10 Best Sublimation Printers of 2026 for Custom Shirts, Mugs, and More

Choosing among today’s sublimation printers means balancing print quality, operating cost, transfer size, and how much equipment comes in the box. The right model can make custom shirts, mugs, tumblers, and gifts easier to produce consistently.

This roundup compares compact purpose-built machines, converted-style tank printers, and complete starter bundles so you can match your purchase to your workspace, project volume, and experience level.

Best 10 Sublimation Printers Picks for 2026

Best Compact Pick – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a purpose-built option for shoppers comparing sublimation printers for small-format transfers. Its compact design, included genuine Epson ink, 150-sheet enclosed tray, and Windows/Mac support make it a practical fit for home crafting and small production work.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses that need reliable 8.5-inch-wide sublimation printing.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and manufacturer support.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control is designed for clear, detailed output.
• Enclosed 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps reduce paper handling and dust exposure.
• Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is limited to 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connectivity is not supported.
• Designed for printing only rather than scanning or copying.

The F170 stands out when compact size, genuine consumables, and a straightforward desktop workflow matter most. It is a focused sublimation printer rather than a multifunction machine, so confirm that its 8.5-inch format matches your projects.

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

The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly choice among sublimation printers for creators who want an app-assisted design workflow. Artspira supports saved images and ready-made designs, while the printer produces color transfers for projects such as shirts, mugs, bags, and hats.

Best For: DIY crafters who want Wi-Fi printing and a guided Artspira-based project workflow.

Pros:

• Artspira provides access to sublimation designs and image-import tools.
• Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a starter paper pack.
• Supports Wi-Fi connectivity and is designed for fast custom projects.
• Two-year limited warranty is listed in the product details.

Cons:

• Artspira must be downloaded to begin using the printer’s design workflow.
• A heat press is required and sold separately.
• Product is intended for sale and use in the United States at 120 volts.

The SP-1 is appealing if convenience and app-based creation are higher priorities than advanced print controls. Its included ink and starter paper reduce the initial setup burden, but budget separately for a heat press and project blanks.

Best Multifunction Option – Epson EcoTank ET-15000

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format all-in-one inkjet printer that may suit shoppers considering sublimation printers alongside everyday office needs. It offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, plus 11-by-17-inch media support and refillable ink tanks.

Best For: Users who need a multifunction, wide-format printer and may use standard or sublimation ink.

Pros:

• Combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one machine.
• Supports media up to 11 by 17 inches.
• Refillable EcoTank design can reduce reliance on traditional cartridges.
• Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity with automatic duplex printing.

Cons:

• It is an inkjet all-in-one rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
• Its larger 26.5-pound body takes more workspace than compact options.
• Use for sublimation requires verifying compatible ink and transfer-media requirements.

The ET-15000 makes the most sense when office versatility and wider media handling are essential. For dedicated sublimation production, compare it carefully with purpose-built models and confirm the intended ink setup before buying.

Best Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle

This Brother SP-1 bundle is a convenient entry point for shoppers comparing sublimation printers because it pairs the printer with supplies for getting started. Along with a full CMYK ink set, it includes transfer sheets, blanks, heat-resistant tape, design resources, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.

Best For: New crafters and small businesses that want a broader sublimation starter package.

Pros:

• Includes Brother SP-1 printer and a full set of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks.
• Provides 160 total sublimation transfer sheets, including 150 ProSub sheets and 10 Brother sheets.
• Includes 50 sublimation blanks and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Offers Artspira resources, design cards, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• The bundle’s listed print resolution is 600 by 600 dpi.
• A heat press is not listed as included, so one may need to be purchased separately.
• The bundle adds supplies that may be unnecessary for shoppers who already have blanks and paper.

The main advantage here is convenience: the included consumables and blanks can shorten the path from setup to first project. It is especially attractive for beginners, while experienced users should compare the bundle price against the value of its included supplies.

Best Budget EcoTank – Epson ET-2803

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a practical choice for home users who want an affordable alternative to cartridge-based printing. While it is not a purpose-built sublimation printer, its refillable ink tanks, 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution, wireless connectivity, and scanning and copying functions make it a versatile everyday printer for compatible projects and general documents.

Best For: Home, school, and office users seeking low-cost, refillable color printing with all-in-one functionality.

