10 Best Dye Sublimation Printers 2025 in the United States

The Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer Bundle is a strong choice for small businesses or home-based entrepreneurs looking to create vibrant, professional-quality custom products like t-shirts, drinkware, and signage. It supports wide print sizes up to 11"x17" with an option for even larger prints via the bypass tray, which is great for medium-sized projects. The print quality is excellent, thanks to the included SubliJet UHD inks that deliver rich, consistent colors with sharp details on various materials. Connectivity is flexible with Wi-Fi, and the software tools provided make designing and printing straightforward, even if you're not an expert. The printer’s build and features like auto-maintenance suggest it’s reliable and built to last as your business grows.

Print speeds are moderate—about 10 color pages per minute—which might feel slow if you have high-volume demands. Ink cartridges are relatively small at 31ml each, so frequent reordering could add to running costs. Also, while the machine is compact for a professional printer, it weighs over 37 pounds and takes up a reasonable desktop space, which might be a consideration in tight work areas.

This printer is particularly well-suited for those who value high-quality, vivid sublimation prints and want easy-to-use software, while keeping a manageable footprint and solid reliability. For very large volume or extremely fast turnaround, other models might be better, but for quality and versatility at a small to medium scale, the SG1000 delivers well.

The Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer stands out with its impressive print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, ensuring high-quality, vibrant prints that are ideal for businesses focusing on customization, promotional products, and personalized gifts. Its PrecisionCore printhead technology enhances image clarity, making it a strong candidate for those prioritizing exceptional print quality. The printer's compatibility with a range of devices, including laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones, is facilitated through wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options, offering flexibility in how you connect and use the device.

On the downside, the print speed is quite slow at just 1 page per minute for both monochrome and color prints, which might not be suitable for high-volume printing needs. Additionally, the printer supports a maximum print size of 8.5 inches, which could be limiting for those needing larger format prints. The initial setup includes a full set of Epson sublimation ink, which is appreciated, but future ink and media costs could be a concern if usage is heavy, even though high-capacity ink bottles are designed to be economical.

The build quality is solid, with a 150-sheet auto-feed tray and a dust-resistant closed tray design that ensures clean prints and minimal paper jams. However, potential buyers should be aware that once ink is loaded, the printer cannot be returned, which might be a drawback if issues arise early on. The printer is relatively compact and lightweight at 15 pounds, making it suitable for smaller workspaces, yet this might also imply less robustness compared to larger models. This printer is particularly beneficial for small businesses or hobbyists with moderate printing demands and a focus on high-quality, detailed prints.

The Epson SureColor F570 Pro is a solid choice for those looking to do professional dye-sublimation printing, especially for medium-sized projects up to 24 inches wide. It offers excellent print quality, thanks to a high 2400x1200 dpi resolution and Epson’s precise ink technology, which ensures vibrant colors and sharp details. This makes it ideal for printing on fabrics, mugs, and other sublimation-friendly materials. The printer supports both roll and sheet media up to 24" wide, including a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter, which adds convenience and efficiency.

Connectivity is versatile with USB, Ethernet, and wireless options, fitting well in both home studios and small businesses. The print speed is quite slow at 1 page per minute, so it’s not suited for high-volume or fast turnaround jobs. Additionally, while the printer comes with two full ink sets, dye-sublimation ink and media can be pricey over time, so budget accordingly. The build quality is solid and reliable, reflecting Epson’s reputation, but the machine is fairly large and heavy at 127 pounds, requiring a dedicated space.

This model is best suited for users who prioritize print quality and media versatility over speed, making it a strong option for hobbyists or small businesses focused on quality sublimation printing.