10 Best Sublimation Printers for Tumblers in 2026: Top Picks for Crisp, Custom Designs

Choosing the best sublimation printer for tumblers means balancing print quality, transfer size, ink costs, and the equipment you already own. The right model can make custom drinkware projects more consistent while reducing setup headaches.

We compared 10 options, from purpose-built dye-sublimation printers to converted or bundled machines, so you can find a practical fit for personal projects, small-business orders, or larger designs.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Tumblers Picks for 2026

Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5" x 11" Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support

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The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact, purpose-built sublimation printer for tumblers, mugs, apparel, mousepads, and other compatible blanks. It includes genuine Epson ink, supports Windows and macOS, and uses a closed 150-sheet tray to help keep transfer paper clean.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses wanting an OEM sublimation setup with reliable support.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for detailed color output.
• Compact design with wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.
• Closed 150-sheet feed tray and auto-stop ink bottles simplify operation.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connectivity is not supported.
• A heat press is required to transfer designs onto tumblers.

The F170 is a strong all-around choice when print quality, genuine consumables, and manufacturer support matter more than oversized media capacity. Its compact format works well for most standard sublimation workflows.

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Best for App-Based Design – Brother SP-1

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The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for tumblers and other DIY projects, with Wi-Fi connectivity and Artspira app support. You can create or import designs, print them, and heat-transfer them onto compatible blanks; a heat press is required separately.

Best For: Makers who want an integrated mobile design workflow for customized tumblers, mugs, shirts, and bags.

Pros:

• Artspira supports importing and saving up to 20 images.
• Includes access to more than 100 sublimation designs.
• Comes with Brother Genuine CMYK ink and a starter paper pack.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and a display screen support convenient operation.

Cons:

• Requires the Artspira app to begin using the printer.
• A separate heat press is needed for transfers.
• Intended for sale and use in the United States at 120 volts.

Choose the SP-1 if design convenience is a priority. Its Artspira integration makes it approachable for beginners, while the included ink and paper help you start creating quickly.

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Best Wide-Format Value – Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer

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The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format all-in-one inkjet that can be used with standard or sublimation ink, making it a flexible option for sublimation printer for tumblers workflows. It also prints, scans, copies, and faxes, with support for media up to 11 by 17 inches.

Best For: Home offices and small businesses that need sublimation flexibility alongside everyday document and scanning functions.

Pros:

• Supports media up to 11 by 17 inches.
• Refillable EcoTank design can accommodate Epson Genuine or EcoFit ink bottles.
• Combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device.
• Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and automatic duplex printing.

Cons:

• It is an inkjet multifunction printer rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation model.
• The supplied package includes standard EcoTank ink, not a complete sublimation ink set.
• Its 26.5-pound body is less compact than the dedicated options.

The ET-15000 makes sense when one printer must handle both regular office work and larger sublimation layouts. Buyers should account for the need to obtain suitable sublimation ink and compatible transfer supplies.

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Best Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Bundle

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer with Full CMYK 47ml Ink Set, 10 Dye-Sublimation Transfer Sheets & Artspira Design Software

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This Brother SP-1 bundle is a convenient sublimation printer for tumblers because it packages the printer with a full 47 ml CMYK ink set, 10 sheets of transfer paper, and Artspira design software. It supports Windows, Mac, and app-based workflows through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Best For: New crafters and small businesses seeking an all-in-one starter package for tumblers, mugs, shirts, totes, and coasters.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml each of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Includes 10 sheets of 8.5-by-11-inch Brother sublimation paper.
• Artspira software provides 100 sublimation designs.
• Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• The included paper quantity is limited to 10 sheets.
• Maximum media size is listed as 8.5 by 14 inches.
• A separate heat press is still required for tumbler transfers.

For buyers who want fewer separate purchases, this bundle is more convenient than a printer-only package. The included consumables and software make it particularly suitable for getting a first sublimation project underway.

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Budget-Friendly Ink Tank Option – Epson EcoTank ET-2803

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is not a purpose-built sublimation printer for tumblers, but its refillable ink-tank design may appeal to crafters comparing economical color printers. It prints up to 8.5 x 14-inch media and includes scanning and copying for general home or small-office use.

