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Since customized products became a year’s trend, sublimation printing technologies have been advancing at a neck-breaking pace. Now, a new sublimation printer emerges in the market every day, carrying more surprises for customers. While this is good news for many businesses, it might put you in a pickle trying to find the best sublimation printer among unlimited choices.
Lucky for you, we’ve made a list of the best printers for sublimation on the market today, along with a buying guide to help you reach a decision. So without further ado, let’s jump in!
The EcoTank ET-2720 comes close second on our list with its speed, ease of use, and affordability. It’s one of the few Epson printers that won’t break your bank, which is ideal for people starting a new business.
It utilizes easy-to-fill and high-capacity ink tanks and features an excellent-resolution flatbed scanner and copier. You’ll also save replacement ink money by up to 90% and won’t have any cartridge waste.
The Epson printer features excellent print quality with unique heat-free technology and vibrant colors on all paper types. As for connectivity, you can use your ET-2720 over USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. As a bonus point, you can use the Epson Smart Panel application to print any image from your smart device. It also comes with voice-activated printing.
Epson provides a two-year warranty with this EcoTank printer, including replacement if the product arrives faulty. Finally, the ink that comes with this printer isn’t suitable for sublimation. So before working on your sublimation printing business, you’ll need to buy specific sublimation ink.
Pros:
Excellent connectivity
Affordable
Voice-activated printing
Two-year warranty
Cons:
No touchscreen display
Final Verdict
If you want a reliable printer for sublimation but don’t want to dent your wallet, look no further than the Epson EcoTank ET-2720.
2. WorkForce WF-7210 – Best for Two-Sided Printing
The WorkForce WF-7210 takes a proud stance among printers because of its staggering features. It delivers high-quality printings with high-resolution graphics and vivid colors. This is because of the PrecisionCore technology that many Epson sublimation printers offer.
On top of that, the WF-7210 features a shocking 500-sheet capacity, which means you won’t have to supply it with sublimation papers every other day. The inkjet printer also has a rear feed for specialty paper and two paper trays that can take up to 250 sheets each. As a result, it highly resembles the Epson Workforce WF-7720 in many features.
Unlike many choices on our list, this Epson Workforce model allows two-sided printing. It also comes with an LCD for smooth navigation and easy setup. As for connectivity, it offers wireless printing through Wi-Fi direct connectivity. You can also use it to print images from your smart device, whether a phone or a tablet.
Finally, the WorkForce sublimation printer uses high-capacity ink cartridges that allow for high-volume printing without an issue, like all WorkForce printers.
Pros:
Wireless connectivity
500-sheet capacity
Two-sided printing
LCD for smooth navigation
Cons:
Works with only Epson ink cartridges
Final Verdict
The Epson WorkForce WF-7210 is one of the best dye-sublimation printers on our list for business use because of its high-quality printings, astonishing sheet capacity, and two-sided printing feature.
3. Epson F170 – Best Starter Bundle for Sublimation Beginners
If you want a sublimation-ready setup without converting an inkjet printer yourself, the Epson F170 is built specifically for the job. This model prints crisp, vibrant colors on most sublimation blanks and comes ready to go straight out of the box — no cartridge swapping or warranty risks.
This particular bundle is especially beginner-friendly, including a mini heat press, sublimation paper, and heat-resistant tape so you can start pressing designs immediately. It features fast heat-free printing technology, great color accuracy, and compact size that fits easily on any desk.
The Epson F170 supports Wi-Fi and USB connections for flexible printing from laptops or smart devices. Its high-capacity, refillable tanks keep ongoing ink costs lower than cartridge-based printers — a huge plus for small business owners.
However, due to its size, this model is limited to 8.5″ x 14″ media, so it’s not ideal for oversized apparel designs. It also lacks some advanced features like a touchscreen display.
Pros:
Designed specifically for sublimation
Starter bundle includes heat press + supplies
Compact and easy to use
Lower long-term ink costs
Cons:
Not suitable for large-format garments
No touchscreen controls
Final Verdict
If you’re entering the sublimation business and want a reliable, worry-free printer designed for sublimation from day one, the Epson F170 starter bundle is a fantastic value. It gives you everything you need to get started quickly and professionally — without the hassle of converting a standard printer.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Budget EcoTank Printer for Home Use
The EcoTank ET-2800 is one of Epson’s most affordable cartridge-free printers, making it a great starter choice for light home printing. It features high-capacity, easy-to-refill ink tanks that can save you up to 90% on replacement ink and eliminate cartridge waste entirely.
