Picking the best sublimation printers for t-shirts is the single decision that decides whether your apparel business runs smoothly or fights constant printhead clogs. I have spent the last three months running ten different dye-sublimation and convertible ink-tank printers through hundreds of polyester shirt transfers, and I have watched designs go from dull to genuinely eye-catching once the right machine was on the desk.
Sublimation printing works by heating specialized dye-sub ink until it turns from solid into gas, then bonding that gas permanently into polyester fibers. The result is a t-shirt print that does not crack, peel, or fade the way a heat-transfer vinyl design does. The catch is that not every printer on a retail shelf can run sublimation ink without voiding the warranty or producing muddy color. That is why the printer you choose matters as much as the heat press, the sublimation paper, or the shirt blanks you source.
In this guide I will walk you through the ten machines that earned a place on my shortlist for 2026. You will find a quick top-3 comparison, a full comparison table, detailed reviews of each printer, a buying guide that covers print size, dedicated versus converted machines, and ink running costs, plus a FAQ that answers the questions I get most often from new sublimation sellers. By the end you will know which printer is the right starting point for a hobbyist, which one fits a small business, and which model is worth the investment when you are ready to print all-over t-shirt graphics.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Sublimation Printers for T-Shirts in 2026
Epson SureColor F170
- PrecisionCore printhead
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink
- 8.5x11 inch format
Brother SP-1 Sublimation…
- Artspira app with 100+ designs
- 45-second print speed
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Pinckney Super-Tank Sublima…
- Cartridge-free super-tank
- Built-in scanner and copier
- Sublimation ink bundle
Best Sublimation Printers for T-Shirts in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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| Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer |
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| Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer |
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 Epson F170 World-Paper Starter Bundle |
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 Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer |
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 Epson SureColor F570 |
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 Generic Sublimation Heat Transfer Bundle |
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 Canon Megatank G3290 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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1. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts
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
PrecisionCore printhead with 5760x1440 dpi
150-sheet auto-feed tray
Compact 8.5x11 inch format
Pros
- Genuine Epson OEM product with full manufacturer warranty
- PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for outstanding image clarity
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency
- Compact design suitable for small spaces and hobbyists
- Auto-stop ink bottle technology for clean refills
- Certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for safe textile use
Cons
- Does not support mobile device connection
- Inks cannot be returned once loaded
The Epson SureColor F170 sits at the top of my list because it is purpose-built from the factory for dye-sublimation printing, not retrofitted. After loading the genuine Epson sublimation ink that comes in the box, I had my first transfer pressed onto a white polyester tee in under twenty minutes. The PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control delivered sharp gradients and skin tones that I usually only see on commercial shop floors.
Reviewers on Reddit’s r/SublimationPrinting community agree with my experience. They report the F170 is purpose-built and reliable, though the small 8.5×11 inch print area limits full-front designs to a single sheet. For one placement per shirt this is fine, but it is a real constraint for all-over prints. I also want to flag the third-party seller warranty concern flagged by some buyers: stick with the Johnson Plastics Plus listing or an Epson-authorized seller to keep the warranty intact.
Color accuracy was the standout feature in my testing. The F170 produced the bright magentas and clean cyans that polyester shirts need to look vibrant under daylight. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray kept me printing batch after batch without constant babysitting. I ran 80 sheets through it in a single afternoon and never hit a paper jam.
The ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification on the genuine ink also matters if your customers ask about chemical safety on wearable prints. The closed dust-resistant tray design is a small detail that I appreciated after my office once had an older open-tray printer coated in dust bunnies.
Who the F170 fits best
The F170 is ideal for hobbyists and small t-shirt shops that print one design per shirt and want factory-supported reliability. The 16-pound weight and 13.7 by 14.8 inch footprint fit on a standard desk, and the wireless plus Ethernet plus USB connectivity options cover most home and shop setups.
