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8 Best Sublimation Printers For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax and Ethernet, White

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,412
Print Resolution
Ink Type
Connectivity Options

Most important from
765 reviews

Print Resolution
Issues with ink soaking the paper and causing long drying times, leading to poor print quality and higher ink consumption than expected.
Ink Type
Filling the ink tanks is hassle-free, with no spills thanks to the keyed ink bottles.
Connectivity Options
Connecting to the network and installing drivers was straightforward, and the newer drivers available online are recommended.
Software Compatibility
Scanning software offers many options but may be overwhelming for new users; however, SCANSMART is more user-friendly.
Ease of Use
Frequent rear paper jams and sensor issues when printing double-sided, making the printer unreliable and frustrating to use.

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is an all-in-one printer that offers a variety of features ideal for beginners interested in sublimation printing. One of its key strengths is its high print resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi, which ensures clear and vibrant prints. The print sizes are suitable for most small office or home office needs, accommodating media up to 8.5 x 14 inches.

The refillable ink tank system is a cost-effective alternative to traditional cartridges and comes with enough ink to get you started, which is a big plus for beginners managing their printing costs. Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to set up and use in various environments. The printer is compatible with PCs and laptops, and the 4.3-inch touchscreen interface simplifies navigation and operation, making it user-friendly for those less familiar with tech.

On the downside, weighing 39.2 pounds, it is relatively heavy and may not be easy to move around. Additionally, while it offers automatic duplex printing and a 50-sheet auto feeder, these features might be more than a beginner needs, potentially adding to the cost. The software setup provided on a CD-ROM might be slightly outdated for users who prefer downloading software online. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 remains a solid choice for those new to sublimation printing, balancing ease of use with high-quality print capabilities.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,412
Print Resolution
Ink Type
Connectivity Options

Most important from
765 reviews

Print Resolution
Issues with ink soaking the paper and causing long drying times, leading to poor print quality and higher ink consumption than expected.
Ink Type
Filling the ink tanks is hassle-free, with no spills thanks to the keyed ink bottles.
Connectivity Options
Connecting to the network and installing drivers was straightforward, and the newer drivers available online are recommended.
Software Compatibility
Scanning software offers many options but may be overwhelming for new users; however, SCANSMART is more user-friendly.
Ease of Use
Frequent rear paper jams and sensor issues when printing double-sided, making the printer unreliable and frustrating to use.
#2

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. Includes Full Set of Ink, User Guide, & AC Power Cable SCF170

Rating
9.8
Ink Type
Ease of Use

Most important from
91 reviews

Ink Type
Refilling is easy, and prints are bright, making it a standout choice over other dye sub printers.
Ease of Use
Having the inks included is a significant advantage, simplifying the setup and enhancing the overall experience.

The Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer is a promising option for beginners looking to delve into sublimation printing. Its standout feature is the PrecisionCore printhead that ensures high-resolution output at 5760 x 1440 dpi, delivering exceptional print quality with vivid colors and detailed clarity. This makes it particularly appealing for users keen on creating professional-looking prints. The printer comes with genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink, known for its reliable color saturation, ensuring that even novice users can achieve impressive results without a complicated setup process.

The inclusion of a full set of ink, user guide, and AC power cable adds to its user-friendly appeal, providing everything needed to get started. Connectivity is versatile, offering wireless, USB, and Ethernet options, allowing users to choose the most convenient setup for their workspace. This flexibility, paired with network-ready features, accommodates various user environments. However, one notable drawback is its slow print speed, with a maximum of just 1 ppm for both monochrome and color prints, which might be a limitation for users with high-volume printing needs. Additionally, the printer supports a maximum print size of 8.5 inches, which could restrict larger projects.

The ink loading policy may also pose a concern, as once inks are loaded, the printer cannot be returned due to potential leakage issues. It's important for users to consider this before setup. The SureColor F170 is suitable for beginners in sublimation printing, delivering high-quality prints while offering ease of use and efficient ink management, although its speed and size limitations should be taken into account.

Rating
9.8
Ink Type
Ease of Use

Most important from
91 reviews

Ink Type
Refilling is easy, and prints are bright, making it a standout choice over other dye sub printers.
Ease of Use
Having the inks included is a significant advantage, simplifying the setup and enhancing the overall experience.
#3

Epson F170 Cartridge-Free eco Supertank Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle. Free Mini Iron Heat Press Machine, 8.5"x 11" 10 Sheets Free Sublimation Paper and 1 Heat Resistant Tape.

