10 Best Epson Sublimation Printer 2026 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 SureColor F9470H is a professional-grade dye-sublimation printer designed for high-quality textile and merchandising prints. It supports automatic duplex printing and offers wireless connectivity along with USB, making it flexible for various workspace setups. Weighing 639 pounds, it’s quite large and heavy, so it’s best suited for businesses with dedicated space rather than casual or small-scale users.

Epson’s SureColor line is known for sharp, vibrant output ideal for fabric and polyester materials. The printer is compatible mainly with plain paper media used for sublimation transfer, focusing on specialized printing rather than general paper types. Ease of use is supported through remote and touch control methods, which should help simplify operation despite its professional features.

This model is well-suited for medium to large businesses needing reliable, high-quality sublimation printing with flexible connectivity, but may be too large and costly for hobbyists or small businesses with limited budget or space.

The Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer is designed for small-scale customization businesses or hobbyists who want vibrant, high-quality prints on sublimation-compatible materials. It offers excellent print resolution (up to 5760 x 1440 dpi), delivering sharp and colorful images thanks to Epson's PrecisionCore printhead and genuine dye-sublimation ink, known for strong color saturation and contrast. The printer supports a 150-sheet auto-feed tray enclosed in a dust-resistant compartment, helping keep prints clean and reducing prep time.

Connectivity options include USB, wireless, and Ethernet, making it easy to connect with laptops, PCs, tablets, or smartphones. Its compact footprint (about 14 by 15 inches and under 8 inches tall) fits comfortably in smaller workspaces. The ink bottles are high-capacity and designed for mess-free refills, which helps reduce running costs.

The print speed is quite slow at 1 page per minute for both color and monochrome, making it better suited for lower volume or detailed work rather than fast batch printing. The maximum media size is 8.5 inches wide, limiting larger projects. This printer only prints on one side and does not support duplex printing. Once the ink is loaded, the product cannot be returned due to potential ink leakage concerns. The Epson SureColor F170 excels in producing high-quality sublimation prints with reliable ink technology and user-friendly features but may not be the best choice if speed or large media size is a priority.