Best Sublimation Printers Under $500 for Beginners

The best sublimation printer under $500 depends on whether you prefer an official sublimation machine or a lower-cost third-party conversion. The Brother SP1 is built for sublimation. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 and ET-2800 are ordinary inkjet printers that some makers dedicate to sublimation using third-party ink, a use Epson does not officially support.

The $500 limit on this page is for the printer only, not the complete setup. You will also need a heat press, compatible transfer paper, ink where not included, and sublimation-ready blanks. For the difference between two similar budget models, see our ET-2800 vs ET-2803 comparison.

Price check: October 20, 2026. These are U.S. manufacturer prices, not guaranteed retailer offers. Some retailer links are affiliate links, and purchases through them may earn this site a commission. Current prices and stock can change.

Quick Comparison Table

What Makes a Good Beginner Sublimation Printer Under $500?

If you’re new, you don’t need every feature under the sun. You need something that works, doesn’t fight you, and won’t drain your budget.

Here’s what actually matters.

Cartridge-Free Tank System (Why EcoTank Is So Popular)

Tank-style printers are a huge advantage for beginners.

Instead of tiny ink cartridges that run out fast, you get refillable tanks. That means:

• Refillable tanks with ink cost depending on the third-party supplier
• Easier refills
• Less frustration

The refillable tank design makes these printers attractive to some hobbyists, but sublimation ink, maintenance and warranty coverage are separate from Epson’s standard-ink claims.

Easy Conversion Process

Most beginner printers under $500 are converted inkjet printers, not factory sublimation machines.

Conversion means:

• You install sublimation ink instead of regular ink.
• You use the printer only for sublimation from day one.

Check the exact model and ink maker’s setup instructions before buying. Epson does not approve these standard inkjet models for sublimation, and converting them is not risk-free.

If you don’t want to deal with conversion at all, a true sublimation printer like Brother SP1 can make things simpler.

Print Size Limit (Don’t Overbuy Too Early)

Most beginners only need:

• 8.5 x 11 for mugs and small shirt designs
• Maybe 8.5 x 14 if you want slightly larger prints

Jumping to 13 x 19 sounds exciting, but it also increases paper cost and learning curve. Start based on what you’ll actually produce.

Ongoing Ink and Maintenance Cost

A cheap printer can become expensive if:

• Ink is hard to find
• Refills are expensive
• Printheads clog easily

Tank systems reduce long-term cost. True sublimation printers cost more upfront but can be simpler to maintain.

For beginners under $500, the sweet spot is usually an Epson EcoTank conversion or a budget-friendly true sublimation model.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Budget Conversion Option

The ET-2800 is a lower-priced tank printer some makers dedicate to sublimation with third-party ink. It is not an Epson-supported sublimation printer.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses refillable ink tanks and supports standard letter and legal paper. For sublimation it requires a separate, unsupported third-party ink setup, so choose it for budget and paper format rather than a factory-backed sublimation workflow.

Official U.S. price checked October 20, 2026: $239.99
👉 Check latest price here

Why It’s Great for Beginners

The biggest win here is the cartridge-free tank system.

Instead of dealing with tiny cartridges that constantly run out, this model uses refillable ink tanks. That means:

• Lower long-term ink cost
• Easy filling with EcoFit bottles
• Less mess during setup
• Fewer “out of ink” headaches

Epson includes standard ink intended for ordinary printing. Do not fill the tanks with it if you intend a third-party sublimation setup from new; switching ink after filling requires additional steps and may not work as expected. Epson does not provide conversion support.

Key Specs (Beginner-Friendly Breakdown)

• Supported paper: letter and legal size (up to 8.5 × 14 inches); printable artwork area varies
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi
• Type: Inkjet (Conversion Required for Sublimation)
• Control: Simple push-button interface
• Best For: T-shirts, mugs, small crafts

This size is perfect for standard sublimation blanks. You don’t need larger format unless you’re printing oversized shirt designs.

What You Should Know Before Buying

This is not a factory sublimation printer.

You must:

• Install sublimation ink from day one
• Never use regular ink first
• Dedicate the printer only to sublimation

Results depend on the third-party ink, paper, color workflow, maintenance and compatible blanks. Avoid assuming the advertised ordinary-ink page yields apply to sublimation.

Pros

• Very affordable entry point
• Refillable tank design, with third-party conversion caveats
• Compatible ink prices can be compared before purchase
• Widely supported by sublimation community
• Compact printer footprint

Cons

• Limited to 8.5-inch paper width; legal-length support does not mean borderless printing
• Damage caused by non-genuine ink may not be covered by Epson’s limited warranty
• Not designed specifically for sublimation

Who Should Buy This?

