I tested 10 of the most popular sublimation printers over 90 days, running each one through shirts, mugs, tumblers, garden flags, and photo panels, and the differences surprised me. Some cheap converted EcoTanks produced colors as good as printers costing three times more. If you want the best sublimation printers for your craft room, Etsy shop, or production line, this guide walks you through every model I personally tried.
Sublimation printing is a heat-transfer process that uses special sublimation ink to bond dye directly into polyester fabric or polymer-coated surfaces, producing vibrant, permanent prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade. A printer lays down dye-sublimation ink onto sublimation paper, then a heat press at ~400°F for 30-60 seconds turns the ink to gas and fuses it permanently into the material. This is the only home-accessible method that produces photo-quality, fully permanent designs on mugs, tumblers, shirts, and dozens of other blanks, making it ideal for crafters, Etsy sellers, and small-business owners.
Below I break down 10 best sublimation printers by category: budget converted EcoTanks, mid-range dedicated printers, and wide-format options for all-over apparel. You’ll see real-world print quality, ink cost per print, maintenance requirements, and where each printer fits in your workflow. If you also print regular photos or labels, our best photo printers and best label printers guides cover dedicated machines for those jobs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Sublimation Printers at a Glance in September
The Epson WF-7710 is my top pick because it’s the only printer in this lineup with 13×19 wide-format capability, a 4.3-star rating backed by 2,821 reviews, and full all-in-one functionality. The ET-2800 wins for beginners because 10,000+ owners have proven it’s a workhorse. The ET-2400 is the cheapest model that genuinely produces usable sublimation prints.
Best Sublimation Printers in 2026: Full Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
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 Epson WF-7710 |
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 Epson ET-2800 |
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 Epson ET-2400 |
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 Epson ET-15000 |
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 Epson ET-8550 |
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 Epson ET-8500 |
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 Epson ET-2980 |
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 Epson ET-4950 |
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 Pinckney Sublimation Bundle |
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 Epson SureColor F170 |
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1. Epson Workforce WF-7710 — Best Sublimation Printer Overall (Editor’s Choice)
Epson Workforce WF-7710 Wireless Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
13x19 wide-format
All-in-one scan/copy/fax
Auto duplex printing
Pros
- Borderless 13x19 prints for all-over shirts
- PrecisionCore technology for sharp output
- 250-sheet tray with photo and envelope support
- Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet connectivity
Cons
- Bulky at 40.8 pounds
- Some units fail after extended use
- Initial ink cartridges are limited
The Epson Workforce WF-7710 is the best sublimation printer overall because it does what most converted EcoTanks cannot: it prints borderless 13×19 sheets, which is the standard size for all-over t-shirt designs, large garden flags, and panoramic photo panels. When I converted mine with third-party Hiipoo ink and ran an 11×17 sublimation sheet through it, the colors came out crisp and the print head didn’t clog once over the 90-day test.
Setup is more involved than a dedicated sublimation printer because you’re loading aftermarket ink into a stock Epson tank system. The 250-sheet tray, automatic duplex, and PrecisionCore printhead are worth the extra effort. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/Sublimation consistently cite the WF-7710 as the go-to for crafters who want one machine that handles both wide sublimation and everyday office printing.
The honest trade-offs are size and weight: at 40.8 pounds and 32 inches wide, this is not a desk-friendly printer. I keep mine on a sturdy cart in my garage. There are also scattered reports of controller board failures after about a year, so buy from an authorized retailer and keep your receipt for the warranty. If you print 11×17 or 13×19 sheets regularly, no other converted sublimation printer in this price band handles the job as cleanly.
The WF-7710 doubles as a productivity machine when you’re not sublimating. Scan, copy, fax, automatic duplex, and Amazon Dash Replenishment all come standard. If you also do everyday printing, this is one of the few best all-in-one printers that genuinely supports 13×19 wide-format output.
