10 Best Sublimation Printers for Crafting, Apparel, and Small Businesses in 2026

The best sublimation printers make it easier to create vibrant, durable designs for shirts, mugs, tumblers, signs, and other coated blanks. This roundup compares dedicated dye-sublimation models, converted supertank options, and starter bundles.

Use the guide below to match print size, ink setup, included supplies, connectivity, and ongoing maintenance to the way you plan to work.

Best 10 Sublimation Printers Picks for 2026

Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a focused choice among sublimation printers for crafters and small businesses that want a compact, purpose-built machine. It supports up to 8.5-inch-wide media, includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, and offers USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity for Windows and macOS setups.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses seeking a reliable compact sublimation printer.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for detailed transfers.
• Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps reduce dust and paper preparation.
• Compact design with wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Does not support connections to mobile devices.
• Print-only design lacks scanning and copying functions.

The F170 stands out when dependable Epson support, tidy ink refills, and consistent transfer quality matter more than wide-format output or mobile convenience.

Best for Mobile Design – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 brings a mobile-first workflow to sublimation printers. Its Artspira app lets users import and save designs, access more than 100 designs, and prepare projects from a phone or tablet before printing and heat pressing.

Best For: Beginners and mobile-focused crafters making shirts, mugs, tumblers, bags, and hats.

Pros:

• Artspira supports saved designs, printing patterns, and poster-style image conversion.
• Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a starter paper pack.
• Wi-Fi connectivity supports a convenient phone- or tablet-based workflow.
• Two-year limited warranty is included.

Cons:

• Artspira must be downloaded to use the printer’s creative workflow.
• Desktop version of Artspira is listed as coming soon.
• A heat press is required and sold separately.

This SP-1 is a practical fit for creators who prefer designing on mobile devices and want a straightforward route from digital artwork to heat-pressed projects.

Best Multifunction Option – Epson EcoTank ET-15000

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile alternative to dedicated sublimation printers, combining printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one wide-format machine. It supports media up to 11 by 17 inches, includes refillable ink tanks, and offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.

Best For: Home offices or small businesses that need everyday document functions alongside potential sublimation use.

Pros:

• All-in-one functionality includes printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
• Supports wide-format media up to 11 by 17 inches.
• Refillable EcoTank design and auto-duplex printing support ongoing productivity.
• Rated speeds reach 17 pages per minute in black and 9 in color.

Cons:

• It is an inkjet all-in-one rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
• Its sublimation suitability depends on using appropriate sublimation ink and media.
• Larger and heavier than compact purpose-built options.

The ET-15000 makes the most sense when you need a general-purpose office printer first and want wide-format flexibility for compatible sublimation applications as well.

Best Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Starter Kit

The Brother SP-1 Starter Kit is one of the more complete sublimation printers packages for getting started quickly. Along with the printer and full CMYK ink set, it includes transfer sheets, sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and Artspira software support.

Best For: New crafters and small businesses that want supplies for testing multiple sublimation projects immediately.

Pros:

• Includes full 47 ml black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles.
• Bundle provides 160 transfer sheets, 50 blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Includes design resources, Artspira access, and 500 design cards for commercial use.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity with Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• The bundle’s 600-by-600 dpi resolution is lower than some listed alternatives.
• A separate heat press is still needed to transfer designs.
• Supplied blanks and paper may not match every project’s preferred materials.

For buyers who would otherwise need to purchase paper, blanks, tape, and design assets separately, this bundle offers a convenient launch point for experimenting with apparel, drinkware, and other blanks.

Best All-in-One Value – Epson EcoTank ET-2803

For shoppers comparing sublimation printers, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is primarily a cartridge-free color inkjet printer for home, school, and office tasks. Its refillable tanks, included ink, wireless features, scanner, and copier make it a practical general-purpose option, though the supplied specifications do not identify it as a sublimation printer.

Best For: Home users who want an economical wireless printer, scanner, and copier for everyday color documents and graphics.

Pros:

• Refillable tanks can deliver up to 4,500 black or 7,500 color pages per replacement set.
• Includes up to two years of ink based on stated monthly usage.
• Combines printing, scanning, and copying with Wi-Fi, AirPrint, voice printing, and app support.
• Offers up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and supports paper sizes through legal.

