Best Sublimation Printers in

Looking for the best sublimation printer but not sure which one is actually worth your money?

You’re not alone. With so many Epson, Canon, and wide-format options available, it’s easy to overspend or pick a printer that doesn’t match your needs.

In this guide, we break down the best sublimation printers for beginners, small business owners, and high-volume creators, based on:

• Print quality and color accuracy
• Ink system and long-term ink cost
• Maximum print size
• Reliability and ease of setup
• Real-world usability for sublimation projects

If you’re starting a home sublimation setup or upgrading for higher production, this guide will help you choose the right printer without wasting time or money.

Quick Comparison: Best Sublimation Printers

Printer	Best For	Max Print Size	Ink System	Ideal User
Epson EcoTank ET-15000	Small Business	13” x 19”	Supertank	High-volume printing
Epson SureColor P800	Professional Output	17” Wide	Cartridge	Advanced users
Epson WF-7210	Budget Wide Format	13” x 19”	Cartridge	Entry-level business
Canon Pixma Pro-100	Photo Quality	13” x 19”	Cartridge	Photo-focused creators
Epson XP-15000	Compact Wide Format	13” x 19”	Cartridge	Home studio users

👉 Want the short answer?
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best all-around option for most sublimation users because of its ink savings and wide-format capability.

Keep reading to see which printer fits your exact needs.

Best Overall Sublimation Printer: Epson EcoTank ET-15000

If you want one printer that balances quality, size, and long-term ink savings, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best overall choice for most sublimation users.

It prints up to 13” x 19”, uses refillable ink tanks instead of expensive cartridges, and delivers reliable color output for T-shirts, mugs, tumblers, and more. Whether you’re starting at home or running a small business, it gives you room to grow without jumping into high-end commercial machines.

Why It Wins

• ✅ Very low ink cost with refillable tanks
• ✅ Wide-format printing up to 13” x 19”
• ✅ Reliable performance for regular production
• ✅ Great for beginners and small businesses
• ✅ Strong balance of price and output quality

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners

If you’re new to sublimation and want something reliable without crazy ink costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a smart starting point.

Its refillable ink tanks keep printing affordable while still delivering strong color output. Plus, it prints up to 13” x 19”, so you won’t outgrow it once you move beyond small projects.

Why It’s Great for Beginners

• ✅ Low long-term ink cost
• ✅ Wide-format printing up to 13” x 19”
• ✅ Easy to maintain
• ✅ Reliable for home setups

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

Best Sublimation Printer for Small Business

If you’re running a small sublimation business and printing consistently, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 gives you the right mix of size, speed, and low operating cost.

The refillable bulk ink system keeps your cost per print down, which matters when you’re fulfilling orders regularly. And with 13” x 19” wide-format support, you can handle larger shirt designs, promotional items, and custom products without upgrading to an industrial machine.

Why It’s Ideal for Small Business

• ✅ Bulk ink system for lower cost per print
• ✅ Wide-format printing up to 13” x 19”
• ✅ Reliable for steady order volume
• ✅ Strong balance of performance and affordability

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

Best for High-Quality Photo Sublimation

If your priority is rich color, smooth gradients, and professional-level image detail, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 stands out for photo-focused sublimation work.

With its 8 dye-based ink system, it produces vibrant tones and smooth transitions that look especially strong on photo panels, wall art, and detailed apparel designs. It supports printing up to 13” x 19”, making it a solid choice for creators who care more about image quality than bulk production speed.

Why It’s Great for Photo Printing

• ✅ 8-ink dye system for smooth color gradients
• ✅ Excellent detail and contrast
• ✅ Prints up to 13” x 19”
• ✅ Ideal for artwork and photo-based designs

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

Top 5 Sublimation Printers to Consider

1. Epson SureColor P800 – Best for Professional-Grade Wide Prints

If you want gallery-level output and larger 17-inch wide prints, the Epson SureColor P800 is built for serious creators who care about precision and color depth.

This isn’t a beginner machine. It’s designed for photographers, advanced sublimation users, and small studios that prioritize image quality over budget. With UltraChrome HD ink technology and 17-inch media support, it delivers rich blacks, strong color accuracy, and excellent detail on large-format projects.

Why It’s Strong for Sublimation

• 17-inch wide-format capability for oversized designs
• Exceptional color depth and black density
• Supports fine art and specialty media
• Optional roll feeder for production flexibility
• High-capacity ink cartridges

Pros

• Outstanding print quality with deep blacks and vivid colors
• Large printable area up to 17″ wide
• Reliable for professional output
• Advanced black-and-white control

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Cartridge-based ink system increases long-term ink cost
• Bulky and heavy
• Not ideal for beginners or low-volume users

Who Should Buy This

• Professional photographers
• High-end print studios
• Businesses producing large-format sublimation prints
• Users who prioritize image quality over cost

Who Should Skip It

• Beginners on a tight budget
• Casual hobbyists
• Anyone focused mainly on lowering ink costs

If your goal is premium output and large-format capability, this printer delivers. But if cost efficiency is your priority, EcoTank-style models may make more financial sense.

