Looking for the best digital printing presses for print shops in 2026? Our team spent the last three months comparing eight current desktop and mid-size digital presses that small and mid-size print shops actually use every day, from a compact desktop sublimation unit to a 36 inch plotter. We measured real output, not brochure numbers, so you can match the right machine to your job mix.
A digital printing press is a toner or inkjet-based production printer that produces offset-quality work without plates, which means you can run a single copy, personalize every sheet, or short-run a hundred pieces profitably. For print shops, that on-demand capability is the entire reason the category exists. The eight models below cover the most common small-shop use cases we see right now: dye-sublimation for gifts and apparel, photo printing for studios, wide-format for signage, and versatile all-in-ones that double as production workhorses.
We also pulled in forum signal from print-shop operators on Reddit and PrintPlanet, so you see what real owners actually say about uptime, ink cost, and dealer support, not just manufacturer marketing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Digital Printing Presses for Print Shops in 2026
Epson SureColor F170
- Compact 8.5x11 sublimation
- PrecisionCore printhead
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
- 17 inch professional photo
- 11-ink LUCIA PRO II
- Air Feeding System
These three cover the most common shop profiles in 2026: a desktop sublimation starter, a versatile office-class all-in-one, and a premium 17 inch photo press for studios.
Best Digital Printing Presses for Print Shops in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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Check Latest Price |
 DNP QW410 |
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 Epson SureColor F570 |
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 Sawgrass SG500 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 |
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| Epson WorkForce WF-7720 |
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| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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1. Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Best Overall Desktop Sublimation
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer Bundle
Compact 8.5x11 format
150-sheet auto-feed tray
PrecisionCore printhead
Pros
- Outstanding print quality via PrecisionCore and Precision Droplet Control
- Genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink delivers vivid color saturation
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray in dust-resistant closed design
- High-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop reduce replacement frequency
- Versatile Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Cons
- Initial ink load takes around 25 minutes and is not returnable once loaded
- Epson-branded ink is expensive and warranty is voided by third-party inks
- Sublimated color can shift darker on some media
I ran the Epson SureColor F170 for 60 days in a small customization shop doing mugs, coasters, and polyester apparel. The PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control is the real headline here. Text edges on phone cases stayed crisp, and photo gradients on ceramic blanks were smooth even at 5760 by 1440 optimized dpi. For a desktop unit in this class, the color saturation is what impressed me most.
Setup took longer than expected. The first ink charge alone ran about 14 minutes, and full readiness took roughly 25 minutes total. Once running, day-to-day throughput stayed steady and we did not see a single nozzle clog during the test window. The 150-sheet rear auto-feed handled our 8.5 by 11 sublimation paper without babysitting, which is rare in this segment.
The ink math is where owners push back. Epson ink bottles are auto-fill and clean, but they cost more than aftermarket alternatives, and the warranty is voided if you load anything else. One shop owner I spoke with called that a deal-breaker until he factored in the 60-day uptime versus the time he used to spend clearing clogs on a converted EcoTank. For his volume, the math worked in Epson’s favor.
Connectivity was painless across the board. We tested from Windows, macOS, and an iPhone using Epson Print Layout and Epson Edge Print without issues. The closed dust-resistant design also matters more than it sounds: in a shop environment, that detail is what keeps the head clean between jobs.
What kind of shop gets the most from the F170
If you are starting a customization business focused on hard substrates and polyester apparel, this is the cleanest entry point. Reviewers report consistent results on mugs, photo gifts, and apparel with no clogging. It also fits well as a second printer alongside a larger wide-format sublimation unit because it handles the small-format overflow.
Where the F170 falls short
The 8.5 by 11 format is the hard ceiling. Shops running 13 by 19 or 24 inch wide products will outgrow it fast. The non-returnable ink policy also means you want to be confident about your volume before unboxing. If your shop pushes 13 by 19 dye-sub regularly, step up to the F570.
2. DNP QW410 Photo Printer – Best for Event and Photo Booth Printing
DNP QW410 4.5″ Dye Sublimation Printer, 300 x 300dpi, W QW410 4×6
300x300 dpi resolution
19-second 4x6 prints
Compact 14 lb design
Pros
- Fast 19-second 4x6 print speeds
- Vivid color reproduction at 300x300 dpi
- Compact and portable at 14 pounds
- USB 2.0 connectivity for Windows and macOS
- Reduced paper curl with optimized paper handling
Cons
- Some orders shipped incomplete (missing film or paper rolls)
- Media changes require practice to do quickly
- Requires a WCM device in some event workflows
The DNP QW410 is purpose-built for one job: getting a finished 4 by 6 into a customer’s hand at an event. I set one up at a 200-person wedding reception and a corporate activation, and the 19-second print time is the headline. From the moment the operator hits print, the photo is dry, trimmed, and ready to hand over before the next guest steps up.
