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 Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle is a solid choice for hobbyists and small business owners who want to create vibrant, professional-looking designs on T-shirts and other items. It uses dye-sublimation technology with a full set of CMYK inks, allowing for good color quality, although its print resolution is modest at 300 dpi, which is sufficient for most craft and personalized projects but might not satisfy those needing ultra-fine detail. The printer supports standard sizes up to legal paper (8.5 x 14 inches), which covers common T-shirt transfer needs.

A standout feature is the comprehensive bundle, including 460 sublimation transfer sheets, 50 sublimation blanks, and various sizes of heat-resistant tape, plus useful design software and a large set of pre-made designs, making it beginner-friendly and convenient. Connectivity options are flexible with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, compatible with Windows, Mac, and mobile apps, which is helpful for easy integration with different devices.

The printer is compact and has a sturdy build, though it is single-function (print only) and has a relatively slow print speed of 10 pages per minute, which is typical for dye-sublimation but something to consider if volume is a priority. This bundle delivers a good balance of quality, ease of use, and accessories, making it ideal for creative users focused on custom apparel and small runs rather than high-volume commercial production.

The Sawgrass SG1000 is a solid choice for those looking to scale up their sublimation printing, especially for t-shirts and larger items. It prints up to 11”x17”, which is a noticeable step up from smaller models, allowing more flexibility in product sizes like apparel and banners. The print quality is excellent, with a high maximum resolution of 4800x1200 dpi, ensuring detailed and vibrant images thanks to the included SubliJet UHD inks that deliver sharp, long-lasting colors. One standout feature is its automatic maintenance system that helps prevent clogged nozzles, so you don’t have to worry about constant upkeep or babysitting the printer. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easier to integrate into a workspace without messy cables.

The printer comes with a user-friendly software package for color management and templates, which is helpful for beginners and professionals alike. On the downside, while the print speed is decent for color prints (up to 10 pages per minute), it’s not the fastest option if you need high volume output quickly. Its size and weight are moderate, so it requires a dedicated space in your work area. Additionally, it’s primarily designed for sublimation-compatible media like Sawgrass’s special transfer paper, so using it effectively depends on sticking to recommended supplies.

This printer is well suited for ambitious entrepreneurs or small businesses aiming to expand their sublimation product range with reliable print quality and manageable maintenance.