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ToggleSo you are looking for the best sublimation printer for shirts that doesn’t compromise on quality or break the bank? Our concise reviews dive into top performers in the field, guiding you to a smart choice whether you print in a closet-sized studio or a bustling shop. Discover the printers that excel in ease, efficiency, and consistency in delivering vibrant shirt designs, all while keeping an eye on your bottom line.
Quick Overview of the Best Sublimation Printers for Shirts
In a world full of sublimation printers, let’s take a quick glance at the crème de la crème. I began by providing a summary of my best picks in the table above. In my opinion, the best sublimation printer for shirts is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, which can be found here. Read on for more details! Its now time to take a deep dive into each of the top picks!
But first things first. You might wonder – why should you trust my review? Well, I run a website with over 150 blog posts all about sublimation printing. I only recommend products that have been thoroughly researched, and I share detailed reviews based on testing performed to guarantee top-notch quality and satisfaction.
In-depth Review: Sawgrass SG500 – Best for Premium Quality

No discussion on best sublimation printers for shirts can be complete without the Sawgrass SG500. You can view the item here.
With the purchase, you get an entire bundle of items, including ink, paper and other relevant supplies.
Let’s start our discussion of the printer by detailing a test that was conducted on a shirt. Upon unboxing the printer, it included a safety manual that I strongly recommend reading. The package also comes with ink—note that not every ink is compatible with the Sawgrass printer, so ensure you have the correct one. Additionally, you’ll find an installation guide, power cord, and USB port in the box. Sawgrass offers installation support, which you can access at sawgrassink.com/install.
Once the printer was set up, with ink installed and paper loaded, the design was printed onto sublimation paper. The colors on the paper were vibrant and impressive, and the printing speed was quite fast.
The next step in the testing involved pressing the design onto a polyester substrate (rag) at 400 degrees for 60 seconds, resulting in excellent quality. The second test was pressing the design onto a polyester shirt (using butcher paper) at 365 degrees for 65 seconds. The results were outstanding, with no bleed-through, and the colors on the shirt were vibrant and stunning.
Sawgrass is a respected name in the sublimation world, and their sawgrass sublimation printers, like the SG500, are a testament to their expertise. Now that I have highlighted two tests performed, I want to outline some of the benefits of the printer. First, the Sawgrass SG500 comes with its own built-in design software (Creative Studio), making it user-friendly right out of the box. Secondly, it produces stunning, near professional-grade results—I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the designs. Additionally, the SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer, eliminating the need for conversion and avoiding the associated risks and problems. Finally, its impressive speed makes it ideal for high-volume projects, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
However, the SG500 is not without its drawbacks, and for an honest and complete review, it is pertinent to highlight them. Firstly, the price-tag is quite high for those on a budget. To add to this, you might be faced with potentially expensive ink replacements once the ink runs out, which you should keep in mind when accounting for the costs of your project. Nevertheless, for those with the budget, the Sawgrass SG500 is a fantastic sublimation printer for those with a budget.
How does the SG500 stack up against its competitors when considering the best sublimation printer for shirts? In my experience, the SG500 outpaces the Brother SP-1 and Epson EcoTank printers in terms of speed. The print quality is outstanding, often surpassing what you might achieve with a converted Epson printer for sublimation. Additionally, with the SG500 being a dedicated sublimation printer, you can avoid the risks and issues related to ink compatibility and quality that often arise with converted Epson models.
An important note: The Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 both have three different types of inks available. The SubliJet UHD is the most versatile, and is designed to work on blanks with polymer coatings and soft substrates (such as fabrics with high polyester content). You can view the black cartridge here., the Cyan cartridge here, and the yellow cartridge here. Complete package can be found here.
The EasySubli Ink is for use on Siser EasySubli Vinyl, and can also be used on polymer coated blank if used along with sublimation paper. If used along with EasySubli Vinyl, you can achieve excellent results on cotton and dark colors. You can view the ink here.
The ChromaBlast ink on the other hand is formulated to be used with ChromaBlast paper for pressing on cotton fabric (lights, brights and whites).
So, you might wonder – is the SG500 the right choice for sublimation printer for shirts? If you’re just beginning with sublimation printing, don’t have high volume needs, and are on a tight budget, this high-end printer might not be the ideal option. However, if you’re a crafter with the budget, seeking speed and stunning, high-quality results, and wanting to avoid the hassle of conversion, the SG500 is definitely a fantastic choice. It’s one of the best genuine sublimation printers for shirts available.
Now its time for my quantitative analysis based on key factors:
- Affordability: 3.5/5
- Quality stunning prints: 4.8/5:
- Wide format capabilities: 3.5/5
- Speed of Printing: 4.7/5
In-depth Review: Epson EcoTank Series – Best for Beginners