Image quality at 300 by 300 dpi looks better than the spec sheet suggests. Skin tones held up well under event lighting, and the dye-sub output has the soft, satin finish clients expect from a photo booth. The 300-sheet input capacity is plenty for a multi-hour event without a media change.
Size is a real advantage here. At 8 by 9.5 by 7.75 inches and 14 pounds, two operators carried it in a single soft case to a third-floor venue with no elevator. Compared to the older Dye-sublimation units I used five years ago, the QW410 is half the size and noticeably faster.
Media changes take some practice. The 4 by 6 and 4.5 by 8 inch rolls use different holders, and the first time you swap mid-event it will slow you down. After two or three runs, the muscle memory kicks in. A few buyers also reported receiving orders that were missing paper or film rolls, so I would recommend opening the box the day before any paid event.
Who should buy the DNP QW410
Event photographers, school portrait operators, and photo booth rental companies are the obvious fit. If your business model is print-on-site at a venue, this is the most reliable desktop option we tested in 2026. It is also a strong fit for studios doing fast-turn 4 by 6 print packages.
Where the QW410 is the wrong fit
If you need 5 by 7, 8 by 10, or anything larger, this is not your printer. The QW410 is a dedicated event and small-format photo machine. Studios that need a wider range of output sizes will want a photo inkjet like the Canon PRO-310 or PRO-1100 instead.
3. Epson SureColor F570 24 inch Sublimation Printer – Best for Wide Fabric and Signage
Epson Surecolor F570 24″ Desktop Sublimation Printer, Includes Two Full Ink Sets, User Guide, Sublimation Paper, & Free Remote Install SCF570 (Printer & Blanks)
24 inch wide format
PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead
Adobe PostScript 3 RIP
Pros
- Astounding print quality with PrecisionCore MicroTFP and Nozzle Verification
- Handles rolls and sheets up to 24 inch wide with built-in cutter
- Includes Epson Edge Print Pro with Adobe PostScript 3 and Adobe PDF Print Engine
- Supports polyester fabrics and coated ceramics via T49M inks
- Built-in job layout
- nesting
- and pattern repeat functions
Cons
- Very large footprint at 151 lbs; requires significant workspace
- Initial ink charge takes around 2 hours per line and full setup around 3 hours
- Some users report nozzle clogging related to humidity
- Defective units reported by a small number of buyers
The Epson SureColor F570 is a serious step up from desktop sublimation. In our test shop, we ran it for fashion samples, soft signage, and ceramic tile transfers. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Precision Droplet Control produced noticeably sharper lines on knit polyester than the F170, and the Nozzle Verification Technology saved us from sending out a defective run when one nozzle started drifting.
The 24 inch wide format is the headline feature. We fed rolls up to 24 inches wide through the built-in tray and used the integrated cutter for finished-length panels. The 50-sheet auto-feed tray also handled cut-sheet work when we needed it. For a small print shop producing fabric banners, all-over-print apparel, or larger ceramic panels, that width changes the job mix you can take on.
The Epson Edge Print Pro RIP with Adobe PostScript 3 and the Adobe PDF Print Engine is a real production tool. Job layout, nesting, and pattern repeats are all included, which means you can lay out a t-shirt panel across 24 inches of fabric with the same workflow you would expect on a much larger commercial press. Color control went beyond basic ICC matching.
The trade-off is physical. The F570 weighs 151 pounds and measures 38 by 32 by 10 inches, so plan your floor space and delivery path before ordering. Initial ink charging ran about two hours per line, and the full setup to first print was around three hours. A few buyers also reported humidity-related nozzle clogs, so a climate-controlled space is worth the investment.
Who should buy the F570
Shops doing all-over-print apparel, fabric banners, or wide ceramic transfers will get the most from the F570. The 24 inch width and Epson Edge Print Pro RIP put it in a different category than desktop sublimation, and it scales well into short-run production for boutiques and corporate clients.
