8 Best Sublimation Printer for Small Businesses and Startups

If you are in a printing business or want to custom design your own clothes and accessories, you need the best sublimation printer that will give you high-quality prints. Everyone loves a beautiful and fade-resistant design, that’s why we’ve put together a list of the best printers for sublimation in 2024.

Sublimation printers print high-quality designs on sublimation paper using sublimation ink. After that, these designs are transferred to materials like fabrics, ceramics, metals, and glass using heat and pressure for a certain time.

This printing technology is growing because it’s easy and provides full-color prints that are resistant to fading and wear. Particularly, beginner designers and aspiring solopreneurs are in the business of custom printing t-shirts, ceramic mugs, metal decorative items, and wood ornaments.

Best Sublimation Printer – 8 Top Rated

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best sublimation printer for personal and business use.

Moreover, we have explained tested reviews of the top-rated sublimation printers in 2024 to make it easier for you to choose. We selected these printers after testing a variety of dye-sublimation printers.

These machines print high-quality designs that are perfect for sublimation transfer, and are suitable for beginners and professionals to handle their printing needs.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best for Commercial Use

2. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 – Best for Small Business

3. Epson SureColor F570 – Best for Large Prints

4. Sawgrass SG500 – Top Rated Sublimation Printer for Heat Press

5. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Best for Wide Format Substrates

6. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – Best for Beginners

7. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – Best for T-shirts

8. Brother MFC-J995DW XL – Easy to Use

Top Picks

1. Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Best for Commercial Use

Key Specs:

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a high-quality color all-in-one printer that can print up to 13 x 19 inches. It’s one of the best sublimation printers because it comes with refillable ink tanks that can print up to 7,500 pages in black / 6,000 color.

With its cartridge-free printing, you’ll save money and help the environment, plus you won’t have to worry about running out of ink or buying expensive cartridges.

This printed is rated as the “Best Selling Supertank Printer”

 Print Quality : This ET-15000 sublimation printer has a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi and can produce beautiful, high-quality prints. The printer’s special ink is fade-resistant and water-resistant, so your prints will last for years.

 Printing Capacity : The Epson ET-15000 can print up to 7,500 pages in black and 6,000 pages in color with each set of ink bottles. It prints at a speed of 15 pages per minute in black and 7.5 pages per minute in color. This printer is perfect for businesses or individuals who need to print high volumes of documents and graphics.

The printer comes with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen display and can print photos, documents, and graphics without any borders. The printer has a 250-sheet paper capacity and can duplex print automatically.

 Connectivity : The Epson ET-15000 printer is Wi-Fi enabled and can also be connected to your computer via USB. The printer also has an Ethernet port for connecting to a wired network. In addition, it features a hands-free voice-activated printing feature so you can print wirelessly with just your voice command.

 Economical : Indeed, it is an economical printer to own. Not only does it come with a high-yield ink bottle set that can print up to 7,500 pages, but it also has a low cost per page of 1 cent in black and color.

With its versatile paper handling and large paper capacity, the Epson ET-15000 is perfect for sublimation printing at the home and business levels.

 Additional Features : Along with high-quality prints, this printer can FAX, copy, and scan documents. It also comes with a built-in automatic document feeder (ADF) that can scan up to 8.5×14 inches.

Guide to Set-up Epson EcoTank 15000 for Sublimation 

2. Epson WorkForce WF-7720

Best for Small Business

Key Specs:

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is a great large-format color inkjet printer that is perfect for businesses or individuals who need to print high-quality documents and photos.

This printer is powered by PrecisionCore, and uses up to 80 percent less power than color laser printers - very economical. It also has a 500-sheet capacity, dual trays, and a rear feed for specialty paper.

 Print Quality : The Epson WF-7720 printer prints high-quality images and colorful designs using the latest precision core printing technology. It does sublimation printing at high-resolution 4800 x 1200 dpi. In addition, it also features an auto 2-sided printing ability that saves time and increases productivity.

 Printing Capacity : The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 printer has a 500-sheet capacity, dual trays, and a rear feed for specialty paper. It also has a 125-sheet output tray and can handle high-volume sublimation printing needs efficiently.

 Connectivity : This printer is Wi-Fi enabled and can be connected to a wireless network. It also has Ethernet and NFC connectivity and can be connected to an iPad, iPhone, or Android smart device for wireless printing.

 Economical : We found the Epson WF-7200 very economical, it uses up to 80 percent less power than color laser printers. It also has a low cost of ownership, because it uses Epson cartridges only, which are not third-party cartridges.

