Best Sublimation Printers (2023): Top Picks & Buying Guide!

Are you searching for a sublimation printer to create stunning graphics on various items? Whether you’re starting a new business or replacing your present equipment, selecting the appropriate printer is critical. However, with so many options, making a choice can be difficult.

Our guide is here to help you select the perfect sublimation printer tailored to your needs. We’ve evaluated the top 10 budget-friendly sublimation printers, focusing on performance, quality, ease of use, and customer feedback. By relying on our top picks, you’ll be able to make an informed selection and unleash your creative potential!

We also write an article on how to setup a sublimation printer.

See the comparison chart below to choose the best sublimation printer.

Top 10 Best Sublimation Printers for Home & Business

After conducting in-depth evaluations of various sublimation printers, we compiled the following list of the most highly rated models. We have arranged them according to their expertise so that it is more convenient for you to choose the best one for your needs.

Let us review these sublimation printers without further ado.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2750 – Editor’s Choice

Experience a revolution in sublimation printing with the all-in-one Epson EcoTank ET-2750, the Editor’s Choice for the overall best sublimation printer. With seamless wireless connectivity, effortlessly print from iPads, iPhones, and Android devices without the clutter of cables.

The ET-2750 delivers exceptional print quality at 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, bringing your images to life with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. Ideal for sublimating materials like polyester fabrics, ceramics, metal, and more, unleash your creativity with diverse applications.

Say goodbye to cartridges and embrace the user-friendly, easily refillable ink reservoirs. The ET-2750’s sustainable design helps you minimize paper waste and contribute to a greener environment. The 1.44″ LCD allows for standalone photo management, enabling you to preview, modify, and print photos without a computer.

Transform your sublimation experience with the unparalleled efficiency and convenience of the Epson EcoTank ET-2750, the best Editor’s Choice printer.

Highlighted Features

• Wireless connectivity: Benefit from smooth, cable-free printing using various devices.
• Wide device compatibility: Effortlessly print from iPads, iPhones, and Android gadgets.
• Exceptional print quality: Get clear and colorful printouts with a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.
• User-friendly ink reservoirs: Experience the simplicity of cartridge-free printing with easily refillable ink tanks.
• Eco-conscious choice: Minimize paper waste and contribute to a sustainable environment.
• Standalone photo management: Effortlessly preview, modify, and print photos using the 1.44″ LCD, eliminating the need for a computer.

2. Epson Artisan 1430 – Best for Small Businesses

Epson Artisan 1430 is the best sublimation printer specifically designed to meet the needs of small company owners. This printer is ideal for producing high-quality, long-lasting, borderless, sublimated prints because of its exceptional features and capabilities. The Artisan 1430 produces colorful, high-resolution images up to 13″ x 19″ that are ideal for framing, display, and retailing.

With its sophisticated Claria® 6-color ink technology, the Artisan 1430 produces four times more durable prints than conventional lab prints. Its wireless connectivity enables smooth integration with your existing network and provides amazing transfer speeds up to 2.5 times faster than prior models. The DX5TM MicroPiezo® print head technology delivers breathtaking detail and clarity with resolutions of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, while the automatic color and lighting correction feature assures excellent image quality.

Furtermore, the printer’s ink cartridge mechanism lets you replace only the color you need, reducing waste and costs. In addition, Epson® Connect also allows you to print and share photographs immediately from mobile devices without a computer.

This printer is ideal for sublimation on various substrates, including polyester fabric, porcelain, metal, and specially-coated products such as mugs and phone covers. The Epson Artisan 1430 is a perfect alternative for small business owners wishing to enhance their product offerings and maximize revenues.

Highlighted Features

• Produce stunning, high-quality, borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″ that are perfect for framing or display.
• Connect quickly and simply to your wireless network and experience up to 2.5 times quicker transfer speeds.
• Enhance your photos with automatic color and lighting correction, ensuring the best image quality.
• 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and 1.5 picoliter ink droplets, the DX5TM MicroPiezo® print head technology offers excellent image quality.
• Print and share photos from your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile devices without a computer, thanks to Epson® Connect.

Also, check our review of the best wide-format printers for large prints.

3. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – Best for Beginners

If you’re getting into sublimation printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is an excellent option to begin. Its 3-in-1 printer’s cutting-edge technology, cost-effective ink management, and user-friendly design make it a fantastic option for anyone starting with sublimation. Print your designs in excellent quality on items like mugs and t-shirts.

Sublimation printing might be intimidating for novices because it requires technical knowledge and the proper equipment. Furthermore, many sublimation printers on the market are costly, with complicated setup processes and expensive ink replacements.