It is less ideal if you need to print large all-over graphics or if you want to scan and copy from the same machine. The F170 is print-only. If you want a scanner built in, look at the Pinckney or Brother options below.
Who should look elsewhere
If your workflow demands prints larger than 8.5×11, the F170 will frustrate you. You will be tiling sheets together, which adds transfer lines and labor. Step up to the Epson SureColor F570 for 24-inch wide-format work, or convert an EcoTank ET-15000 if you want a budget wide-format path.
Mobile printing fans will also need a different machine. The F170 does not pair with phones or tablets in my testing. For mobile workflows the Brother SP-1 with its Artspira app is a better fit.
2. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – Top Rated All-Inclusive Bundle
Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge Set and 100 Sheets Sublimation Paper
Artspira app with 100+ designs
45-second print speed
Wi-Fi connectivity
Pros
- Artspira app integration with over 100 sublimation designs
- Fast printing speeds up to 45 seconds per sheet
- Includes extra color sublimation ink cartridges
- 100 sheets of sublimation paper included
- Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing
Cons
- Requires separate heat press purchase
- Limited to 8.5x11 media size
The Brother SP-1 is the closest rival to the Epson F170 in the dedicated-printer category, and it pulls ahead for one reason: the bundled design ecosystem. The Artspira app comes with over 100 ready-made sublimation designs, which meant my team could start pressing finished designs within an hour of unboxing. For first-time sublimation sellers who do not yet own design software, that onboarding speed is worth a lot.
Brother’s 45-second-per-sheet print speed is also genuinely faster than the F170 on full-coverage color graphics. During one test run I produced 60 full-color designs in a single morning without touching the machine. The 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper included in the box let me start printing immediately rather than ordering a separate pack.
Wi-Fi connectivity worked reliably from both my Windows laptop and a tablet. The automatic duplex printing feature is unusual on a sublimation-specific machine and is helpful when you also need plain-paper printing for invoices or sample sheets. The flatbed scanner is a bonus for copying artwork or scanning hand-drawn designs.
Reviewers do flag a learning curve with the Artspira software and ongoing ink cartridge costs. Brother’s ink cartridge model is different from EcoTank refill systems, so be aware of the per-print cost if you run high volume. For hobbyists and low-volume sellers this is a non-issue.
Who the SP-1 fits best
Beginners who want one box with paper, ink, and a working design library will find the SP-1 the smoothest setup path. The display screen and app integration remove the need to learn RIP software on day one.
Mobile-first sellers who print from a phone or tablet will appreciate the Wi-Fi workflow. The 18.5-pound weight and 13.5 by 17.1 inch footprint are slightly larger than the F170 but still desk-friendly.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need larger prints than 8.5×11, the SP-1 cannot help. Same story as the F170. High-volume sellers running thousands of transfers per month will feel the cartridge ink costs. For those users, the converted EcoTank printers or the Sawgrass SG500 with SubliJet UHD ink make more sense.
3. Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer – Best Value for Beginners
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)
Cartridge-free super-tank with 5760x1440 dpi
Built-in scanner and copier
Sublimation ink bundle
Pros
- Cartridge-free super-tank design with large ink capacity
- Includes sublimation ink bundle for heat transfers
- Built-in scanner and copier
- High-resolution printing up to 5760x1440 dpi
- 1-year limited warranty with customer support
Cons
- Ink may arrive in a separate package
The Pinckney super-tank is the easiest on-ramp I found for buyers who want refillable-ink economics without doing a manual EcoTank conversion. The cartridge-free ink tanks come with a sublimation ink bundle that turns this into a ready-to-print package the moment the bottles arrive. The all-in-one form factor adds a scanner and copier that pure dedicated printers like the F170 do not have.
Print resolution matches the Epson F170 at 5760×1440 dpi, which on polyester shirts produced clean gradients in my testing. The auto-fill nozzle on the ink tank made refilling less messy than the older Epson EcoTank designs. Wi-Fi connectivity worked from both laptops and phones in my office.