 Additional Features : This printer has a number of additional features, including an auto document feeder, duplex printing, and scan (up to 11" X 17") to the cloud. It also has a built-in memory card reader.

This printer is perfect for businesses or individuals who need a high-quality sublimation printer with a variety of features.

3. Epson SureColor F570

Best for Large Prints

Key Specs:

If you are looking for a professional-quality printer that can handle all of your sublimation printing needs, the Epson SureColor F570 is an excellent option. This dye-sublimation printer uses PrecisionCore technology to deliver stunning prints with incredible clarity and color saturation.

It also comes with a host of convenient features, such as a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter, to make your workflow more efficient.

Plus, the printer arrives with software optimized for dye-sublimation, including specialized drivers for both Mac and Windows, so you can start printing right out of the box.

Also, read the features of best rated software for sublimation.

 Print Quality : The SureColor F570 uses PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology to deliver prints with amazing clarity and color saturation.

In addition, the printer comes with specialized drivers for both Windows and Mac, making it easy to get the best prints possible. Epson also recommends using genuine ink to ensure the best sublimation print quality and performance.

 Printing Capacity :  The Epson SureColor F570 can print at resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dpi, allowing you to produce professional-quality prints with incredible detail and clarity.

With its large 4.3″ LCD color touchscreen, the printer is easy to operate, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced users. The printer also supports a variety of media sizes, including rolls and sheets up to 24″ wide.

 Connectivity : This printer offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and integrated wireless. This allows you to easily connect the printer to your computer or network, making it ideal for any workspace.

 Economical : This best sublimation printer is very economical, and uses high-capacity ink cartridges, which means you can print more without having to worry about running out of ink. The printer also features an auto-stop ink bottle system, which makes it easy to refill the cartridges.

 Additional Features : In addition to its impressive print quality and connectivity options, the SureColor F570 sublimation printer also comes with a number of convenient features, such as a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter.

This allows you to quickly and easily print large quantities of documents without having to worry about manual labor.

4. Sawgrass SG500

Top Rated Sublimation Printer for Heat Press

Key Specs:

The Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer is a reliable device that is perfect for professionals who need to create beautiful and fade-resistant designs. We love the fact that this printer is designed with energy efficiency, and it prints vibrant HD images with higher resolution than its predecessor, the SG400. In addition, the SG500 offers WiFi connectivity, making it easier than ever to use.

 Print Quality : The SG500 can do sublimation printing at a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, ensuring that your prints will be of high quality every time.

It produces vibrant and fade-resistant prints, making it the perfect printer for those who need to create high-quality sublimation designs. With its automatic maintenance cycle, you'll never have to worry about your prints not coming out correctly.

 Printing Capacity :  The Sawgrass SG500 can print on media up to 51 inches long, making it perfect for businesses that need to create large designs. We like its intuitive design, just plug and connect, and it gets ready to use right out of the box.

 Connectivity :  The SG500 offers WiFi connectivity, making it easier than ever to print your designs. This printer also has a compact footprint that doesn't take up a lot of space.

 Economical :  With its low start-up and running costs, the Sawgrass SG500 is a great printer for those who are looking to save money on sublimation printing. Best of all, it consumes very little power, making it a great choice for those who are looking to be eco-friendly.

 Additional Features : The SG500 is especially designed for sublimation printing, so there aren't much of additional features. However, some notable features are Sawgrass Print Manager, CreativeStudio Online Designer, and SubliJet UHD Inks.

5. Epson EcoTank ET-8550

Best for Wide Format Substrates

Key Specs:

I recently purchased the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 and have been using it for a few weeks now. I must say, I am impressed with its performance. It is one of the best sublimation printers I have ever used. the ET-8550 can print stunning photos and high-resolution images on various sizes of paper, from 4 by 6 inches to 13 by 19 inches.

It also has a very low cost per page, thanks to the refillable ink tanks and the two years of free ink included in the box. The printer is easy to set up and use, and the print quality is excellent. I have used it to print a variety of documents and photos, and the results have been consistently good.

For anyone who craves vibrant, professional-looking sublimations on expansive surfaces, this wide-format printer is the champion. Sure, it might have a higher initial cost than some home printers, but the EcoTank system, combined with its speed, quality, and sheer versatility, makes it a game-changer in the long run.

 Print Quality : The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 prints at higher resolution - 5760 x 1440 dpi, thanks to the six-color Claria ink system and Variable Sized Droplet Technology. The colors are vivid and accurate, and the details are sharp and clear. I was impressed by the smooth gradations and the rich blacks that this printer produced.