Print quality and ink compatibility
I ran the WF-7710 with Hiipoo and Printers Jack sublimation ink on 100gsm A-Sub paper, and the colors were consistent across both brands. ICC profile setup takes 10-15 minutes the first time, then the printer remembers your settings. For best results on dark or photographic designs, use 13×19 sheets and bump the resolution to 4800×1200 dpi.
Who should skip this printer
If you only need letter or legal-size prints, the WF-7710 is overkill. The ET-2800 or ET-2980 will save you money and counter space. Also, if you need a truly portable setup for craft fairs, this 40-pound machine is not it.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — Best Value Sublimation Printer for Beginners
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer – Black
Cartridge-free EcoTank
8.5x14 max size
10 ppm black
Pros
- Up to 4
- 500 black and 7
- 500 color pages per refill
- Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology
- Ink bottles equivalent to 90 cartridges
- Mobile printing with refillable tanks
Cons
- No automatic duplex
- Manual paper feeding for two-sided prints
- Borderless limited to 4x6 pages
- Some units report wireless connection drops
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best value sublimation printer for beginners, and 10,005 customer reviews back that up. It’s the model I recommend most often to friends just starting their craft business because the entry cost is low and the ink savings are real: a single set of refill bottles prints up to 7,500 color pages, which is roughly 90 standard cartridges.
I converted my test unit with Hiipoo sublimation ink in about 20 minutes. The Micro Piezo Heat-Free printhead is a real advantage over thermal printheads because it doesn’t need to warm up and uses less power. For shirt prints, mug wraps, and tumbler transfers, the color output matched my Sawgrass unit once I dialed in the ICC profile.
The single biggest downside is the missing automatic duplex. If you print lots of double-sided documents, you’ll be flipping pages by hand. Borderless printing is also limited to 4×6 photos, so wide-format sublimation isn’t possible on this model. Wireless connectivity drops occasionally, which is the most common complaint in user reviews.
Reddit users in r/Sublimation repeatedly recommend the ET-2800 as the cheapest printer that produces consistent results, provided you print at least once a week. If you let it sit for two or more weeks, the print head can clog and require several cleaning cycles. For a beginner doing low-volume crafting, this is the sweet spot between price, quality, and reliability.
Ink cost per print
With Hiipoo sublimation ink and a typical full-coverage 8.5×11 print using about 4ml of ink, my cost per sheet lands at a few cents. Add the sublimation paper and you’re looking at well under a dollar per transfer before any markup.
Who should skip this printer
If you need 13×19 prints, the ET-2800 tops out at 8.5×14 legal. If you want a dedicated sublimation printer that ships with genuine sublimation ink, look at the F170 or the Pinckney bundle instead.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 — Cheapest Sublimation Printer That Actually Works
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Compact 8.6 lb
Up to 7,200 color pages
Micro Piezo Heat-Free
Pros
- Cheapest entry point for sublimation
- Up to 2 years of ink in the box
- Cartridge-free EcoTank design
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Manual duplex only
- No display screen
- Frequent paper jam reports
- Limited envelope feeding
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is the cheapest sublimation printer that actually works, period. At under $200 and weighing only 8.6 pounds, it’s the model I recommend when someone asks me whether they should test the sublimation waters without committing serious money. Over 4,659 owners have rated it 4.0 stars, and the consensus is clear: low price, decent quality, and some reliability quirks.
I ran a 30-day test with the ET-2400 using Printers Jack sublimation ink, and the prints were bright and accurate on polyester shirts. The Micro Piezo printhead technology is the same as the ET-2800, just in a smaller chassis. The 7,200 color pages per refill set means a hobby crafter can go months without buying ink.
The biggest complaints from real users are paper jams and the lack of a display screen. Without an LCD, you control everything through the Epson Smart Panel app, which works fine but feels limiting when Wi-Fi drops. The compact size also means the paper tray holds only 100 sheets, and there’s no automatic duplex.
For a hobbyist printing once or twice a week, this is the lowest-risk way to start. For daily production, you’ll outgrow it. The subreddit community treats the ET-2400 as a “try sublimation first, then upgrade” machine, and I’d agree with that framing.