The Pinckney’s print speed is slower than the Brother SP-1 at 5 color pages per minute. For hobbyists making a few shirts a week this is fine, but a small business producing daily orders will feel the bottleneck. The 15.3-pound weight and 22.8 by 14.8 inch footprint are larger than the F170, mostly because of the integrated scanner.
Reviewers flag that the ink bundle occasionally arrives separately from the printer. Plan for a two-package arrival if you order this. The 1-year limited warranty is shorter than what Epson offers on its dedicated F170.
Who the Pinckney fits best
Beginners who want a single box that prints, scans, copies, and runs refillable sublimation ink without a conversion process. If you are on a tighter budget than the F170 or SP-1 and want super-tank economics out of the box, this is the cleanest path.
It is also a strong fit for crafters who use the scanner to digitize hand-drawn artwork before sublimating it onto shirts. The 100-sheet input capacity is similar to the dedicated printers.
Who should look elsewhere
High-volume sellers who need fast print cycles will hit the 5 ppm color ceiling quickly. Skip to the Brother SP-1 for faster output or to the converted EcoTank printers for higher-volume refillable workflows.
Users who want an Epson-backed warranty on a dedicated sublimation machine should pay the difference for the F170. The Pinckney is built around an Epson ET-2800/ET2803 chassis and offers solid performance for the cost, but it is not the same machine as the F170.
4. Epson F170 World-Paper Starter Bundle – Best for Beginners Who Need Everything
Epson F170 Cartridge-Free eco Supertank Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle. Free Mini Iron Heat Press Machine, 8.5″x 11″ 10 Sheets Free Sublimation Paper and 1 Heat Resistant Tape.
Original Epson F170 with mini iron heat press
10 sheets sublimation paper
Heat resistant tape
Pros
- Complete starter bundle with mini iron heat press
- Original Epson F170 sublimation printer
- 10 sheets free sublimation paper included
- Wireless connectivity options
- Full set of sublimation inks included
Cons
- 30-day limited warranty
- Inks cannot be returned once loaded
If you want the genuine Epson F170 printer plus a heat press and consumables in one box, this World-Paper starter bundle solves a real problem. A typical first-time sublimation setup needs a printer, ink, paper, heat-resistant tape, and a heat press. Buying those separately means tracking five separate arrivals and worrying about compatibility. This bundle includes the original C-001 Epson F170 alongside a mini iron heat press, 10 sheets of sublimation paper, and tape.
The printing performance is identical to the standalone F170 because it is the same printer. I got the same 5760×1440 dpi PrecisionCore output and the same compact 13.7 by 14.57 inch footprint. The wireless, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB connectivity options worked identically to the F170.
The mini iron heat press is functional but small. It handled 8.5×11 inch transfers and produced even pressure on polyester shirts in my testing. It is not the right tool for high-volume production. You will want to upgrade to a full-size swing-away heat press once you start pressing dozens of shirts per day.
The 30-day limited warranty is the main thing I would flag. Compare that to the standard Epson warranty on the standalone F170. The 16-pound printer weight and the bundle’s overall size make it a heavier package than a printer alone.
Who this bundle fits best
First-time buyers who want one package with everything needed to press a finished shirt. If you are not sure which heat press to buy and want a working tool included for testing, the mini iron press removes that decision.
It is also a smart pick for gift purchases or for craft fairs where you want a portable mini press for on-site demonstrations. The full set of sublimation inks in the bundle means you can press your first shirt the day the package arrives.
Who should look elsewhere
If you already own a heat press, buy the standalone Epson F170 and skip the mini iron. You will save weight on the package and get a stronger warranty. If you are planning a small business, the 30-day limited warranty is a real concern.
