6 Best Sublimation Printers of 2023

Are you a designer who needs access to the perfect printing device to print all the digital images and designs without blurring any fine lines and details? Then you are in the right place because we have curated a list with some of the best sublimation printers in the market!

After going through different platforms online, you’ll find out that there aren’t many models to choose from, but each has its printing technique. Usually, sublimation printer models today use dye-sublimation technology, but you might not be looking for a product that offers just this.

Eventually, it all comes down to the purpose of the printer and how you want to use it. You can be a beginner with multiple designs you want to showcase and sell off later. Or perhaps you’re a photographer who needs numerous sizes and matte and glossy finishes for your pictures. You can also be a small business owner who sells the cutest tees, coasters, or other items, and you want to use the sublimation printer to transfer the design onto the material of your choice. So regardless of your usage, go through our selection of some of the best and recommended goods in the market to drive better results!

The 6 Best Sublimation Printers 

Check out the list of some of the best sublimation printers in the market, and grab onto the products that work in your favor. 

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Starting with the best sublimation printer for beginners, the Epson EcoTank is the perfect accessory for people new to sublimation. It is a budget-friendly item designed to hold onto a lot of ink, meaning these inks can last for months. But what makes it stand out amongst different models is how the sublimation is very cheap compared to various ink-jet models with ink tanks. 

So if you’re new to the field and need an ideal ink jet printer to convert for cheaper sublimation, then this item is the best sublimation printer for beginners. 

Pros

  • Ink tanks can hold up ink for months.  
  • Very easy to set up.
  • Includes a built-in scanner and copier.
  • Cheaper to convert to a dye sub-printer.
  • Has wireless and hand-free voice-activated printing options 

Cons

  • ET-2700 has few features in comparison to the other products in its line. 

2. HP Stitch S500

HP Stitch S500

For efficient and flexible dye-sub design facilities, we recommend you get your hands on the Hp Stitch S500! It prints directly onto fabric and transfers paper using the water-based dye sub-ink. It is the perfect accessory for high printing demands, specifically 110 m2 per hour. The HP Stitch S500 prints instantly and can work through the night without any monitoring. So if you’ve got a lot of work, you can leave the device overnight to get maximum prints until the next day. We also believe this is the best sublimating printer for shirts. 

The sublimation printer can store a good amount of ink and uses large rolls of fabric and paper. Before rolling out, the small fans in the sublimation printer blow the print job to help dry the ink. This is a solid, hardworking printer with the newest features in the market!

Pros

  • It can run print jobs without monitoring 
  • It makes the printing process easier for you
  • Allows printing on fabric and transfer paper 

Cons

  • On the pricier side. 

3. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Typically a printer can handle up to 8.5×11 inches of media, so if your requirements are wide images, then this sublimation printer is perfect for you. It prints up to 13×19 inches and uses high resolution and six colors. The images come out very crisp and vibrant and can be used professionally and for personal reasons. 

This product’s production speed is very low compared to the other Epson products. The conversion process to the sublimation printer is not easy as it uses ink cartridges instead ink tanks. 

Pros

  • Lightweight printing unit can be carried around easily 
  • Prints using six-color ink sets
  • Offer users wireless connectivity
  • Wide-format printing 
  • It has a 2.4-inch touch display

Cons

  • Conversion is pricier and more complex than Epson’s EcoTank models.

4. Sawgrass SG500

Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500  is perfect for keeping on your desks, all thanks to its portability. This sublimation printer is one of the powerful dye printers which can be used on multiple projects. This device is perfect for sublimation printing for shirts. It allows the printing of media for up to 8.5”x14,” and users can customize the graphics on various items such as clothing, phone covers, mugs and glasses, and coasters. 

What makes it stand out is how it includes a free license of CreativeStudio software, which you can use to create some designs to print later. The SG500 offers Wifi connectivity which means you can connect and accept designs from multiple devices for sublimation printing. The SG500 was designed for the sublimation process with built-in templates to choose from and numerous readily available designs that you can choose from. This software-inclusive device allows automatic adjustments to reduce wasted ink and optimal-quality prints.

Pros 

  • Allows users Wifi connectivity
  • Offers product warranty for up to 2 years and in-house support
  • It comes with a software print manager for optimal-quality printing
  • Offers complex templates and designs. 
  • It comes with a set of Sublijet UGH sublimation inks.

Cons 

  • On the pricier side. 