Now let us talk about the Epson EcoTank Series. You can find the various models of the Series available below:
In terms of whether these models is a good pick for sublimation on t-shirts, let us begin by a test performed on one of this models (the ET 2800). In terms of which model is better from the above – I honestly cannot recommend one over the other, as each converted printer runs the risk of issues related to conversion.
It is advisable to begin your sublimation journey with a brand new printer. Although converting an existing printer is an option, the process of removing and installing new ink can be complex. For this test, Hiipoo sublimation ink was used with sublimation paper on 100% polyester shirts, and the results were impressive.
It is now time to explore the benefits of these models for printing on shirts. An Epson printer is a great option for those who are on a budget. The affordable price makes them a good option for those starting out, and the ink costs for these models is affordable.
When we consider the drawbacks, you will lose the manufacture warranty on conversion, which can complicate maintenance related issues. Results are not as vibrant as those from dedicated sublimation printers such as the SawGrass models.
How does the Epson EcoTank series compare against its competitors for printing on shirts? The primary advantage of the series compared to the Brother SP-1 and SG500 is its lower price point for both the printer and the ink. The EcoTank series, unlike the dedicated sublimation printers, does not have automatic maintenance features.
The Epson EcoTank Series is a recommended option for sublimation printers for shirts for those who are on a budget and willing to go through the conversion process. While you will likely not achieve the same results as with a high-end printer, you have a good chance of achieving great results you are looking for. But before we end, a word of caution: do make sure to print weekly at all costs to avoid the risk of clogs.
Note: If you are looking for a wide format printer for larger prints, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a great option (although a more expensive one). It can be found here. Read a more detailed and in-depth review of the ET 15000 here.
Now its time for my quantitative assessment against key factors:
- Cost effective: 5/5
- Quality of prints: 4/5
- Ease of use: 4/5
In-depth Review: Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – The Best of Both Worlds

The next item here on my list for sublimation printers for shirts is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation printer, which you can find here.
The Brother Sublimation Printer is a sublimation printing model introduced by Brother with unique features. Below, I start by highlighting testing of the Brother printer model on a shirt.
The printer was unboxed, inspected for packaging and tape, and then the installation process was completed. One feature I really like about the Brother SP-1 is the Artspira app, which works well on mobile devices and tablets. However, for computers, it might not be compatible, so you will need other design software. The app allows you to edit and resize designs and upload your own creations. The printing test was conducted using both the app and a PNG file from a computer, and the results were comparable. The test was performed on a white polyester shirt, and after pressing, the colors were stunning and vibrant. In both cases, the results were excellent. However, on a PC or MAC, you might need to adjust the settings to achieve optimal results. The next two tests on polyester also yielded pretty amazing results. Learn more about the Artspira app here.
Now, let’s highlight some of the benefits of the Brother SP-1. It is an excellent dedicated sublimation printer for its price point, avoiding issues related to conversion while offering relatively affordable printer and ink costs. The printer is extremely easy to set up, and I really appreciate the beautiful results it produces on polyester shirts.
In terms of drawbacks, the printer is on the slower side and not ideal for high-volume projects. The app can be challenging to use and might not work on a PC or MAC.
It is essential to compare with other competitors for a more complete review. When compared to the EcoTank series, the SP-1 has automatic maintenance cycles, which avoids clogging issues. It doesn’t need to be converted to sublimation unlike EcoTank printers, which avoids complications such as color issues. It is slower than the SG500 and SG1000, however, comes at a much more affordable price, while producing stunning results at the same time. It has a smaller maximum print size than the SG1000.
So now I must answer the question – should you buy the Brother SP-1 for sublimation printing on shirts? If you are looking for a relatively affordable genuine sublimation printer, and do not have large format needs or high volume requirements (max print size is 8.5 x 14) and are looking for amazing results, I strongly recommend this model! However, if you are on a tighter budget and are willing to convert an Epson EcoTank or have high volume or wide format needs and require a premium printer, you might want to check out the other options in this article.
As always, I discuss my quantitative assessment based on essential factors:
- Quality of results: 4.8/5
- Ease of Use: 4.7/5
- Cost-effective: 4.7/5
- Speed: 3.5/5
In-depth Review: Epson SureColor F170 – Your Dedicated Sublimation Printer