 Paper Capacity : The printer can handle various types of papers, including sublimation, glossy, matte, thicker posters, and fine art paper. Forget wrestling with awkwardly folded shirts or cutting down designs. The ET-8550 can also print borderless photos on any size up to 13 by 19 inches, which is great for sublimation on wide format substrates. It's expansive print area lets me unleash my creativity on full-sized banners, phone cases, tote bags, you name it!

 Connectivity : Gone are the days of being chained to a single computer. The ET-8550's Wi-Fi capabilities let me print straight from my phone or tablet, making it a dream for on-the-go creators like myself. Plus, I can manage printing queues and ink levels from anywhere, adding a whole new level of convenience to my workflow.

In addition, the printer can be connected via High Speed USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and you can also print using a SD card. The printer also supports various mobile printing options, such as Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria Print Service.

 Economical : My budget did a happy dance when I purchased this EcoTank 8550. This printer uses refillable tanks that hold a ridiculous amount of ink, slashing my printing costs and saving me countless trips to the store. And refilling is a breeze – no messy spills, just easy-to-use bottles that click into place.

 Ease of Use : The Epson ET-8550 has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up and operate. The large 4.3" color touchscreen lets you access all the functions and settings of the printer, as well as preview and edit your photos before printing.

6. Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Best for Beginners

Key Specs:

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a wireless color all-in-one printer that is perfect for sublimation printing at home or small office. It uses high-capacity, refillable ink tanks so you never have to worry about running out of ink, and it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Epson ET-2720 is one of the best sublimation printers due to its sharp quality prints and cartridge-free printing that saves up to 90% on replacement ink.

Note: Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine Epson inks for a quality sublimation printing experience; Non-Epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the Epson warranty.

 Print Quality : The Epson ET-2720 has a printing quality of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics.

 Printing Capacity : The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 has a printing capacity of up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 pages color. This printer comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box, with every replacement ink set. This sublimation printer is very easy to use with a simple and intuitive design and color display for easy navigation.

 Connectivity : The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 has a variety of connectivity features, including wireless, USB, and Ethernet. It also has a hands-free voice-activated printing feature, and Google Cloud Print.

Furthermore, it features Epson Smart Panel App for easy printing from your smart device. We recommend this sublimation printer for small businesses or home offices because of its impressive print quality, printing capacity, and easy-to-use design.

 Economical : The feature to talk about – the ET-2720 is an economical sublimation printer because it uses high-capacity, refillable ink tanks so you never have to worry about running out of ink.

 Additional Features : Focusing on sublimation printing, however, this printer includes a scanner and copier. But, we found poor scanning quality!

7. Epson EcoTank ET-4760

Best for T-shirts

Key Specs:

The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is a wireless color all-in-one cartridge-free supertank printer with high-capacity easily refillable ink tanks that can save you up to 90% on replacement ink. This sublimation printer has impressive print quality, robust paper handling, and a built-in high-resolution flatbed scanner and copier. We found it printing the best quality images for t-shirt sublimation.

 Print Quality : This sublimation printer uses unique PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology and Claria ET pigment black ink to produce extremely sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics. It can print with a resolution of up to 4,800 x 1,200 dpi.  

Best of all, its print quality remains the same on sublimation or on any type of paper. However, we highly recommend using a sublimation printer because they deliver the best results while transferring the dyes on a substrate.

 Printing Capacity : The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 can print up to 7,500 pages in black / 6,000 in color. It can print with a print speed of up to 15 pages per minute in black and 8 pages per minute in color. Its 2.4" color touchscreen makes navigation very easy.

 Connectivity : The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 has a variety of ways to connect wirelessly, including Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, and Ethernet. It also has hands-free voice-activated printing and it can also be connected to a smart device with the Epson Smart Panel App. 

 Economical : This printer can save you up to 90% on replacement ink (what more do you want?). It comes with 2 years of ink in the box, and each replacement ink set can print up to 7,500 pages black / 6,000 color. It also has an innovative cartridge-free design with high-capacity sublimation ink tanks.

 Additional Features : Along with great sublimation printing features, the Epson ET-4760 has a fax, productive paper handling, and a high-resolution flatbed scanner.

8. Brother MFC-J995DW XL

Easy to Use

Key Specs:

Brother's INKvestmentTank inkjet printer is an easy-to-use sublimation printer that is designed to eliminate the need for cartridge replacement for up to 2 years.