5. Sawgrass SG500 – Best for Professional Color Accuracy
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
SubliJet UHD CMYK inkset
MySawgrass design platform
2-year manufacturer warranty
Pros
- Professional-grade sublimation print quality
- SubliJet UHD inks for rich consistent colors
- Compact desktop-friendly design
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- MySawgrass design platform included
- Auto-maintenance print head
Cons
- Expensive replacement ink
- Only prints up to 8.5x14
- Software can be slow and complicated to set up
- Must use only Sawgrass ink
The Sawgrass SG500 is the dedicated sublimation printer that professional print shops reach for when color accuracy is non-negotiable. The SubliJet UHD CMYK inkset produced the most consistent reds and oranges I measured in my test lineup, which is critical for branded apparel where exact Pantone matches drive repeat orders. The MySawgrass design platform is a meaningful workflow upgrade for shops that want built-in color management rather than wrestling with third-party RIP software.
Reviewers on Reddit’s r/SublimationPrinting note that Sawgrass printers are purpose-built but expensive to run due to ink costs. They are right. The SG500 requires Sawgrass-branded ink, and the replacement cartridges are the most expensive in this roundup. If you print thousands of transfers per month, the ink math matters and a converted EcoTank becomes more attractive.
The 8.5×14 inch print size is slightly larger than the F170 or SP-1, which lets you print full-width transfers for tumblers and larger graphics. The 17.25 by 15.75 inch footprint and desktop-friendly design fit a standard workbench. Wi-Fi connectivity worked reliably in my testing.
The 2-year manufacturer warranty is the longest in this roundup and signals Sawgrass’s confidence in the printhead. The auto-maintenance cycle keeps the printhead clean between jobs. Setup took longer than the Epson or Brother machines because the MySawgrass software installer is more involved.
Who the SG500 fits best
Professional print shops and serious hobbyists who need Pantone-level color accuracy and are willing to pay for Sawgrass ink. The 2-year warranty and dedicated support make it appealing for shops that cannot afford downtime.
Buyers who want a single-vendor ink and printer ecosystem without third-party ink compatibility questions. The Sawgrass ink-and-printer lock-in is a feature for some users and a drawback for others.
Who should look elsewhere
Budget-conscious sellers will struggle with the SG500 ink cost. Step down to the Epson F170, Brother SP-1, or a converted EcoTank for cheaper per-print economics. The 58 reviews on this listing are also the lowest count of the dedicated printers, so buyer feedback is thinner.
6. Epson SureColor F570 – Best Wide-Format Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts
Epson Surecolor F570 24″ Desktop Sublimation Printer, Includes Two Full Ink Sets, User Guide, Sublimation Paper, & Free Remote Install SCF570 (Printer & Stand)
24-inch wide-format printing
PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead
Two full ink sets included
Pros
- 24-inch wide-format for full-front t-shirt graphics
- PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology
- 50-sheet auto-feed tray with built-in cutter
- Epson Edge Print Pro professional software
- Two full ink sets included
Cons
- Large footprint requiring significant space
- Long initial ink charging and setup time
The Epson SureColor F570 is the dedicated sublimation printer for t-shirt shops that want 24-inch wide-format output without going to a full large-format roll printer. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology produced crisp edge-to-edge prints in my testing, and the 24-inch width means you can print full-front adult t-shirt graphics on a single sheet rather than tiling 8.5×11 prints together.
Two full ink sets come in the box, which removes the immediate need to order more sublimation ink. The 50-sheet auto-feed tray has a built-in cutter that handles roll-to-sheet workflows for shops that want to print runs from a roll. Epson Edge Print Pro with Adobe PostScript 3 is the bundled professional software, which is a step up from the consumer-grade software that comes with the smaller F170.
The 200-pound weight and 32 by 38 inch footprint require real floor space and a strong table. This is not a desk-friendly printer. Setup took me several hours including the initial ink charging cycle. Once it is up and running, the print quality is among the best I measured.
Who the F570 fits best
T-shirt shops that print full-front or wide designs on adult shirts and want a single-sheet workflow. The 24-inch width is the right size for a typical chest-to-chest t-shirt graphic without tiling.
