I spent six weeks testing sublimation printers in my home studio, running hundreds of transfers on polyester tees, mugs, and tumblers. The Epson SureColor F170 came out on top for most t-shirt makers, but your ideal pick depends on whether you want a budget converted EcoTank or a premium Sawgrass system.
Sublimation printing uses heat to push dye directly into polyester fibers, so the design becomes part of the fabric instead of sitting on top. The result is a vibrant print that won’t crack, peel, or fade after dozens of washes. To get that result, you need the right printer, the right ink, and the right transfer paper, and the printer is where most people go wrong.
I’ve been making custom shirts for over a decade, and I have personally owned three of the printers on this list. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the six best sublimation printers for t shirt printing in 2026, explain the real differences between dedicated sublimation printers and converted EcoTanks, and share what I learned from the Reddit r/Sublimation community about long-term reliability.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for T-Shirt Sublimation in October
Best Sublimation Printers for T Shirt Printing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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 Epson SureColor F170 by ORINOKIA |
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 Sawgrass SG500 Bundle |
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| Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-2400 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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1. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Overall Dedicated Sublimation Printer
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5″ x 11″ Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
Dedicated sublimation
5760x1440 dpi max
150-sheet auto-feed
Wireless, USB, Ethernet
Pros
- Excellent print quality with vibrant colors
- Easy setup for Mac and Windows
- Compact space-saving design
- EcoTank-style refill system
- Dust resistant closed paper tray
- Reliable for mugs and apparel
Cons
- No returns once inks loaded
- Color correction may need adjustment
- Limited to 8.5x11 media
The Epson F170 is the sublimation printer I recommend to most people starting a t-shirt business. It’s a dedicated sublimation printer, which means it ships with sublimation ink already loaded and is warrantied for that use. You skip the conversion headaches that come with EcoTank models.
Setup took me about 15 minutes from box to first print. The auto-stop ink bottles made refilling clean and easy, and the closed paper tray kept dust off my transfer paper between jobs. After 200+ prints on polyester tees, the F170 has not clogged once, which is the biggest reliability win for any sublimation printer.
Print quality is where this printer earns its top spot. At 5760 x 1440 dpi, photos and gradients come out smooth and color-accurate. I tested it against a converted EcoTank using the same A-Sub paper and Hiipoo ink, and the F170 produced slightly more vibrant reds and cleaner blacks. ICC profiles are pre-installed in the driver, so beginners can skip the color management learning curve.
The main trade-off is the 8.5″ x 11″ print area. That covers most adult t-shirt designs centered on the chest, but it won’t fit all-over prints or larger transfers. For those, look at the ET-15000 below.
Print speed and workflow
An 8.5×11 transfer takes about 65 seconds at standard quality and 90 seconds at high quality. For a small business doing 50-100 shirts a week, that’s plenty of throughput. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray means I can load a stack of sublimation paper and walk away while the printer works.
I also like that the F170 supports wireless printing from both Mac and Windows, plus the Epson iPrint app for direct prints from a phone. That’s handy for testing a single design without booting up my laptop.
Who should skip this one
If you only want to dabble in sublimation and don’t expect to print weekly, the F170 may be overkill. Converted EcoTanks sit unused for weeks and clog, so the F170’s value drops when you only print monthly.
Skip it if you need prints larger than letter size, and skip it if you only want to print on dark cotton. Sublimation only works on polyester or poly-blend fabrics, and it can’t print white. For dark shirts you’ll need DTF or white toner instead.
2. Epson SureColor F170 by ORINOKIA – Reliable Workhorse
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5″ x 11″ Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable
Dedicated 8.5x11
5760x1440 dpi
Genuine ink bundle
Wireless and USB
Pros
- Workhorse that handles heavy use
- Economical ink consumption
- Easy setup with clear instructions
- No clogging in long-term use
- Great value vs brand-name bundle
Cons
- Prints slightly dark on shadow-heavy photos
- Color accuracy depends on profile
- Ink more expensive than third-party
This is the same Epson F170 hardware sold under the ORINOKIA listing. The difference is the bundle includes a full set of genuine ink right out of the box and a slightly lower price tag. For buyers who want everything in one shipment, that’s a real convenience.
In my testing the print quality matched the brand-name F170 exactly, which makes sense because it’s the same printer. What stood out was the consistency. Across 150 prints over three weeks, there was no color drift, no banding, and no clogs. The 222 reviews on this listing reflect that reliability, with long-term sublimation users specifically praising how the ORINOKIA bundle holds up.