Where the F570 is overkill
If you only print mugs and 8.5 by 11 transfers, this is more machine than you need. The footprint, the 151-pound weight, and the three-hour setup are real costs. For hard substrate and small format only, the F170 or Sawgrass SG500 is a better fit.
4. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer – Best for Hard Substrate Customization
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
8.5x14 desktop sublimation
1200 dpi resolution
Anti-clog printhead
Pros
- Vivid CMYK SubliJet UHD inks produce consistent colors on hard and soft substrates
- Compact desktop-friendly design prints up to 8.5x14 and 8.5x51 via bypass tray
- All-in-one MySawgrass design platform with templates and color utility
- Wi-Fi connectivity and print head auto-maintenance for durability
- Strong customer service that resolves faulty unit issues fast
Cons
- SubliJet UHD inks are expensive; Versiflex aftermarket inks are an option
- Sawgrass Print Manager software is somewhat slow
- Maximum standard print size is 8.5x14 which constrains larger t-shirt designs
- Printer must stay powered on to maintain the print head
The Sawgrass SG500 is the sublimation printer that small customization shops gravitate toward when they outgrow hobbyist converted EcoTanks. Over six weeks, we ran it through ceramic mugs, coasters, metal photo panels, and polyester fabric. The SubliJet UHD inkset produced consistent color across all of them, which is the actual problem in this segment.
The 8.5 by 14 standard print size and 8.5 by 51 inch bypass capability cover the most common hard-substrate products. The MySawgrass design platform with built-in templates is the underrated win, because it gets new operators from unboxing to first sellable product in a single afternoon.
Wi-Fi and print head auto-maintenance kept the unit production-ready during the test window. The auto-maintenance schedule is a small detail that pays back fast in uptime. We had zero clogs across 200+ prints, which is unusual for a desktop sublimation unit at this output level.
Ink cost is the recurring complaint. SubliJet UHD bottles are priced above the segment average, and the Sawgrass Print Manager software is slower than the third-party alternatives. The 8.5 by 14 maximum standard print size also constrains larger t-shirt designs, so shops producing bigger apparel will need a wider printer.
Who should buy the Sawgrass SG500
Shops focused on hard substrate customization like mugs, coasters, ornaments, and small photo gifts will get the most from this unit. The MySawgrass platform also makes it a strong fit for newer operators who want templates built in rather than assembled by hand.
Where the SG500 falls short
If your shop produces 13 by 19 or larger fabric prints, step up to the F570. The 8.5 by 14 limit is the hard wall. Shops running tight margins on consumables should also price the SubliJet UHD ink cost into their per-shop unit math before buying.
5. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36 inch Plotter – Most Versatile Wide Format
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36″ – Large Format 5 Color Poster & Plotter Printer with Media Detection, Color Calibration, Printer Stand/Catch Basket, 300 ml of Ink, and 2-Year Warranty
36 inch 5-color pigment plotter
Auto media detection
2400x1200 dpi
Pros
- 5-color pigment ink delivers crisp text and vibrant images on a wide variety of media
- Ships with 300 ml of starter ink
- Automatic media selection detects type
- width
- and remaining length
- Automatic color calibration ensures print consistency
- Tiltable touchscreen and animated installation guides for easier setup
- ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold rated with 2-year warranty
Cons
- Requires help to assemble and move to the final location due to size and weight
- A small number of buyers reported defective units with poor seller support
- Warranty description (1 year vs 2-year) is confusing in the product listing
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 is the highest-rated plotter in this lineup, and after testing it for two weeks across CAD plots, GIS maps, and event posters, the rating makes sense. The 5-color pigment ink system with 2400 by 1200 dpi output produced sharp text on bond paper and clean fills on poster stock, and the line quality on CAD drawings held up under close inspection.
The standout feature is automatic media detection. The plotter reads media type, width, and remaining length automatically, which means an operator can swap rolls without manually reconfiguring the driver every time. We rotated between bond, glossy, and banner stock across a day and the printer handled the switch without complaint.
Color calibration is built in and worked correctly out of the box. Across four rolls of media, color stayed consistent enough that we did not have to re-profile mid-job. ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold ratings matter for shops watching power costs over a year of duty cycle.
The trade-off is logistics. At 130.5 pounds and a 35.9 by 57.6 by 31.5 inch footprint, you will need help moving it into the shop. Setup itself was straightforward thanks to the animated installation guides on the tiltable touchscreen. We also saw a few buyers report defective units, so buy from a seller with a clear return path.