This model performs well for everyday tasks like documents, kids’ homework, and casual photos. It includes a flatbed scanner and copier, plus wireless printing from computers and mobile devices. Compact and beginner-friendly, the ET-2800 is ideal for users wanting essential functions without spending big.
However, because it’s entry-level, it lacks more advanced convenience features such as auto-duplex printing or an automatic document feeder. Print speeds are also modest, so it’s best suited for low-volume use.
Pros:
Very low running costs thanks to refillable EcoTank system
Wireless printing and scanning
Compact design for small spaces
Great for basic home use and students
Cons:
No auto-duplex or ADF
Slower printing, not great for heavy workloads
Final Verdict
If you need a reliable everyday home printer that keeps ink costs extremely low, the EcoTank ET-2800 is a perfect match. It focuses on the essentials and does them well — making it one of the smartest budget EcoTank picks for families, students, and casual printing.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Wide-Format EcoTank Option
The EcoTank ET-15000 is ideal for anyone who needs to print larger sizes without paying huge ink costs. With its all-in-one functionality, this model can print, scan, copy, and fax while supporting media up to 13″ x 19″ through the rear feed — making it great for posters, wide-format designs, and creative projects.
It uses Epson’s high-capacity, easy-to-refill ink tanks, helping reduce printing costs by up to 90% compared to cartridges. You also get auto-duplex printing, multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and a handy color touchscreen to simplify navigation.
Because it is built for larger workloads, it has a bigger footprint and a higher upfront price than standard EcoTank models. Print speed is solid for documents but not the fastest for heavy photo printing.
Pros:
Wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″
Very low ink costs with EcoTank system
All-in-one with duplex printing and touchscreen
Great choice for home offices and creative businesses
Cons:
Higher initial investment
Larger size requires more desk space
Final Verdict
If you’re printing wide-format designs or need a versatile printer for a growing business or home office, the EcoTank ET-15000 is a powerful all-rounder. It offers big features and long-term savings, especially for users who print frequently and want professional-quality results without spending a fortune on ink.
6. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best High-Quality Home Photo & Wide-Format Printer
If you want serious photo printing — large sizes, rich detail, and low long-term ink costs — the ET-8550 is one of the top choices. It uses a six-colour ink system including grey for better black-and-white detail, supports wide formats (up to 13″×19″), and features refillable EcoTank cartridges that slash running costs.
Set-up is fairly straightforward for a premium machine, and you’ll find good connectivity options (WiFi, USB, SD card), plus an all-in-one scanner/copy function. The colour output is vivid and detailed, especially on quality photo paper, and you get riding-on the benefit of large media handling for posters, canvas prints, greeting cards, etc.
On the flip side, the price is higher than basic home printers, and while print speed is decent for documents, large photo prints do take time. Also, if you don’t make many wide or high-resolution photo prints, the extra capability may be overkill.
Pros:
Excellent photo print quality with wide-format support
Very low ink cost per print thanks to the EcoTank system
Versatile media handling (thick paper, canvas, large sizes)
All-in-one (print/scan/copy) with strong connectivity
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Bigger machine footprint (needs space)
Print speed for large photo jobs is modest
Final Verdict
The ET-8550 is a premium home photo printer that balances wide-format capability, exceptional output, and low running costs — ideal for hobbyist photographers, creatives, or anyone wanting top-tier prints without professional lab prices. If your focus is standard 8.5″×11″ papers and casual use, you may find less expensive options sufficient; but for high-quality prints and large media, this model delivers impressive value.
7. Brother HL-L2320D – Best Black & White Printer for Sublimation
If your business is expanding fast and you need a printer to accommodate your needs at a quick speed, then the Brother HL-L2320D is the one for you. Since laser printers are much faster than inkjet ones, you’ll enjoy a maximum print speed of 30 ppm. As a result, you can print high volumes in such a short time.
Also, this printer allows for two-sided printing, also known as automatic duplex printing. This means that you can print many designs at once without wasting paper.
As for the sheet capacity, it comes with a tray that takes up to 250 sheets at once. In addition, the Brother printer produces high-quality prints with a maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi. Not to mention, it features a Toner Save mode that’ll drastically decrease your printing cost.
If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t need to worry about the future of your sublimation printing business, as this printer comes at a pretty reasonable price.
Pros:
30ppm printing speed
Automatic duplexing
250-sheet capacity
Budget-friendly
Cons:
It doesn’t come with a USB cable
Final Verdict
If you want an affordable and good sublimation printer that’ll perform well in both sublimation and photo printing, look no further than the Brother HL-L2320D.
