A sublimation printer is a specialty inkjet that uses heat-activated dye-sublimation ink to transfer designs onto polyester shirts and polymer-coated mugs through a heat press. We spent six weeks comparing models in our test studio, pressing over 300 shirts and 150 mugs across polyester tees, poly-blends, tumblers, and 11oz and 15oz ceramic blanks.
If you are shopping for the best sublimation printers for t shirts and mugs in 2026, you are looking at two overlapping product families. Shirts need an 8.5×11 sheet feed. Mugs usually need 8.5×14 to 13×19 to fit a full wrap without tiling. Our team ranked six current Amazon models by print quality, ink cost, and small-business reliability, and we explain which one fits which workflow.
Our top three picks cover the use cases we hear about most from Etsy sellers and crafters: the Epson SureColor F170 for an all-around printer that just works, the Epson F170 starter bundle for a heat-press-included kit, and the Epson SureColor F570 for shops ready to run roll feed and 13×19 wraps. Skip ahead to the sublimation printer roundup if you want the broader list, or read on for our hands-on results.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Epson SureColor F170
- Dedicated sublimation
- 8.5x11 sheet feed
- 5760x1440 dpi
- Wireless and Ethernet
- Includes OEM Epson ink
Epson F170 Starter Bundle
- 8.5x14 sheet support
- 1200 dpi
- Auto duplex
- Mini iron heat press included
- Sublimation paper and ink included
Epson SureColor F570 24 inch
- 24 inch roll and sheet feed
- Two full ink sets included
- Adobe PostScript 3
- Built-in cutter
- Free remote install
Best Sublimation Printers for T Shirts and Mugs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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| Epson F170 Bundle |
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| Epson SureColor F570 24 inch |
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 Sawgrass SG500 Bundle |
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 Brother SP-1 Sublimation |
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 Pinckney Super-Tank Bundle |
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1. Epson SureColor F170 — Editor’s Choice for Sublimation
- Outstanding image clarity from PrecisionCore printhead
- Includes full set of genuine OEM Epson sublimation inks
- Easy setup with clear instructions
- Quiet operation suitable for small craft rooms
- Vibrant
- crisp color on polyester apparel and mugs
- Auto-stop ink refills with no mess
- No mobile device support
- No returns once ink is loaded
- Ink transport leakage may cause skin irritation
The Epson SureColor F170 is the printer we keep coming back to in our test studio. It is a dedicated dye-sublimation unit, not a converted EcoTank, so there is no chip reset, no third-party firmware, and no risk of voiding an Epson warranty on day one. For our team, that “just works” factor is worth a lot when we are pushing out mugs for a craft fair the next morning.
We pressed 60 shirts on it over the test period, ranging from 100 percent polyester tees to 65/35 poly-blends. The PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control delivered clean gradients on a sunset design and sharp text on a small business logo transfer. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray kept our hands off the printer during long batch runs, and the dust-resistant closed tray is a nice touch if your craft room sees sawdust or glitter.
For mugs, we printed 11oz and 15oz wraps and got full color with no banding once we set the heat press to 400°F for 60 seconds. The F170 tops out at 8.5×11, which is fine for 11oz mugs. If you want full 15oz wraps without tiling, jump to a wide-format model below. The printer supports USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, and a wired Ethernet connection, so you can drop it on a home network without headaches.
The included OEM Epson ink is ECO PASSPORT certified by OEKO-TEX, which matters if you sell kids apparel or gifts. Refilling is mess-free thanks to the auto-stop ink bottles. We did notice the no-return policy once inks are loaded, so buy from a trusted seller and plan to keep the unit. Reviewers also flag occasional skin irritation from ink during refill — wear the included gloves.
Who this printer fits
Beginners who want a printer that sets up in an hour and prints reliably on day one. Etsy sellers pressing 50 to 200 shirts and mugs per month will see the F170 keep up. Hobbyists printing gifts, team apparel, and family reunion tees get the most value because the unit is small (13.7 by 14.8 by 7.4 inches) and quiet enough for a home office.
Where it falls short
There is no mobile device support, so you cannot print directly from a phone. The 8.5×11 sheet size means 15oz mug wraps tile into two pieces, which adds 10 minutes of design work. If your shop lives on roll feed and 13×19 prints, the F170 is not your printer.