Cons:

• Supplied notes describe it as an inkjet printer, not a dedicated sublimation printer.
• Listed speeds are modest at up to 10 black-and-white and 5 color pages per minute.
• Manual duplex printing may require turning pages yourself.

The ET-2803 is strongest as a low-maintenance everyday color all-in-one. If sublimation work is your priority, verify ink compatibility and the intended conversion process before buying.

Best Ready-to-Use Sublimation Bundle – Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer

Among sublimation printers, this Pinckney cartridge-free super-tank bundle stands out because it includes sublimation ink and is marketed for heat transfers. Its wireless all-in-one design, easy-fill bottles, and included scanner and copier make it a convenient starting point for home customization projects.

Best For: Beginners and crafters who want a bundled printer and sublimation ink setup for heat-transfer projects.

Pros:

• Includes Pinckney sublimation ink with 127 mL of black and 85 mL each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
• Auto-fill nozzles are designed to fit the ink inlet without syringes, squeezing, or ink leakage.
• Provides wireless printing plus scanning and copying in one unit.
• Supports up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and paper sizes including letter, legal, A4, and several smaller formats.

Cons:

• Printed sublimation colors may look dull on paper and require heat transfer to appear vivid.
• Potential print-quality issues may require nozzle checks and print-head alignment.
• The product is listed as a converted ET-2800 or ET-2803, so buyers should review setup and support details carefully.

This is the most directly aligned choice here for sublimation projects because the bundle includes sublimation ink and explicitly supports heat transfers. Plan for routine nozzle maintenance and follow the supplied troubleshooting guidance.

Best Budget EcoTank Alternative – Epson EcoTank ET-2400

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a compact cartridge-free color all-in-one to consider alongside sublimation printers. It is designed for home and small-office printing rather than explicitly for sublimation, but its refillable tanks, included ink, and high stated resolution can suit buyers prioritizing economical everyday output.

Best For: Budget-conscious home or small-office users who need a basic wireless printer, scanner, and copier.

Pros:

• Refillable ink bottles replace small cartridges and help reduce cartridge waste.
• Replacement ink can produce up to 4,500 black-and-white or 7,200 color pages.
• Includes up to two years of ink based on the stated usage assumption.
• Supports wireless and USB connectivity, mobile devices, and up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution.

Cons:

• Supplied notes identify it as an inkjet printer, not a sublimation-specific model.
• Color output is listed at up to 5 pages per minute.
• Duplex printing is manual rather than automatic.

The ET-2400 offers a straightforward, low-running-cost setup for routine color printing. Choose it for general documents and graphics, not as a confirmed sublimation solution unless you independently verify a compatible conversion and ink workflow.

Best Overall Epson Sublimation Printer – SureColor F170 Starter Kit

The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical choice among sublimation printers for crafters and small businesses that want a compact, ready-to-use setup. This bundle includes genuine Epson ink, sublimation paper, thermal tape, and starter supplies, so you can begin making transfers for apparel, mugs, mousepads, and other compatible blanks.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small business owners who want an authentic Epson package with starter materials included.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks and Epson documentation.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports sharp, detailed color output at up to 1200 x 600 dpi.
• 150-sheet dust-resistant auto-feed tray helps reduce paper handling.
• Compact design offers USB, wireless, and Ethernet connectivity for Mac and Windows.

Cons:

• Does not support direct connection to mobile devices.
• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.

This is the most complete option of the three if you value factory-sealed Epson packaging, genuine supplies, and useful starter accessories in one purchase. It is especially appealing when you want to avoid sourcing paper and tape separately.

Best Sublimation Bundle for Beginners – F170 Blanks Starter Bundle

The Epson SureColor F170 Blanks Starter Bundle stands out among sublimation printers because it pairs the printer with a broad selection of blanks. It includes tumblers, flat blanks, sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape, and a Creative Fabrica design pack, giving beginners more materials to test before buying supplies separately.

Best For: New sublimation users and small businesses that want a printer-and-blanks package for making tumblers and assorted craft projects.

