10 Best Sublimation Printers For Beginners 2025 in the United States

The Epson Surecolor F570 Pro is a solid choice if you’re starting with sublimation printing and want professional-level results. It offers excellent print resolution up to 2400x1200 dpi, which means your images will come out sharp and vibrant. The 24-inch maximum print width is generous, allowing you to handle a wide range of projects from small items to larger prints. It uses genuine Epson dye-sublimation inks known for their bright colors and consistent quality, which helps ensure your prints look rich and detailed.

Connectivity options include wireless, USB, and Ethernet, making it flexible to connect to different devices, although it’s mainly compatible with PCs. The included Epson Edge Print Pro software is quite powerful, offering advanced layout and color control features, which might be a bit overwhelming at first but are great as you grow your skills. This printer supports both roll and sheet media, with a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter to simplify handling materials and improve workflow. Ink bottles have high capacity and an auto-stop feature, so you won’t need to refill often and can avoid messy spills.

The printer is relatively large and heavy, which could be a challenge if you have limited space. Print speeds are slow (around 1 page per minute), so it’s not built for quick large-volume printing. Also, it only supports simplex (single-sided) printing, which is common for sublimation but worth noting. The Epson Surecolor F570 Pro is well suited for beginners who want high-quality, versatile sublimation prints and are willing to invest in a reliable, feature-rich machine. However, if you need fast printing or a compact design, you might want to consider other options.

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.

The Brother Sublimation Printer is a solid choice for beginners looking to explore the world of sublimation printing. One of its standout features is the compatibility with the Artspira app, which allows users to easily import up to 20 images and access a wealth of pre-made designs, making the creative process more accessible. This user-friendly design is perfect for those who may not be tech-savvy and want to dive into DIY projects like custom apparel and home decor.

In terms of performance, the printer boasts fast printing speeds, ensuring that you can quickly bring your creative ideas to life in vibrant colors. The addition of features like dual-sided printing and a touch control method adds to its convenience for new users. Plus, it comes with all the necessary ink and a sublimation paper starter pack, so you're ready to begin your projects right away.

However, one drawback is that you'll need to purchase a heat press separately, which is essential for completing sublimation projects. Additionally, the printer is designed for use in the US at 120 volts, so international users may face warranty issues. The dimensions and weight could also be a consideration for those with limited space.