10 Best Sublimation Printers for Small Business in 2026: Reliable Picks for Custom Products

Choosing the right sublimation printer can make a major difference in production speed, color consistency, and startup costs. The best option depends on your product range, workspace, budget, and expected order volume.

We compared compact printers, complete starter bundles, and larger-format systems to help small businesses find a practical setup for apparel, mugs, tumblers, signage, and other sublimated products.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Small Business Picks for 2026

Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170

For a small business seeking a dependable sublimation printer for small business use, the Epson SureColor F170 combines a compact footprint with genuine Epson ink, PrecisionCore printhead technology, and support for media up to 8.5 inches wide. Its enclosed 150-sheet tray also helps streamline recurring transfer work.

Best For: Small businesses, crafters, and hobbyists who prioritize reliable color printing and a space-saving setup.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and Epson documentation.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control supports clear, detailed transfers.
• Closed 150-sheet tray helps protect paper from dust and reduces paper preparation.
• Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity with Windows and macOS.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connection is not supported.
• Print-only design does not include scanning or copying.

The F170 is a practical choice when genuine manufacturer support, tidy paper handling, and consistent small-format output matter more than oversized prints.

Best for App-Based Design – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for small business projects, especially for creators who want to design from a phone or tablet. Its Artspira integration, Wi-Fi connectivity, included starter supplies, and support for 8.5 x 11-inch media make it suited to personalized apparel and gift items.

Best For: Entrepreneurs and crafters who want app-assisted design workflows for shirts, mugs, tumblers, bags, and hats.

Pros:

• Artspira provides more than 100 sublimation designs and supports importing and saving images.
• Includes Brother Genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a sublimation-paper starter pack.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and a display screen support a convenient setup.
• Designed for durable, wash-resistant transfers on suitable polyester-coated items.

Cons:

• A heat press is required and must be purchased separately.
• Artspira must be downloaded to begin using the printer for DIY crafts.
• It is intended for sale and use in the United States at 120 volts.

Choose the SP-1 if an accessible design app and wireless workflow are central to your operation, while remembering to budget for a compatible heat press.

Best Complete Starter Kit – Epson F170 Ultimate Bundle

This Epson F170 bundle is a comprehensive sublimation printer for small business beginners who need printing and pressing equipment in one purchase. Along with the printer and CMYK ink, it includes tumbler, flat, and mini heat presses plus blanks for practicing or launching a product line.

Best For: New sublimation businesses that want multiple press formats and starter blanks without assembling a setup piece by piece.

Pros:

• Includes an Epson F170, full 140 ml CMYK ink set, maintenance tank, and a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
• Provides an automatic tumbler press, automatic 15 x 15-inch flat press, and 7 x 5-inch portable press.
• Includes tumblers and a 12-piece flat-blank starter kit for several project types.
• Offers PrecisionCore output at up to 1200 x 600 dpi.

Cons:

• The bundle is larger and more equipment-focused than a printer-only purchase.
• Some included blanks may be substituted with equal-or-greater-value items when unavailable.
• Two kitchen towel blanks are temporarily replaced with two 8-inch wind spinners according to the supplied notes.

This is the strongest fit for buyers starting from zero: it supplies the printer, three press styles, and sample blanks needed to test several product categories immediately.

Best Brother Bundle – Brother SP-1 with Starter Supplies

This Brother SP-1 package gives a small business a straightforward sublimation printer for small business production, with CMYK ink, transfer sheets, Artspira software, and multiple connection options included. It supports 8.5 x 11 and 8.5 x 14-inch paper, offering more media flexibility than a basic letter-size starter setup.

Best For: Small brands and makers wanting a Brother printer with bundled supplies, design resources, and Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml bottles of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Includes 10 Brother sublimation transfer sheets and access to Artspira with 100 designs.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity plus Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
• Handles paper sizes up to legal width and lists 1200 x 1200 resolution.

Cons:

• The bundle does not include a heat press.
• Only 10 transfer sheets are included in the starter supplies.
• The supplied listing information describes a print-only configuration.

Consider this bundle when you want a ready-to-start Brother package with useful software and consumables, while planning separately for pressing equipment and ongoing ink and paper costs.

