Sublimation printing has revolutionized the way we create vibrant, durable custom designs on fabrics, mugs, and other polyester-coated items. Unlike traditional printing, sublimation uses heat to transform solid ink into gas, bonding it directly with the material for long-lasting, fade-resistant results.
For anyone serious about crafting, small business production, or personalized gifts, choosing the best sublimation printer is crucial to achieving professional-quality prints. With the market flooded with options, it can be overwhelming to find a printer that balances print quality, ink efficiency, size, and budget.
In 2025, the leading sublimation printers cater to a range of users-from hobbyists to commercial users-offering features like wireless connectivity, large-format printing, and eco-friendly ink systems. Popular brands like Epson and Sawgrass dominate the space, known for their reliability and color accuracy. Additionally, many printers are convertible models, originally designed for regular ink but modifiable for sublimation inks, providing flexibility and cost savings.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 7 best sublimation printers available on Amazon, highlighting their key features, pros, and ideal use cases. Whether you want a compact printer for occasional crafts or a powerhouse for business-level production, this list will help you make an informed choice.
How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer
As someone who has tested and researched sublimation printers extensively, I know the importance of matching your printer to your specific needs. Here’s what I consider essential when selecting a sublimation printer:
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Print Quality and Resolution: Look for printers that deliver sharp, vibrant colors with smooth gradients. High DPI (dots per inch) ensures detailed images, especially for photo-quality prints.
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Ink System Compatibility: Sublimation requires special dye-sublimation inks. Some printers, like Sawgrass models, come ready for sublimation, while others (like Epson EcoTank series) are convertible and require ink replacement.
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Print Size and Format: Consider the maximum paper size the printer supports. For large designs, wide-format printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 are ideal, while smaller models suit 4x6 or A4 prints.
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Connectivity Options: Wireless printing via WiFi or Bluetooth adds convenience, especially for small businesses or home studios.
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Cost Efficiency: Factor in ink costs, cartridge refillability (bulk ink tanks like EcoTank are economical), and maintenance expenses.
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Durability and Reliability: A printer designed for sublimation will handle heat and ink flow better, reducing clogging and downtime.
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Ease of Use: Beginners benefit from plug-and-play models with straightforward software and minimal setup.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top sublimation printers that stand out in 2025.
7 Best Sublimation Printer (Reviews)
01. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Overall Sublimation Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile powerhouse, perfect for users who want large-format sublimation printing up to 13" x 19". Its refillable ink tanks make it highly economical for high-volume printing, and it supports a wide color gamut with excellent detail and vibrancy. Though it’s a convertible model requiring sublimation ink replacement, it’s compatible with popular ink brands like Hiipoo and Printer’s Jack. The ET-15000 offers USB, WiFi, and Ethernet connectivity, along with duplex printing, making it a flexible choice for both hobbyists and small businesses. While print speed is slower compared to some competitors, the outstanding quality and size capacity justify the wait.
02. Sawgrass SG500 – Best Mid-Range Sublimation Printer
The Sawgrass SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer designed specifically for vibrant, durable transfers. It supports up to 8.5" x 14" prints, making it ideal for t-shirts, mugs, and smaller crafts. With built-in WiFi and USB connectivity, it’s easy to integrate into your workflow. Sawgrass is renowned for its color management software, which ensures consistent, professional-grade prints. While it lacks duplex printing, the SG500 excels in reliability and print quality, making it a favorite among crafters and small businesses looking for a straightforward sublimation solution.
03. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Epson Sublimation Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 is Epson’s dedicated sublimation printer offering, perfect for beginners and pros alike. It supports up to 8.5" x 14" prints and comes factory-configured for sublimation ink, eliminating the need for conversions. The F170 delivers sharp images with excellent color fidelity and is compact enough for home studios. Connectivity options include USB and WiFi Direct, facilitating easy wireless printing. This model is praised for its ease of use, making it a solid choice for those entering the sublimation market or requiring consistent, high-quality prints.
04. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Budget Sublimation Printer
If you’re looking for an affordable entry point into sublimation printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a smart pick. This compact, refillable inkjet printer supports duplex printing and wireless connectivity, making it versatile for home use. While it requires conversion for sublimation (by replacing regular ink with sublimation ink), it maintains good print quality for its price point. The ET-2800 is ideal for hobbyists or small businesses just starting out, offering a balance of cost-efficiency and decent output.
05. Sawgrass SG1000 – Best Sublimation Printer for Business
For those running a professional sublimation business, the Sawgrass SG1000 offers larger format printing up to 13" x 19". It’s a dedicated sublimation printer with superior color accuracy and consistency. The SG1000 supports USB and WiFi Direct connectivity but does not offer duplex printing. Its robust build and advanced software integration make it perfect for high-volume production environments where quality and reliability are paramount.
06. Brother SP-1 – Best for Creative Projects
The Brother SP-1 is a compact sublimation printer tailored for creative projects like custom tumblers and small crafts. It supports 4" x 6" prints and is praised for its ease of use and vibrant color output. The SP-1 connects via USB and WiFi, making it convenient for home crafters and small-scale entrepreneurs. Its small footprint and specialized design make it a top choice for personalized gift makers and hobbyists.
07. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Best All-Around Sublimation Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 combines the benefits of refillable ink tanks with versatile printing capabilities. Supporting standard paper sizes with duplex printing and wireless connectivity, it’s a convertible printer that performs well with sublimation ink. Its efficient ink system reduces running costs, and it delivers sharp, colorful prints suitable for a variety of sublimation projects. The ET-4800 is a solid mid-tier option bridging budget and professional needs.
In summary, the best sublimation printer for you depends on your volume, project size, and budget. For large-format, high-quality prints, Epson EcoTank ET-15000 and Sawgrass SG1000 lead the pack. For beginners and budget-conscious users, Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and Brother SP-1 offer excellent entry points. Dedicated sublimation printers like Sawgrass SG500 and Epson SureColor F170 provide hassle-free, professional results. Whichever you choose, investing in a reliable sublimation printer ensures your custom creations stand out with vivid, lasting color.
