10 Best Sublimation Printer 2025 in the United States

The Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer is designed to deliver exceptional print quality thanks to its PrecisionCore printhead and Epson’s well-regarded dye-sublimation inks. With a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, this printer ensures your prints have vibrant colors and sharp details, making it an excellent choice for businesses involved in customization, promotional products, and personalized gifts.

The included 150-sheet auto-feed tray and closed media tray help keep your prints clean and reduce prep time, which adds efficiency to your workflow. Additionally, the high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop provide an economical solution by minimizing ink wastage and reducing the frequency of replacements, which is beneficial for cost management in a business setting. The printer supports various connectivity options, including wireless, USB, and Ethernet, enhancing its compatibility with laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones. This makes it easy to integrate into different working environments and use remotely.

However, the print speed is quite slow at 1 page per minute for both monochrome and color prints, which might not be suitable for high-volume printing needs. There's also a significant limitation regarding the return policy once the inks are loaded, as they can't be returned due to potential ink leakage during transport. This could be a concern if the printer faces any issues after initial setup. The printer only offers simplex (single-sided) printing and lacks dual-sided capabilities, which may be a drawback for those looking to save on paper. The Epson SureColor F170 is well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses looking for high-quality sublimation printing with versatile media support and efficient ink usage.

The Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer Bundle is designed for those seeking professional-quality sublimation prints, making it ideal for small businesses or home entrepreneurs creating custom apparel, drinkware, or signage. It utilizes a robust set of CMYK SubliJet UHD inks to produce rich, vibrant colors that stand out on both hard and soft materials. Users can print on media sizes up to 11" x 17", with the option to handle longer sheets up to 13" x 51" using the bypass tray, providing flexibility for various project sizes.

The print speed is moderate, reaching up to 10 color pages per minute, which suits small to medium workloads but may be slow for very high-volume needs. Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi, allowing wireless printing from your computer or design device. The included MySawgrass platform and Sawgrass Print Utility simplify design and color management without requiring expert skills. Maintenance features like auto-cleaning of the print head enhance reliability and reduce downtime.

While the print speed is not the fastest compared to some other models, and the single tray setup might limit workflow for users needing frequent media changes, the printer is quite compact for a professional-grade device. However, its weight of over 37 pounds means it is best suited for a stable desktop setup rather than portability. For those valuing vibrant output, ease of use, and good media versatility, the SG1000 represents a solid choice. Users anticipating very high-volume printing or requiring multiple media sources might want to explore alternative options.

The Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Starter Kit is designed for beginners and small businesses looking to get into sublimation printing. It offers excellent print quality thanks to its precise printhead, producing vibrant and sharp images suitable for items like tumblers, mugs, and shirts. The kit is very convenient since it includes everything you need to start—printer, CMYK inks, sublimation paper, heat tape, and even a set of 10 different sublimation tumblers, so you can try various projects right away.

It supports both Mac and Windows computers via Ethernet connection, though it doesn't work with mobile devices, which could be a drawback if you prefer printing from phones or tablets. The print speed and media compatibility are solid for small-scale use, and the included Creative Fabrica design pack with fonts and ready-made designs helps users create professional-looking products easily. One downside is that once the ink is added, the printer can't be returned, so you need to be confident before starting. Maintenance and support come from both Epson and MakerFlo, providing some reassurance if issues arise.

This starter kit is a practical choice for those new to sublimation printing who want a complete set to begin crafting personalized items without hunting for supplies separately.