Dealing with complicated printers can be frustrating and confusing, discouraging newbies from exploring the creative possibilities of sublimation printing. As a novice, you need a printer that makes the process easier without sacrificing quality or functionality.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is an excellent choice for novices, providing all-in-one printing, copying, and scanning. This printer, which has powerful 4-color drop-on-demand MicroPiezo® inkjet technology, produces clear, bright prints at resolutions of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. Enjoy quick ISO print speeds and precise ink droplet sizes for accurate colors and fine details.

With its 1.44-inch color display, ET-2720 is simple to set up and navigate. Furthermore, its ink bottle system lowers waste and costs by allowing you to refill only the required colors. The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is the best printer for beginners, with a large color palette and compatibility with various sublimation materials.

Highlighted Features

• Prints with an optimized print resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi can be produced using the 4-color drop-on-demand MicroPiezo® inkjet technology.
• You get a 3-in-1 solution for printing, copying, and scanning.
• It has a 1.44-inch color display for setup and navigation.
• Print documents quickly with ISO print speeds of up to 10.5 ppm in black and 5 ppm in color
• Get fine details and accurate colors with ink droplet sizes as small as 3 picoliters.
• Enjoy a wide range of colors with the 4-color ink palette of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
• Easily replace empty ink bottles with the convenient and easy-to-use design of the printer.

Also, check our top picks for the best sublimation printers for beginners.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best for T-Shirt

Custom t-shirt printing demands a high-quality, versatile sublimation printer that can handle various materials. Settling for subpar printers results in poor quality, wasted resources, and frustration. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 excels at printing vibrant, detailed t-shirts. Also, it works on materials like mugs, phone cases, and pillows, making it the perfect sublimation printer for your creative projects.

You can fulfil all of your sublimation printing needs with the Epson EcoTank ET-15000. This exceptional printer provides awesome results on t-shirts and other materials such as mugs, phone cases, and pillows. With a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, it ensures sharp and vibrant images that will make your designs stand out.

The ET-15000’s multifunctionality enables you to copy, fax, scan, and print for various purposes. The simplicity of its hands-free voice prompt feature allows you to concentrate on your creative process. The 4-color ink palette and droplets are as small as 3.8 picoliters, guaranteeing every print’s accurate colors and fine details.

Enjoy fast and efficient printing with ISO print speeds and the time-saving 2-sided printing feature. With its sturdy and durable design, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the perfect sublimation printer for easily and confidently producing stunning t-shirts and other customized items.

Highlighted Features

• The printer’s hands-free voice prompt allows you to print without touching the printer.
• Multifunctionality allows you to copy, fax, scan, and print to use it for any purpose.
• Enjoy high-quality prints with a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, ensuring sharp and bright images.
• With ISO print speeds of up to 17 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color, documents may be printed swiftly.
• Achieve fine details and accurate colors with ink droplet sizes as small as 3.8 picoliters.
• Utilize a 4-color ink palette (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) for a wide range of color options in your prints.
• Save money and reduce waste by replacing only the color you need with 4 individual ink bottles.
• Enjoy a sturdy and durable printer design weighing 26.46 lb, which ensures stability during printing tasks.

Also, check our top picks for the best sublimation printers for t-shirts.

5. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 – Best for Heat Transfer

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur or a growing business seeking to break into the heat transfer sublimation printing world? Look no further than the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000, a game-changing sublimation printer designed with your needs in mind.

Newcomers to heat transfer sublimation printing face challenges finding a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly printer. This comprehensive package is tailored for heat transfer sublimation printing on various materials, such as fabric, ceramic, metal, and more. This printer streamlines the process, enabling you to focus on creating stunning designs while effortlessly overcoming the complexities that usually impede business growth.

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 delivers perfect sublimation printing with Sublijet-HD ink cartridges, multiple resolution options, and an easy-to-use LED display. Enjoy energy efficiency, high-quality prints, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a custom Sawgrass Print Manager. CreativeStudio software simplifies design, while the compact size, 2-year warranty, and unlimited tech support ensure a worry-free investment.

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 offers an unparalleled heat transfer sublimation printing experience for growing businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs. Don’t let subpar equipment hold you back – invest in the SG1000 and unlock your full potential.

You can learn more about other Sawgrass printers as we have also covered them on our website.