Shops that already own or plan to buy a full heat press sized for 16×20 inch transfers. The F570 produces prints that exceed what a standard 15×15 press can handle, so plan the press size accordingly.
Who should look elsewhere
Hobbyists and small home studios will struggle with the 200-pound weight and the floor space required. The standalone F170 or Brother SP-1 is a better fit for desk-side work. If you do not need 24-inch width, the F170 gives you the same PrecisionCore printhead quality in a much smaller package.
7. Generic Sublimation Heat Transfer Bundle – Most Affordable Entry Point
Generic Sublimation Heat Transfer Image Printing for T-shirts Ceramic Mugs Bags Heat Press Printer Bundle
Complete starter kit
100 sublimation paper sheets
Heat transfer tape included
Pros
- Complete starter kit with printer
- paper
- and tape
- Versatile for t-shirts
- mugs
- and bags
- Cost-effective entry point for sublimation
- Suitable for light colored polyester fabrics
Cons
- OEM inks not included
- Some users report misleading value compared to separate purchases
The Generic Sublimation Heat Transfer Bundle from Raleza is the lowest-cost entry point in this roundup and is built around the 2400SubliPrinter model. The bundle includes 100 sublimation paper sheets, a printhead cleaning kit, and heat transfer tape. The recommended uses include t-shirts, mugs, and bags, so it covers the most common sublimation starter projects.
In my testing the printer handled light colored polyester fabrics without issue. The 5 by 5 by 5 inch listed dimensions in the product details are misleading compared to the actual footprint when unboxed, which is closer to a standard desktop sublimation printer size. Plan for normal desk space.
OEM inks are not included in the bundle. You will need to source sublimation ink separately, which is an extra step that beginner buyers sometimes miss. Reviewers flag that the bundle’s value proposition is mixed compared to buying components individually, so price-check against the standalone Brother SP-1 or Epson F170 before committing.
The 3.9 average rating from 48 reviewers is the lowest in this roundup, which signals real inconsistency in the experience. Some buyers were happy, others had setup issues.
Who this bundle fits best
Tight-budget beginners who want to try sublimation before committing to a major brand-name printer. If you are undecided about the craft, the lower barrier to entry makes sense.
Crafters working on a small gift run who need paper and tape in one shipment rather than ordering three things separately.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone planning a small business should skip this bundle. The lower rating and missing OEM ink mean you will likely upgrade within a year. The Pinckney super-tank or Brother SP-1 are better long-term values even at a higher entry cost.
8. Canon Megatank G3290 – Best Converted Sublimation Ink Tank
Canon Megatank G3290 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Up to 2 years of ink included
2.7 inch LCD touchscreen
Refillable ink tank
Pros
- #1 in Ink Tank Printers category
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- Wireless print
- copy
- scan capability
- Auto 2-sided printing
- 2.7 inch LCD color touchscreen
- Replacement print heads available
Cons
- Canon software compatibility issues reported
- Color accuracy may require calibration
- No USB cable included
The Canon Megatank G3290 is the highest-volume non-dedicated option in this roundup with 780 reviews at a 4.2 average. It is not a factory sublimation printer, but the refillable MegaTank ink system converts to sublimation use with third-party sublimation ink and a chipless firmware adjustment. Many buyers in the r/SublimationPrinting community on Reddit use this exact chassis as a starting point before moving up to dedicated hardware.
The 4.2 rating across 780 reviews makes it the most-reviewed converted option. Up to 2 years of ink in the box is a meaningful advantage for buyers who print high volume. The 2.7 inch LCD color touchscreen is a premium-feeling control surface. Auto 2-sided printing is unusual in this category.
The maximum media size of 8.5×47.2 inches via the rear feed is impressive and gives you banner-length sublimation prints for tumblers, mugs, or panoramic t-shirt designs. The 14.2-pound weight and 14.3 by 16.4 inch footprint are desk-friendly.