5. Epson SureColor F170

Epson SureColor F170

This Epson offers the quickest and easiest way to print on various sublimation-suitable surfaces, including fabrics. All you have to do is fill the tanks with the required ink and then print your designs using the transfer papers. All the transfer printed can be applied using a heat source to your desired surfaces for the best results. 

You get the best four 140ml T49M ink bottles, including C, M, Y, and K. The printer has a very compact layout based on the EcoTank line of products. Even though it lacks in terms of display, what makes it a decent printer is its ease of use with PC and Mac software. 

Pros 

  • Low prices 
  • Easy-to-use device
  • Accompanied by four T49M ink bottles.

Cons 

  • The printing resolution is limited
  • Lacks in display

6. DNP Ds620a

DNP Ds620a

If you’re a professional photographer, this sublimation printer is perfect! This printer is perfect for producing quality content, such as photographs for your events, birthdays, and weddings, and even perfect for content creators. You can also use it to make your portfolio as a designer and portray all your designs in the best way. 

These printers can set up a photo booth at weddings, birthdays, and even corporate events, providing three sizes: 4×6 inches, 5×7 inches, and 6×8 inches. The best part is that it’s very swift; it prints 400 prints per hour. You can also choose between matte and glossy photos and also get your watermarks. 

The printer provides users with advanced information enabling users to check printer status, the life counter, serial number, media formats, data related to color control, and firmware. This is the perfect gadget for those looking for something flexible and reliable. We do believe it is the best sublimation machine for professionals. 

Pros 

  • Premier quality photos 
  • Prompt service and good performance
  • Allows printing of both matte and glossy finishes
  • Offers prints in three sizes

Cons

  • On the pricier side
  • It cannot print mugs, t-shirts, and images on transfer paper.

Buying Guide to Find Out All About Sublimation Printing

Now that you know all about sublimation printing, it is essential to determine whether it is a wise choice. So before you grab onto the printer that ticks all your boxes, here’s an insight to help you decide whether your choice is the best.

Kick Start Sublimation Printing Using the Following Goods

Getting started with Sublimation is very easy, especially if you have access to the following items:

1. Sublimation Paper 

There are different types of sublimation papers that you can find, but the best product is the A-sub. 

2. Sublimation Ink

This special sublimation ink helps you transfer the designs and images to a material of your choice. 

3. Heat Transfer

Make sure that the heat press meets the size requirements for all your designs and transfers. 

4. Software Design 

This helps make changes to your designs; we have mentioned some of the best softwares below to help you get a good start. 

5. Sublimation Ink Printer

The best way to print is to use a printer that serves the purpose; you can use a sublimation-specific printer or upgrade to an inkjet printer. 

Are Sublimation Printers Worth it?

It all comes down to your usage, how you plan on using them, and how often you plan on printing. If you are someone who has less usage, then it is not worth it because sublimation printers are usually on the pricier side. Whereas if you plan to make products and print your art on t-shirts, coasters, and cups, print out multiple photographs, and need to make a portfolio of all your designs, then it is undoubtedly worth it. This will help you save money in the long run, and having a sublimation printer at home will decrease your printing cost. It is expensive, but it is a one-time investment.

The results, on the other hand, are outstanding; some of the printers allow a matte finish, while you can also use glossy papers for a shiny finish. The pictures do not blur out any details and print every fine line and depth. 

Recommended Software for Sublimation Printing

With a list of multiple softwares on the internet, some of the best applications to choose from are the following. 

  • Photoshop 
  • CorelDRAW
  • Cricut Design Space 

Some of the printers provide their own bespoke and reliable applications for editing and making any changes. Indulge in the world of printing fine-quality art. 

What Materials Can It Print On?

Sublimation Printers allow printing on the following materials and textures; you will need to use transfer paper and then print it on the material of your choice.

  • Coasters
  • Wood
  • Various Fabrics, including cotton and a blend of cotton and polyester
  • Ceramics 
  • Plastic products 
  • Phone cases 

Bottom Line

So without waiting any further, get your hands on the sublimation printer you think will be perfect. We have listed the six best sublimation printers in the market, which without a doubt, will do exactly as we have mentioned. They are outstanding devices, but on the pricier side, we believe they serve the purpose and will help you pretty well in your work. 

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By Islah Ejaz

Islah Ejaz is a real tech fanatic who has been writing for tech since 2016. His insights in tech are remarkable, as he keeps a close eye on the latest tech innovations & inventions, news, updates, and releases. Binge-watching series and listening to podcasts is what keeps him firm. He is also a gaming enthusiast, and gaming gives him the ultimate pleasure.

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