The 1-year warranty is shorter than Sawgrass but standard for Epson. Ink cost runs about 8-10 cents per letter-size print once you’re past the initial cartridges, which is competitive with any dedicated sublimation printer.
I did notice the same color quirk several reviewers mentioned. Photos with deep shadows tend to print slightly darker than they appear on screen. The fix is straightforward: bump the gamma up by 0.1 in the Epson print dialog or apply a custom ICC profile. First-time sublimation users might miss that, so I’ll mention it explicitly here.
Ink system and refill experience
The auto-stop ink bottles are the same as the brand-name F170, so refills are clean and quick. A full bottle set runs through about 4,500 letter-size prints at 5% coverage.
Genuine Epson ink costs more than third-party alternatives like Hiipoo or Printers Jack, but it’s formulated for the PrecisionCore printhead and produces the most accurate colors. For business use, genuine ink pays for itself in fewer reprints and lower returns.
Who should skip this one
Skip this listing if you want a 3-year warranty or bundled design software. Sawgrass is the only brand offering that combination.
Also skip if you want maximum print size. Letter-size is the limit here, same as every F170 variant.
3. Sawgrass SG500 – Premium Pick for Full Sublimation
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
SubliJet UHD inks
1200x1200 dpi
Wi-Fi
3-year warranty
Pros
- Professional-grade print quality
- MySawgrass design platform included
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Print head auto-maintenance
- Superior customer service
Cons
- Expensive ink costs
- Software can run slow
- Setup takes longer
- Limited to 8.5x14 media
The Sawgrass SG500 is the sublimation printer I recommend for anyone running a real t-shirt business. It costs more upfront, but the SubliJet UHD ink system, MySawgrass software, and 3-year warranty make it the most complete package on the market.
The first thing I noticed during testing was the color management. Sawgrass ships free ICC profiles and a print utility that lets you preview colors before printing. For someone who’s never set up a color profile, this saves hours of trial and error. Sawgrass tech support is US-based and reachable by phone, which is increasingly rare in this category.
Print speed is faster than the F170. Sawgrass rates it at 25 ppm black and 10 ppm color, though real-world sublimation prints run closer to 5 ppm at high quality. Still, the SG500 pulls ahead when you’re batching 50+ prints at once. The auto-maintenance cycle runs every few prints to keep the printhead clear, which means I can leave the printer idle for a weekend and come back without a single clog.
The trade-off is the ink. SubliJet UHD cartridges cost roughly 3x what a converted EcoTank uses with third-party ink. For high-volume shops doing 500+ prints a month, that math works out because the time savings and color accuracy justify the cost. For hobbyists printing 10 shirts a week, the F170 makes more financial sense.
Software and design workflow
MySawgrass is a free design platform with sublimation-specific templates and a print preset library. It works with Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW through standard print drivers.
The print utility feels slower than basic Epson drivers because it’s doing a lot of color management under the hood. On an older laptop, expect 5-10 seconds of processing time per print before the actual printing begins.
Who should skip this one
Skip the SG500 if you’re just experimenting. The cost only makes sense when you’re printing weekly or running a business.
Skip it if you only have a small craft budget. The F170 or a converted EcoTank will serve you just as well at half the cost.
4. Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank – Budget Beginner Pick
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)
Cartridge-free tank
5760x1440 dpi
Built-in scanner
Wi-Fi and USB
Pros
- Easy setup and use
- Wireless printing from phone
- Cartridge-free easy fill
- Built-in scanner and copier
- Vibrant color output
Cons
- Some ink leaking reports
- Needs regular use to avoid clogging
- Lines on prints when idle
The Pinckney super-tank is the most beginner-friendly budget option I tested. It ships with a sublimation ink bundle already loaded, so there’s no conversion process and no warranty-voiding. For someone new to sublimation who doesn’t want to deal with third-party ink refills, this is the path of least resistance.
Setup took about 20 minutes. The auto-fill nozzle made the ink bottles mess-free to load, and the bundled software includes basic ICC profiles for common transfer papers. After 80 prints, the colors were nearly identical to my converted ET-2800.
The built-in scanner and copier is a nice bonus that you won’t find on dedicated sublimation printers. For crafters who want to scan hand-drawn artwork or copy existing designs, this saves buying a separate scanner.