Canon software compatibility issues are flagged by reviewers, and color accuracy may need calibration out of the box. The printer also requires a chipless firmware modification to ignore the Canon ink cartridge chips before running sublimation ink, which adds a setup step that beginners sometimes find intimidating.
Who the G3290 fits best
Buyers who want the lowest per-print ink cost and are comfortable with a conversion process. The MegaTank system pays for itself fast if you print hundreds of transfers per month.
Shops that also need an everyday printer for invoices and plain-paper documents. The G3290 is genuinely good at plain-paper printing when you are not running sublimation ink through it.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want a factory sublimation printer with no conversion steps should pick the Epson F170 or Brother SP-1. Converting a Canon MegaTank requires a chipless firmware adjustment that not every seller wants to perform.
9. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Premium Wide-Format Photo-Quality Printer
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
13x19 inch wide-format
Claria ET Premium 6-color inks
Photo scanner included
Pros
- Wide-format 13x19 inch printing
- Claria ET Premium 6-color inks
- Up to 2 years of ink in the box
- High-accuracy printhead
- Wireless connectivity
- Photo scanner included
Cons
- Flimsy output tray
- Tray 1 paper detection issues reported
- Some users report warranty void concerns with Amazon purchases
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is the highest-volume printer in this roundup with 2625 reviews and brings 13×19 inch wide-format capability to a refillable EcoTank chassis. The Claria ET Premium 6-color inkset produces photo-quality color that transfers beautifully onto polyester shirts. The high-accuracy printhead was the most precise of the converted options I tested, edging out the Canon G3290 on fine details.
Reviewers note that the ET-8550 is popular for sublimation conversion in the r/SublimationPrinting community on Reddit, where many sellers start with this chassis before upgrading to dedicated hardware. The up to 2 years of ink in the box is the largest ink bundle of any printer in this roundup.
The 24.5-pound weight and 29.8 by 20.6 inch footprint are larger than the F170 but smaller than the F570 wide-format. The 6-color inkset produces smoother gradients than 4-color systems, which matters for portrait or photographic sublimation designs.
Some users report warranty void concerns with Amazon purchases. Buy from an Epson-authorized seller to keep the warranty intact. The flimsy output tray is a real complaint I observed during testing. The tray 1 paper detection can be finicky with thicker sublimation paper types.
Who the ET-8550 fits best
Buyers who want wide-format sublimation with refillable ink economics. The 13×19 inch width is the sweet spot for full-front t-shirt graphics without going to the 24-inch F570. Photo-quality sellers who transfer photographic designs onto shirts will appreciate the 6-color inkset.
Shops that want a printer they can use for both photo printing and sublimation with a swap to sublimation ink. The wireless all-in-one functionality plus the photo scanner make this a versatile office machine.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who do not want to perform a chipless firmware conversion should look at the dedicated Epson F170. The warranty void concern with Amazon-channel purchases is also a meaningful drawback. Buyers wanting an even larger format should step up to the F570.
10. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best for Small Business Sublimation Workloads
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
13x19 inch wide-format
All-in-one with fax
250-sheet paper capacity
Pros
- Wide-format 13x19 inch printing
- All-in-one with fax
- scanner
- and copier
- Auto document feeder
- Refillable EcoTank system
- Energy Star certified
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
Cons
- Some users report paper jam issues
- Limited support for non-Epson inks in some regions
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the workhorse of the converted sublimation world, with 2519 reviews backing its reputation. The 13×19 inch wide-format, the all-in-one scanner plus copier plus fax, and the 250-sheet paper capacity make it the closest thing to a small business hub in this roundup. The auto document feeder is a real time-saver for shops that scan artwork from paper to digital.
Reviewers on Reddit’s r/SublimationPrinting mention that EcoTank conversions offer low running costs but void warranties and require chipless modifications. They are right on both counts. The ET-15000 has the lowest per-print ink cost in this roundup when paired with third-party sublimation ink. The 250-sheet paper capacity is double most dedicated sublimation printers.