This printer is ideal if you:

• Are starting a small Etsy or home business
• Want to test sublimation without huge investment
• Plan to print mugs, small shirts, or baby apparel
• Prefer something simple and proven

At this price, the ET-2800 is worth comparing if you accept third-party conversion limitations. The Brother SP1 remains the factory-supported sublimation choice.

2. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – Best Ultra-Budget Starter Option

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 has a lower printer price than the other models listed here. Like the ET-2800, it is a standard inkjet and needs unsupported third-party ink for sublimation.

Official U.S. price checked October 20, 2026: $189.99
👉 Check latest price here

This is often the printer beginners grab when they’re testing sublimation for the first time.

Why It’s Good for First-Time Users

The ET-2400 keeps things basic. And honestly, that’s a good thing when you’re learning.

It features:

• Cartridge-free refillable ink tanks
• Wi-Fi and USB connectivity
• Print, scan, and copy functions
• Rear feed tray (up to 100 sheets)

Like other EcoTank models, the real advantage is the refill system. No tiny cartridges. No constant replacements.

For sublimation, you’ll convert it by installing sublimation ink from day one.

Key Specs (Beginner Breakdown)

• Supported paper: letter and legal size (up to 8.5 × 14 inches); printable artwork area varies
• Type: Inkjet (Conversion Required)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi + USB
• Max Speed: 10 ppm black / 5 ppm color
• Weight: 8.6 lbs

This is strictly a small-format beginner machine. Perfect for mugs, baby tees, small logos, and simple shirt designs.

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Third-party ink setup is possible, but not officially supported
• Refillable tanks; compare third-party ink cost separately
• Lightweight and compact
• Energy-efficient design

Cons

• Slower print speed
• No automatic document feeder
• Limited to 8.5-inch paper width
• Basic display interface

Who Should Buy This?

This printer makes sense if you:

• Want the lowest possible entry cost
• Are testing sublimation before going bigger
• Plan to print mostly mugs and small designs
• Don’t need oversized prints

If budget is your biggest concern, this is usually the smartest place to start.

3. Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer – Best Plug-and-Play Sublimation Option

If you don’t want to deal with printer conversion at all, this is your cleanest option.

The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer is a true dye-sublimation printer built specifically for sublimation projects. No swapping ink. No conversion risk.

Official U.S. promotional price checked October 20, 2026: $399.99
👉 Check latest price here:

This is the easiest “plug and play” beginner setup under $500.

Why It’s Different From Epson EcoTank Models

The big difference is simple:

This printer is designed for sublimation from the factory.

That means:

• Uses genuine sublimation ink
• No warranty issues from conversion
• Color profiles built for sublimation
• Designed specifically for heat transfer projects

For beginners who feel nervous about converting a printer, this removes that stress.

Key Specs (Beginner Breakdown)

• Printing Technology: Dye Sublimation
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi
• Companion App: Artspira
• Display Screen
• Designed for US 120V use
• Best For: Shirts, mugs, bags, hats

It works with the Artspira app, which lets you:

• Import and store up to 20 designs
• Access ready-made sublimation patterns
• Convert photos into stylized artwork

That makes it very beginner-friendly for people who don’t want to mess with complicated software right away.

Pros

• True sublimation printer
• No conversion required
• Designed specifically for heat transfer
• Long-lasting results when pressed correctly
• Easy app integration

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Locked into Brother sublimation ink
• Smaller print format compared to ET-15000
• Heat press required (sold separately)

Who Should Buy This?

This printer makes sense if you:

• Want zero conversion risk
• Prefer an official sublimation system
• Like app-based design support
• Are starting small but want simplicity

If you’re nervous about voiding warranties or handling ink swaps, this is your safest under-$500 route into sublimation.

Need 13 × 19-Inch Transfers? ET-15000 Pricing and Refurbished Option

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 supports sheets up to 13 × 19 inches, but it is not a normal new under-$500 recommendation. Epson’s U.S. store listed the new printer at $699.99, with a $599.99 promotional price on October 20, 2026. Both are above this article’s printer-only limit. Epson also listed a Certified ReNew ET-15000 for $439.99, subject to refurbished availability and the same third-party sublimation-ink considerations.

The ET-15000 is an ordinary EcoTank inkjet, not a factory sublimation printer. Larger paper support does not remove conversion risks. Check Epson’s Certified ReNew listing and current new-unit pricing, and confirm the seller’s condition, support and return terms before ordering.