Pros:

• Includes the Epson F170 with CMYK ink bottles and a one-year limited warranty.
• Provides a 10-pack of sublimation tumblers and a 12-piece flat blanks starter kit.
• Includes 8.5-by-14-inch paper, skinny and wide heat-resistant tape, and design resources.
• Supports USB and wireless connectivity with a 150-sheet auto-feed tray.

Cons:

• Not compatible with mobile devices.
• Some included blanks may be substituted; the supplied notes specifically mention temporary towel replacements.

Choose this bundle if the value of included blanks matters more than receiving only the printer and ink. The variety makes it easier to experiment with different products, although buyers should review the current blank assortment before ordering.

Best Simple F170 Setup – Epson SureColor F170 with Ink

This Epson SureColor F170 package is one of the more streamlined sublimation printers for buyers who already have blanks and transfer supplies. It includes the printer, a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks, a maintenance tank, power cable, and user guide, while retaining the F170’s compact desktop design and 150-sheet auto-feed tray.

Best For: Home studios and small businesses that want the F170 printer with essential ink and maintenance components, without a large blanks bundle.

Pros:

• Includes OEM Epson sublimation ink, a maintenance tank, power cable, and user guide.
• PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead provides precise droplet control and up to 600 x 1200 dpi resolution.
• Closed, dust-resistant 150-sheet tray supports cleaner, more consistent transfers.
• Compact format fits home workspaces and supports Mac and Windows computers.

Cons:

• USB connectivity is listed for this package rather than wireless connectivity.
• Does not support mobile devices.
• Paper and sublimation blanks are not included in the listed bundle.

This is a sensible pick for experienced crafters who want a focused printer package and plan to select their own paper and blanks. It offers the core F170 printing features without paying for a larger assortment of project materials.

How We Picked These Sublimation Printers

We focused on models and bundles that are practical for heat-transfer projects, from compact home crafting to higher-volume side businesses. The selection includes dedicated Sublimation Printers such as the Epson SureColor F170 and Brother SP-1, as well as EcoTank-style options sold with sublimation ink. We considered print format, included accessories, ease of setup, wireless connectivity, refill convenience, and the value of starter supplies.

Because bundles can vary, confirm the exact contents before ordering. Ink, transfer paper, blanks, maintenance tanks, and software support may differ between listings that use similar printer names.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Prioritize
First-time crafters	Simple setup, included ink, and starter blanks
Shirts and small gifts	Reliable color output and standard letter-size transfers
Larger apparel designs	Wide-format support, such as the ET-15000
Small businesses	Dedicated sublimation hardware, consistent workflow, and maintenance support
Budget-conscious buyers	Low upfront cost and affordable refill supplies

Key Buying Factors for Sublimation Printers

Dedicated or Converted Design

A dedicated sublimation model is generally the safer choice for predictable results and manufacturer-supported ink. Super-tank printers can be economical, but verify that the specific unit is intended for sublimation use and understand that switching ink types may not be supported.

Print Size and Project Range

Compact letter-size printers suit shirts, mugs, ornaments, and many craft projects. If you need larger apparel graphics or signage, choose a wide-format model and confirm its maximum printable area rather than relying only on the paper-size label.

Ink, Paper, and Maintenance

Check whether the package includes a complete ink set, transfer paper, maintenance tank, heat-resistant tape, or blanks. These extras can make a starter bundle worthwhile, while replacement ink and waste-ink components affect long-term operating cost.

Workflow and Connectivity

Wireless printing is convenient for home studios, but software compatibility and color-management controls matter more for repeatable production. Look for clear instructions, accessible support, and a workflow that fits your computer and heat press.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printers?

Choose the Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1 if you want a purpose-built sublimation setup with a more straightforward starting point. Consider an Epson EcoTank or Pinckney supertank option when low-cost refills, multifunction features, or a scanner and copier are especially useful. The ET-15000 is the better fit for users who need wider-format flexibility, while compact ET-2400 and ET-2803 options make sense for occasional projects and limited workspace. Starter bundles are best for beginners who want supplies included; experienced makers may save money by selecting the printer alone and buying blanks in bulk.