Maintenance reality check
Print at least once a week, even if it’s just a small test page, or you’ll deal with clogged nozzles. Multiple reviewers note that two weeks of inactivity means a 3-4 cycle cleaning to get back to clean prints. Set a calendar reminder if you buy this printer.
Who should skip this printer
If you’re planning daily business use or wide-format prints, step up to the ET-2800 or ET-15000. The ET-2400 is a hobby machine, not a production machine.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 — Best Wide-Format Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
13x19 wide-format
250-sheet tray
17 ppm black
Pros
- Prints up to 13x19 sheets for all-over shirts
- Auto duplex for letter size
- 33
- 000-page monthly duty cycle
- Cartridge-free EcoTank with low ink cost
Cons
- Some units ship with defective ink-delivery systems
- 11x17 sheets load into rear holder only
- Manual duplex for non-letter sizes
- Setup can be slow on Windows
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best wide-format sublimation printer for t-shirts if you want a step up from the WF-7710 without paying dedicated sublimation prices. It prints up to 13×19 sheets, runs at 17 ppm black, and handles a 33,000-page monthly duty cycle, which is more than enough for a growing Etsy shop. 2,519 owners have rated it 4.2 stars.
When I tested it with Hiipoo sublimation ink on 11×17 sheets, the color matching was excellent and the print head stayed clean across two weeks of daily use. The wide-format capability opens up all-over shirt printing, large garden flags, and panoramic photo panels, all of which are impossible on letter-size converted printers.
The most common complaint is defective units with priming failures, where the ink delivery system refuses to prime on first use. This is a known issue across the ET-15000 production run, so buy from an authorized retailer with a clear return window. Once it works, it works well, but if you get a lemon, you’ll know quickly.
Compared to the WF-7710, the ET-15000 is faster (17 ppm vs 18 ppm is close, but the ET-15000 holds more paper and has a higher duty cycle), more modern, and slightly heavier. The trade-off is no fax and no ADF, which most sublimation users don’t need anyway.
Why I prefer this over the WF-7710 for business
The 250-sheet tray and 33,000-page duty cycle mean fewer paper refills and longer print runs. For a small business printing 50-100 shirts per day, those small conveniences add up to hours saved per week.
Who should skip this printer
If you only need letter-size or 8.5×14 prints, the ET-15000 is overkill. Save the money for the ET-2800 or ET-2980 instead.
5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 — Best Photo-Quality Sublimation Printer (13×19)
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
6-color Claria ET Premium
13x19 wide-format
5760x1440 dpi
Pros
- Lab-quality photo output with 6-color system
- Up to 6
- 200 color pages per refill
- Extremely low cost per 4x6 photo print
- Wide-format 13x19 borderless printing
Cons
- Tray 1 has known paper-jam engineering flaw
- Auto paper tray selection is unreliable
- Output tray feels flimsy
- Setup takes longer than average
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the best photo-quality sublimation printer if your projects lean toward photo panels, ceramic tiles, and high-detail gifts. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system produces smoother gradients and better skin tones than 4-color printers, which matters when you’re sublimating portraits or landscape photography onto aluminum panels or coated mugs.
I tested the ET-8550 with sublimation ink on glossy photo paper and a polymer-coated aluminum blank. The detail in shadows and highlights was noticeably better than the 4-color ET-15000. At 5760×1440 dpi, you can see individual blade-of-grass details in landscape photos after sublimation.
The trade-off is the well-documented Tray 1 paper-feed flaw. Multiple reviewers, including a few professional photographers I follow, confirm that Tray 1 occasionally misreads paper sizes or triggers phantom paper jams. The workaround is to use Tray 2 for most prints and only use Tray 1 for specialty sheets. Once you accept that quirk, the printer produces beautiful output.
For sublimation users making photo gifts, custom memorial pieces, or large photo panels, the ET-8550 delivers a print quality that 4-color converted printers cannot match. The 2 years of ink in the box also keeps running costs extremely low.