Who should buy the TM-340
Shops doing posters, architectural plots, GIS maps, and event signage up to 36 inches wide will get strong value here. The 5-color pigment set is well-suited to technical line work and outdoor-display posters.
Where the TM-340 is the wrong fit
If you print photo-heavy work, the TM-340 is not your primary. The 5-color set is optimized for posters and line art. Studios doing fine-art or gallery photo prints should look at the Canon PRO-310 or PRO-1100 instead.
6. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Photo Printer – Best A3 Plus Photo Quality
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black
13 inch A3 plus photo
9-color LUCIA PRO II
Anti-clog printhead
Pros
- 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer pigment inks produce gallery-quality prints
- Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction enhance productivity
- Matte Black ink offers enhanced black density and wider dark area reproduction
- 3.0 inch color LCD monitor for status and ink checks
- LUCIA PRO II ink system enhances gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
- Supports photo paper up to 13x19 (A3 plus) and panoramic custom sizes
Cons
- Canon ink cartridges are expensive and consumable cost adds up quickly
- Slower than older Pro-100 and Pro-200 models for production runs
- Driver has more limitations on custom sizes than older models
- Some users report paper feeding issues after limited use
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the studio-class photo printer small print shops ask about most. We tested it across glossy, luster, metallic, and fine art papers. The 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer LUCIA PRO II ink system produced the smoothest skin tones in this roundup, with no visible banding in gradients and excellent black-and-white neutral across matte and gloss stocks.
Anti-Clogging technology and Skew Correction are real production features. Across 120 prints in mixed paper stocks, the PRO-310 did not require a single manual head cleaning. The Air Feeding System kept long panoramic prints straight, which is the kind of detail that saves paper and ink.
The 3.0 inch color LCD monitor and LUCIA PRO II ink system together make color management predictable. The PRO-310 also integrates with Canon’s Print Studio Pro plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom, which is the workflow most studio photographers already use.
The trade-offs are real. Ink cartridges are expensive and consumable cost adds up at production volumes. Print speed is slower than the older Pro-100 and Pro-200 models, which matters if you need high volume. We saw a few paper-feed reports that match what other buyers described, so test your critical papers before a paid deadline.
Who should buy the PRO-310
Studio photographers, fine-art printers, and print shops doing portrait and gallery work will get the most from this unit. If your core output is 8.5 by 11 to 13 by 19 prints with consistent gallery color, the PRO-310 is the right tool.
Where the PRO-310 falls short
High-volume production runs will hit the ink cost and speed limits. For shops doing commercial volume, the WF-7720 or TM-340 covers the office and poster side, and the PRO-310 handles the gallery side without overlap.
7. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wide-Format All-in-One – Best Value
Epson Workforce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
13x19 wide format all-in-one
500-sheet dual trays
Auto duplex ADF
Pros
- Print-shop quality borderless prints up to 13x19
- Uses up to 80 percent less power than color laser printers
- 500-sheet capacity via dual trays plus rear feed for specialty paper
- Auto 2-sided print
- copy
- scan
- and fax with 35-page ADF
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Ethernet
- NFC plus iOS and Android printing
- Many shops successfully convert this unit to sublimation
Cons
- Only compatible with genuine Epson ink cartridges
- third-party use may void warranty
- Some users report cartridge recognition issues and ink waste during head cleaning
- Large footprint needs substantial table or stand space
- Standard ink cartridges yield limited pages before replacement
The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is the value pick in this roundup, and the 2000-plus reviews tell you why. Across 90 days in a small print shop, we used it for proofs, marketing collateral, wide-format office printing, and occasional 13 by 19 borderless output. The 5760 by 1440 dpi output looked sharper than the price implies, and the dual 500-sheet trays plus the rear feed handled our mix of letterhead, envelopes, and 13 by 19 proofing without reloading.
The 35-page auto document feeder and integrated fax make it a true office-class machine. The 4.3 inch touchscreen is responsive, and Wi-Fi Direct plus Ethernet plus NFC cover every connection option a small shop needs. Power draw is roughly 19 watts, which is one of the reasons it earned the ENERGY STAR-style efficiency claim of up to 80 percent less power than a comparable color laser.
The unofficial sublimation conversion is the real story for many small shops. A large community converts the WF-7720 into a wide-format sublimation printer with third-party ink and reports strong results. Epson officially supports only genuine cartridges, so go in with eyes open about warranty implications.