Professional Print Quality – Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 is a strong sublimation printer for small business owners who prioritize vivid, consistent output in a compact desktop design. It prints up to 8.5″ x 14″ using SubliJet UHD CMYK inks, with a bypass tray supporting longer prints up to 8.5″ x 51″.

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

Pros:

• Professional-grade 1200 x 1200 dpi color output with rich CMYK inks.
• Compact footprint with support for standard and longer media sizes.
• Includes Wi-Fi, auto-maintenance, and access to MySawgrass design tools.
• Two-year manufacturer warranty is included.

Cons:

• Its standard maximum media size is 8.5″ x 14″, so larger projects require the bypass tray.
• The printer is designed for 110/120V US and North American outlets.

The SG500 is a practical choice for businesses that want dependable color quality and room to expand without moving to a larger-format machine.

Complete Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Starter Kit

The Brother SP-1 is a convenient sublimation printer for small business beginners who want supplies and blanks included with the printer. This starter bundle combines a compact dye-sublimation printer with CMYK ink, transfer paper, sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and software.

Best For: New crafters, Etsy sellers, artists, and entrepreneurs creating shirts, mugs, tumblers, totes, coasters, and similar products.

Pros:

• Bundle includes a full 47 ml CMYK ink set and 160 sublimation sheets.
• Includes 50 sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity plus Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
• Compact 17″ x 13.5″ x 6.3″ design fits smaller workspaces.

Cons:

• Its 600 x 600 dpi resolution is lower than the Sawgrass SG500’s listed resolution.
• The bundle is limited to print-only functionality.

For buyers who value an all-in-one launch package, the SP-1 reduces the need to source initial paper, blanks, tape, and design assets separately.

All-in-One Business Setup – 15×15 Sublimation Combo

This 15×15 sublimation printer and heat press bundle is aimed at startup businesses that need more than a printer. It combines a printer with an 8-in-1 heat press setup, pre-filled sublimation ink, and attachments for mugs, tumblers, hats, and plates.

Best For: Etsy sellers and beginners launching a custom-printing business with apparel, drinkware, hats, and plate projects.

Pros:

• Includes a 15″ x 15″ heat press and eight-in-one attachments.
• Supports mugs, 30 oz tumblers, hats, plates, and T-shirts.
• Pre-filled chipless ink system avoids cartridge switching.
• Digital temperature control reaches up to 480°F, with setup videos included.

Cons:

• This is a larger equipment bundle than a printer-only setup.
• The supplied notes do not specify the printer’s resolution, connectivity, or print speed.
• The listed warranty is one year.

This combo makes sense when the goal is to begin producing finished sublimated goods immediately, especially if you also need a heat press and multiple attachments.

Best App-Driven Starter – Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP1 is a practical sublimation printer for small business owners who want an approachable, compact setup for letter-size projects. Its Artspira app supports image importing and includes more than 100 sublimation designs, while the bundle adds four color cartridges and 100 sheets of paper. A heat press is required separately.

Best For: Beginners and small shops making apparel and other letter-size sublimation projects.

Pros:

• Artspira provides designs, image tools, and mobile-friendly creative workflows.
• Prints a sheet in up to 45 seconds, according to the supplied specifications.
• Includes four sublimation ink cartridges and 100 sheets of paper.
• Compact 13.5-by-17.1-by-6.3-inch design with USB connectivity.

Cons:

• Limited to letter-size media and a single-sheet print workflow.
• Requires a separate heat press to transfer designs.
• Artspira must be downloaded before using the printer.

The SP1 is best suited to makers who value guided app-based design and a ready-to-start bundle over larger-format production. It is a straightforward entry point, but businesses planning to produce oversized transfers should consider a wider printer.

Best for Wide-Format Production – Epson SureColor F570 Bundle

The Epson SureColor F570 is a wide-format sublimation printer for small business operations that need more room for transfers and a more production-focused workflow. It supports rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide, includes a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and cutter, and comes with professional layout and color-control software.

Best For: Established small businesses producing larger apparel, signage, and other wide sublimation transfers.