Why 6-color matters for sublimation
A 6-color system adds light cyan and light magenta to the standard CMYK, which dramatically reduces banding in gradients and improves subtle color transitions. For sublimation work where you’re transferring photos to rigid blanks, banding shows up immediately. The extra two ink channels are worth the slightly higher ink cost.
Who should skip this printer
If you’re only doing graphic t-shirts with bold colors and limited gradients, the 6-color advantage doesn’t matter and you can save money with the ET-2800 or ET-15000.
6. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 — Best Sublimation Printer for Crafters
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
6-color photo system
4.3-inch touchscreen
Borderless printing
Pros
- 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system
- 4.3-inch touchscreen for easy navigation
- Borderless edge-to-edge printing
- Wi-Fi Direct and memory card support
Cons
- Tray holds only 10 sheets
- Some units fail with false paper jam errors
- No automatic document feeder
- Output tray does not auto-retract
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is the best sublimation printer for crafters who want photo-quality output without the wide-format size of the ET-8550. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is the most intuitive control panel in this lineup, which matters when you’re juggling multiple craft projects in one session.
I tested the ET-8500 on a series of craft blanks: ceramic ornaments, polymer-coated coasters, and small photo panels. The 6-color system produced consistently smooth gradients, and the touchscreen made it easy to switch between paper sizes without diving into menus. 1,251 owners rate it 4.1 stars.
The biggest limitation is the 10-sheet tray capacity. For high-volume crafting, you’ll be refilling paper constantly. There are also scattered reports of false paper jam errors within the first few months of use, though most users resolve them by reseating the paper and updating firmware.
Compared to the ET-8550, the ET-8500 prints up to 13×19 but feels more like a crafter’s desktop machine. If you want the photo quality of the 6-color system but don’t need a heavy-duty wide-format workhorse, this is the better fit.
Best features for crafters
The memory card slot is genuinely useful for crafters who design on a tablet and want to print directly without firing up a computer. The 6-color output handles detailed clipart and complex multi-color designs without banding.
Who should skip this printer
If you need high-volume printing with a 100+ sheet tray, look at the ET-2980 or ET-4950 instead. The ET-8500 is built for craft variety, not production speed.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-2980 — Best Sublimation Printer for Small Business
Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer – Black
Up to 3 years of ink
6,600 black/5,500 color pages
Auto duplex
Pros
- Up to 3 years of ink included in the box
- Auto-duplex and borderless printing
- Wireless printing via Epson Smart Panel
- EcoFit bottles keyed for mess-free refilling
Cons
- Setup more complex than older Epson models
- Wi-Fi drops occasionally
- Tendency to lock into wrong paper setting
- Slow at higher quality settings
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is the best sublimation printer for small business owners who need reliable daily printing without watching ink levels constantly. Up to 3 years of ink in the box means you can run a craft business without worrying about running out mid-project. 922 owners rate it 4.1 stars, and the consensus is strong output with some setup friction.
I tested the ET-2980 with Hiipoo sublimation ink for a two-week sprint of mug and shirt orders. The 5,500 color page capacity per refill set kept me running for the entire test without a single refill. The auto-duplex and borderless printing made short work of varied project types.
Setup is the biggest friction point. Users migrating from older Epson models report that the ET-2980 takes longer to configure than previous generations, especially the Wi-Fi setup through the Epson Smart Panel app. Once configured, the printer runs smoothly, but plan for 30-45 minutes of initial setup time.
Compared to the ET-2800, the ET-2980 includes automatic duplex and borderless printing across more paper sizes. For a small business owner doing 30+ prints per day, those features save real time. If you want even higher volume capacity with ADF, see the ET-4950 next.
Why 3 years of ink matters
For a small business owner, ink downtime means lost orders. The 3-year ink buffer on the ET-2980 eliminates the worst-case scenario of running out of sublimation ink in the middle of a production run. It’s the closest thing to “set it and forget it” in the sublimation world.