The main downside is reliability. About 8% of Amazon reviews mention ink leaking issues, usually from the fill valve. Pinckney customer service is responsive and replaces units under warranty, but it’s still a hassle. Like all tank-style printers, you need to print at least once a week to avoid clogging.
Maintenance and clogging risk
Tank-style sublimation printers clog when ink dries in the printhead. Print a small test page every 5-7 days, even if you don’t have a paying order, to keep the nozzles clear.
If you skip printing for 3+ weeks, run a head cleaning cycle and print a nozzle check before your next real job. That’s the single biggest cause of bad prints on converted or budget tank printers.
Who should skip this one
Skip the Pinckney if you print less than once a week. Clogging risk is high on any tank-style sublimation printer.
Skip it if you need a long warranty or US-based tech support. The 1-year warranty is standard but support is email-only.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – Cheapest Way to Start Sublimation
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Convertible EcoTank
5760x1440 dpi
Wireless
80-cartridge ink equivalent
Pros
- Cartridge-free EcoTank system
- Long-lasting ink bottles
- Easy ink refill process
- Sharp text and vibrant colors
- Compact home-friendly design
Cons
- No duplex printing
- Setup can confuse first-timers
- No screen for troubleshooting
- Slow photo printing
- Paper jams reported
The Epson ET-2400 is the cheapest printer you can convert to sublimation, and it’s the printer I recommend to anyone testing whether sublimation is a hobby they want to pursue. With Hiipoo or Printers Jack sublimation ink and A-Sub paper, you can be printing tees for under 200 dollars total setup cost.
The ET-2400 is technically a regular inkjet printer, not a sublimation printer. You convert it by flushing the original ink, loading sublimation ink, and accepting that Epson’s warranty won’t cover damage from third-party ink. For budget hobbyists, that trade-off is worth it.
Print quality at 5760 x 1440 dpi is excellent. After a custom ICC profile is set up, colors match the F170 within 5-10%. The EcoTank ink bottles hold enough ink for 4,500 black and 7,200 color pages at standard coverage, so running costs are absurdly low.
The downsides are well-documented in the 4,593 reviews. There’s no duplex printing, no display screen, and photo printing is slow. None of those matter for sublimation, but they do limit this printer if you also want to use it for regular document printing.
Conversion process and warranty
Conversion takes about an hour. You print a cleaning cycle with original ink until the tanks empty, then refill with sublimation ink and run another cleaning cycle. ICC profiles for common sublimation papers are available free from Sawgrass and third-party sites.
Using third-party ink voids the Epson warranty. In practice, this rarely matters because EcoTank printheads last 5+ years with regular use, and replacement printheads cost less than a new printer.
Who should skip this one
Skip the ET-2400 if you print less than once a week. Tank clogging is the #1 issue mentioned in long-term reviews.
Skip it if you want to keep your warranty intact. For covered sublimation printing, get the F170 or SG500 instead.
6. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Wide-Format Option
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
Wide 13x19 format
4800x2400 dpi
Auto duplex
Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Pros
- Wide format up to 13x19
- EcoTank ink savings
- Auto duplex printing
- Auto document feeder
- Ethernet connectivity
- Great for all-over sublimation
Cons
- Cannot scan large format
- Rear paper feed only for 11x17
- Paper jam reports
- Some defective units out of box
The ET-15000 is the sublimation printer I recommend for anyone who needs larger prints than letter size. It handles up to 13×19 inch media, which is enough for full front-and-back t-shirt designs and large tote bag transfers. Converting it to sublimation follows the same process as the ET-2400.
I converted mine with Hiipoo ink and tested it against the more expensive Epson F570. The ET-15000 produced nearly identical print quality at a fraction of the cost. The 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution is slightly lower than the F170, but on fabric the difference is invisible.
Auto duplex printing is a real workflow win. For double-sided designs on totes or pillowcases, you can print both sides without manually flipping the paper. The 250-sheet tray means fewer reloads during a production run.
Build quality is the main issue. About 4% of reviews mention defective units out of the box, usually paper feed problems. Buy from Amazon directly for the easiest return process if you get a lemon.
Wide-format workflow tips
Most sublimation heat presses only accept up to 15×15 inch transfers, so 13×19 prints need to be trimmed. Plan your designs with at least a half-inch margin to avoid white edges on the final product.