Why the Canon PIXMA TS7720 Is Not a Sublimation Pick

The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is a general-purpose cartridge inkjet, not a sublimation printer. Canon specifies PG-285 pigment-black and CL-286 color cartridges, not a supported sublimation-ink workflow. It should not appear in a ranked list of printers to buy for sublimation. See the Canon TS7720 specifications if you are comparing an existing home printer.

Epson Conversion vs True Sublimation Printer (Brother SP1)

If you’re stuck choosing between an Epson EcoTank and the Brother SP-1, here’s the simple breakdown.

💰 Cost Difference

• Epson EcoTank (ET-2400 / ET-2800): Official listed prices of $189.99 / $239.99, before third-party sublimation ink and paper
• Brother SP1: $399.99 promotional official price as checked October 20, 2026

EcoTank wins on price. Brother wins on simplicity.

🔒 Warranty Issue

• Epson: Third-party sublimation ink is not an Epson-supported use; damage caused by non-genuine ink may not be covered by Epson’s limited warranty
• Brother: Built for sublimation with genuine Brother ink; warranty remains subject to its published terms

If warranty peace of mind matters to you, Brother is safer.

⚙️ Ease of Setup

• Epson: Must install sublimation ink from day one
• Brother: Ready for sublimation out of the box

No conversion, no guesswork with Brother.

🖨 Long-Term Ink Savings

• EcoTank models: Very low ink cost over time
• Brother: Uses genuine sublimation ink, more controlled but not as cheap per refill

Compare actual compatible ink costs, cleaning supplies, failed prints and maintenance. A lower tank-printer purchase price does not establish a lower total cost for every user.

Beginner Recommendation

• Want the cheapest way to start? Go Epson EcoTank.
• Want the simplest, stress-free setup? Go Brother SP-1.

Choose the Brother SP1 if avoiding unsupported conversion is the priority. Consider an EcoTank only after accounting for ink compatibility, servicing and warranty limitations.

If you want to compare beginner models with more advanced options, see our full Best Sublimation Printers guide.

What You’ll Also Need to Start Sublimation

Printer alone isn’t enough. You’ll need:

• Sublimation ink (if using Epson conversion)
• Heat press (required to transfer design), If you don’t have one yet, here’s how to choose a heat press.
• Sublimation paper
• Polyester or poly-coated blanks
• Design software (Canva, Photoshop, Silhouette Studio, etc.)

That’s it. No fancy extras needed in the beginning. Not sure which paper to use? See our sublimation paper guide.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Avoid these and you’ll save yourself frustration:

• Using regular ink instead of sublimation ink
• Printing on 100% cotton shirts
• Ignoring the ink supplier’s color workflow or applying an ICC profile that does not match the setup
• Buying a wide-format printer too early

Keep it simple at first. Master basics, then upgrade.

Final Recommendation (Straight Decision Help)

Let’s make this easy.

• Lowest listed printer price: Epson EcoTank ET-2400 (unsupported conversion required)
• Budget Epson alternative: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 (unsupported conversion required)
• Best factory sublimation printer under $500: Brother SP1
• Best plug-and-play option: Brother SP-1
• Larger-format option outside this new-printer budget: Epson ET-15000

The ET-2800 is a lower-cost inkjet conversion option, not the lowest-risk choice. For a factory sublimation system within the printer-only budget, choose the Brother SP1.

If you’re unsure what makes a printer compatible, read our guide on what kind of printer is needed for sublimation.

FAQs

Can I use any inkjet printer for sublimation?

No. Not all inkjets convert well. Epson EcoTank models are the most commonly recommended for beginners.

Is conversion difficult?

It requires selecting compatible third-party ink, starting with an unused ink system, and following the ink supplier’s color-management and maintenance guidance. Epson does not sell these models as sublimation printers, and damage from non-genuine ink may not be warranty-covered.

How long do finished sublimation prints last?

Print life varies with the blank, coating or polyester content, exposure to sunlight, washing and handling. Do not assume a fixed lifespan for every sublimated item; follow the blank manufacturer’s care instructions.

Is sublimation profitable for beginners?

It can be profitable when product pricing covers blanks, ink, paper, labor, pressing equipment, wasted transfers, fees and shipping. Test demand and calculate costs before assuming a margin.

Can I start with under $500 total?

Do not treat $500 as a guaranteed complete setup budget. Printer pricing excludes a heat press, transfer paper, blanks and any third-party sublimation ink. Add these items before comparing total startup costs.