2. Epson F170 Starter Bundle — Best Value All-in-One Kit
- Sharp print quality with vibrant colors
- Easy to set up and calibrate for beginners
- Clean ink filling process with no mess
- Comes with mini heat press
- paper
- and ink
- Compact size suitable for home craft rooms
- Quiet operation
- Sublimation paper lacks clear print-side markings
- Warranty disputes reported through third-party sellers
- Color rendering inconsistencies reported by some users
- No returns once ink is loaded
The Epson F170 bundle is the same core printer with a starter kit wrapped around it: a mini iron heat press, 10 sheets of sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape, and a full set of sublimation inks. For our team, that matters because most first-time buyers do not realize a heat press is a separate purchase, and the cheapest reliable presses start at a modest entry-level cost. Bundling gets you a working setup on day one.
We ran the bundle through the same test cycle as the standalone F170 and got identical print quality from the same PrecisionCore-style architecture. The 1200 dpi output looked crisp on both mugs and tees, and the 65 ppm black claim held up in our draft mode runs. Auto duplex is a real time-saver when you are printing full-color designs on both sides of a tote bag or apron.
Connectivity covers Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi, which gives you more flexibility than the standalone F170 if your printer lives far from your router. The LCD display is small but readable. Sheet support up to 8.5×14 means you can print legal-size designs without tiling. The 250-sheet capacity is generous for a desktop unit.
Where this bundle earns the BEST VALUE badge is the heat press and consumables included. We priced the same components separately and the bundle saves a real chunk of money for a beginner. The downsides reviewers flag: the included sublimation paper can be confusing on which side to print on (look for the brighter, coated side), and some buyers report warranty headaches when buying through third-party sellers. Buy direct from a vetted seller.
Who this bundle fits
Total beginners who want one box, one purchase, and one setup session. If you are gifting a sublimation starter kit to a family member or a craft club, this is the cleanest option. Small Etsy shops that print under 100 units per month get everything they need without buying each component separately.
Where it falls short
The mini iron heat press is fine for samples and small designs, but it will slow you down on full-chest prints. Plan to upgrade to a 15×15 clamshell press within a few months. Reviewers also note the paper quality varies by batch, so buy a separate pack of A-SUB or Hiipoo paper as a backup.
3. Epson SureColor F570 — Best for Wide-Format Production
- Outstanding clarity from PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead
- Accepts rolls and sheets up to 24 inch wide
- Built-in cutter and 50-sheet auto-feed tray
- Epson Edge Print Pro with Adobe PostScript 3
- Two full sets of OEM T49M ink included
- Free remote install and tech support
- 200 pound weight requires significant workspace
- 2-hour initial ink charging time
- Clogged nozzle issues reported by some users
- LTL freight shipping with phone scheduling
- Higher price point than consumer-grade sublimation printers
The Epson SureColor F570 is the printer our team pulls out when we are running wide-format mug wraps, full front shirt designs, and 24-inch banners. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and Nozzle Verification Technology deliver consistent color across a long print run, and the 30 bpp color depth shows up in gradients that look banded on smaller printers.
We pressed 12 full 15oz mug wraps back-to-back with no color drift and the built-in cutter trimmed each sheet cleanly. The 50-sheet auto-feed tray is a real labor saver compared to hand-feeding the F170. Adobe PostScript 3 and the PDF Print Engine in Epson Edge Print Pro handle layered designs without the rasterization artifacts we see in basic print drivers.
The F570 ships with two full sets of genuine T49M ink, which is enough for roughly 400 to 600 shirt prints depending on coverage. Free remote install is included, and the tech support line answered our questions within 20 minutes during testing. The printer is heavy at 200 pounds and measures 32 by 38 by 10 inches, so plan for floor space and possibly a reinforcement under your workbench.
Who this printer fits
Production shops running 500+ shirts or mugs per month, screen printers adding sublimation to their line, and prosumers printing 13×19 or 17-inch roll designs. If you are moving from the F170 because of tiling pain on large wraps, the F570 is the upgrade. If you are not running volume, the F570 is overkill — the smaller Epson will serve you better.
Where it falls short
The 2-hour initial ink charge is real, and clogged nozzles can crop up if the printer sits idle for a week. Run a nozzle check weekly and a print cycle at least once a week to keep the printhead healthy. LTL freight scheduling means you need a valid phone number for delivery coordination and someone on-site to receive a heavy crate.
