7 Best Heat Transfer Printer 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is designed to meet the needs of users looking for a reliable and cost-efficient printing solution. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free system, which allows for significant savings on replacement ink—up to 90% compared to traditional cartridge models. This feature is particularly beneficial for small businesses or home offices that require frequent printing, as the included ink can last for up to two years, supporting around 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color.

Print quality is impressive, thanks to the Micro Piezo Heat Free technology, which ensures sharp text and vibrant color photos on various paper types. The print speed might be a concern for those needing quick outputs since it offers 10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5 ppm for color, which is relatively modest compared to some competitors.

In terms of connectivity, the ET-2803 supports wireless printing, including voice-activated options and compatibility with mobile devices via AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app. This modern connectivity makes it easy to print from anywhere in your home or office, enhancing convenience. The printer also features a built-in scanner and copier, which can be a great asset for users who need multifunctional capabilities. While the build quality is solid, it might not withstand heavy usage as well as some higher-end models, so it's worth considering your printing volume before deciding.

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 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.