How to Choose The Right Sublimation Printer That Will Suit Your Needs?
There are a few key factors that you should consider when buying a sublimation printing machine. Here’s a brief roundup of all of them.
1. Understand What Sublimation Printing Is
Sublimation printing is a digital printing technology that involves the use of heat to transfer dye onto various materials such as plastic, card, paper, or fabric. The term ‘sublimation’ refers to the chemical process where a substance changes from a solid state directly to a gas, bypassing the liquid state.
During sublimation printing, special sublimation ink is heated until it disintegrates into a gas. This gas then permeates the fibers or polymer coating of the material, creating a permanent, high-resolution, full-color print that won’t peel or fade. Understanding this process is crucial because it helps you understand the capabilities and limitations of sublimation printers and informs your decision when choosing the right one.
2. Identify Your Needs
Before you start shopping for a sublimation printer, it’s crucial to identify what you’ll be using it for. Are you a hobbyist looking to print on mugs, mouse pads, or small apparel items, or are you a business owner needing to print on a large scale? Maybe you’re an artist who wants to reproduce artwork in a variety of mediums.
Your intended use will significantly influence the type of printer you need. For example, if you’re planning to print on small items like phone cases or coasters, a small-format printer may be adequate. However, if you want to print on larger items like T-shirts or banners, you’ll need a larger printer that can handle these dimensions.
3. Choose the Right Size
Sublimation printers come in a variety of sizes, from compact desktop models to large format printers suitable for industrial use. The size you choose will depend on the products you plan to produce and the space you have available. For example, if you’re running a small business from home, a desktop model may be the most practical option.
However, if you’re planning to produce large-scale items like banners or flags, or if you’re printing in large quantities, a large-format printer may be a better fit. Always measure your workspace and consider the printer’s dimensions before purchasing to ensure it will fit comfortably.
4. Consider Print Quality
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a sublimation printer is the print quality. This directly impacts the final appearance of your product, making it a key factor in customer satisfaction. Print quality is usually measured in DPI (dots per inch), and a higher DPI means a more detailed and sharper image.
However, keep in mind that high DPI values are not always necessary. If you’re printing small items with simple designs, a lower DPI might be sufficient. But if you’re printing large items or designs with a lot of detail, a printer with a higher DPI would be a better choice.
5. Look at the Printer’s Color Performance
Another vital aspect of print quality is color performance. A printer’s color performance can greatly affect the final product, especially when printing images with a wide range of colors.
A good sublimation printer should offer a wide color gamut (the range of colors a printer can reproduce), excellent color accuracy (how closely the printed colors match the original colors), and smooth color transitions. This will ensure your printed products look vibrant, realistic, and professional.
6. Evaluate the Speed
The speed of a sublimation printer is another important consideration, especially if you plan to print in high volumes. Printer speed is usually measured in pages per minute (PPM), and a higher PPM means a faster printer. Fast printers can help increase productivity, reduce downtime, and meet tight deadlines. However, keep in mind that speed can sometimes come at the expense of print quality, so it’s essential to strike a balance# Let’s continue with the remaining points.
7. Check the Ink Type
In sublimation printing, the type of ink used is crucial. There are mainly two types of inks used in this process: sublimation inks and heat transfer inks. Sublimation inks are specially formulated to convert from a solid to a gas under heat and pressure, which is what allows them to bond with the material’s fibers or coating. This feature makes them ideal for sublimation printing, where the goal is to create prints that are resistant to fading and peeling.
On the other hand, heat transfer inks are used to print the design onto a special heat transfer paper, which is then pressed onto the material to transfer the design. The quality of the print using heat transfer inks depends largely on the quality of the transfer paper used. Each type of ink has its pros and cons, and they are used for different applications, so it’s essential to ensure the printer you choose is compatible with the type of ink you plan to use.
8. Consider the Cost
Sublimation printers can vary widely in price, ranging from a few hundred dollars for entry-level models to several thousand for professional-grade ones. When considering the cost, it’s important to take into account not just the upfront cost of the printer, but also the ongoing costs. These include the cost of ink, replacement parts, maintenance, and electricity.
Higher-end printers often have more efficient ink usage and longer-lasting parts, which can save you money in the long run. However, they also have a higher upfront cost, so you’ll need to consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest upfront versus over time. Remember, the most expensive printer isn’t necessarily the best for your needs, and there may be more affordable options that can deliver the quality and performance you need.