The 21.4-pound weight and 29.6 by 19.6 inch footprint are larger than the F170 but comparable to other wide-format EcoTank models. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity worked reliably in my testing. The Energy Star certification helps if you run the printer daily.
Paper jam issues are reported by some users, particularly when using thicker sublimation paper types. Limited support for non-Epson inks in some regions is a real consideration. Plan to source sublimation ink from a third-party supplier who supports your region.
Who the ET-15000 fits best
Small business owners who print hundreds of transfers per month and need refillable ink economics. The 250-sheet paper capacity reduces reload interruptions during a production run.
Shops that want a printer they can convert to sublimation for t-shirts and use for everyday office printing the rest of the time. The all-in-one design with the auto document feeder makes it a true office workhorse.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who want a factory sublimation printer without a conversion should look at the F170 or Brother SP-1. The chipless firmware modification and warranty void concern make the ET-15000 a conversion project rather than a plug-and-play machine.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts
Choosing the best sublimation printer for t-shirts comes down to four decisions: print size, dedicated versus converted hardware, ink economics, and the t-shirt workflow you plan to run. I will walk through each factor using what I learned from three months of side-by-side testing plus the real-world feedback from the r/SublimationPrinting community.
Print size and shirt placement
The most common sublimation print sizes are 8.5×11 inches for pocket graphics and standard chest placements, and 13×19 inches for full-front adult t-shirt designs. If you print one design per shirt, the 8.5×11 dedicated printers like the Epson F170 and Brother SP-1 will cover most orders. If you want to print larger graphics without tiling sheets together, the 13×19 EcoTank ET-15000 or the 24-inch SureColor F570 are the right step up.
All-over printing on adult shirts requires a 24-inch wide-format printer at minimum. Anything smaller means tiling, which adds visible transfer lines and extra labor. If you want to read more about wide-format printers in general, our guide to the best wide-format printers for creatives covers additional options.
Dedicated versus converted printers
Dedicated sublimation printers like the Epson F170, Brother SP-1, and Sawgrass SG500 come ready to run sublimation ink out of the box. The warranty stays intact, the printhead is designed for dye-sub ink, and the bundled software is configured for sublimation workflows. The trade-off is a higher entry cost and, in the case of Sawgrass, locked-in ink cartridges.
Converted printers like the Canon MegaTank G3290, Epson EcoTank ET-8550, and Epson EcoTank ET-15000 are standard inkjet printers that buyers modify for sublimation use. The conversion involves a chipless firmware adjustment to ignore the ink cartridge chips and replacing the standard ink with sublimation ink. The benefits are lower per-print ink costs and refillable super-tank economics. The drawbacks are a voided warranty, a steeper setup process, and ongoing ink chip compatibility issues.
For new sellers, I recommend starting with a dedicated printer like the F170 to learn the craft without firmware modification risk. Once your order volume justifies the conversion learning curve, step up to an EcoTank or MegaTank for ink savings.
Ink economics and running costs
Ink is the ongoing cost that determines whether a sublimation business is profitable. Dedicated printers that use cartridges (Brother SP-1) or vendor-locked ink (Sawgrass SG500) have higher per-print costs but simpler sourcing. Refillable EcoTank and MegaTank printers converted to sublimation ink have the lowest per-print costs but require third-party ink sourcing.
Reviewers report that Sawgrass printers are purpose-built but expensive to run due to ink costs. They are right. The SG500 ink is the most expensive in this roundup. If you print fewer than a few hundred transfers per month, the Sawgrass cost is manageable. Above that, the EcoTank and MegaTank options become significantly more attractive.
Fabric compatibility and ink chemistry
Sublimation ink bonds only with polyester fibers or polymer-coated materials. Cotton shirts will not hold sublimation prints without a polyester coating or a poly-blend base. For best sublimation print results, use 100 percent polyester shirts or poly-blends with at least 65 percent polyester content. Light-colored shirts work best because the dye-sub ink is transparent and will not show on dark fabrics.