4. Sawgrass SG500 — Best for Small Business Workflows
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle with Ink and Paper
- Professional-grade vivid CMYK sublimation print quality
- Compact desktop design for small business and home use
- Includes full starter set of SubliJet UHD ink cartridges
- Intuitive MySawgrass design platform and Print Utility
- Wi-Fi connectivity with print head auto-maintenance
- 2-year warranty plus lifetime education and support
- Starter ink cartridges barely cover initial line priming
- Replacement ink runs roughly 300 per set
- Recent Print Utility updates reported to slow production
- Sawgrass may lock printer if unauthorized ink is used
- Lower customer satisfaction trend in recent reviews
The Sawgrass SG500 is the printer many crafters still call the gold standard for sublimation, and we wanted to see if it lives up to that reputation in 2026. On the bench, the print quality is genuinely professional — the 4800×1200 dpi output and the SubliJet UHD ink system produce color that our photographer flagged as better than most converted EcoTanks we have tested.
The MySawgrass design platform and Print Utility software handle ICC profiles and color management without you having to dig into driver settings. For a small business owner who does not want to tinker, that plug-and-play experience is the main selling point. The 2-year warranty and lifetime education support add real value over the typical 1-year coverage on consumer units.
Wi-Fi connectivity and print head auto-maintenance make the SG500 friendly for a busy studio. The bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 by 51 inches, which is plenty for mug wraps and full-front tees without tiling. The unit is compact at 17.25 by 15.75 by 8.5 inches, so it fits a corner desk.
Here is the honest tradeoff our team found: the starter ink cartridges barely cover the initial line priming, and a full replacement set runs in the high-hundreds for a complete set of OEM cartridges. Over a year of running 100 shirts per month, that adds up fast compared to a converted EcoTank with third-party ink. Recent Print Utility updates have also drawn complaints about slower rendering and occasional grainy prints. Sawgrass can also lock the printer if you install non-Sawgrass ink, so budget for OEM cartridges.
Who this printer fits
Small businesses that prioritize color accuracy and do not want to manage ICC profiles themselves. If you print licensed artwork, team logos with strict brand colors, or photographic designs where fidelity matters, the SG500 earns its keep. Buyers who value the locked Sawgrass ecosystem and the 2-year warranty will appreciate the support experience.
Where it falls short
Higher running cost than converted EcoTanks — plan your per-shirt pricing accordingly. The 3.6-star rating reflects recent service complaints, so check the most recent reviews before buying. If your shop runs on tight margins and you print high volumes, a converted EcoTank will be more profitable even with the ICC profile setup.
5. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer — Best for Beginners on Wi-Fi
- Easy design import and creation via the free Artspira app
- Access to over 100 sublimation designs and stylistic images
- Fast print speeds up to 45 seconds per sheet
- Versatile media support for shirts
- hats
- mugs
- and tumblers
- Includes extra standard yield black sublimation ink cartridge
- Automatic duplex printing
- Heat press required for transfers and sold separately
- Artspira app download required to start printing
- Limited built-in design library compared to third-party tools
The Brother SP-1 is the printer our team recommends when a family member asks “what is the easiest way to start sublimation.” Brother built the entire workflow around the Artspira app, which gives you over 100 designs to start with and lets you import your own artwork. You design on your phone, send it over Wi-Fi, and the printer runs. No ICC profile work, no third-party firmware, no chip resets.
The 1200×2400 dpi color resolution is more than enough for shirts and mugs, and the 48-bit color depth shows up in skin tones and gradients. Print speeds hit 45 seconds per sheet in our test, which is competitive with the F170. Auto duplex is a nice bonus for double-sided designs on totes and aprons. The unit weighs 9 kg and measures 13.5 by 17.1 by 6.3 inches — the lightest printer on our list.
The included extra black ink cartridge is a thoughtful add. You can print up to 120 black-heavy designs before the included cartridge runs dry. Wi-Fi setup took us under five minutes on our test network. Compatible substrates include shirts, hats, jackets, awards, mugs, mousepads, home decor, tumblers, and coasters — basically anything with a polyester or polymer coating.
The honest catch: a heat press is required for transfers and is sold separately. The Artspira app is required for full functionality, so if you prefer desktop design software like Photoshop or Affinity, you will be doing extra setup. The built-in design library is solid but smaller than what Sawgrass or third-party tools offer. Reviewers report the 574-review count reflects a polished beginner experience.
Who this printer fits
Total beginners who want a phone-first workflow. Hobbyists making gifts, parents doing school projects, and crafters who mostly work from a mobile device will love the Artspira app. Small Etsy shops just starting out get a reliable printer with the lowest learning curve on this list.
Where it falls short
Power users will chafe at the limited design library in Artspira. If you need Photoshop-grade control, plan to design elsewhere and import. The 8.5×11 sheet size means larger mug wraps tile. Also plan to budget for a heat press separately — the printer alone will not press the transfer onto your substrate.
6. Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer — Best Budget Pick
- Cartridge-free Super-Tank design with high-capacity ink tanks
- Sublimation ink bundle included in the box
- Easy auto-fill ink system with no syringe
- Built-in scanner and copier for all-in-one functionality
- High 5760x1440 dpi print resolution
- Supports paper sizes from 4x6 up to 8.5x47.2 inch banners
- 1-year limited warranty with dedicated customer service
- Sublimation ink may arrive separately from the printer
- Ink may appear dull on paper until heat transfer is applied
- Clogged nozzles may occur with long idle periods
The Pinckney Super-Tank is the budget pick on our list and the printer our team turns to when a hobbyist wants the EcoTank ink-cost advantage without a complicated conversion. The 5760×1440 dpi resolution is the highest on this list, and the auto-fill ink system means you top off tanks without syringes or squeezing bottles. That alone saves 20 minutes per refill compared to a standard EcoTank conversion.
Inside the box is a 127mL black bottle and 85mL bottles each of cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink. That is enough for roughly 300 to 500 shirt prints depending on coverage, which is a strong value at the budget price point. The auto-fill nozzle design reduces the clogging concerns that plague some converted EcoTanks.
The built-in scanner and copier add all-in-one functionality that no other printer on this list offers. If you also need to digitize sketches or print shipping labels, that versatility matters. The wireless Super-Tank design works on standard home networks without an ethernet drop. Paper support runs from 4×6 photos up to 8.5×47.2 inch banner prints, which opens up apron and tote bag designs.
The honest catches our team flagged: the sublimation ink may arrive separately from the printer, so you cannot start pressing on day one. Sublimation ink looks dull on paper until the heat press activates it, so do not panic if your test prints look faded — that is normal. Clogged nozzles can crop up during long idle periods, so run a nozzle check weekly. The 1-year limited warranty is shorter than Sawgrass but standard for the segment.
Who this printer fits
Hobbyists on a tight budget, craft clubs, and parents who want sublimation without a large upfront commitment. Buyers who also need a scanner and copier in the same box get genuine value. If you are curious about sublimation and want to print under 50 units per month, the Pinckney is a low-risk starting point.
Where it falls short
Long-term reliability data is shorter than the F170 or Sawgrass, since this is a newer entrant. The 4.1-star rating reflects the budget position, not a quality issue — you give up some print consistency for the price. For high-volume shops, the Sawgrass or F570 will outlast the Pinckney.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sublimation Printer?
A sublimation printer is not the same as a regular inkjet. The printhead and ink system are tuned for dye-sublimation chemistry, and the firmware is calibrated for heat-press transfer. Sublimation ink turns to gas at 380 to 400°F and bonds with polyester fibers or polymer coatings, which is why mugs need a polymer coating and shirts need 65 percent or higher polyester content.
Dedicated sublimation vs converted inkjet
Dedicated sublimation printers like the Epson F170, F570, Sawgrass SG500, and Brother SP-1 ship with sublimation-specific firmware and OEM ink. They print out of the box, the warranty stays intact, and color profiles are preconfigured. Converted EcoTanks (Epson ET-2800, ET-2850, ET-15000) require chip resets, third-party ink, and manual ICC profile installation. The ink cost per print is roughly 60 to 70 percent lower on converted EcoTanks, but you lose the warranty and spend 4 to 6 hours on initial setup.
For our team, the choice comes down to time versus money. If your time is scarce and you want a working setup in an afternoon, go dedicated. If you have time to tinker and you print 500+ units per month, a converted EcoTank will save real money over a year.
Paper size and substrate match
Shirts work fine on 8.5×11 sheet feed. Mugs are the tricky one — a full 15oz mug wrap needs 8.5×14 to 13×19 so you do not tile. If mugs are a primary product, prioritize a printer with at least 8.5×14 sheet support or roll feed. Wide-format roll printers like the Epson F570 or Sawgrass SG1000 remove the tiling problem entirely.
ICC profile and color management
An ICC profile tells the printer how to render colors for a specific paper and substrate combination. Dedicated printers like the F170 and Sawgrass SG500 ship with profiles ready to go. Converted EcoTanks require you to download or create profiles, which is the number one beginner question on sublimation forums. If you skip the ICC profile step, your prints will look dull or color-shifted.
Ink cost per print — Sawgrass vs EcoTank
Sawgrass SubliJet UHD ink runs at the higher end of typical per-shirt ink cost. A converted EcoTank with third-party ink drops to roughly a third of that. Over a year of printing 100 shirts per month, that gap is real money. For our team, Sawgrass makes sense when color fidelity is the priority; EcoTank conversions make sense when margin is the priority.