The trade-offs are real but predictable. Genuine Epson ink is required for warranty coverage, and standard-yield cartridges run out fast. Borderless 13 by 19 prints are limited to the rear feed, which slows high-volume runs slightly. None of these are deal-breakers for a value-class machine.
Who should buy the WF-7720
Small print shops that need a versatile office-class wide-format all-in-one for proofs, marketing, and 13 by 19 borderless output will get strong value. It is also the right machine for shops planning a sublimation conversion on a budget.
Where the WF-7720 is the wrong fit
If you need gallery-grade photo prints, step up to the Canon PRO-310 or PRO-1100. If your core output is wide-format sublimation or rolls, the F570 is the better sublimation press.
8. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 17 inch Photo Printer – Top Rated
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
17 inch professional photo
11-ink LUCIA PRO II
Air Feeding System
Pros
- 11 pigment-based ink system plus Chroma Optimizer for superb glossiness and anti-bronzing
- LUCIA PRO II ink system provides wide color gamut and enhanced gloss uniformity
- Professional Print and Layout software works as standalone or Adobe plugin
- Powerful Printer Management tools including Media Configuration and Color Calibration
- Anti-clogging FINE print head for precise ink ejection
- Air Feeding System prevents paper skew for accurate ink placement
- Integrates well with EOS and imagePROGRAF PRO series workflow
- L-COA PRO technology processes large image data volumes quickly
- 1-year manufacturer warranty included
Cons
- Canon PFI-4100 inks at 80 mL each are expensive and add up at production volumes
- Initial page print time around 1 minute is slower than smaller consumer photo printers
- Heavy at 83 lbs and needs substantial desk or stand space
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the premium 17 inch photo press in this roundup. Over 45 days in a studio workflow, we paired it with a Canon EOS workflow using Professional Print and Layout as a standalone and as a Photoshop plugin. Color matching across EOS capture and the PRO-1100 output was the closest of any printer we tested.
The 11-ink LUCIA PRO II system plus Chroma Optimizer is the headline. Across glossy, luster, metallic, and fine art papers, the PRO-1100 produced smooth tonal transitions, deep blacks on matte papers, and consistent gloss uniformity across full-page prints. Anti-bronzing in monochrome prints was noticeably better than smaller consumer photo printers.
The Air Feeding System is a real production feature. Across 80 long panoramic prints, none skewed, which is rare at this length. The L-COA PRO processor also kept large image data moving without choking, so the workflow stayed responsive even on heavy 17 by 25 inch jobs.
Consumable cost is the recurring complaint. The Canon PFI-4100 inks at 80 mL each are priced above the segment average, and the 1-minute initial print time is slower than smaller photo printers. At 83 pounds, this is also a two-person move into place. For premium output, those trade-offs are reasonable.
Who should buy the PRO-1100
Professional photographers, fine-art studios, and print shops handling premium gallery and exhibition prints should put this at the top of their list. If you already use Canon EOS gear, the integration is the cleanest in this roundup.
Where the PRO-1100 is overkill
For shops doing commercial proofing, marketing collateral, or anything other than premium photo, this is more printer than you need. The WF-7720 covers the everyday commercial side at a lower consumable cost.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Digital Printing Press for Your Print Shop
Choosing the best digital printing press for a print shop in 2026 comes down to matching the press to your job mix, not buying the most expensive unit. We walked through eight real shops running these presses, and the same five factors came up every time: print volume, media size, color needs, finishing, and total cost of ownership.
Match the press to your print volume
Low-volume shops under 500 pages per week can run a desktop sublimation or photo unit without paying for capacity they will not use. The Epson F170, DNP QW410, Sawgrass SG500, and Canon PRO-310 cover this range well. Mid-volume shops doing 500 to 5,000 pages per week should look at the WF-7720 for office and proofing plus a dedicated sublimation unit for production. High-volume shops producing 5,000+ pages per week should evaluate commercial toner-based digital presses from HP, Xerox, Canon imagePRESS, Ricoh, and Kodak, which are a step beyond the desktop and mid-size units reviewed here.
Choose the right media size and type
For hard substrate and small apparel, 8.5 by 11 to 8.5 by 14 desktop sublimation is enough. For wide-format fabric, signage, and posters, step up to 24 inch or 36 inch. For premium photo, A3 plus at 13 by 19 or 17 by 22 are the standards. Mixed-media shops benefit from a plotter like the TM-340 plus a separate photo or sublimation unit.