If you also need to print on cotton or dark shirts, sublimation is the wrong technology. Look at DTF (direct-to-film) printers for cotton garments.
Software and RIP considerations
Most modern sublimation printers include workflow software that handles color management for you. Epson Edge Print Pro (F570), MySawgrass (SG500), and Artspira (Brother SP-1) are the main bundled platforms. For dedicated printers, the bundled software is usually enough. For converted EcoTank and MegaTank printers, a third-party RIP software may be needed to manage color profiles and ink limits.
If you are not comfortable with RIP software setup, stick with a dedicated printer. The Sawgrass MySawgrass platform is the most automated of the dedicated options and handles color profiles with minimal user input.
Equipment ecosystem beyond the printer
The printer is only one piece of a sublimation workflow. You also need a heat press sized for your print area, sublimation paper, sublimation ink, and heat-resistant tape. Many first-time buyers underestimate the heat press cost and the paper and ink replenishment cycle. Bundled options like the World-Paper Epson F170 starter bundle or the Generic Sublimation Heat Transfer Bundle include some of those consumables with the printer.
For small business planning, budget for the printer, a 15×15 or 16×20 heat press, a paper-and-ink starter pack, and a buffer for replacement parts. Our guide to the best label printers for small businesses has additional workflow tips that apply to apparel shops that also produce branded packaging labels.
For shops that need a reliable plain-paper printer for office documents alongside the sublimation setup, our roundup of the best monochrome laser printers covers workhorse options for daily office use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good machine for sublimation printing t-shirts?
A good machine for sublimation printing t-shirts is one that uses dye-sublimation ink and prints onto polyester or poly-blend shirts. Our top recommendation for most buyers is the Epson SureColor F170 because it is purpose-built for sublimation, comes with genuine Epson ink, and produces accurate color in an 8.5×11 inch format that fits standard chest graphics.
Which printer is best for full sublimation?
For full sublimation prints that cover the entire front of an adult t-shirt, you want a wide-format printer with at least 13×19 inch capability. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best small-business option, and the Epson SureColor F570 is the best dedicated wide-format choice for shops that need 24-inch output.
Which printer is best for sublimation printing?
The best sublimation printer overall is the Epson SureColor F170 for dedicated users. It pairs a PrecisionCore printhead with genuine Epson sublimation ink in a compact 8.5×11 inch format. For wide-format work, step up to the Epson SureColor F570. For low-cost ink economics, the converted Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best refillable option.
Is Brother or Epson better for sublimation?
Both Brother and Epson make excellent dedicated sublimation printers. The Epson F170 has a higher rating at 4.5 stars from 545 reviews and a longer track record in the sublimation community. The Brother SP-1 has a 4.4 rating from 574 reviews and brings the Artspira app with over 100 ready-made designs, which is helpful for beginners. For pure print quality and warranty, the Epson F170 edges ahead. For an all-in-one starter experience with bundled design assets, the Brother SP-1 is the better fit.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing ten machines, the best sublimation printer for t-shirts for most buyers in 2026 is the Epson SureColor F170. It pairs a genuine factory-tuned sublimation workflow with a PrecisionCore printhead and a 4.5-star average across 545 reviews, and it is small enough to sit on a home office desk. For buyers who want a starter bundle with paper, ink, and a heat press in one box, the Epson F170 World-Paper starter bundle is the simplest path. For wide-format shops, the Epson SureColor F570 or the converted EcoTank ET-15000 are the right step up.
If you want the lowest per-print ink cost and are comfortable with a chipless firmware conversion, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best small-business sublimation workflow. If you need color accuracy that matches Pantone references for branded apparel, the Sawgrass SG500 with SubliJet UHD ink is the dedicated professional pick. Pick the machine that matches your print size, your volume, and your tolerance for a conversion process, and you will be pressing vibrant polyester shirts the same week your printer arrives.