8 Best Epson Sublimation Printer 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one printer that excels in producing high-quality images, making it a strong choice for anyone looking to create vibrant photos and graphics. One of its significant advantages is the cartridge-free ink system, which uses high-capacity ink bottles. This not only reduces waste but also offers significant cost savings; printing a 4 x 6 photo can cost as little as 4 cents, a fraction of the cost compared to traditional cartridges. With a maximum print resolution that delivers sharp and colorful images, this model can handle borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches, catering to those wanting to create larger formats or specialty media projects. Additionally, the inclusion of a 4.3-inch color touchscreen and wireless connectivity enhances user experience, enabling easy operation and remote printing from mobile devices.

However, the ET-8550 does come with some drawbacks. Weighing 24.5 pounds, it is relatively bulky and may require a dedicated space in your home or office. While its print speed is decent, at 12 pages per minute for color, it may not satisfy users who need rapid, high-volume printing. Moreover, the printer's reliance on genuine Epson ink is essential for maintaining warranty and performance, which can limit flexibility in using third-party supplies. Lastly, while the printer offers a lot in terms of features, those seeking a basic or compact printer might find this model to be more than they need, both in terms of features and price.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and small businesses focused on high-quality photo printing, thanks to its cost-effective ink system and impressive print capabilities. Its size and speed may not suit everyone.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is a versatile all-in-one printer that offers significant advantages for office use, particularly for those looking for a cost-effective printing solution. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which drastically reduces ink costs by using large bottles instead of traditional cartridges. This can save you up to 90% on ink, allowing for thousands of pages to be printed before needing a refill. Users will also appreciate the convenience of having up to two years’ worth of ink included in the box, minimizing interruptions for replacements.

In terms of print quality, the ET-4850 employs Epson’s PrecisionCore technology that delivers sharp text and vibrant color photos, making it suitable for a wide variety of paper types. Its robust paper handling capabilities, including a 250-sheet tray and automatic two-sided printing, enhance productivity, especially in busy office environments.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the print speeds of up to 15.5 pages per minute for monochrome and 8.5 for color are decent, they may not satisfy users looking for ultra-fast printing. Additionally, the EcoTank system is specifically designed for standard inkjet printing rather than sublimation printing; thus, if your focus is on sublimation, you may need to look for printers specifically tailored for that purpose. The printer's modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, along with support for voice-activated printing, make it user-friendly and compatible with various devices. However, the size of the printer might be a downside for those with limited space, as its dimensions are relatively large.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is an excellent choice for an office setting where cost-efficient, high-quality printing is needed, but it may not be the best fit for users specifically seeking sublimation capabilities.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is an all-in-one sublimation printer that offers several strengths. It boasts high print resolution and speed, capable of producing a 4 x 6-inch photo in just 15 seconds. The Claria ET Premium 6-color inks provide vibrant colors and sharp text, making it ideal for lab-quality photos, graphics, and creative projects. With cartridge-free printing, it significantly reduces the cost per print, saving up to 80% on ink compared to traditional cartridges. The printer includes enough ink to last up to 2 years, which is quite impressive for heavy users. Its ability to handle a variety of media, including borderless pictures up to 8.5 x 11 inches, cardstock, CDs, and DVDs, adds versatility.

Additional conveniences such as auto 2-sided printing, wireless connectivity, and a user-friendly 4.3-inch color touchscreen contribute to ease of use. The Epson Smart Panel app enhances functionality, allowing setup and monitoring directly from mobile devices. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The printer’s size and footprint are relatively large, which might be a concern for those with limited space. The 10-sheet output capacity is quite low, which could be inconvenient for high-volume printing tasks. Additionally, while the high initial cost of the printer might be offset by long-term ink savings, it could be a barrier for some users.

In summary, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is well-suited for users who prioritize high-quality photo printing, cost efficiency, and media versatility but should be mindful of its size and output limitations.