Pros:

• Refillable tanks can print up to 4,500 black or 7,500 color pages with replacement ink.
• Includes up to two years of ink in the box.
• Provides high-resolution color printing plus scanning and copying.
• Supports Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and the Epson Smart Panel app.

Cons:

• It is a standard inkjet rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
• Color print speed is rated at 5 pages per minute.
• Uses Epson 522 ink and Epson recommends genuine ink.

The ET-2803 stands out for its low running costs and flexible home-office features. Choose it for everyday color printing and budget-conscious use, but consider a dedicated sublimation model when transfer printing is your primary goal.

Best Dedicated Sublimation Pick – Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 is the most purpose-built option here for sublimation printers shoppers. It uses CMYK SubliJet UHD inks, includes sublimation paper, and supports prints up to 8.5 by 14 inches, with its bypass tray extending print length to 51 inches for select projects.

Best For: Hobbyists, home-based entrepreneurs, and small businesses making customized apparel, drinkware, signage, and promotional products.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for dye-sublimation printing.
• Includes 31 mL CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and paper.
• Prints on media up to 8.5 by 14 inches, or up to 8.5 by 51 inches through the bypass tray.
• Offers Wi-Fi, print-head auto-maintenance, and access to MySawgrass software.

Cons:

• Maximum standard media size is smaller than larger-format sublimation printers.
• Uses simplex printing rather than duplex printing.
• Designed for 110/120V US and North American outlets.

For actual sublimation work, the SG500 is the clearest fit in this roundup. Its dedicated inks, included paper, software tools, and extended bypass-tray capacity make it well suited to both learning and small-scale production.

Best Newer Home EcoTank – Epson ET-2903

The Epson EcoTank ET-2903 is a compact all-in-one inkjet for users comparing sublimation printers with general-purpose home models. Its refillable tanks, 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution, 11 ppm black print speed, and mobile printing support make it convenient for routine color printing, though it is not marketed as a dedicated dye-sublimation machine.

Best For: Home users who want low-maintenance color printing, scanning, and copying in a compact workspace.

Pros:

• Includes enough ink for up to three years, according to the supplied product information.
• Refillable tanks can print up to 3,600 black or 6,500 color pages.
• Offers an 11 black/6 color ISO ppm rating and a 100-sheet tray.
• Supports the Epson Smart Panel app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria services.

Cons:

• It is an inkjet all-in-one, not a dedicated sublimation printer.
• Its standard paper tray holds 100 sheets.
• Uses Epson 522 ink, with genuine Epson ink recommended.

The ET-2903 is a strong everyday printer when convenience, low refill costs, and a compact design matter most. For sublimation projects specifically, the Sawgrass SG500 is the more direct choice.

Best Starter Kit – Complete Sublimation Printer Bundle

This all-in-one option is a practical entry point for shoppers comparing sublimation printers. It includes the printer, sublimation ink, and paper, so beginners can start making transfers for shirts, mugs, ceramics, metals, and other compatible substrates without sourcing the basic supplies separately.

Best For: Beginners who want a straightforward sublimation printing starter bundle for occasional home crafting.

Pros:

• Includes printer, dye sublimation ink, and sublimation paper.
• Supports color transfers for fabrics, ceramics, metals, and more.
• Offers USB connectivity and compatibility with Windows and Mac.
• Includes a user manual for guided setup.

Cons:

• Has a relatively short 30-day warranty.
• Prints up to letter-size media and uses simplex printing.
• Provides only one USB port and no listed wireless connectivity.

This bundle emphasizes convenience over advanced features. Its included consumables and simple operation make it appealing for first-time users, while the limited warranty and basic USB-only setup may be less suitable for demanding or business-focused workflows.

Best Professional-Grade Pick – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact, purpose-built choice among sublimation printers for crafters and small businesses. It comes with genuine Epson ink, starter supplies, thermal tape, and two paper sizes, while its PrecisionCore printhead and closed 150-sheet tray are designed for consistent, efficient transfer preparation.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small business owners who want a branded sublimation printer with included supplies and a full manufacturer warranty.