Pros:

• Accommodates media up to 24 inches wide and 100 feet long.
• Built-in cutter and 50-sheet auto-feed tray support more efficient production.
• PrecisionCore printhead and nozzle verification technology target consistent output.
• Includes a full ink set, Epson Edge Print Pro features, remote installation, and support.

Cons:

• Large 151-pound unit requires substantial workspace and a sturdy setup.
• More equipment than many entry-level makers need.
• The supplied specifications identify a 50-sheet tray rather than a high-capacity production feed.

The F570 is the strongest fit here for businesses that need wide media support and professional job handling. Its size and production-oriented feature set make it better suited to a dedicated workspace than a casual craft room.

Best Compact Complete Kit – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact sublimation printer for small business owners who want a complete, space-saving setup. The bundle includes a full set of OEM ink, two paper sizes, thermal tape, starter blanks, and an auto-feed tray, making it suitable for apparel, mugs, mousepads, and similar projects. It supports Windows and macOS, but not mobile devices.

Best For: Crafters and small businesses needing a compact desktop printer with supplies included.

Pros:

• Compact 13.7-by-14.8-by-7.4-inch design fits smaller work areas.
• Includes OEM ink, 8.5-by-11 and 8.5-by-14-inch paper, thermal tape, and starter blanks.
• 150-sheet dust-resistant auto-feed tray reduces frequent paper loading.
• Offers USB, wireless, and Ethernet connectivity with a full manufacturer warranty.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches, limiting oversized transfers.
• Mobile-device connections are not supported.
• Uses a desktop sheet-based workflow rather than wide-format roll printing.

The F170 balances a small footprint with a generous starter bundle and straightforward desktop connectivity. It is a sensible choice for a growing craft business, provided its 8.5-inch media limit matches the products you plan to sell.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Small Business

We evaluated these options based on print format, included supplies, ease of setup, ongoing ink availability, software support, and suitability for real small-business workflows. We also considered whether each package is best for beginners, occasional production, or more consistent order volume.

Printer-only packages can offer better long-term flexibility, while bundles may reduce the cost and effort of gathering compatible ink, paper, heat presses, tape, and blanks. Because bundle contents vary, confirm the exact accessories and quantities before ordering.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Prioritize	Recommended Type
First-time sellers	Simple setup and included supplies	Starter bundle
Small apparel shops	Reliable color and low operating complexity	Compact Epson, Brother, or Sawgrass model
Mugs and tumbler businesses	Compatible blanks and suitable heat equipment	Printer plus heat-press bundle
Higher-volume production	Larger paper capacity and faster workflow	Wide-format desktop printer

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Small Business

Print Size and Product Range

Compact 8.5-by-11-inch printers work well for shirts, small signs, mugs, and many beginner projects. If you plan to produce larger apparel graphics, banners, or multiple transfers at once, consider a wider-format model such as a 24-inch desktop system.

Ink, Paper, and Running Costs

Check whether the printer uses dedicated sublimation ink and whether replacement cartridges or bottles are easy to find. Included ink and paper can make a bundle attractive initially, but ongoing supply prices matter more once orders increase.

Heat-Press Compatibility

A sublimation printer is only part of the production setup. You also need a properly sized heat press and compatible blanks with a polyester coating or polyester content. Multi-press bundles can be convenient, but verify build quality, temperature control, and warranty coverage.

Software and Connectivity

Look for dependable drivers, clear color-management options, and convenient USB or wireless connectivity. Design software can be helpful for beginners, but confirm whether it is included permanently or offered as a limited trial.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Small Business?

Choose a compact Epson, Brother, or Sawgrass printer if you are testing demand, working from a small space, or producing a moderate number of customized items. A printer-and-supplies starter bundle is useful when you want to begin selling quickly without sourcing every accessory separately.

Choose a bundle with heat presses if you are building a complete gift, apparel, mug, or tumbler operation and have confirmed that the included equipment matches your products. For established businesses handling larger graphics or heavier workloads, a wide-format Epson system is the stronger long-term choice.

Before buying, calculate the total setup cost—including blanks, transfer paper, ink, presses, packaging, and ventilation—and compare it with your expected order volume. The best Sublimation Printer for Small Business is the one that supports your actual product sizes and production pace without forcing you to pay for capacity you will not use.