10 Best Sublimation Printers for Small Business in 2026: Top Picks for Profitable Custom Products

Choosing the right sublimation printer for small business can shape your product range, operating costs, and daily workflow. The models in this roundup cover beginner-friendly bundles, compact desktop printers, and larger options for growing production demands.

Use the guide below to compare print sizes, ink systems, included supplies, connectivity, and business fit before investing in equipment for apparel, drinkware, signage, and other sublimated products.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Small Business Picks for 2026

Best Compact OEM Pick – Epson SureColor F170

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5" x 11" Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support

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The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for small business owners who want a compact, dedicated desktop solution. It includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, supports Windows and macOS, and offers wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity for flexible setup.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses producing transfers for apparel, mugs, mousepads, and other items up to 8.5 inches wide.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and manufacturer support.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control is designed for sharp, clear images.
• Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps keep paper protected and reduces paper handling.
• Compact design with wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connectivity is not supported.

Choose the F170 if dependable OEM support, straightforward operation, and a space-saving footprint matter more than larger-format output. Its included ink and protected paper tray make it a convenient starting point for regular small-batch production.

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Best Software-Friendly Pick – Sawgrass SG500

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle | Includes 4 Pack of 31 mL SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper. Anti-clog sublimation printer with 3 year warranty.

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The Sawgrass SG500 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for small business operators who want guided design and color-management tools. It includes SubliJet UHD CMYK inks, Wi-Fi connectivity, and access to the MySawgrass platform for templates and workflow support.

Best For: Home-based entrepreneurs and small businesses making vibrant apparel, drinkware, signage, and promotional products in small to medium quantities.

Pros:

• Includes a full 31 mL set of SubliJet UHD CMYK inks plus paper.
• Prints media up to 8.5 x 14 inches, with bypass-tray support up to 8.5 x 51 inches.
• MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility provide templates and color-focused controls.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and automatic printhead maintenance support convenient operation.

Cons:

• Designed for standard 110/120V US and North American outlets.
• Its standard media size is limited to 8.5 x 14 inches.

The SG500 stands out when ease of use and business-oriented software are priorities. Its bypass tray adds flexibility for longer designs, while the compact desktop format suits growing operations with limited workspace.

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Best Wide-Format Versatility – Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer | Cartridge-free print, scan, copy, fax; up to 17 ppm, 13 x 19 in., Ethernet; ideal for home and small offices

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The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format all-in-one option to consider when a sublimation printer for small business also needs everyday office functions. It provides printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, supports media up to 11 x 17 inches, and uses refillable ink tanks.

Best For: Small businesses that need one machine for wide-format printing and general office tasks, with the notes indicating support for standard or sublimation ink.

Pros:

• Supports media up to 11 x 17 inches for larger designs.
• Combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device.
• Refillable EcoTank system includes black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles.
• Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, automatic duplexing, and a 250-sheet maximum capacity.

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than the dedicated compact sublimation printers listed here.
• It is an all-in-one inkjet rather than a purpose-built dye-sublimation printer.

The ET-15000 makes the most sense for a mixed-use workspace where office productivity and larger paper support are as important as sublimation capability. It is less specialized, but its scanning, copying, faxing, and wide-format features can reduce the need for separate equipment.

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Best All-Inclusive Starter Kit – Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle with Full Ink Set, 160 Sublimation Transfer Sheets, 50 Blanks, Tape and More

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The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle is a convenient sublimation printer for small business beginners who want supplies and design resources included. Along with the printer and full CMYK ink set, the package includes transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and access to Artspira software.

Best For: New crafters, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to start making apparel, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, coasters, and similar products without sourcing every accessory separately.

Pros:

• Includes full 47 mL cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink bottles.
• Starter supplies include 160 transfer sheets, 50 blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Artspira software, 100 designs, and 500 design cards provide creative resources.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and works with Windows, Mac, and the app.

Cons:

• Maximum listed resolution is 600 x 600 dpi.
• The bundle may include supplies that established businesses already have on hand.

The SP-1 is especially appealing as a ready-to-use package rather than a bare printer purchase. Its included blanks, paper, tape, and design assets can help a new business move from setup to product testing with fewer extra purchases.

