10 Best Sublimation Printer For T Shirts 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one printer that excels in providing high-quality prints, which is crucial for sublimation printing on T-shirts. With a high print resolution and the use of Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, it ensures vibrant colors and sharp details, making it suitable for producing professional-grade T-shirt designs. The printer supports a wide range of media sizes, including up to 13 x 19 inches, which is beneficial for larger T-shirt designs. Its cartridge-free ink system with high-yield ink bottles not only reduces costs but also minimizes waste, offering an eco-friendly option for frequent printing needs.

The printer’s speed, with the ability to print a 4 x 6 photo in just 15 seconds, ensures efficiency for batch printing tasks. Additionally, the Epson Smart Panel app and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen provide ease of use, allowing you to control and monitor the printer from your mobile device. However, the printer's maximum print speed of 16 ppm for monochrome and 12 ppm for color might not be the fastest available, which could be a downside for high-volume production environments. The durability and build quality are reinforced by a 2-year limited warranty, but the initial investment might be higher compared to other models due to the advanced features and capabilities.

The printer’s extensive connectivity options, including wireless, Ethernet, and USB, enhance its versatility for various setups. While the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is an excellent choice for those looking to produce high-quality sublimation prints on T-shirts, it’s important to consider the balance between its advanced features and cost to determine if it fits your specific needs and budget.

The Epson SureColor F170 is a solid choice for those looking to start or grow a custom T-shirt printing business using dye-sublimation. Its high print resolution (up to 5760 x 1440 dpi) ensures sharp, vibrant images with excellent color saturation thanks to Epson's reliable dye-sublimation ink technology. This results in crisp, professional-looking transfers that stand out on fabric. The printer supports up to 8.5-inch wide media, which fits most standard T-shirt transfer paper sizes.

While the print speed is quite slow—about one page per minute for both color and monochrome—it is typical for dye-sub printers focused on quality rather than quantity. The use of high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop helps reduce ink wastage and keeps ongoing costs lower, which is a plus for small businesses. Versatility is another strong point, with the printer offering wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, making it easy to connect to various devices including laptops and tablets. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray inside a dust-resistant closed compartment means you won’t have to fuss much with paper handling, helping maintain print quality and reducing setup time.

Build-wise, the compact and sturdy design fits well in small workspaces. However, this printer only prints on one side and lacks duplexing, which is standard for sublimation printers but worth noting. Also, once the ink is loaded, the printer cannot be returned, so users should be confident in their purchase. This printer is best suited for hobbyists or small businesses prioritizing excellent print quality and color accuracy over speed. If you want to create durable, eye-catching T-shirt designs with minimal fuss, the Epson SureColor F170 offers a user-friendly and reliable sublimation printing experience.

The Brother Sublimation Printer SP1 is designed for those interested in custom t-shirt printing and DIY projects. It offers high print quality with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, ensuring your designs come out sharp and detailed. The printer uses a 4-color dye sublimation ink system (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) included in the bundle, so you get everything needed to start right away. It supports printing on fabric and glossy photo paper up to 8.5 x 11 inches, a standard size for most t-shirt transfers.

One standout feature is the free Artspira app, which makes creating and importing designs straightforward. The app provides access to over 100 ready-made sublimation images and offers an easy way to convert photos into artistic prints, which can be very helpful for users new to designing. The print speed is relatively slow, taking about 45 seconds per sheet with a maximum of 1 page per minute, making it best suited for small batches or hobbyists rather than high-volume production. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, though it lacks Ethernet or Bluetooth.

The build quality is solid enough for home or small workshop use, weighing around 10.4 kg, and it comes with a limited warranty for peace of mind. Note that a heat press (sold separately) is required to transfer prints onto t-shirts. This printer is ideal for beginners or hobbyists who want good print quality and easy design tools but may feel slow or limited for those aiming to produce many shirts quickly or seeking more advanced connectivity options.