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 HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a great choice for those new to sublimation printing, especially if you're looking to create vibrant, high-quality photos directly from your smartphone. One of its key strengths is the print quality; it produces durable, tear-resistant, and waterproof images that last for years. With the ability to customize your photos using stickers, frames, and filters through the HP Sprocket app, it adds a fun, creative element that is ideal for personal projects or gifts.

The printer's Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to print from various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and PCs, while its instant printing capability means you can get your photos quickly, which is fantastic for parties and events. The lightweight and portable design enhances its usability, allowing you to take it on the go.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The maximum print resolution is 300 dpi, which might not satisfy users looking for professional-grade quality. Additionally, the print speed of 1 page per minute is relatively slow, particularly if you're planning to print multiple photos in a short time. The printer is limited to 4x6-inch prints, so if you need larger formats, this may not be suitable for you. The Sprocket Studio Plus only supports dye sublimation ink, which, while offering vibrant colors, might be a limitation for those who prefer other ink types. It serves as a solid starting point for beginners wanting to explore photo printing creatively.

The Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer offers an excellent entry point for beginners in sublimation printing, thanks to its remarkable print quality and user-friendly features. The PrecisionCore printhead technology ensures sharp image clarity, making it ideal for producing vibrant and detailed prints. With a maximum color print resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, the unit stands out in delivering high-quality results for customized and promotional products.

The use of genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink guarantees extraordinary color saturation, enhancing the quality of the prints. This printer supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, providing versatile options for connecting to various devices, including laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Beginners will appreciate the ease of use, with a straightforward setup and operation guided by a user manual included in the package. The high-capacity ink bottles and auto-stop filling mechanism reduce the frequency of ink replacements, providing a cost-effective solution for long-term use.

However, the printer's speed could be a limitation, with a maximum print speed of just 1 page per minute in both monochrome and color. Additionally, it only supports up to 8.5-inch media width, which might restrict larger print projects. The absence of dual-sided printing could further limit functionality for some users. Potential buyers should note that once inks are loaded, the printer cannot be returned due to ink leakage risks. Its compact size makes it suitable for home-based businesses, customization startups, and hobbyists wanting to explore sublimation printing without occupying much space. Despite some drawbacks, like limited speed and print size, it remains a solid choice for newcomers in the sublimation printing sector.