Products at a Glance
How we Picked the Best Sublimation Printer
Picking the best sublimation printer can be a daunting task as a result of the many options available on the market today for many people, especially first-time buyers looking for an entry-level model.
In selecting the best printers, there are 3 major factors we considered and this enabled us to get the best on the market. It’s worth bearing in mind that sublimation printers tend to be inkjet printers which have the capability to print sublimation ink onto special dye sub paper, the specific media you will need to transfer your designs.
Resolution
The printing resolution of a sublimation printer is very important. Sublimation printers with good resolution usually produce high-quality results.
Number of Ink Colors and Availability
Different printers use different base colors. Some use 4 ink colors, and some use 8 base colors. If you want to get high-resolution photographs, it is good to use an ink set that is designed for delivering top-quality photographic images for sublimation.
Note: you can read our more thorough guide on the best sublimation printers on Cranky Press Man, our dedicated website to sublimation printing.
Printing Speed
You need a printer that will offer great results in terms of printing speed. This is especially true if you are working on a time frame or have a heavy workload.
With the above pointers, we were able to come up with a list of the 5 best sublimation printers in 2024.
Product Reviews
- Provides a high resolution of 5760x1440 dpi
- Heat-free micro Piezo feature
- Multiple connectivity options; USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth
- Cartridge-free printing
- Simple and easy to operate
- Integrated scanner and copier
- WiFi connectivity tends to disconnect frequently
There’s a lot to love about the Epson ET 2750.
This is the ideal sublimation printer for beginners and small businesses. This is because of the great features it comes with. It offers great print quality and cartridge-free printing that can save the cost of purchasing ink by up to 90%. Furthermore, this printer has huge ink tanks and can be converted easily to an ordinary printer, making it a multi-functional device which also can scan and with ease. High-quality prints are a given, and you can print via a wired or wireless connection.
The printing capacity is unparalleled as it can print up to 4500 pages in mono and about 7500 colored pages, with seriously fast printing speeds. If you need to prioritize a high workload, or just print a lot of t-shirts for your friends, this is a great bet.
However, the wi-fi connectivity on this printer leaves a lot to be desired, meaning if you want to use a mobile device to print frequently, it might not be your best bet.
- Reliable WiFi Connectivity
- Simple and fast setup
- Multiple connectivity choices
- Excellent print quality
- Fast print times
- Uses only Sawgrass original inks
This is a great sublimation printer that offers great results, with a high durability on the prints produced. Furthermore, it is an adaptable and economical type of printer that can print images on t-shirts, mugs, and a variety of other items.
The Sawgrass SG500 printer is ideal for small and large businesses. This is because of the printer’s capacity to print material close to 51 inches long. This printer is capable of producing brilliant, fade-resistant, quality prints. Additionally the Sawgrass SG500 has a resolution of about 4800 x 1200 dpi, which means great quality prints.
However, the printer falls short in some respects. It runs on only Sawgrass original inks, which is annoying as they can be hard to get hold of sometimes.
- Cost-effective, zero ink cartridge waste
- Huge paper capacity
- Prints vibrant images and designs
- Up to 90% ink savings
- Automatic 2-sided printing
- It is not easy to use for slow and first-time users
The Epson ET 15000 is an all-rounder printer that can print up to 13×19-inch prints. It comes with refillable ink tanks and offers up to 6,000 colored page prints and 7,500 black page prints. If you are looking for the best sublimation printer that can print plenty of documents and graphics within the shortest time possible, then this is the ideal printer for you.
The Epson ET 15000 printer features a 2.7-inch color touchscreen display that allows you to print awesome graphics, images, and documents. With cartridge-free printing, this printer saves money for purchasing ink cartridges. Furthermore, this printer also offers strong WiFi and USB connectivity enabling you to print with ease.
- Portable
- Multiple connectivity options
- Easy to use and fast setup
- Print directly through an SD card
- Great image quality
- Small-size photo printouts
If you are looking for a portable sublimation printer that can fit in any part of the house or office, then this is the best sublimation printer for you.
The Canon Selphy CP1300 printer features several connectivity options including USB ports, WiFi, and an SD card slot. This enables you to connect the printer with ease to your computer or print directly from your SD card. You can also print directly from your smartphone when you download the Cannon Print app. The portable feature makes this printer ideal for people on the move and people who have limited space.
- Prints a wide range of materials
- Multiple uses as a scanner, fax, and printer
- Wireless printing
- User-friendly interface
- Reliable and quality printing
- Uses too much ink to produce high-quality results
- Frequently clogging of the print head
If you are looking for the best sublimation printer that not only offers great prints but also uses less electricity, then this is the printer for you.
The Epson WF 7710 printer features a large selection of sublimation inks, ideal for large prints and flexible paper handling capacity. It comes with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, enabling you to operate with ease. With its simple navigation and settings, you can use this printer with ease even if it is your first time.
PrecisionCore technology means it works seamlessly and provides great results. Additionally, it also has wireless printing and networking capabilities, allowing you to print from anywhere through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
What to consider
Cost
As well as the initial cost of the printer, consider the cartridge and maintenance expenses.
Print Quality
Assess the printer’s resolution and color accuracy. Look for printers with higher dpi (dots per inch) for better image detail and vibrant color reproduction.
Ink System
Sublimation printers use specialized sublimation inks that transfer to the substrate when heat is applied. Check if the printer uses individual color cartridges or a continuous ink supply system (CISS). CISS systems can be more cost-effective for high-volume printing.
Type of printer
There are dedicated sublimation printers designed specifically for sublimation printing, as well as hybrid printers that can handle both sublimation and traditional inkjet printing. Decide which type suits your needs – and budget.
Paper Handling
Check the printer’s paper handling capabilities, including the types and sizes of sublimation transfer papers it supports. Some printers may have specific requirements for paper thickness or coating. Work out which size paper you need for your sublimation printing before you choose a printer.
Our Verdict
Best Sublimation Printer in 2024 – our top picks for material and fabric printing
For our money, the best choice is the Epson ET 2750. It’s a great high quality printer specialized for sublimation printing. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a machine that will help you get started or a pro who needs super-high resolution prints, it’s a great bet.
Looking for something a bit more niche? Check out our guide to the best sticker printer.