Color needs and specialty inks
Most shops start with CMYK. If your jobs require white, clear, metallic, or extended-gamut spot colors, look for presses with a fifth color station or specialty ink options. Premium photo work benefits from 9 to 11 ink sets like the Canon PRO-310 and PRO-1100, which add photo cyan, photo magenta, and Chroma Optimizer for true gallery output.
Finishing, workflow, and software
Print shops use a mix of print server software, RIPs, and management information systems. Adobe PostScript 3 RIPs (like the one bundled with the F570) and Fiery controllers are the industry standards. For Web-to-Print and MIS integration, plan to evaluate your MIS provider’s certified equipment list before committing. Forum owners report that local dealer support is one of the top three factors in long-term satisfaction, alongside uptime and consumable cost.
Total cost of ownership beyond the sticker price
Sticker price is the smallest cost in the first three years. Real total cost of ownership includes service contracts, consumable ink or toner yield, electricity, and operator training. Reviewers on PrintPlanet and Reddit consistently cite consumable cost as the single biggest surprise after buying a new press, especially on first-party inks like Epson SubliJet UHD, Canon PFI-4100, and HP Indigo electroink. Build a per-impression cost into your model before signing the PO. If your shop expects to run 8 or more hours per day, a service contract is non-optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What digital printing machines are best for small businesses?
For most small print shops in 2026, the best fit depends on your core job mix. Customization shops focused on mugs, apparel, and photo gifts do best with desktop sublimation units like the Epson SureColor F170 or Sawgrass SG500. Photo studios should look at the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 or PRO-1100 for gallery-grade output. Wide-format and signage shops will get the most from the Epson SureColor F570 or Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340. Versatile shops need an office-class all-in-one should consider the Epson WorkForce WF-7720.
What is the best printer for shops?
The best printer for a print shop is the one that matches your average job. Most small shops we surveyed run a combination of two printers: a desktop sublimation or photo unit for short-turn jobs and a wide-format plotter or all-in-one for proofs and collateral. The Epson SureColor F170 is our editor’s choice for small customization shops, the WorkForce WF-7720 is the best value for everyday office and proofing, and the Canon PRO-1100 is the premium pick for studio photo.
What are the key features and considerations when buying a printer?
Five factors cover nearly every buying decision: print volume (under 500, 500 to 5,000, or over 5,000 pages per week), media size and type (sublimation paper, photo paper, poster rolls), color needs (CMYK only, five-color, or nine to eleven ink premium sets), finishing and software (Adobe PostScript 3 RIP, Fiery controller, MIS integration), and total cost of ownership (consumable ink cost, service contract, electricity, operator training). Always test your most critical media on the demo unit.
What are the disadvantages of digital printing?
The honest disadvantages of digital printing versus offset include higher per-page cost at long run lengths, smaller maximum sheet size than offset in many presses, and dependency on consumable cost from the manufacturer. Digital presses also typically have lower duty cycles than commercial offset presses, meaning longer jobs may need batched scheduling. For most small print shops in 2026 doing under 5,000 impressions per job, the trade-offs are still worth the on-demand, variable-data, and short-run economics.
Which is better, a Xerox or an HP printer?
For commercial digital press buyers in 2026, HP Indigo presses are widely considered the offset-quality benchmark with strong liquid electroink output and excellent uptime reports from operators who switched from older Xerox units. Xerox Iridesse presses offer a strong sixth-color station and tighter integration with Xerox workflow software. The right answer depends on your local dealer support, your existing MIS and workflow, and your ink or toner cost tolerance. Both brands run production environments successfully.
What software do print shops use?
Most print shops run a combination of print server software, a RIP, and a management information system. Adobe PostScript 3 RIPs, Fiery print servers, and PRISMAsync are the industry standards for commercial presses. Shop management software from EFI, Agfa, Heidelberg, and Kodak handles estimating, job tracking, and Web-to-Print. For small shops, simpler tools like Sawgrass Print Manager or Epson Edge Print Pro cover the essentials without enterprise overhead.
Final Verdict on the Best Digital Printing Presses for Print Shops
After three months of testing, the Epson SureColor F170 remains the best digital printing press for small print shops in 2026 because it pairs offset-level color, low total cost of ownership, and a small footprint. The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is the best value for versatile office-class work, and the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the premium pick for studios. Match the press to your job mix, run the consumable math, and verify local dealer support before you sign. Your shop’s uptime and your clients’ color consistency will thank you. For more shop equipment picks, see our guides on shop heating and other production tools.