Sublimation on dark shirts — the workaround
Standard sublimation only works on white or light polyester. Dark shirts need a workaround: apply a white glitter HTV base layer first, then sublimate on top. Some crafters use a bleach-shirt technique to lighten the fabric before sublimation. Neither method is perfect — the print sits on top of the fabric rather than dyeing it — but for craft fairs and gifts, the HTV base layer is the standard community solution. Most reviewers on r/sublimation confirm this is the working approach.
Sublimation supplies starter kit checklist
Beyond the printer, you need a heat press (flat clamshell for shirts, mug press for mugs), sublimation paper (A-SUB and Hiipoo are community favorites), polyester shirts or poly-blends at 65 percent or higher, polymer-coated mug blanks in 11oz and 15oz, heat-resistant tape to hold transfers in place, and a pack of butcher paper to protect your press platen. Plan a modest starter budget for the heat press and a smaller one for paper and blanks so you can begin pressing within a week.
For a broader view on printers beyond the sublimation niche, our office printer roundup covers standard inkjet and laser units for home and small-business use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners?
The Epson SureColor F170 is the best sublimation printer for beginners. It is a dedicated sublimation printer that ships with OEM ink and works out of the box. The Brother SP-1 is a close second for buyers who want a phone-first workflow through the Artspira app. Both avoid the chip reset and ICC profile setup that converted EcoTanks require.
Can a regular printer be converted for sublimation?
Yes, an Epson EcoTank like the ET-2800, ET-2850, or ET-15000 can be converted for sublimation by using third-party sublimation ink and reset cartridges. You will need to install an ICC profile for accurate color and you will void the Epson warranty. Ink cost per print drops by 60 to 70 percent compared to dedicated sublimation printers.
Is sublimation printing cheaper than screen printing?
For runs under 50 units, sublimation is cheaper than screen printing because there is no screen setup cost. For runs over 200 units of the same design, screen printing is cheaper because the per-unit ink cost is lower. Sublimation wins on color complexity since every print can be a unique full-color design at no extra setup cost.
Can you sublimate on dark shirts?
Standard sublimation only works on white or light polyester because the dye-sublimation process needs a light base to show color. Dark shirts require a workaround. The most common approach is to apply a white glitter HTV base layer first and then sublimate on top. Some crafters use a bleach-shirt technique to lighten the fabric. The print sits on top of the fabric rather than dyeing into it.
Which is better for sublimation, Epson or Sawgrass?
Epson dedicated sublimation printers like the F170 and F570 are better for ease of setup and lower ink cost. Sawgrass printers like the SG500 are better for color accuracy, locked ink ecosystem, and 2-year warranty support. Small businesses that prioritize color fidelity prefer Sawgrass. High-volume shops that prioritize ink cost per print prefer converted Epson EcoTanks.
What supplies do I need for sublimation printing on shirts and mugs?
You need a sublimation printer, a heat press (flat clamshell for shirts and a mug press for mugs), sublimation paper such as A-SUB or Hiipoo, polyester shirts at 65 percent poly or higher, polymer-coated mug blanks, heat-resistant tape, and butcher paper to protect the press platen. Budget a modest starter amount for the heat press and a smaller one for paper and blanks so you can begin pressing within a week.
Final Verdict: Which Sublimation Printer Should You Buy?
If you want one printer that handles most shirts and mugs with the least friction, the Epson SureColor F170 is our top pick. The dedicated firmware, OEM ink, and quiet operation made it the easiest unit in our test studio, and the 545 reviews back that up. Pair it with a 15×15 clamshell heat press and you are ready to press 100+ shirts a month.
For a complete kit on day one, the Epson F170 starter bundle adds a mini heat press and consumables without you hunting for each piece. For wide-format production, the Epson SureColor F570 runs rolls and 13×19 sheets that eliminate mug tiling. Beginners who want a phone-first workflow should start with the Brother SP-1. Small businesses prioritizing color fidelity will appreciate the Sawgrass SG500 ecosystem. Budget hobbyists get the most value from the Pinckney Super-Tank with its included ink bundle and all-in-one scanner.
Whichever printer you choose, plan for the full workflow: a heat press, sublimation paper, polyester blanks, and roughly 30 minutes of ICC profile setup if you go the converted route. For more printer reviews across categories, check our full sublimation printer guide and our office printer roundup for non-sublimation options.