A sublimation printer is a type of printer that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as fabric, plastic, or specially coated paper or substrates. The process involves turning solid dye into gas without going through a liquid phase a process called sublimation. This dye is infused into the material, resulting in vibrant, durable, and high-resolution prints. Sublimation printing is commonly used for customizing apparel, mugs, phone cases, and other promotional or decorative items, and it’s particularly effective on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated surfaces.
When choosing a sublimation printer, several factors should be considered. First, determine the size and type of projects you intend to produce desktop models are suitable for smaller tasks, while wide-format printers are ideal for large-scale printing. Second, evaluate the printer’s compatibility with sublimation inks and papers, as not all printers support this functionality. Also, consider print resolution and color accuracy, especially if your work involves detailed graphics or photography.
With so many sublimation printer models until 2025, narrowing down the right sublimation printer for your needs can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry after extensive research and hands-on experience, We have compiled this guide to help you cut through the noise and invest in a sublimation printer which may be suitable for you to choose for your future needs. You can also bookmark this page if you wish, so that you can easily return to it later.
Table of Contents
- Brother SP-1 – Best Overall Sublimation Printer
- Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best for Large Format Printing
- Sawgrass SG500 – Best for Professional-Grade Printing
- Epson SureColor F170 – Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer
- Canon SELPHY CP1500 – Best Budget Sublimation Printer
- Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – Best for Beginners
- Xinflying XF-1900 – Best for High-Volume Printing
- Canon PIXMA Pro-100 – Best for Photo Printing
- Mitsubishi CP-D70DW – Best for Event Photography
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 – Best Eco-Friendly Option
1. Brother SP-1 – Best Overall Sublimation Printer
The Brother SP-1 stands out as the top choice for 2025, offering industrial-grade performance in a compact design. Its built-in design tools and user-friendly software make it ideal for small businesses and power users seeking commercial-level results without the bulk of high-end industrial models.
Price: ±$399
Why is it recommended?
It strikes the perfect balance between professional print quality, ease of use, and cost-efficiency, making it the best all-around choice for serious sublimation users.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best for Large Format Printing
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format printer capable of producing vibrant prints up to 13” x 19”. Its refillable ink tanks offer significant savings over time, ideal for high-volume or oversized printing needs.
Price: ±$699
Why is it recommended?
Its ability to handle large media sizes makes it perfect for businesses producing banners, textile prints, and other large-format products.
3. Sawgrass SG500 – Best for Professional-Grade Printing
The Sawgrass SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer known for its exceptional print quality and streamlined user experience. With high-resolution output and smart ink management, it’s a favorite among professionals.
Price: ±$629
Why is it recommended?
It’s specifically designed for sublimation, offering unmatched print quality, vibrant colors, and reliability for small business use.
4. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact, reliable printer built exclusively for sublimation. It uses Epson’s specialized dye-sublimation inks and delivers accurate color reproduction.
Price: ±$449
Why is it recommended?
As a true dedicated sublimation printer, it ensures superior consistency and support, ideal for users who don’t want to convert a regular inkjet printer.
5. Canon SELPHY CP1500 – Best Budget Sublimation Printer
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a compact photo printer using thermal dye-sublimation technology. It’s ideal for casual printing at home or on the go.
Price: ±$139
Why is it recommended?
Despite its budget-friendly nature, it delivers surprisingly high-quality photo prints and is great for entry-level users looking for portability and convenience.
6. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – Best for Beginners
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 can be adapted for sublimation with third-party inks and offers reliable performance at a low price point. It’s a smart way to start sublimation printing without a large investment.
Price: ±$278
Why is it recommended?
Its affordability, combined with the ease of conversion, makes it the best choice for beginners experimenting with sublimation.
7. Xinflying XF-1900 – Best for High-Volume Printing
The Xinflying XF-1900 is a commercial-grade printer that offers fast, high-quality sublimation output. It’s ideal for print shops or businesses needing bulk production capabilities.
Price: ±$5000
Why is it recommended?
It’s designed for high-efficiency, continuous operation, making it perfect for businesses with high production demands.
8. Canon PIXMA Pro-100 – Best for Photo Printing
The Canon PIXMA Pro-100 features an 8-color dye-based ink system, providing smooth gradations and vivid photo prints. With wireless functionality, it combines quality and convenience.
Price: ±$649
Why is it recommended?
It excels in photo-quality output, making it the go-to choice for photographers who want to enter sublimation printing.
9. Mitsubishi CP-D70DW – Best for Event Photography
The Mitsubishi CP-D70DW offers rapid photo printing in a compact body. Its durability and speed make it a top choice for event professionals and mobile setups.
Price: ±$1400
Why is it recommended?
It produces professional prints quickly, perfect for high-paced environments like events and photo booths.
10. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 – Best Eco-Friendly Option
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 uses a cartridge-free ink system and includes enough ink for thousands of prints. It’s a more sustainable and economical choice for hobbyists and small businesses.
Price: ±$269
Why is it recommended?
It significantly reduces waste and operational costs, making it the top eco-friendly pick for environmentally conscious users.
Advice before buying sublimation printer
When considering the purchase of the best sublimation printer, it’s important to exercise caution and conduct thorough research. High-end models often come with advanced features and superior print quality, but they can also be significantly more expensive. Ensuring that the printer you choose aligns with your specific needs, such as print size, ink compatibility, and connectivity options, is crucial to avoid costly mistakes or underperformance. Reading reviews and comparing different models can help you identify potential pitfalls and make a well-informed decision.
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