Pros:

• Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink and a full manufacturer warranty.
• PrecisionCore printhead provides Precision Droplet Control for detailed prints.
• Includes 8.5 x 11-inch and 8.5 x 14-inch paper, starter blanks, and thermal tape.
• Has a dust-resistant 150-sheet auto-feed tray and auto-stop ink bottles.

Cons:

• Does not support connections to mobile devices.
• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Uses simplex printing and is listed at about one color page per minute.

With Epson branding, OEM ink, a full warranty, and a well-equipped starter package, the F170 is the strongest fit for users prioritizing reliability and a more organized workflow. Its narrow media support and lack of mobile connectivity are worth considering before purchase.

Best All-in-One Value – Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer

This Pinckney bundle combines sublimation printing with scanning and copying, making it a versatile choice for shoppers who want more than a print-only machine. Its cartridge-free tank design includes high-capacity sublimation ink, supports Wi-Fi, and accepts several paper sizes, including letter, legal, A4, and select custom formats.

Best For: Home users who want wireless, cartridge-free sublimation printing alongside scanning and copying.

Pros:

• Combines sublimation printing, scanning, and copying in one device.
• High-capacity tanks use easy-fill bottles without syringes.
• Includes substantial ink quantities: 127 mL black and 85 mL of each color.
• Offers Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and a one-year limited warranty.

Cons:

• Requires nozzle checks and printhead alignment if print quality issues occur.
• Maximum listed media size is 8.5 x 11 inches for standard printing.
• The ink may ship separately from the printer.

The Pinckney stands out for convenience and flexibility, especially if scanning and copying are useful alongside sublimation work. Its tank system and included ink can reduce cartridge handling, but buyers should be comfortable with routine maintenance and the possibility of separate ink delivery.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printers

We evaluated these Sublimation Printers according to the factors that matter most for home crafters, small businesses, and growing personalization shops. Our comparison considers print quality, supported media size, ink delivery, wireless connectivity, included supplies, ease of setup, and overall value.

We also separated purpose-built dye-sublimation machines from EcoTank-style printers and bundled kits. A dedicated model is generally simpler to configure for sublimation, while a tank-based option may offer flexible everyday printing or lower entry costs when properly set up with compatible sublimation ink. Because included paper, blanks, tape, and ink can vary, check the current package contents before ordering.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Look For	Recommended Type
Beginners	Simple setup and included supplies	Starter bundle or compact dedicated printer
Frequent shirt and mug projects	Reliable ink supply and repeatable color	Dedicated sublimation printer
Large-format transfers	Wide media support	Wide-format tank printer
Low-volume home crafting	Affordable operation and small footprint	Compact tank or entry-level model
Small businesses	Speed, support, and predictable running costs	Purpose-built commercial-oriented printer

Key Buying Factors for Sublimation Printers

Print Size and Resolution

Many compact models print up to letter size, which is sufficient for shirts, mugs, ornaments, and small signs. If you plan to create larger apparel graphics or multiple designs at once, choose a printer with wider media support. Resolution matters for fine details, gradients, and photographic artwork, but accurate color management is equally important.

Ink System and Running Costs

Compare the price and capacity of replacement ink, not just the printer’s purchase price. Bundles with a full ink set can reduce initial expenses, while refillable tanks may be economical for frequent users. Use ink specifically intended for sublimation and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to reduce clogging and color shifts.

Connectivity and Workflow

Wi-Fi makes it easier to send designs from a computer or mobile device, while USB can provide a dependable direct connection. Check operating-system compatibility and whether the printer includes useful color-management software. Automatic maintenance features are valuable if the machine will sit unused between projects.

Included Supplies and Compatible Blanks

Starter packages may include transfer paper, heat tape, sample blanks, or protective accessories. These extras are helpful for learning, but confirm that your heat press and blank materials are also suitable. Sublimation works best on polyester fabrics and specially coated hard goods.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printers?

Choose a compact dedicated printer if you want the most straightforward path to making custom transfers at home. A bundle is especially practical for beginners who need paper, ink, and accessories immediately. Select a wide-format tank printer when larger designs or versatile everyday printing are priorities. For higher project volume, favor a purpose-built model with dependable support, readily available consumables, and a workflow that minimizes manual adjustments.

Before buying, verify current pricing, included accessories, maximum print dimensions, and warranty terms. The best choice is the one that matches your expected workload rather than simply offering the lowest upfront cost.