Highlighted Features

• Ideal for growing businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs looking to expand into sublimation printing
• It comes with a set of Sawgrass Sublijet-HD ink cartridges designed specifically for perfect sublimation printing.
• You can select various resolutions.
• The LED display screen control panel has a backlit light for improved visibility.
• Get started right away with included sample substrates and a 100-pack of DyeTrans SPP Paper
• Enjoy energy efficiency, higher resolution prints, and Wi-Fi connectivity for a more streamlined printing experience
• Access Conde’s custom version of Sawgrass Print Manager with enhanced features for better control over your prints
• Simplify color management with SawGrass Print Manager and create stunning designs using CreativeStudio Online Designer Software
• Easily fit the printer into your workspace, thanks to its compact size.
• Enjoy peace of mind with a 2-Year Product Warranty and unlimited tech support for the life of the product

6. Epson Workforce WF 7720 – Best for Cricut Makers

Do you own a Cricut machine and want to know which sublimation printer is the best? You require the Epson Workforce WF 7720. This printer packs a powerful punch, with features that make it ideal for producing professional-grade sublimation prints.

You’ll have plenty of space to work with thanks to the WF 7720’s ability to print up to 13″ x 19″ and scan up to 11″ x 17″. And with PrecisionCore technology at the helm, you can expect nothing less than professional print shop quality.

The WF 7720 stands out from the crowd thanks to its cutting-edge wired and wireless networking capabilities. Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and NFC connectivity let you print from your mobile device anywhere.

This printer is ideal for Cricut Makers due to its superior sublimation printing capabilities. Polyester, metal, and ceramic materials can make many different things.

For Cricut Maker users, the Epson Workforce WF 7720 is the finest sublimation printer. Superior functionality, dependable output, and adaptability make it the go-to tool for any sublimation printing project.

Highlighted Features

• With the PrecisionCore®-powered WorkForce WF-7720, you can create borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″ and scans up to 11″ x 17″.
• You can save time and resources with automatic 2-sided print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities and a 35-page Auto Document Feeder.
• Navigate and control your printer easily with the user-friendly 4.3″ color touchscreen interface.
• With powerful wired and wireless networking options such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct®2, and NFC3, you can easily print from tablets and smartphones.
• Long-lasting and smudge-resistant prints.
• You can achieve rapid and efficient printing with ISO print speeds of up to 18 ppm in black and 10 ppm in color.

Also, check out the top picks for sublimation printers for Cricut.

7. Epson Expression-15000 – Best for Wide-Format

If you are looking for a versatile and efficient wide-format printer that can meet all your printing needs, the Epson Expression-15000 is an exceptional choice. This printer can handle paper and media up to 13 inches wide, making it ideal for various projects, including premium photo prints and custom borderless prints.

One of the most notable features of the Epson Expression-15000 is its 6-color sublimation ink system, which produces smooth gradations and lifelike skin tones. It consistently provides professional-quality results, whether you are printing images for your collection or creating unique designs for your business.

The Epson Expression-15000 is also extremely resourceful, with automatic duplex printing that can reduce paper usage by up to 50%. Additionally, the 50-sheet rear tray makes handling specialty media and borderless sizes convenient.

This printer is compatible with a wide range of sublimation materials, such as transfer paper, sublimation paper, and more, enabling you to achieve impressive results, regardless of the fabric you select—whether it be polyester or cotton, or another material.

The Epson Expression-15000 is a remarkable sublimation printer that meets all your wide-format printing needs. Its sleek design, user-friendly features, and exceptional performance make it a great choice for hobbyists, and professionals alike. As a result, if you’re looking for a high-quality sublimation printer, the Epson Expression-15000 is a great choice.

Highlighted Features

• Enjoy versatile 13″ wide format printing that can handle various projects with paper and media up to 13″ wide.
• With 6-color high-quality sublimation inks that offer smooth gradation and amazing skin tones, you can produce photos that look like professional photographs.
• Create custom, borderless prints in various sizes for lab-quality photos that suit your needs
• Benefit from extraordinary efficiency with a compact, space-saving design with ultra-powerful performance.
• The automatic two-sided printing option saves up to 50% on paper usage.
• A 50-sheet back tray for specialty media accommodates various paper finishes and borderless sizes, making professional projects easy.
• Enjoy an ultra-compact wide-format A3+ printer that takes up 30% less space than its predecessor, fitting comfortably on your desktop.
• Connect wirelessly or via Ethernet for easy printing.
• Set up and navigate the printer effortlessly with the user-friendly 2.4″ color LCD.
• Use hands-free, voice-activated printing to ask Alexa to print creative projects, everyday documents, and to-do or shopping lists.