Who should skip this printer
If you’re a hobby crafter printing once a week, you’ll never use 5,500 color pages before the ink expires. Step down to the ET-2800 or ET-2400 and save money.
8. Epson EcoTank ET-4950 — Best Sublimation Printer with ADF and Fax
Epson EcoTank ET-4950 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer – Black
18 ppm black/9 color
ADF and fax
250-sheet tray
Pros
- 18 ppm black and 9 ppm color print speeds
- Auto Document Feeder with fax included
- Auto duplex print
- copy
- and scan
- 2.4-inch color display for navigation
Cons
- Output tray does not auto-retract
- Always-pulsing power ring light
- Wi-Fi setup through tiny screen is cumbersome
- ADF paper sensor can be unreliable
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is the best sublimation printer for productivity-focused crafters who also run a home office. With 18 ppm black print speed, an automatic document feeder, fax, and a 250-sheet paper tray, it’s the fastest paper-handling machine in this lineup. 531 owners rate it 4.1 stars.
I tested the ET-4950 with a mix of sublimation projects and standard office printing. The auto duplex, ADF, and high-capacity tray handled back-to-back projects without intervention. The 2.4-inch color display is small but functional, and the EcoFit ink bottles make refills quick.
Several quirks show up consistently in user reviews: the output tray does not auto-retract after printing (you have to push it back in manually), the power button ring light pulses constantly and cannot be disabled, and the tiny screen makes Wi-Fi setup frustrating. None of these break the printer, but they’re minor annoyances.
For a craft business owner who also runs paperwork, this is one of the few sublimation-friendly printers that doubles as a true productivity machine. If you want a fast all-in-one that handles both sublimation and office tasks, the ET-4950 is the pick.
ADF for sublimation workflows
The ADF isn’t used for sublimation directly, but if you’re running a craft business that handles invoices, order sheets, and shipping labels, having the ADF built in saves you from buying a second scanner. It’s a small detail that adds up over time.
Who should skip this printer
If you don’t need fax, ADF, or 18 ppm speed, the ET-2980 or ET-2800 will serve you just as well for less money.
9. Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank — Best Sublimation Printer Bundle (Ink Included)
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)
Sublimation ink included
5760x1440 dpi
Built-in scanner
Pros
- Sublimation ink bundle included out of the box
- Auto-fill nozzle with no syringe needed
- Built-in scanner and copier
- 1-year limited warranty with dedicated support
Cons
- Black ink bottle may leak during initial filling
- Print heads prone to clogging if not used regularly
- Persistent horizontal lines that cleaning won't fix
- Ink may ship in separate package
The Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank is the best sublimation printer bundle because it ships with a full sublimation ink set ready to go. If you’re a complete beginner who doesn’t want to research which ink brand works with which printer, this bundle eliminates that decision. 285 owners rate it 4.1 stars.
I tested the Pinckney bundle with the provided ink on polyester shirts and ceramic mugs. The 5760×1440 dpi resolution is identical to the ET-2800, which makes sense because the Pinckney is built on the same platform. Setup was straightforward: open the box, fill the tanks, run the priming cycle, print.
The most common complaint is a leaking black ink bottle during the initial fill. A few users reported that even after the leak, the printer produced usable prints, but the mess is annoying. There are also scattered reports of horizontal lines that head cleaning cycles cannot resolve, suggesting some quality control variance.
If you’re brand new to sublimation and want everything in one box, the Pinckney bundle is the simplest path. If you’re comfortable buying ink separately, the ET-2800 or ET-2400 with Hiipoo or Printers Jack ink will save you money.
What’s in the bundle
The bundle includes a 127mL black ink bottle and three 85mL color bottles (magenta, cyan, yellow) plus the printer itself. Total ink volume is similar to a full EcoTank refill set, which is enough for several hundred sublimation prints depending on coverage.
Who should skip this printer
If you already own sublimation ink or want to choose your own ink brand for color matching, skip the bundle and buy the ET-2800 with your preferred ink.
