact 8.5-by-11-inch printers work well for logos, pockets, sleeves, youth garments, and smaller panels. Wider-format printers are better suited to larger front graphics, full-width designs, and more flexible production workflows.

Ink Costs and Availability

Ink is an ongoing operating expense, so confirm cartridge or bottle pricing, expected yields, and availability. Genuine ink is generally the safest choice for consistent color and warranty support. Bundled ink lowers the initial cost but should not be the only factor in a long-term purchase decision.

Speed, Connectivity, and Workflow

Wireless connectivity can simplify placement in a shared studio, while faster print speeds matter when orders are frequent. Consider whether your workflow depends on desktop design software, mobile tools, USB connections, or network printing. A printer that is easy to maintain can save more time than one with a slightly higher advertised speed.

Complete Setup Requirements

Sublimation printing requires compatible transfer paper and a heat press in addition to the printer. Bundles with paper, tape, blanks, or a press can be convenient, but compare the quality and size of those accessories with what you would buy separately. You will also need suitable polyester garments or coated hard goods for successful transfers.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business?

Choose a compact Epson F170 or entry-level Brother model if you are testing a business, have limited space, or mainly produce small and medium apparel designs. Choose a Brother SP-1 or Sawgrass SG500 bundle if you want a guided starting point with ink, paper, software, or blanks included. Choose the Epson F570 if larger designs, higher throughput, and a wider desktop format justify the additional investment. If you want to start producing immediately, a Brother bundle with a heat press may offer the simplest complete path, provided the included press matches your garment sizes and expected workload.