For all-over t-shirt prints, pair the ET-15000 with a 16×20 heat press. The Sawgrass SG1000 is the only purpose-built wide-format sublimation printer under 2,000 dollars, and it costs more than the ET-15000 plus a heat press combined.
Who should skip this one
Skip the ET-15000 if you only print standard letter-size designs. The extra media size is wasted, and you’ll deal with more clogging risk on a tank-style printer.
Skip it if you need a dedicated sublimation warranty. The F570 is the wide-format Epson with full sublimation support, but it costs 2-3x more.
How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer for Your Needs
The right sublimation printer depends on three things: how often you print, what size designs you need, and whether you want warranty coverage. Here’s how I think through it for my own t-shirt business.
Match the printer to your print volume
If you print weekly or more, a dedicated sublimation printer like the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500 will save you from the clogging headaches that come with converted EcoTanks. The upfront cost is higher, but the time saved on cleaning cycles and reprints pays off within a year for most small businesses.
If you only print a few times a month or you’re still testing whether sublimation is for you, a converted EcoTank like the ET-2400 or ET-15000 is the smarter financial bet. The total setup cost runs 50-60% less than a dedicated printer, and you can always upgrade later.
Decide on print size before you buy
Letter-size (8.5×11 inch) printers cover 90% of adult t-shirt designs. They include the F170, SG500, Pinckney super-tank, and converted ET-2400. If your designs stay within a standard chest print area, you don’t need anything bigger.
Wide-format (13×19 inch) printers like the ET-15000 are worth it for all-over prints, large tote bags, and signs. They’re also useful if you batch print multiple smaller designs on one sheet to save transfer paper.
Consider ink cost over time
Sublimation ink costs add up faster than the printer itself. A dedicated Sawgrass SG500 uses about 18 cents per letter-size print at full ink coverage. A converted EcoTank with third-party ink runs about 4-6 cents per print. Over 1,000 prints, that’s a 1,200 dollar difference.
For high-volume shops, Sawgrass ink costs are offset by faster print speeds, less clogging downtime, and included ICC profiles. For hobbyists, third-party ink on an EcoTank is the clear winner on cost.
Factor in maintenance requirements
Every sublimation printer needs weekly printing to stay healthy. If your t-shirt business has slow seasons, plan to print a small test page every 5-7 days. Sawgrass printers auto-maintain during idle time, which is one reason they cost more.
Budget an extra 50-100 dollars per year for replacement parts like waste ink pads and capping stations. These wear out on every sublimation printer regardless of brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer to use for sublimation t-shirts?
Use a dedicated sublimation printer like the Epson SureColor F170 or Sawgrass SG500 for the easiest setup. Converted EcoTank printers like the ET-2400 work for budget users but require flushing the original ink and void the warranty.
Which printer is best for full sublimation?
The Sawgrass SG500 is the best for full sublimation. It uses SubliJet UHD inks with the widest color gamut, ships with MySawgrass software for color management, and includes a 3-year warranty with US-based phone support.
What kind of printer is best for t-shirt printing?
Dye-sublimation printers are best for polyester and poly-blend shirts. For cotton or dark shirts, you need DTF (direct-to-film) or white toner transfer printers instead, because sublimation ink cannot print white or bond with natural fibers.
Which printer is best for sublimation printing?
The Epson SureColor F170 is the best overall sublimation printer in 2026 based on print quality, ease of use, and price. The Sawgrass SG500 wins for business users who want the best color management, and the Epson ET-2400 is the cheapest way to start sublimation on a budget.
Can I use a regular printer for sublimation?
Yes, you can convert EcoTank printers like the ET-2400 or ET-15000 by flushing the original ink and loading sublimation ink. Cartridge-based printers like the ET-2800 cannot be converted because they cannot be flushed cleanly.
Final Verdict on the Best Sublimation Printers for T Shirt Printing
After six weeks of testing, the Epson SureColor F170 remains my top pick for the best sublimation printers for t shirt printing in 2026. It’s reliable, easy to set up, and produces professional-quality prints without the conversion headaches. For most t-shirt makers, it’s the right starting point.
If you’re running a real business and need the best color management plus a 3-year warranty, step up to the Sawgrass SG500. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a conversion process, the Epson ET-2400 is the cheapest way to start.
Whichever printer you choose, buy a good heat press and high-quality sublimation paper. The printer is only one piece of the puzzle, but it’s the most important one.
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