Best For: Buyers who want a versatile everyday color printer with low replacement-ink costs rather than a dedicated sublimation setup.

Pros:

• Refillable EcoTank system avoids traditional small cartridges.
• Includes enough ink in the box for substantial printing, according to the supplied notes.
• Offers wireless connectivity, mobile printing, scanning, and copying.
• Prints color at up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.

Cons:

• Listed as an inkjet printer, not a dye-sublimation printer.
• Supplied print-media details focus on paper rather than sublimation transfers.
• Its maximum sheet size is smaller than a full dedicated production workflow may require.

Choose the ET-2803 for broad household functionality and refillable-ink convenience. For tumbler sublimation specifically, a purpose-built dye-sublimation model is the more directly aligned choice.

Complete Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a purpose-built sublimation printer for tumblers and other blanks, with CMYK sublimation ink, transfer paper, heat-resistant tape, and blanks included. Its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, plus Windows, Mac, and app compatibility, make it a practical entry point for new crafters.

Best For: Beginners and small creative businesses that want a ready-to-use sublimation bundle with supplies and design resources.

Pros:

• Dedicated dye-sublimation printer with a full CMYK ink set.
• Bundle includes 160 transfer sheets, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources.
• Supports hard and soft projects including metal tumblers, mugs, shirts, and totes.
• Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• Print resolution is listed at 600 x 600 dpi, below the Sawgrass option in this roundup.
• It prints only and does not include scanning or copying.
• The included blanks and paper may not match every buyer’s preferred sizes or materials.

The SP-1 stands out for convenience: the included consumables reduce the number of separate purchases needed to begin making sublimation products. It is especially attractive when a starter package matters as much as the printer itself.

Small-Business Performance Pick – Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer

The Sawgrass SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer for tumblers, drinkware, apparel, signage, and promotional products. It combines 1200 x 1200 dpi color output with SubliJet UHD CMYK inks, Wi-Fi, color-management software, and support for standard media up to 8.5 x 14 inches.

Best For: Hobbyists and small businesses that prioritize vivid output, workflow software, and room to grow.

Pros:

• Purpose-built dye-sublimation printer with professional-grade positioning.
• Includes a full 31 mL SubliJet UHD CMYK ink set and paper bundle.
• Higher listed color resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi.
• Bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 x 51 inches, while Wi-Fi and auto-maintenance support ongoing use.

Cons:

• Its standard maximum media size is 8.5 x 14 inches.
• The bundle includes paper and ink but does not list blanks or heat-resistant tape.
• It is designed for 110/120V US and North American outlets.

The SG500 is a strong fit for buyers who want a more refined sublimation workflow than a basic starter kit provides. Its higher resolution, software tools, and long-format bypass capability make it well suited to growing product lines.

Best Bundle – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Sublimation Kit

If you want a ready-to-use sublimation printer for tumblers and other craft blanks, the Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle is a strong starting point. It includes the printer, a full CMYK ink set, 310 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, design resources, and a tool set, helping reduce the need for separate starter purchases.

Best For: Hobbyists, personalized-project creators, and small businesses that want an all-in-one sublimation setup.

Pros:

• Includes full 47 mL cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink bottles.
• Comes with 50 sublimation blanks, 310 sheets of paper, tape, and tools.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and works with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira app.
• Supports media up to legal size, including 8.5 x 14-inch sheets.

Cons:

• The bundle is larger than a basic printer-only purchase, so it may be more than beginners need.
• It is a print-only device without scanning or copying functions.

The Brother SP-1 stands out when convenience matters. Its included blanks, consumables, and design resources make it easier to move from setup to finished tumbler transfers, while wireless and Ethernet connectivity add flexibility for home crafting or small-business workflows.

Best All-in-One – Pinckney Cartridge-Free Sublimation Printer

For shoppers seeking a sublimation printer for tumblers that also handles everyday scanning and copying, this Pinckney cartridge-free bundle offers a versatile alternative. It includes an all-in-one printer with refillable tanks and sublimation ink, plus wireless connectivity and support for multiple paper sizes.

Best For: Home users and crafters who want sublimation printing alongside scanning and copying.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free super-tank design includes black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Built-in scanner and copier add functionality beyond printing.
• Supports Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and a wide range of paper sizes, including legal and long media up to 8.5 x 47.2 inches.
• Advertises resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.