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Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170

For a small business that wants a purpose-built sublimation printer, the Epson SureColor F170 combines a compact desktop footprint with genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink and a 150-sheet enclosed auto-feed tray. It is designed for personalized products such as shirts, tumblers, mugs, and gifts, while its included supplies make setup relatively straightforward.

Best For: Small businesses and home studios seeking a ready-to-use, dedicated sublimation printer for A4-size projects.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks and a maintenance tank.
• PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead supports precise droplet control and vibrant color.
• Enclosed 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps reduce paper handling between batches.
• Compact design and one-year warranty suit smaller workspaces.

Cons:

• Maximum media size is A4, limiting oversized project options.
• Connectivity is listed as USB, and it is not compatible with mobile devices.
• Heat press equipment is not included.

The F170 is a practical choice when consistent desktop sublimation output matters more than large-format flexibility. Its included ink and enclosed tray make it a strong starting point for a growing custom-products workflow.

Best for App-Based Designing – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a convenient option for a sublimation printer for small business users who prefer creating designs from a phone or tablet. Its Artspira integration provides ready-made designs and image tools, while Wi-Fi connectivity supports a more flexible setup for custom mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags, and hats.

Best For: Creators who want mobile-first design tools and a simple workflow from artwork to heat-pressed product.

Pros:

• Artspira supports saved images, design access, and poster-style image conversions.
• Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a starter pack of sublimation paper.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and a display screen add setup convenience.
• Designed for colorful projects on mugs, tumblers, apparel, bags, and hats.

Cons:

• Artspira is required to start, and the desktop version is listed as coming soon.
• A heat press is required and must be purchased separately.
• Maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 inches.

The SP-1 stands out for mobile-oriented creative work rather than maximum media flexibility. It can fit a small custom-goods operation well if phone or tablet design is central to the workflow and a separate heat press is already available.

Best Starter Bundle – Epson F170 Blanks Bundle

The Epson SureColor F170 Starter Bundle is aimed at buyers who need more than a sublimation printer for small business: it also supplies a selection of blanks and consumables for testing products immediately. Along with the F170, the package includes tumblers, flat blanks, paper, heat-resistant tape, and a design pack.

Best For: Beginners and small-business owners who want one package for experimenting with multiple sublimation products.

Pros:

• Includes the Epson F170, CMYK ink bottles, maintenance tank, and one-year warranty.
• Includes 10 sublimation tumblers and a 12-piece flat blanks starter kit.
• Also provides 8.5 x 14 paper, heat-resistant tape, tools, and a Creative Fabrica design pack.
• Offers USB and wireless connectivity for Mac and Windows computers.

Cons:

• The bundle includes supplies for starting projects but not a heat press.
• It is not compatible with mobile devices.
• Some included blanks may be substituted; the notes specifically mention temporary kitchen-towel replacements.

This bundle reduces the need to source blanks separately and gives a new operator several product types to test. It is particularly useful for validating a small catalog before buying larger quantities of inventory.

Compact Starter Pick – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a practical sublimation printer for small business owners who want a compact setup for producing colorful designs on items such as shirts, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, and coasters. It includes full CMYK ink, starter paper, and Artspira design software, making it easier to begin creating personalized products.

Best For: New or small-scale sellers who need a compact, connected printer with basic supplies and design software included.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml bottles of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Includes 10 sublimation sheets and Artspira software with 100 designs.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, plus Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
• Offers 1200 x 1200 resolution and supports media up to 8.5 x 14 inches.

Cons:

• The included paper quantity is limited compared with larger bundles.
• Its maximum media size is more suited to smaller projects than oversized prints.

The SP-1 is a sensible entry point when space and simplicity matter. Its included supplies and flexible connectivity help reduce setup friction, though businesses planning frequent production may want to budget for additional paper and blanks.

Production-Size Upgrade – Epson SureColor F570

The Epson SureColor F570 is a large-format sublimation printer for small businesses that need broader media support and professional workflow features. It handles rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide, includes a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and cutter, and comes with professional print software and support resources.

Best For: Established businesses producing larger graphics, awards, mugs, mousepads, and polyester-fabric projects.

