7 Best Heat Transfer Printer 2025 in the United States

The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact dye-sublimation printer designed mainly for small to medium-sized heat-transfer projects, such as custom apparel or personalized gifts. It delivers impressive print clarity thanks to Epson's PrecisionCore printhead and a high maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, which means your images and colors come out sharp and vibrant. The printer uses genuine Epson dye-sublimation inks known for their rich color saturation and consistency, which is a strong plus for anyone wanting professional-looking transfers.

This model supports up to 8.5-inch wide media and can handle sheets through a dust-resistant 150-sheet auto-feed tray, helping keep prints clean and reducing manual prep. Connectivity options are versatile, including USB, wireless, and Ethernet, allowing you to connect the printer easily to different setups. The print speed is slow at about 1 page per minute in both color and monochrome, so it's not ideal if you need to produce large volumes quickly. It prints only single-sided and is mainly designed for color prints, not copying or scanning. The printer is straightforward to operate and includes a full ink set, but once the inks are loaded, the product cannot be returned, likely due to potential ink leakage issues.

The build is compact and well-made for desktop use, making this printer a good fit for hobbyists, small businesses, or those just getting started with dye-sublimation heat transfer rather than high-volume professional shops. If your projects require high detail on smaller items and you value print quality over speed, the Epson SureColor F170 provides reliable performance with easy media handling and solid connectivity.

The Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press is a specialized, compact tool designed for small and uniquely shaped heat-transfer projects. With its three adjustable heat settings, it offers flexibility for various materials like HTV, Infusible Ink, and sublimation projects. This makes it particularly well-suited for tasks involving hats, shoes, and stuffed animals, where precision and control are crucial.

The ceramic-coated heat plate and precision tip ensure high-quality results, even in hard-to-reach areas. At just 1.5 pounds and with dimensions of 3.6 x 6.3 x 7.8 inches, it's lightweight and easy to store, adding to its convenience. The insulated safety base and auto-off feature enhance its safety credentials, making it a reliable choice for home and craft use.

The unit is compatible with major brands of HTV and iron-on materials, and while it works well with Cricut smart cutting machines, it does not offer any connectivity or software integration, which could be a limitation for more tech-savvy users. The build quality and durability are strong, supported by a one-year warranty. However, the small size means it's not suitable for larger projects. Therefore, this product would benefit crafters and hobbyists looking for a portable, versatile heat press for detailed, small-scale work.

The Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle is a solid choice for those looking to enter the world of heat-transfer printing, particularly for creating vibrant designs on materials like polyester and cotton. Its print resolution generally produces high-quality images suitable for apparel and other fabric applications. The printer supports a maximum print size of 8.5"x14", which is quite versatile for various projects.

One of the standout features is the included starter pack with 25 sheets of sublimation paper and a variety of materials for printing on both light and dark cotton, making it beginner-friendly. The eco Tank F170 claims to be cartridge-free, a significant plus for reducing ongoing ink costs. Wireless connectivity and USB options allow for flexible printing setups, and the automatic duplex feature saves on paper when needed.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The 8.5"x11" size may not meet the needs of users looking for larger print capabilities. Also, while the printer is described as durable, the weight of 16 pounds indicates it might not be the most portable option. This printer is particularly suited for small businesses or hobbyists aiming to produce customized apparel or gifts. Its combination of included materials, user-friendly features, and solid print quality will likely appeal to those starting in dye sublimation printing, although it has some limitations in print size and portability.