Best Sublimation Printers in

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

With so many Epson, Canon, and Sawgrass models available, it’s easy to overspend or choose a printer that doesn’t fit your workflow. Some printers are better for beginners, while others are built for high-volume production or photo-quality transfers.

In this guide, we compare the best sublimation printers for beginners, small businesses, Etsy sellers, and serious creators based on:

• print quality
• ink cost
• maximum print size
• reliability
• long-term usability

If you want an affordable starter setup or a wide-format production printer, this guide will help you choose the right option without wasting money on the wrong machine.

If you’re completely new to sublimation, start with this guide to sublimation printers to understand how different printer types work before choosing a model.

How to Choose the Right Sublimation Printer

Before buying a sublimation printer, focus on the features that actually affect print quality, ink cost, and long-term usability.

Print Size

Choose your printer based on the projects you want to make.

• Standard size: small transfers and basic crafts
• 13” x 19” wide format: shirts, tumblers, larger designs
• 17” wide format: oversized professional prints

Most growing sublimation businesses eventually prefer wide-format printing.

EcoTank vs Cartridge Printers

Ink cost matters more than the printer price over time.

EcoTank / Supertank

• lower cost per print
• refillable ink tanks
• better for regular printing

Cartridge Printers

• lower upfront cost
• easier for occasional use
• higher long-term ink expense

Dedicated vs Converted Sublimation Printers

There are two main types of sublimation setups.

Dedicated Sublimation Printers

• made specifically for sublimation
• easier setup
• warranty support
• higher ink costs

Converted Epson Printers

• more affordable long term
• flexible ink options
• require proper setup and maintenance

Not every printer works well for sublimation conversion. Here’s a detailed guide explaining what kind of printer is needed for sublimation.

Production Volume

Your printing volume should influence your choice.

Printing Needs	Best Option
Hobby use	Basic cartridge printer
Etsy or side business	EcoTank wide-format printer
High-volume production	Dedicated or professional system

Quick Buying Tip

Many beginners focus only on printer price.

What really affects your long-term cost:

• ink system
• maintenance frequency
• print size support
• replacement ink pricing

A slightly more expensive EcoTank printer often saves far more money over time.

Best Printer by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Printer
Best overall	Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Best for beginners	Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Best budget option	Epson WF-7210
Best for photo quality	Canon Pixma Pro-100
Best for small business	Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Best professional option	Epson SureColor P800
Best compact wide-format printer	Epson XP-15000

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

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

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.

Your printer settings also affect ink usage and print quality. These recommended sublimation printer settings can help improve transfer results and reduce wasted prints.

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

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

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

If you’re comparing printer systems, this breakdown of Epson EcoTank vs Sawgrass explains the biggest differences in setup, ink cost, and long-term usability.

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

👉 Check Latest Price on Amazon

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

If you notice fading, color shifts, or dull transfers, this guide to ICC profiles for sublimation printing explains how proper color management improves print accuracy.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Sublimation Printer

Many beginners buy a printer based only on price and regret it later. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid.

• Buying a small printer, then needing larger print sizes later
• Ignoring long-term ink cost
• Mixing different sublimation ink brands
• Choosing a cartridge printer for high-volume production
• Forgetting about maintenance and printhead cleaning
• Buying a regular printer without checking sublimation compatibility

Choosing the right printer from the start saves time, money, and frustration later.

Still comparing beginner-friendly models? These are some of the best sublimation printers for beginners if you want a lower-cost starting point.

Final Recommendation

The best sublimation printer depends on how you plan to use it.

• Beginners and side hustlers usually benefit most from EcoTank-style printers because of lower ink costs.
• Small businesses often prefer wide-format models for larger transfers and faster production.
• Photo-focused creators may want printers with stronger color depth and smoother gradients.
• High-volume sellers should focus on reliability and long-term operating cost instead of just upfront price.

For most users, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 remains one of the best all-around choices because it balances print size, affordability, and long-term usability.

Choose the printer that matches your production goals, not just your starting budget.

We selected these sublimation printers based on:

• print quality
• long-term ink cost
• wide-format capability
• maintenance requirements
• beginner friendliness
• small business usability
• real-world sublimation workflow compatibility

Our goal was to recommend printers that balance performance, reliability, and long-term value for different types of sublimation users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sublimation printer for beginners?

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is one of the best beginner-friendly options because it combines low ink cost, wide-format printing, and easier maintenance.

Do I need a special printer for sublimation?

Yes. You need either a dedicated sublimation printer or a compatible printer converted to use sublimation ink.

Is EcoTank better than cartridge printers for sublimation?

For regular printing, EcoTank printers usually cost less to operate because refillable ink tanks reduce the cost per transfer.

Can any Epson printer be converted for sublimation?

No. Only certain Epson models work well with sublimation ink, especially EcoTank printers commonly used for conversion.

What size printer is best for sublimation shirts?

Many creators prefer 13” x 19” wide-format printers because they handle larger shirt designs more easily.

Are Sawgrass printers worth it?

Sawgrass printers are easier to set up and officially supported for sublimation, but they cost more upfront and use proprietary ink systems.

How often should I use a sublimation printer?

It’s best to print at least once every few days to help prevent clogged print heads and ink drying issues.

Can sublimation printers print regular documents?

Technically yes, but sublimation ink is designed for transfers, not normal document printing.