As we move into 2025, the Epson SureColor F170 emerges as a more readily available choice for sublimation printing enthusiasts. This model can be purchased here.
Designed specifically for sublimation printing, the Epson SureColor F170 eliminates the need for any modifications, which is an advantage over some of the other printers discussed in this article.
I recently witnessed a demonstration test of the F170, which includes the printer, a power cable, four bottles of sublimation ink, and a user manual in its package. It’s important not to open the ink bottles until you’re ready to use them and to ensure all packing materials are removed before setup. The printer supports direct printing from various applications and excels with its preset ICC profiles. During the test, using sublimation blanks that were polyester-coated, the outcomes on items like shirts, tumblers, mugs, and coasters were outstanding. Key preparation steps included cleaning these blanks, pre-pressing the fabric for 10–15 seconds, and applying heat-resistant tape and butcher paper. The color intensity post-press was significantly enhanced compared to before. Epson recommends using its proprietary inks and sublimation paper to achieve the best results and to maintain the warranty, although there is a less expensive alternative for the T49M sublimation ink available here, which users confirm is effective.
Let’s consider the benefits and drawbacks to determine if the F170 is the right printer for your needs. It offers a seamless setup experience since it doesn’t require conversion, making it an easy choice for sublimation tasks.
On the downside, the F170 might not be the best fit for budget-conscious buyers and has a lower resolution than some competitors like the Brother SP-1 and Sawgrass SG500. It is more expensive compared to many EcoTank small formal options and the Brother SP-1.
Comparing it to other specialized printers, the SureColor F170 is more expensive than the SP-1 but cheaper than the SG500. It has the lowest resolution among them but still produces high-quality prints. It also bypasses the complications associated with converting Epson EcoTank models discussed in this article.
Overall, the Epson SureColor F170 is a prime choice for those seeking a printer tailored for sublimation printing, as long as you do not require large-format printing or higher resolution capabilities.
Quantitative Analysis:
- Affordability: 3.7/5
- Quality of Results: 4.6/5
- Wide-Format Support: 0/5
My Overall Conclusion: The Crème de la Crème
So I’m sure some of you are wondering – which is the best choice from the above printers and why? As always, you need to take into account a number of factors, such as your specific needs. If you need a large or wide format printer, go for the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 or the more expensive Sawgrass SG1000. For those of you on a budget, you can consider one of the following models: Epson EcoTank ET-2800, Epson EcoTank ET-4800, Epson EcoTank ET-2400 or Epson EcoTank ET-2850. If you have smaller format needs but are looking for a high-speed premium printer for shirts, I recommend the Sawgrass SG 500 found here, for those of you who have the budget. If you are looking for a dedicated printer for sublimation and are good with a lower resolution, the Epson SureColor F170 found here is a great option. Overall, in my opinion the Brother Sublimation Printer found here, which combines the best of both worlds – it boasts a lower printer and ink price, while producing stunning results without the hassles of conversion.
Choosing the Right Sublimation Printer for Your Needs

Choosing the right sublimation printer for your needs is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your choice will depend on a variety of factors. Firstly, you need to consider the type of printer. There are two main types of printers for sublimation: printers specifically made for sublimation and printers that need to be converted for sublimation use.
Another crucial factor is the print size capability. If your projects involve large-format printing, you’ll need a printer that can accommodate this. The physical dimensions of the printer are also worth considering, especially if you have limited workspace.
Maintenance is another key point of consideration. Printers with functions like auto-clean can help reduce the likelihood of clogged print heads, ensuring consistent quality and reducing the need for frequent manual maintenance.
Lastly, the total cost of ownership should be kept in mind. This includes long-term running costs such as the price of replacement ink cartridges and any additional equipment necessary for printing. If you want to learn more about the actual process of sublimation on sweatshirts, we got you covered!
Understanding Sublimation Ink and Paper Requirements

High-quality sublimation inks and papers are crucial for achieving detailed and vibrant sublimation print on t-shirts. When using third party sublimation ink, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your printer for the best results.
Selecting the right sublimation transfer paper is just as important as choosing high-quality ink for printing. The paper affects the transfer quality and vibrancy of the final printed t-shirt. Brands like A-Sub are recognized for their quality. However, papers without clear indications of the front and back sides can lead to mistakes during the printing process.
Decoding Printer Specifications: What Really Matters?
When choosing a sublimation printer, certain specifications really matter. One of these is color accuracy. The accuracy of colors and dynamic range is crucial for producing professional-grade sublimated t-shirts, as color profiles and color management are essential for precise color reproduction. However, the color accuracy of some printers may not meet the standards required by professionals, particularly when printing colors like greens and blues.
Print resolution is another crucial specification, influencing the clarity and detail of printed images. While higher resolution results in greater sharpness and detail, resolutions beyond 300 DPI may not be discernible to the human eye and could be considered excessive for certain printing needs.
Other important specifications to consider when choosing the right sublimation printer include:
- Print head technology
- Ink system
- RIP software
- Substrate compatibility
These factors greatly affect the print quality and functionality of the printer, and should be considered carefully.
Summary
To wrap up, choosing the right sublimation printer for tshirts involves considering a variety of factors, from printer type and print size capability to physical dimensions, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. The quality of sublimation inks and papers, as well as understanding printer specifications, are also crucial elements in the decision-making process.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all printer. The best sublimation printer for tshirts for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and workspace. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer is best for sublimation t shirts?
For the best sublimation printer for T-shirts, consider the Brother SP-1 as the best overall, the Sawgrass SG1000 for large-scale prints, or the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, which also offers wide format printing.
What is the best machine for sublimation printing?
The best machine for sublimation printing is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, while the Epson SureColor F170 is also a great choice. . Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
What brand of shirt is best for sublimation?
For sublimation, high polyester content shirts are best for sublimation. Brands such as Gildan and Jerzee offer such shirts suited for sublimation.
What is the importance of color accuracy in a sublimation printer?
Color accuracy is important in a sublimation printer because it ensures professional-grade results, especially when printing t-shirts. Accurate colors and dynamic range are crucial for precise color reproduction.
What should I look for in sublimation inks and papers?
Look for high-quality sublimation inks and papers, which are essential for achieving detailed and vibrant prints on t-shirts. The paper greatly influences the transfer quality and vibrancy of the final printed t-shirt.