10 Best Sublimation Printer For T Shirts 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one printer that excels in providing high-quality prints, which is crucial for sublimation printing on T-shirts. With a high print resolution and the use of Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, it ensures vibrant colors and sharp details, making it suitable for producing professional-grade T-shirt designs. The printer supports a wide range of media sizes, including up to 13 x 19 inches, which is beneficial for larger T-shirt designs. Its cartridge-free ink system with high-yield ink bottles not only reduces costs but also minimizes waste, offering an eco-friendly option for frequent printing needs.

The printer’s speed, with the ability to print a 4 x 6 photo in just 15 seconds, ensures efficiency for batch printing tasks. Additionally, the Epson Smart Panel app and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen provide ease of use, allowing you to control and monitor the printer from your mobile device. However, the printer's maximum print speed of 16 ppm for monochrome and 12 ppm for color might not be the fastest available, which could be a downside for high-volume production environments. The durability and build quality are reinforced by a 2-year limited warranty, but the initial investment might be higher compared to other models due to the advanced features and capabilities.

The printer’s extensive connectivity options, including wireless, Ethernet, and USB, enhance its versatility for various setups. While the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is an excellent choice for those looking to produce high-quality sublimation prints on T-shirts, it’s important to consider the balance between its advanced features and cost to determine if it fits your specific needs and budget.

The Epson SureColor F170 is a solid choice for those looking to start or grow a custom T-shirt printing business using dye-sublimation. Its high print resolution (up to 5760 x 1440 dpi) ensures sharp, vibrant images with excellent color saturation thanks to Epson's reliable dye-sublimation ink technology. This results in crisp, professional-looking transfers that stand out on fabric. The printer supports up to 8.5-inch wide media, which fits most standard T-shirt transfer paper sizes.

While the print speed is quite slow—about one page per minute for both color and monochrome—it is typical for dye-sub printers focused on quality rather than quantity. The use of high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop helps reduce ink wastage and keeps ongoing costs lower, which is a plus for small businesses. Versatility is another strong point, with the printer offering wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, making it easy to connect to various devices including laptops and tablets. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray inside a dust-resistant closed compartment means you won’t have to fuss much with paper handling, helping maintain print quality and reducing setup time.

Build-wise, the compact and sturdy design fits well in small workspaces. However, this printer only prints on one side and lacks duplexing, which is standard for sublimation printers but worth noting. Also, once the ink is loaded, the printer cannot be returned, so users should be confident in their purchase. This printer is best suited for hobbyists or small businesses prioritizing excellent print quality and color accuracy over speed. If you want to create durable, eye-catching T-shirt designs with minimal fuss, the Epson SureColor F170 offers a user-friendly and reliable sublimation printing experience.

The Sawgrass SG1000 is a solid choice for those looking to scale up their sublimation printing, especially for t-shirts and larger items. It prints up to 11”x17”, which is a noticeable step up from smaller models, allowing more flexibility in product sizes like apparel and banners. The print quality is excellent, with a high maximum resolution of 4800x1200 dpi, ensuring detailed and vibrant images thanks to the included SubliJet UHD inks that deliver sharp, long-lasting colors. One standout feature is its automatic maintenance system that helps prevent clogged nozzles, so you don’t have to worry about constant upkeep or babysitting the printer. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easier to integrate into a workspace without messy cables.

The printer comes with a user-friendly software package for color management and templates, which is helpful for beginners and professionals alike. On the downside, while the print speed is decent for color prints (up to 10 pages per minute), it’s not the fastest option if you need high volume output quickly. Its size and weight are moderate, so it requires a dedicated space in your work area. Additionally, it’s primarily designed for sublimation-compatible media like Sawgrass’s special transfer paper, so using it effectively depends on sticking to recommended supplies.

This printer is well suited for ambitious entrepreneurs or small businesses aiming to expand their sublimation product range with reliable print quality and manageable maintenance.