8. Epson EcoTank ET-8500 – Best for Phone Cases

For your phone cases, are you looking for the best sublimation printer? Introducing the Epson EcoTank ET-8500, your hunt is over! Anyone who wants to make high-quality, customized phone cases from the convenience of their home will love this amazing printer.

The Epson Smart PanelTM software, one of the ET-8500’s standout features, provides mobile convenience by supporting both iOS® and AndroidTM smartphones. This gives you freedom and flexibility because it makes it simple to control your printer and print and scan your drawings from your phone.

The ET-8500 is also highly user-friendly thanks to its voice-activated printing capabilities and 4.3″ color touch screen. The 6-color ink system provides outstanding prints that will impress, and the EcoFit® ink bottle design makes refilling your printer simple and mess-free.

The cost savings the ET-8500 offers may be its most important benefit. With reasonably priced replacement bottles, you may reduce ink expenses by up to 80%, making in-house printing an inexpensive choice for all your artistic endeavors. Also, you may print your ideas directly from your devices or storage devices thanks to WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity, as well as SD and USB memory card ports.

To sum up, the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 is the best sublimation printer for phone cases on the market right now. Because of its adaptability, you may utilize various sublimation products in addition to phone covers, including ceramic tiles, coasters, and metal sheets. Hence, this printer will surely exceed your expectations whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist.

Highlighted Features

• Print, scan, and manage your printer using the Epson Smart Panel™ app, offering mobile convenience with support for iOS® and Android™ devices
• Enjoy user-friendly operation with the intuitive 4.3″ color touch display and voice-activated printing for fast, easy performance
• Benefit from the exclusive EcoFit® ink bottle design uniquely keyed for easy and mess-free filling of each color
• 6-color Ink system for high-quality prints.
• Save up to 80% on ink with low-cost replacement bottles, and enjoy affordable in-house printing for all your creative needs.
• USB, Ethernet, and WiFi connectivity are all available.
• Memory Card Slots (SD and USB) allow you to print your designs directly from your USB and SD card.

9. Epson Stylus C88+ – Best for Mugs

The best sublimation printer for mugs and other items is the Epson Stylus C88+, which offers exceptional print quality, efficiency, and versatility. With its impressive features, this printer offers a variety of options for creative customization in addition to producing smudge-resistant prints on various materials. The Epson Stylus C88+ is made to satisfy all of your sublimation needs and improve your printing, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist.

For those who demand top-notch prints on various materials, including mousepads, polyester fabric, and ceramic mugs, the Epson Stylus C88+ is the go-to printer. Its advanced CMYK drop-on-demand Micro Piezo® inkjet technology enables you to produce vivid, long-lasting prints with an optimum resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. The individual ink cartridges ensure you get the most out of each color while saving money by reducing waste.

In addition to having excellent print quality, the Epson Stylus C88+ is versatile and produces borderless photo prints in a range of sizes that are suitable for framing. The printer also has user-friendly photo editing software that lets you completely personalize your output. It is perfect for various sublimation projects due to its maximum printable area of 8.5″ x 44″, which allows for the flexibility of printing different sizes and formats.

The Epson Stylus C88+ was created with ease in mind. It has a small footprint that fits neatly into your workspace and boasts quick print speeds of up to 23 pages per minute for black text and 14 pages per minute for color prints. Unlock limitless creative possibilities by using the Epson Stylus C88exceptional +’s performance.

Highlighted Features

• Produce smudge-resistant documents and photos on plain, glossy photo paper with good-quality sublimation ink.
• Excellent-quality prints with up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution for clear, detailed photos.
• Create Borderless photo prints in frame-ready sizes, such as 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, and 8.5″ x 11″, for versatile printing options.
• Unleash your creativity with easy-to-use photo editing software included in the package.
• Enjoy a maximum printable area of 8.5″ x 44″ for flexibility in printing various sizes and formats.
• Benefit from the CMYK drop-on-demand Micro Piezo® inkjet technology optimized for plain paper printing.
• Compact design which fits easily into your workspace, even with trays extended
• Experience fast print speeds of up to 23 pages per minute for black text and up to 14 pages per minute for color prints.

10. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 – Best for Tumblers

Are you searching for the perfect sublimation printer to create stunning, high-definition images on tumblers and other materials with unmatched affordability? Look no further! The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is your ultimate solution, offering an unbeatable combination of performance, reliability, and value. This compact powerhouse provides a lower per-image cost, ensuring you get the highest quality results without breaking the bank. In addition, the SG500 is compatible with a wide range of materials, including polyester, ceramic, metal, and even fabrics, making it an incredibly versatile choice for all your sublimation projects.