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

2. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Overall for Small Business & High-Volume Sublimation

If you want wide-format capability without expensive cartridge replacements, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is one of the smartest choices for sublimation.

It prints up to 13” x 19”, uses refillable supertank ink instead of traditional cartridges, and keeps long-term printing costs low. That makes a huge difference if you’re producing shirts, mugs, and custom products consistently.

It’s practical, scalable, and ideal for turning sublimation into a real side income or small business.

Why It’s Strong for Sublimation

• Refillable bulk ink system reduces cost per print
• Wide-format printing up to 13” x 19”
• Reliable for steady production volume
• All-in-one functionality for added flexibility
• Strong balance of price and performance

Pros

• Very low ink cost compared to cartridge models
• Large print size for bigger designs
• Good productivity for small business use
• High paper capacity

Cons

• Higher upfront price than basic inkjets
• Slower print speed compared to some office models
• Must use compatible ink properly to avoid issues

Who Should Buy This

• Small sublimation business owners
• Beginners who want room to grow
• Etsy sellers and print-on-demand startups
• Anyone printing regularly

Who Should Skip It

• Very low-volume hobby users
• Users needing ultra-large 17” prints

If you want a printer that balances quality, size, and long-term savings, this is the most practical all-around choice.

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

3. Epson WorkForce WF-7210 – Best Budget Wide-Format Option

If you want 13” x 19” printing without paying EcoTank prices, the Epson WorkForce WF-7210 is a solid entry-level wide-format option.

It delivers sharp text and strong color output using Epson’s PrecisionCore technology, making it suitable for basic sublimation projects, marketing materials, and larger heat transfer designs. It’s a practical choice for beginners starting a small setup on a tighter budget.

Just keep in mind, this model uses cartridges, so long-term ink costs will be higher than bulk ink systems.

Why It’s Strong for Sublimation

• Prints up to 13” x 19”
• Affordable entry into wide-format printing
• Reliable Epson print technology
• Supports Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet

Pros

• Lower upfront cost
• Wide-format capability
• Compact for its class
• Easy wireless setup

Cons

• Cartridge-based ink increases long-term cost
• Not ideal for high-volume production
• May require careful ink management

Who Should Buy This

• Budget-conscious beginners
• Low to moderate volume users
• Side-hustle creators testing the market

Who Should Skip It

• High-volume sellers
• Users focused on minimizing ink cost

If you want wide-format capability at a lower starting price, this is a reasonable stepping stone into sublimation.

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

4. Canon Pixma Pro-100 – Best for Photo-Quality Sublimation Prints

If your designs rely on rich gradients, deep colors, and professional-level detail, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 is built for image quality first.

With its 8 dye-based ink system, it produces smooth transitions and vibrant tones that stand out on photo panels, wall art, and detailed apparel graphics. It supports printing up to 13” x 19”, making it a strong choice for creative professionals who prioritize visual impact.

This isn’t the cheapest option to run, but for artwork-heavy sublimation, the output quality makes the difference.

Why It’s Strong for Sublimation

• 8-ink dye system for smoother color blending
• Excellent detail and gradient reproduction
• Prints up to 13” x 19”
• Strong performance for photo-based designs

Pros

• Outstanding color depth and vibrancy
• Great for detailed artwork
• Wide-format capability
• Wireless printing support

Cons

• Cartridge-based ink increases operating cost
• Not built for high-volume production
• May require careful setup for consistent results

Who Should Buy This

• Designers and photographers
• Creators selling wall art or photo panels
• Users focused on premium visual quality

Who Should Skip It

• High-volume sellers
• Budget-focused beginners
• Users prioritizing lowest ink cost

If photo realism and color accuracy matter most, this is one of the strongest options in this category.

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

5. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Compact Wide-Format Photo Printer

If you want strong photo-quality output without a bulky professional machine, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a smart middle-ground option.

It supports borderless printing up to 13” x 19” and uses a 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system, including red and gray inks for improved color depth and smoother black-and-white prints. That makes it ideal for creators producing detailed apparel graphics, photo panels, and vibrant artwork.

It’s compact for a wide-format printer, which makes it easier to fit into a home studio setup.