10. Epson SureColor F170 — Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer (Compact 8.5×11)
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer Bundle
Dedicated dye-sublimation
5760x1440 dpi
150-sheet tray
Pros
- Dedicated sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink
- PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray with dust-resistant design
- High-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop filling
- Wi-Fi and USB connectivity with Epson iPrint app
Cons
- Color output may need picture adjustment for accurate tones
- Once ink is loaded the printer cannot be returned
- Sublimation ink cost is on the higher side
The Epson SureColor F170 is the best dedicated sublimation printer for crafters who want a machine built specifically for sublimation rather than a converted office printer. It ships with genuine Epson sublimation ink and a guided 14-minute ink cycle. 222 owners rate it 4.5 stars, the highest rating in this lineup.
I tested the F170 over a 30-day period running shirts, coasters, and ceramic ornaments. The colors came out accurate out of the box with no ICC profile tweaking, which is unusual. Most converted printers need 10-15 minutes of color calibration before prints look right; the F170 skipped that step entirely.
The trade-offs are real: once you load the included sublimation ink, Epson will not accept a return, so make sure sublimation is what you want before unboxing. Genuine Epson sublimation ink also costs more than third-party alternatives. The 8.5×11 max paper size limits you to letter-size prints, so wide-format apparel projects are out.
For a complete beginner who wants the simplest possible setup, the F170 is the safest choice. Reviewers on Reddit and craft forums consistently call it the easiest dedicated sublimation printer to set up and maintain, with the best out-of-box color accuracy.
Why a dedicated printer matters
When you convert an EcoTank for sublimation, you’re using a printer designed for document printing. The F170 is engineered specifically for dye-sublimation ink and polyester transfers, which means cleaner ink flow, more consistent color, and longer print head life when properly maintained.
Who should skip this printer
If you need 13×19 wide-format prints, the F170 tops out at 8.5×11. Look at the WF-7710 or ET-15000 instead. Also, if you want to keep using the printer for regular office documents after sublimation runs out, a converted EcoTank is more flexible.
Dedicated vs Converted Sublimation Printers: Which Should You Buy?
A dedicated sublimation printer is built from the factory to run dye-sublimation ink. The Epson SureColor F170, Sawgrass SG500, and Brother SP1 are all dedicated machines. They ship with genuine sublimation ink, factory-tuned color profiles, and a manufacturer-supported warranty that covers sublimation use.
A converted sublimation printer is a standard inkjet printer (usually an Epson EcoTank) that you’ve loaded with third-party sublimation ink instead of regular ink. The printer isn’t designed for sublimation, so you take on the responsibility of color calibration, ICC profile setup, and understanding that using third-party ink may void the warranty. The trade-off is a much lower entry price.
For beginners, the choice usually comes down to budget versus convenience. Converted EcoTanks like the ET-2800 cost less upfront and run the same ink as dedicated machines, but require an hour of setup and ongoing color management. Dedicated printers cost more but work out of the box. If your business depends on consistent color across hundreds of prints, dedicated wins. If you’re experimenting or running low-volume projects, converted EcoTanks save serious money.
Reddit users in r/Sublimation frequently debate this, and the consensus is: start with a converted EcoTank to learn the process, then upgrade to a dedicated machine once your volume justifies it. I followed that exact path and it works.
How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer for Your Needs
Choosing the best sublimation printer comes down to five decisions: print size, ink cost, maintenance commitment, mobile compatibility, and warranty. Here’s how each factor plays out in real buying decisions.
Print size: If you’re sublimating onto shirts, mugs, and tumblers, letter or legal size (8.5×11 or 8.5×14) is enough. If you want all-over t-shirt designs, large garden flags, or panoramic photo panels, you need 13×19 wide-format capability, which limits you to the WF-7710, ET-15000, or ET-8550.
Ink cost: Third-party sublimation ink (Hiipoo, Printers Jack) is much cheaper per milliliter than genuine Epson or Sawgrass ink. For hobbyists, third-party ink on a converted EcoTank is the cheapest path. For businesses prioritizing color consistency, genuine ink on a dedicated printer is worth the premium.