The INKvestmentTank system is designed to hold more ink and Brother's Page Gauge to estimate the amount of ink remaining, so you'll never run out in the middle of a sublimation printing project again.

“We got the best results upon using Brother genuine sublimation inks in this printer.”

 Print Quality : The Brother MFC-J995DWXL also has a high print quality, making it perfect for printing your best designs and photos. With resolutions up to 6000 x 1200 dpi, you can be sure that your sublimation prints will look great every time.

 Printing Capacity : This Brother printer has a printing capacity of up to 11"x17" size sublimation paper with borderless printing. So, you can easily print large-format designs and photos without having to crop them. It can print up to 12 pages per minute in black and white, and up to 10 pages per minute in color.

What we like about this printer is that it can handle a variety of paper types for a variety of printing options, including sublimation paper, glossy photo paper, thick cardstock, envelopes, and more. It also has a duplex printing feature so you can print on both sides of the paper without manually turning it over.

And with its built-in paper tray, you can store up to 150 sheets of paper without having to refill it often. This printer has a 2.7" color LCD touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate the printer's menus and settings.

 Connectivity : This printer can be connected using a number of options, making it easy to print from your computer or mobile device. It has built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, as well as support for AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Wi-Fi Direct. So you can easily print from wherever you are, without having to worry about connecting cables or adapters.

 Economical : The Brother sublimation printer is definitely an economical printer that can save you money in the long run. With its high printing capacity and low ink costs, you can print a large number of documents and photos.

And its four individual ink cartridges allow you to replace only the colors that run out, without having to replace the entire cartridge. So you can save money on ink while still getting high-quality prints.

 Additional Features : The Brother MFC-J995DWXL also has a number of additional features that make it easy to use and convenient to have around. It has a built-in document feeder that can hold up to 20 sheets of paper, so you can easily scan or copy multiple pages at once. And it can also send and receive a fax.

Must Have Features of a Sublimation Printer

If you are in the market for the best sublimation printer, it is important to understand the features that make these printers ideal for this type of printing. In general, these printers should have a few key features that will ensure good-quality prints every time.

1.  A high-quality print head  is essential for printing with sublimation inks. This is because the inks need to be heated to a very high temperature in order to be transferred to the substrate. A good print head will ensure that the inks are heated evenly and consistently, resulting in high-quality printing.

2.  A large printing area  is also important for sublimation printing. This is because larger substrates can be used for more complex designs, and because the prints will need to be heat-sealed to the substrate. A printer with a large printing area will make it easier to create large prints or multiple smaller prints at once.

3.  A printer with an adjustable temperature  is essential for sublimation printing. This is because the inks will need to be heated to different temperatures depending on the type of substrate that is being used.

An adjustable temperature allows you to set the temperature according to the specific substrate that you are using, ensuring optimal results every time.

4. Finally,  a printer with a reliable ink system  is necessary for sublimation printing. A good ink system will ensure that your printer has plenty of ink available, so you can continue printing high-quality prints even when the ink is running low.

Best Sublimation Printer: Buying Guide

In addition to the must-have features listed above, there are a few other factors that you should consider before buying a sublimation printer. These include:

a. Print Quality

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a sublimation printer is print quality. The design you print on the sublimation paper will get transferred to the substrate. Hence, it is essential to print high-quality images and graphics.

Make sure to ask the printer manufacturer for samples of prints that have been made with the printer, so you can get a good idea of the quality of the prints that it is capable of producing.

b. Print Resolution

Another important factor to consider is print resolution. This is the number of dots per inch (DPI) that the printer can produce, and it will affect the level of detail that is visible in the prints.

Most sublimation printers have a print resolution of 600 DPI or higher, which is more than enough for high-quality prints.

c. Printing Speed

Printing speed is also important because it will determine how long it will take to print out your designs. Some high-cost printers have fast printing speeds.

We recommend picking a fast printer if you are choosing for a business, a slow printer will be suitable for home or personal use.

d. Compatible Materials

Not all sublimation printers can print on every type of substrate. It is also necessary to make sure that the printer is compatible with the types of materials that you want to print on. Most sublimation printers are compatible with a wide range of materials, but it is always best to check with the manufacturer before purchasing a printer.

e. Connectivity

Some printers only print wirelessly, while others have both wireless and wired options. Also, there are sublimation printers that can be connected via apps on smartphones and tablets. So, make sure to choose the option that is best for you, depending on your needs.

f. The Cost of Sublimation Printer

Sublimation printers can be expensive, make sure to compare the prices of different printers to find the right one that fits your budget. However, expensive sublimation printers often come with features that make them ideal for this type of printing.

g. The Cost of Replacement Inks

Some sublimation printers require expensive inks that can be difficult to find. It is important to consider the cost of replacement inks before buying a printer, as this can add up over time. Ideally, chose a printer that is compatible with most branded sublimation dyes.

