10 Best Sublimation Printers For Beginners 2026 in the United States

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 The software setup provided on a CD-ROM might be slightly outdated for users who prefer downloading software online.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.

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 Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle is a solid choice for beginners interested in sublimation crafting or starting a small business. It offers vibrant, professional-quality prints using dye-based sublimation inks in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, which is ideal for producing bright, full-color designs on items like t-shirts, mugs, and metal tumblers. The printer handles standard print sizes up to legal paper (8.5 x 14 inches), giving you flexibility for various projects.

Connectivity options are user-friendly with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet support, allowing easy setup and printing from Windows, Mac, or mobile apps. The included Artspira design software and 500+ ready-to-use sublimation designs make it especially approachable for beginners, reducing the learning curve and helping you jumpstart your creative projects. The bundle also comes with a generous supply of sublimation papers, blanks, heat-resistant tape, and tools, so you have most of what you need right out of the box.

The print speed is moderate, about 10 pages per minute in color, which is typical for sublimation printers focused on quality rather than speed. The printer is compact and straightforward to use, although it only supports single-sided printing and does not offer duplex options. While some advanced users might find these limitations restrictive, the simplicity benefits newcomers. This bundle provides great value with a complete starter kit designed to support beginners through every step, from design to finished product. If you want an easy-to-use, reliable printer with full ink sets and ample materials included, the Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle is worth considering for budding creators and small business owners diving into sublimation printing.