10 Best Sublimation Printer For T Shirts 2025 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 EcoTank ET-2850 is a versatile all-in-one printer that's particularly appealing for those looking to print designs for t-shirts using sublimation techniques. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free ink system, which allows users to save significantly on ink costs—up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges. With the ability to print thousands of pages before needing a refill, this model is cost-effective in the long run. The print quality is commendable as well, delivering sharp text and vibrant colors thanks to its Micro Piezo heat-free technology.

In terms of print size, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 can handle various paper sizes, making it suitable for t-shirt transfers, but it may be limited for larger designs. The maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI ensures that images are clear and detailed, which is crucial for high-quality shirt designs. Print speed is another consideration, with a maximum of 10.5 pages per minute for black and 5 ppm for color. While this is adequate for home or small business printing, it may not satisfy those with high-volume needs. Additionally, the printer includes modern connectivity options, like Wi-Fi and voice-activated printing, which can make the printing process more convenient. Its built-in scanner and copier features add extra value for users needing multifunctionality.

On the downside, the EcoTank ET-2850 is not specifically designed for sublimation printing, meaning its performance with sublimation inks could vary. Users will need to ensure they use genuine Epson inks for optimal results, as non-genuine options might lead to damage not covered by warranty. Furthermore, while the printer's build quality is solid, it may not be as durable as some higher-end models specifically designed for commercial t-shirt printing. The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a great choice for hobbyists or small businesses looking to create t-shirt designs, thanks to its cost savings and print quality. Just keep in mind the limitations regarding print size and the need for careful ink selection.

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.