9. Check the Printer’s Durability
The durability of a sublimation printer is another critical factor to consider. A good sublimation printer should be well-built and able to withstand heavy use, especially if you’re planning to use it for a business. To assess a printer’s durability, you can look at its build quality, the materials it’s made of, and any reviews or ratings from users who have used it for a similar purpose as you.
Keep in mind that while more durable printers tend to be more expensive, they can also last longer and give you a better return on your investment. It’s often more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a high-quality, durable printer that won’t require frequent repairs or replacements.
10. Review the Warranty and Support
Finally, don’t forget to check what kind of warranty and customer support is offered with the printer. A good warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong with the printer, you’ll be covered. It’s also a reflection of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Customer support is also crucial, as it can help you resolve any issues or answer any questions you might have. Look for a company that offers good after-sales service and has a reputation for responding promptly and helpfully to customer inquiries. Additionally, consider whether the company provides resources for troubleshooting and learning how to use the printer, as this can be a major advantage if you’re new to sublimation printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printers are best used for sublimation?
The best printers for sublimation are those that are compatible with sublimation ink and have a high print quality. Some popular printers for sublimation include the Sawgrass SG500, the Epson SureColor F570, and the Brother Sublimation Printer.
What is the best cheapest printer for sublimation?
The best cheapest printer for sublimation is the Epson EcoTank ET-2720. It is a reliable printer that is compatible with sublimation ink and is relatively affordable.
Can you do sublimation with Cricut?
Yes, you can do sublimation with Cricut. Cricut machines can be used to cut sublimation blanks, such as heat transfer vinyl, and then you can use a sublimation printer to print your designs onto the blanks.
What do I need for sublimation printing?
To sublimate, you will need a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, sublimation blanks, and a heat press. You will also need a computer to design your sublimation projects.
What is the easiest printer to convert to sublimation?
The easiest printer to convert to sublimation is the Epson EcoTank ET-2720. It is a reliable printer that is compatible with sublimation ink and can be easily converted using a few simple steps.
Which EcoTank is best for sublimation?
The best EcoTank for sublimation is the Epson EcoTank ET-2720. It is a reliable printer that is compatible with sublimation ink and is relatively affordable.
Do you need a Cricut for sublimation?
No, you do not need a Cricut for sublimation. You can use a variety of other cutting machines, such as the Silhouette Cameo, to cut sublimation blanks.
Do you need a Cricut for sublimation printing?
No, you do not need a Cricut for sublimation printing. You can use a variety of other printers, such as the Epson EcoTank ET-2720, to print your sublimation designs.
Do you have to buy a special printer for sublimation?
No, you do not have to buy a special printer for sublimation. You can use a variety of printers, as long as they are compatible with sublimation ink.
Is sublimation cheaper than heat transfer?
Sublimation can be cheaper than heat transfer, depending on the materials you are using. Sublimation ink is typically more expensive than heat transfer vinyl, but sublimation blanks are typically less expensive than heat transfer blanks.
Which is better a Cricut or a sublimation printer?
Which is better for you depends on your needs. If you need to cut sublimation blanks, then you will need a cutting machine, such as a Cricut or Silhouette Cameo. If you only need to print sublimation designs, then you can use a sublimation printer.
To Wrap Up
Choosing the right sublimation printer comes down to your space, budget, and the size of the products you want to create.
For most beginners and small business owners, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 stands out as the best overall choice. It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers vibrant sublimation results without overwhelming you with features you don’t need yet.
If you want a truly hassle-free setup from day one, the Epson F170 is the top pick for a dedicated sublimation workflow. No conversions or risks — just plug in, print, and start selling.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be set up for success with a sublimation printer that keeps ink costs low and creativity high.
1 thought on “The 7 Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners in 2025”
We have an Epson ET-2800. It is supposed to do sublimation printing but has a design flaw in the ribbon cable attached to the print head getting bound up in the mechanism to move the head. After two months, ours did that.
Epson voided the warrantee because sublimation ink was used irrespective of actual cause. If you are going to buy an Epson printer for this function, expect them to refuse to honor their warrantee should there be a problem.
We have an Epson ET-2800. It is supposed to do sublimation printing but has a design flaw in the ribbon cable attached to the print head getting bound up in the mechanism to move the head. After two months, ours did that.
Epson voided the warrantee because sublimation ink was used irrespective of actual cause. If you are going to buy an Epson printer for this function, expect them to refuse to honor their warrantee should there be a problem.