Pros:

• Supports rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide and 100 feet long.
• Includes a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter for production efficiency.
• PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and Nozzle Verification Technology support consistent output.
• Epson Edge Print Pro includes layout, nesting, pattern-repeat, and advanced color-control tools.

Cons:

• At 151 pounds and 32 x 38 x 10 inches, it requires substantial workspace.
• Its larger format and professional features may be more than a beginner needs.
• The listed package supports PC connectivity, rather than broad computer-platform compatibility.

The F570 is the strongest fit here for businesses moving beyond small, occasional transfers. Its size, media capacity, cutter, and workflow software favor higher-volume or larger-format work, but the investment and space requirements are significant.

Fully Stocked Bundle – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Kit

The Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle is a sublimation printer for small business owners who want more than the printer alone. Along with the SP-1, it supplies 310 transfer sheets, 50 sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, tools, ink, and design resources, helping you test products and start fulfilling personalized orders sooner.

Best For: New sellers, crafters, and side businesses that want a broad starter inventory for experimenting with multiple product types.

Pros:

• Includes the SP-1 with a full 47 ml CMYK ink set.
• Provides 300 ProSub sheets plus 10 Brother sheets for 310 total sheets.
• Includes 50 sublimation blanks, four rolls of heat-resistant tape, and a seven-piece tool set.
• Offers Artspira software, 100 designs, and 500 SoFontsy design cards for commercial-use projects.

Cons:

• The 8.5 x 11-inch paper format is less suitable for oversized designs.
• The bundle contains many supplies, so storage and inventory organization may be needed.
• The included blanks may not match every seller’s preferred product niche.

This deluxe kit provides the most complete launch package of the three options. It is especially useful when you need paper, blanks, tape, tools, and designs immediately, while the SP-1’s compact format keeps the printer accessible for smaller workspaces.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Small Business

We focused on printers that suit real small-business workflows, from first-time makers and home studios to established shops handling recurring orders. The selection considers supported media sizes, ink availability, setup requirements, connectivity, included accessories, and the value of bundled blanks or transfer paper. We also included both purpose-built dye-sublimation printers and an adaptable wide-format EcoTank option, since business needs vary by product mix and budget.

Quick Comparison

Compact models such as the Epson SureColor F170 and Brother SP-1 are practical when workspace is limited and most projects use standard desktop transfer sizes. Sawgrass offers a dedicated ecosystem with bundled ink and paper, which can simplify setup for beginners. Starter bundles from Brother and Epson may cost more initially but can reduce the need for immediate supply purchases.

For larger graphics, signage, apparel panels, or higher production volume, the Epson SureColor F570 is the most capable choice in this group because it supports wider media and is designed for more demanding workflows. The EcoTank ET-15000 is a different type of option: it offers multifunction printing and wide-format capability, but buyers should verify sublimation compatibility, ink configuration, and warranty terms before using it for business production.

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Small Business

Print Size and Product Range

Match the printer’s maximum width to what you sell. Standard letter-size output works well for many shirts, mugs, tumblers, and small hard goods, while wider printers provide more flexibility for oversized apparel, banners, and multi-item layouts.

Ink, Paper, and Running Costs

Check the price and availability of replacement ink, transfer paper, and maintenance supplies. Bundles can be useful for launching a shop, but compare the included quantities with the cost of replenishment. Dedicated systems may also provide more predictable color management and support.

Workflow and Reliability

Wireless connectivity, included software, simple maintenance, and clear setup instructions matter when every order depends on dependable output. Consider whether the printer includes a maintenance tank, remote installation, or technical support, particularly if you are new to sublimation.

Production Volume

Estimate both current and likely six-to-twelve-month demand. A compact printer may be economical for occasional orders, but upgrading later can be disruptive. If you already have steady wholesale, event, or online-store demand, prioritize capacity and media flexibility over the lowest purchase price.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Small Business?

Choose the Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1 for a compact, dedicated starting point. Sawgrass is appealing if you want a streamlined branded ecosystem and bundled supplies. Select a starter bundle when you need blanks and paper immediately rather than sourcing each item separately. The Epson SureColor F570 is best for businesses planning larger-format work or heavier production. Consider the EcoTank ET-15000 only if multifunction printing and wide-format versatility are important and you are comfortable confirming the correct sublimation setup before purchase.