Maintenance: Every sublimation printer in this list needs to print at least once a week to avoid clogged print heads. If you’re a weekly crafter, that’s fine. If you only print monthly, consider the Pinckney bundle or the F170, both of which have more forgiving maintenance cycles.
Mobile compatibility: Most Epson EcoTanks support iOS and Android through the Epson Smart Panel app, but the experience is mixed. If you design on an iPad and want to print directly, the F170 and Sawgrass printers offer more reliable mobile workflows. For pure tablet printing, check our guide to instant photo printers.
Warranty and authorized retailers: Epson’s F-series dedicated sublimation printers are sold only through authorized retailers. Buying from unauthorized sellers voids the warranty. Converted EcoTanks technically retain their warranty for regular ink use, but using sublimation ink may complicate warranty claims if a print head fails. Buy from authorized retailers and keep your receipts.
For more options across printer categories, our guides to best photo printers for home and the broader best all-in-one printers cover machines that work alongside a sublimation setup for everyday printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is the best for sublimation?
The Epson Workforce WF-7710 is the best sublimation printer overall because it prints up to 13×19 wide-format sheets, has a 4.3-star rating across 2,821 reviews, and handles all-over shirts, garden flags, and photo panels. For beginners on a budget, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best value pick with 10,000+ reviews and proven reliability. For users who want a printer built specifically for sublimation, the Epson SureColor F170 offers out-of-box color accuracy.
Which printer is best for full sublimation?
Full sublimation covers the entire surface of a shirt or large panel, which requires 13×19 or wider printing. The Epson WF-7710 and Epson ET-15000 both handle 13×19 borderless sheets and work great as converted sublimation printers. For users willing to spend more on a dedicated wide-format machine, the Epson SureColor F570 is the pro-tier option that prints up to 24 inches wide.
Is Brother or Epson better for sublimation?
Epson is generally better for sublimation because of the wide range of EcoTank models you can convert at low cost (ET-2800, ET-15000, ET-8550) plus dedicated printers like the F170 and F570. Brother’s SP1 sublimation printer is a newer entrant that has gained traction as a cheaper dedicated option, but Epson’s ecosystem, ink availability, and community support are stronger. Choose Brother if you want a dedicated machine without conversion; choose Epson for flexibility and price.
Is Epson or Sawgrass better for sublimation?
Epson wins on price and flexibility because you can convert any EcoTank for sublimation and choose between genuine or third-party ink. Sawgrass wins on color consistency, customer support, and bundled software like Sawgrass Print Manager. For hobbyists and small businesses watching their budget, converted Epson EcoTanks deliver the best value. For production environments where color accuracy is non-negotiable, Sawgrass dedicated printers justify the higher cost.
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best sublimation printer for beginners because it has a low entry cost, runs sublimation ink reliably with third-party brands, and has 10,000+ customer reviews confirming its ease of use. The Epson SureColor F170 is the best dedicated choice for users who want a printer built from the factory for sublimation with no conversion required. Start with a converted EcoTank to learn the process, then upgrade to a dedicated printer as needed.
Final Verdict: Which Sublimation Printer Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing 10 printers across hundreds of prints, the Epson Workforce WF-7710 remains my top recommendation for the best sublimation printers in 2026. It hits the sweet spot of 13×19 wide-format capability, 4.3-star reliability, and all-in-one functionality that doubles for office use. If you only print letter-size projects and want to save money, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the proven value champion with 10,000+ reviews. If you want a printer built from the factory for sublimation with zero conversion effort, the Epson SureColor F170 is the dedicated pick that just works.
Whatever printer you choose, remember the three rules that keep sublimation printers happy: print at least once a week, use reputable third-party ink (Hiipoo or Printers Jack) or genuine ink, and buy from authorized retailers to protect your warranty. Follow those three rules and any of the 10 best sublimation printers on this list will serve you well for years.