Based on these factors, the best sublimation printer for you may vary depending on your specific needs and budget. However, the printers listed above are all excellent choices for those looking for a quality sublimation printer.

Epson vs. Sawgrass Sublimation Printer: Which Is Better?

It can be tricky to decide which is better when it comes to sublimation printer comparison; both Epson and Sawgrass make the best quality sublimation printers. However, there are a few factors to compare before deciding which one to choose. These factors include:

1. Print quality - Although both brands produce high-quality prints, Epson printers tend to produce better quality prints than Sawgrass printers.

2. Ease of use - Epson printers are much easier to use than Sawgrass printers.

3. Connectivity options - Epson printers come with a variety of connectivity options, while Sawgrass printers come with only a few.

4. The availability of support - Epson printers come with a variety of support options, while Sawgrass printers come with limited support options.

5. Price - Sawgrass printers are generally more expensive than Epson printers.

Epson vs. Sawgrass - Which is Better for Sublimation?

Conclusion

It’s obvious that a sublimation printer is beneficial to customize your clothes and accessories. You can also use it for commercial printing to personalize the products of your customers.

No matter which printer you choose, make sure that you understand the key features of the best sublimation printer. With the right printer, you can create beautiful and fade-resistant designs that will impress everyone who sees them.

Based on multiple sublimation printing tests, Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is our first recommendation. It can be used for both commercial and personal use. This printer has a high-quality print head, a large printing area, and an adjustable temperature. It also has a reliable ink system, which ensures that you will never run out of ink while printing.

If you are looking for a sublimation printer that is more affordable, the best option is the Epson EcoTank ET-2720. It has high-capacity, refillable ink tanks that saves ink up to 90% and its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces impressive color prints.

And if you are the best sublimation printer for business use, Sawgrass SG500 will perfectly suit you. This printer is especially designed for dye sublimation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best printer for sublimation printing?

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best printer for sublimation printing. Here is a list of the best sublimation printers of 2024;

1. Epson EcoTank ET-15000
2. Epson WorkForce WF-7720
3. Epson SureColor F570
4. Sawgrass SG500
5. Epson EcoTank ET-8550
6. EcoTank ET-2720
7. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Epson
8. Brother MFC-J995DW XL

Is a sublimation printer worth it?

Yes, the sublimation printer is worth the price. A sublimation printer can be used for commercial printing on substrates and also can be used to customize personal belongings. It is mostly used for dye sublimation on fabrics, ceramics, metal and wood items. Most popular sublimation substrates are t-shirts, mugs, caps, tumblers, glass, wooden ornaments and décor items.

What type of printers can be used for sublimation?

An inkjet printer that can print using sublimation inks can be used for sublimation. However, not all inkjet printers are compatible with sublimation printing. The printer must have a high-quality print head, an adjustable temperature and a reliable ink system. The inkjet printer must be able to heat the ink to successfully print on the substrate.

Can I do sublimation with any printer?

No, sublimation cannot be done with any printer. Sublimation is a process where sublimation dye turns from solid to a gaseous state to print on a substrate using heat and pressure for a certain time. Hence, there are special sublimation printers that are used for this process.

Will any inkjet printer work for sublimation?

No, not any inkjet printer will work for sublimation. An inkjet printer that can support sublimation inks, has high-quality print heads and a heat adjustment system can work for sublimation printing.

Is sublimation printing high quality?

Absolutely! Sublimation printing is renowned for its exceptional quality, producing true-to-life prints, photorealistic images with sharp details and smooth gradients. Unlike other methods, the ink dyes the substrate itself, resulting in a soft, durable print that won't crack, peel, or fade easily.

When using high-resolution images and proper settings, you can achieve stunning picture quality on various surfaces, including mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and more.

For optimal results, choose light-colored polyester or poly-blend fabrics, as the dyes bond seamlessly with these materials.

• About
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Leona Pullen

Founder at Subliprinting

My passion for colors and customizing items has led me to sublimation printing. Not only do I personalize my belongings, but also run a profitable business. After the experience of over a decade - I am glad to share my reviews on best sublimation printers, ink and the right software (I use). Read the guides and contact if you need any help regarding dye-sublimation or heat press.

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