Rating
9.6
Print Resolution
Ink Type
Connectivity Options

Most important from
145 reviews

Print Resolution
The colors are clean and crisp, making prints look professional.
Ink Type
Filling the ink was super simple with no mess, thanks to the ink bottles.
Connectivity Options
The printer setup was straightforward, whether using USB or wireless connections.
Ease of Use
Setting up and using the printer was a breeze, with clear instructions provided.

The Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle is designed for beginners looking to start sublimation printing. It includes a printer that supports dye sublimation technology, which is ideal for high-quality color prints on various fabrics. The bundle comes with 25 sheets of sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape, and a full set of sublimation inks, making it a comprehensive starter kit.

The printer’s maximum print size is 8.5 x 14 inches, which should suffice for most basic sublimation projects. The eco Tank f170 cartridge-free Supertank system reduces the frequency of ink replacement, which is a convenient feature for beginners who might find regular cartridge changes cumbersome. Connectivity options include USB and wireless, ensuring compatibility with both wired and wireless setups.

The software compatibility is primarily geared toward iOS devices, which might limit options for non-iOS users. The ease of use is facilitated by a user guide, but the printer requires a signature upon delivery, which could be inconvenient for some. This bundle covers most essentials for getting started with sublimation printing, but its limited compatibility with non-iOS devices and lack of detailed resolution specs are minor drawbacks.

Rating
9.6
Print Resolution
Ink Type
Connectivity Options

Most important from
145 reviews

Print Resolution
The colors are clean and crisp, making prints look professional.
Ink Type
Filling the ink was super simple with no mess, thanks to the ink bottles.
Connectivity Options
The printer setup was straightforward, whether using USB or wireless connections.
Ease of Use
Setting up and using the printer was a breeze, with clear instructions provided.

Buying Guide for the Best Sublimation Printers For Beginners

Sublimation printers are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create high-quality, durable prints on a variety of materials, such as fabrics, ceramics, and metals. These printers use a special process that turns solid dye into gas without passing through a liquid state, which then bonds with the material. This results in vibrant, long-lasting prints that are resistant to fading and cracking. When choosing a sublimation printer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the most important specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), indicates the level of detail a printer can produce. Higher DPI means more detailed and sharper images. For beginners, a resolution of 300-600 DPI is usually sufficient for most projects. If you plan to print highly detailed images or professional-grade work, you might want to look for a printer with a higher DPI, such as 1200 DPI or more. Consider what kind of projects you'll be working on to determine the right resolution for you.
Print SizePrint size refers to the maximum dimensions of the material that the printer can handle. Common sizes include A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches) and A3 (11.7 x 16.5 inches). If you're planning to print on smaller items like mugs or phone cases, an A4 printer might be sufficient. However, if you want to print larger items like t-shirts or banners, you should consider an A3 printer or larger. Think about the types of projects you want to create and choose a printer that can accommodate those sizes.
Ink TypeSublimation printers use special sublimation inks that turn into gas when heated. It's important to use high-quality inks to ensure vibrant and long-lasting prints. Some printers come with proprietary ink systems, while others allow you to use third-party inks. For beginners, it's often easier to start with a printer that uses a proprietary ink system, as this can simplify the process and ensure compatibility. As you gain more experience, you might explore third-party inks for cost savings or specific color needs.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can send your designs to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. USB connections are straightforward and reliable, making them a good choice for beginners. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing, which can be convenient if you have a home network or want to print from multiple devices. Ethernet connections are typically used in more professional settings where multiple users need to access the printer. Consider your workspace and how you plan to use the printer to choose the best connectivity option for you.
Software CompatibilitySoftware compatibility refers to the design programs that can be used with the printer. Most sublimation printers are compatible with popular design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW. Some printers also come with their own design software, which can be helpful for beginners. Ensure that the printer you choose is compatible with the software you are comfortable using or willing to learn. This will make the design and printing process smoother and more enjoyable.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor, especially for beginners. Look for printers that come with clear instructions, user-friendly interfaces, and good customer support. Some printers have features like touchscreens, automatic maintenance routines, and easy-to-navigate menus that can make the printing process more straightforward. Reading reviews and watching tutorials can also give you a sense of how easy a printer is to use. Choose a printer that matches your comfort level with technology and your willingness to learn new skills.

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