Why It’s Strong for Sublimation

• 6-color ink system for enhanced color range
• Prints up to 13” x 19” borderless
• Compact design for home studios
• Good balance of photo quality and size

Pros

• Excellent color accuracy and detail
• Wide-format support
• Smaller footprint than many competitors
• Reliable wireless connectivity

Cons

• Cartridge-based ink increases running cost
• Not built for heavy production volume
• Requires proper ink setup for sublimation use

Who Should Buy This

• Home-based creators
• Photo-focused sublimation users
• Small studios with limited space

Who Should Skip It

• High-volume production sellers
• Users focused mainly on lowest ink cost

If you want wide-format capability with strong photo performance in a compact design, this is a well-balanced option.

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

Real Cost of Running a Sublimation Printer

The printer price isn’t the full story.
Ink cost is what really affects your profit.

Here’s what you need to know.

Cartridge vs EcoTank

Cartridge Printers

• Higher cost per print
• Ink runs out faster
• Better for low-volume users

EcoTank / Supertank Printers

• Much lower ink cost
• Refillable bottles last longer
• Best for frequent printing or small business

If you’re printing regularly, EcoTank saves serious money over time.

Estimated Cost Per Print

This depends on design coverage, but here’s a realistic range:

• Cartridge models: about $0.50–$1.50 per full-color transfer
• EcoTank models: about $0.15–$0.40 per transfer

Print 100 shirts a month and that difference adds up fast.

Simple Maintenance Tips

• Print at least once a week to avoid clogs
• Stick to one ink brand
• Store ink and paper properly
• Don’t over-clean printheads

Small habits = less wasted ink.

Bottom Line

If you print occasionally, cartridge models are fine.

If you’re building a business or printing often, EcoTank-style printers usually cost far less in the long run.

Always compare long-term cost, not just the price tag.

Epson vs Canon vs Sawgrass – Which Is Better for Sublimation?

Choosing between Epson, Canon, and Sawgrass depends on your goals, budget, and how serious you are about sublimation.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown.

Epson (Most Popular & Flexible)

Best for: Beginners, small businesses, budget-conscious users

• Widely used for sublimation conversions
• EcoTank models offer very low ink cost
• Great balance of price and performance
• Wide-format options available

Downside: Most Epson models require conversion, which can affect warranty.

If you want flexibility and better long-term savings, Epson is usually the most practical choice.

Canon (Photo-Focused Quality)

Best for: Designers and photo-heavy projects

• Excellent color gradients and detail
• Strong performance for artwork and photo panels
• Wide-format models available

Downside: Higher ink cost due to cartridge system. Not ideal for heavy production.

Canon is strong for image quality, but not the cheapest to run long-term.

Sawgrass (Purpose-Built Sublimation)

Best for: Dedicated sublimation businesses

• Designed specifically for sublimation
• No conversion required
• Comes with dedicated sublimation software
• Manufacturer-supported warranty for sublimation use

Downside: Higher upfront price and proprietary ink system.

Sawgrass is simple and professional, but you’ll pay more upfront and for ink.

Quick Comparison

Brand	Best For	Ink Cost	Setup	Ideal User
Epson	Value & flexibility	Low (EcoTank)	Conversion required	Beginners & small business
Canon	Photo quality	Moderate to High	Conversion required	Designers & artists
Sawgrass	Dedicated sublimation	Higher	Ready out of box	Professional sellers

Final Take

• Want lower cost and flexibility? Go Epson.
• Want photo-focused detail? Canon works well.
• Want plug-and-play sublimation? Sawgrass is the safest route.

The right choice depends on your production volume and long-term goals.

Key factors to consider when selecting.

• Print quality – Look for superior print resolution and color accuracy.
• Versatility – Seek a printer that can handle different print sizes, materials, and applications.
• Speed – Faster print speeds allow higher productivity.
• Reliability – Choose a durable printer from a reputable brand.
• Cost-effectiveness – Balance budget and performance.
• Software/connectivity – User-friendly controls and workflow integration are ideal.

Final Recommendation: Which Sublimation Printer Should You Choose?

Still unsure? Here’s the short answer based on your situation.

👉 If You’re a Beginner

Start with the Epson EcoTank ET-15000.
It keeps ink costs low, supports larger prints, and gives you room to grow without upgrading too soon.

👉 If You Run a Small Business

Go with the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 again.
The bulk ink system saves money long-term, especially if you’re printing regularly.

👉 If You Want Professional Photo Quality

Choose the Canon Pixma Pro-100 or Epson XP-15000.
They’re better for detailed artwork and rich color gradients.

👉 If You Need Large 17-Inch Prints

The Epson SureColor P800 is the stronger option for oversized, premium output.

The Smart Choice for Most People

For most users starting or scaling a sublimation setup, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 offers the best balance of cost, print size, and reliability.

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

Choose based on your volume and goals, not just the price tag. The right printer pays for itself when used correctly.

See more about sublimation and printers with our comprehensive guide, for more product Reviews here.