This fantastic printer boasts a rugged, space-saving design that fits seamlessly into any workspace, offering improved energy efficiency and a user-friendly experience. With WiFi connectivity and an intuitive LCD screen, you can effortlessly manage your print jobs and make adjustments on the fly. The SG500’s backward compatibility with SG400 accessories, including bypass trays, adds even more convenience and value to your investment. The ability to print on media up to 51″ long (1295 mm) ensures that your creative potential is virtually limitless.

Automatic maintenance cycles minimize downtime, allowing you to focus on your projects without worrying about printer upkeep. Plus, the 2-year warranty and lifetime unlimited tech support offer unrivaled peace of mind. Don’t miss your chance to discover the outstanding benefits of the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500, the best sublimation printer for tumblers and beyond!

Highlighted Features

• Enjoy higher definition images with a lower per-image cost, ensuring both excellent results and affordability
• Compact footprint and rugged reliability, making it a durable and space-saving choice for your printing needs
• Updated design with improved energy efficiency, higher resolution printing, and WiFi connectivity for a seamless user experience
• Backward compatibility with SG400 accessories, including bypass trays, for continued use and convenience
• Ability to print on media up to 51″ long (1295 mm) with a bypass tray, providing versatility in printing options
• Automatic maintenance cycles for hassle-free, reliable printing and reduced downtime
• 2-year warranty and unlimited tech support for the life of the product, giving you peace of mind and dependable service
• User-friendly LCD screen for direct adjustments and changes on the printer, simplifying the printing process

Buying Guide

With so many printers to choose from, shopping for a sublimation printer can be a confusing process. The most crucial criteria for selecting a printer are covered in this buying guide.

Print Quality

Print quality in sublimation printers is influenced by resolution, color accuracy, and consistency. The amount of detail in prints is determined by resolution, which is expressed in DPI (dots per inch). Images with a higher DPI are more vivid and detailed. For professional output, choose a printer with at least 1200 DPI. Additionally, consider printers with advanced color management systems and consistent ink distribution to ensure accurate colors and smooth gradients, ultimately contributing to exceptional print quality.

Print Speed

Print speed is especially important for businesses, where productivity and turnaround time directly impact profitability. In commercial applications, balancing print speed with quality is vital for meeting customer expectations and maintaining a competitive edge. However, for personal projects or hobbyists without strict time constraints, print speed might be less critical. Instead, individuals can prioritize print quality, color accuracy, and other features, allowing more time for experimentation and creative exploration without the pressure of deadlines.

Printer Size

For versatility, choose a sublimation printer with adjustable settings and a wide range of supported media sizes. A printer with robust media handling capabilities allows you to create a diverse array of customized products. For larger prints, a wide-format sublimation printer is essential. These printers can handle media sizes of up to 13 by 19 inches, accommodating larger materials.

Connectivity Options

Sublimation printers’ connectivity choices enable easy integration with your current equipment and workflow. Common connectivity types include Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi. USB and Ethernet connections offer fast, reliable data transfer, while Wi-Fi provides the convenience of wireless printing from multiple devices. Some printers also support mobile printing or cloud-based services for added flexibility. When selecting a sublimation printer, consider your current setup and the connectivity options that best suit your needs for efficient and hassle-free operation.

Price Range

Price is an important factor when choosing a sublimation printer, as it determines initial investment and ongoing costs. With regard to features, print quality, and speed, prices can vary significantly. While budget-friendly options may suffice for personal projects, higher-end models are more suitable for commercial use. Compare printers within your budget range, taking into account the cost of consumables, such as sublimation inks and papers, and maintenance, to ensure you select a cost-effective and reliable printer that meets your needs.

Conclusion

After researching and testing the top sublimation printers on the market, I’ve compiled a list of the best options based on various needs and requirements. When choosing the right sublimation printer, it’s essential to consider factors such as build quality, functionality, printer speed, image quality, size, and connectivity.

My top pick, the Epson EcoTank ET-2750, is an excellent all-around option suitable for various sublimation projects. However, you might want to take a look at some of the other choices on my list depending on your specific needs. For instance, the Epson Artisan 1430 is perfect for small businesses, the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 is ideal for heat transfer, and the Epson Workforce WF 7720 is an excellent choice for Cricut makers.

Investing in a reliable and high-quality sublimation printer will make your printing process smoother and more efficient, yielding better results. So, take your time, analyze your needs, and choose the perfect sublimation printer that will elevate your designs to the next level. Happy printing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)