Cons:

• The included printer is a converted ET-2800 or ET-2803, rather than a purpose-built sublimation model.
• It has a smaller 100-sheet capacity and slower listed color speed than some dedicated options.
• Regular nozzle checks and printhead alignment may be needed if print quality issues occur.

This Pinckney bundle is appealing if you value flexibility and refillable ink tanks. Its scanner and copier make it useful around the home, while the included sublimation ink supports heat-transfer projects; however, buyers should be comfortable with the maintenance typical of converted inkjet systems.

Best Dedicated Option – Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer

The Epson SureColor F170 is a dedicated sublimation printer for tumblers and other compatible blanks, with a compact design and an included starter package. It comes with genuine Epson sublimation inks, paper in two sizes, thermal tape, and a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for more organized transfer printing.

Best For: Crafters and small-business users who prioritize a dedicated Epson workflow and genuine OEM supplies.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and Epson’s manufacturer warranty.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control is designed for clear image output.
• Closed 150-sheet dust-resistant paper tray helps streamline feeding and paper storage.
• Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity and works with macOS and Windows.

Cons:

• Mobile-device connectivity is not supported.
• Maximum media width is listed as 8.5 inches.
• The bundle is focused on printing and does not include scanning or copying functions.

The F170 is a sensible pick for users who want a purpose-built sublimation machine rather than a converted all-in-one printer. Its OEM ink, enclosed paper tray, auto-stop bottles, and starter supplies support a cleaner, more structured workflow, though mobile printing is not an option.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Tumblers

We focused on printers that can produce dye-sublimation transfers suitable for coated tumblers, while considering print size, included supplies, connectivity, operating costs, software, and ease of setup. We also included starter and deluxe bundles because blanks, transfer paper, tape, and ink can significantly affect the real cost of getting started.

Purpose-built models generally offer the simplest path to reliable sublimation, while EcoTank-style and cartridge-free options may appeal to buyers seeking multifunction printing or a lower initial price. Always confirm that a model is configured for sublimation ink before printing transfers.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Prioritize	Models to Consider
Beginners	Simple setup and included supplies	Brother SP-1 bundles, Epson F170 kits
Compact workspaces	Small footprint and standard transfer size	Epson SureColor F170, Brother SP-1
Large designs	Wide-format capability	Epson ET-15000
Multifunction use	Scanning, copying, and general printing	Epson ET-2803, ET-15000, Pinckney
Established craft businesses	Color workflow and dependable support	Sawgrass SG500, Epson F170

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Tumblers

Transfer Size and Tumbler Coverage

Most tumbler designs are printed as a wrap, so usable transfer dimensions matter more than the printer’s overall resolution. Standard letter-size printing works for many 20-ounce and smaller projects, but wide-format capability gives you more flexibility for larger wraps and oversized artwork.

Ink System and Running Costs

Check whether the printer includes genuine sublimation ink, starter cartridges, or a full refill set. Compare ink capacity and availability, not just the purchase price. A low-cost printer can become expensive if replacement ink is difficult to source or produces inconsistent color.

Color Management and Software

Accurate color depends on the printer, ink, paper, design software, and heat-press settings working together. Purpose-built systems may provide clearer profiles or dedicated software. Look for wireless connectivity if you design from a laptop, tablet, or phone, but do not treat wireless printing as a substitute for proper color settings.

Heat-Transfer Workflow

A printer is only one part of the process. You will also need sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape, a compatible tumbler coating, and a tumbler press or convection-based heating method. Bundles can be useful for beginners, but verify the quality and dimensions of every included blank.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Tumblers?

Choose a compact purpose-built printer if you want the most straightforward setup for occasional tumbler projects or a small craft business. Choose a bundle if you need blanks and consumables immediately and prefer one purchase over sourcing accessories separately.

Choose a wide-format multifunction model if you need larger wraps, scanning, copying, or everyday office printing. Choose a cartridge-free or converted-style option only after confirming its sublimation configuration, warranty terms, supported ink, and maintenance requirements.

For the best results, match the printer’s maximum paper size to your largest tumbler wrap, use compatible coated blanks, and keep a repeatable heat and color-management workflow.