If you’re stepping into the vibrant and creative world of sublimation printing, welcome! It’s an exciting journey that allows you to personalize everything from mugs to t-shirts with dazzling, high-quality designs.
I’ve compiled this guide to the best sublimation printers for beginners in 2025. Below, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each printer to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Our Top Picks of The Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners in 2025
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free.Operating Temperature : 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 °C)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges (3)
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Epson’s Surecolor F170 Sublimation printer boasts the PrecisionCore printhead which offers Precision Droplet Control for the most outstanding image clarity on the market. Included in the printer bundle: full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, and AC power cable.
- 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘆𝗲-𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Epson ink is well-known for its consistent delivery of extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. Epson SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual ink cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Epson’s Surecolor F170 Sublimation printer boasts the PrecisionCore printhead which offers Precision Droplet Control for the most outstanding image clarity on the market. Included in the printer bundle: full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, AC power cable, sublimation starter blanks, thermal tape, 8.5″ x 11″ & 8.5″ x 14″ paper.
- 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘆𝗲-𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: In the world of sublimation printers, Epson ink is well-known for its consistent delivery of extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. Epson SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
- All-Inclusive Sublimation Printing Kit: This complete bundle includes everything you need to begin your sublimation printing journey. The kit comes with a premium sublimation printer, high-quality dye sublimation ink, and professional-grade sublimation paper, ready to use for transferring vibrant, full-color designs onto various substrates.
- Premium Sublimation Ink for Exceptional Results: Our sublimation ink ensures brilliant, true-to-life color reproduction with every print. The ink has been specifically designed to work seamlessly with the printer, producing rich, vibrant colors and superior transfer quality on fabrics, ceramics, metals, and more.
- High-Quality Sublimation Paper for Crisp Transfers: The included sublimation paper is specially formulated to hold ink evenly for accurate and crisp transfers. With a high absorption capacity, it ensures smooth and sharp printouts that won’t smudge or fade, even after washing.
- PRINTERWORLD Sublimate Conversion Printer NEW . Wireless Super-Tank AIl-in-One Printer with Scanner and Copier. High-capacity ink tanks mean no more ink cartridges. Sublimation Ink Contents: Black 70mL; Magenta 70mL; Cyan 70mL; Yellow 70mL. Ink may be shipped in a separate package based on logistic optimizations. Easy to Fill: the auto-fill nozzle fits the printer ink inlet perfectly and allows easily ink fill. No syringe needed, no squeezing, no ink leakage.
- Wireless Super-Tank AIl-in-One Printer with Scanner and Copier. High-capacity ink tanks mean no more ink cartridges.
- Sublimation Ink Contents: Black 127mL; Magenta 85mL; Cyan 85mL; Yellow 85mL. Ink may be shipped in a separate package based on logistic optimizations.
- Easy to Fill: the auto-fill nozzle fits the printer ink inlet perfectly and allows easily ink fill. No syringe needed, no squeezing, no ink leakage.
- No fracturing, Fast dry
- Transfer rate≥98%
- Apply for white or light colored high quality polyester, material with cotton content≤30%, premium ceramic&tile, phone case&metal plate, tumblers, mugs(must be coated)
- Print dynamic photos, worksheets, brochures and informational flyers from anywhere with this all-in-one photo printer from Epson. At print speeds up to 16 pages per minute, you can quickly tackle large jobs. This ink tank printer is cartridge-free, using ink bottles to create highly visible colors and images.
- Wireless (802.11b/g/n/a/ac) connectivity allows you to print from virtually anywhere. Also supports Ethernet and USB connections.
- Utilize Epson Connect Solutions to use e-mail print, remote print or Scan to Cloud functions from your mobile device.
- 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝘆𝗲-𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: ink is well-known for its consistent delivery of extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻: Our high-capacity sublimation ink bottles with auto-stop for easy, mess-free filling provide an economic solution to costly sublimation consumables. Be sure to get every drop of your sublimation ink which saves you money and gives you an edge in your sublimation business
The Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners: pros and cons
1. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is often the go-to sublimation printer for beginners, and for good reason. It’s user-friendly and specifically designed for sublimation, meaning you won’t need to make any modifications to get started. With its compact size, excellent color accuracy, and robust customer support, this printer is ideal for personalizing mugs, coasters, or small fabric items.
Pros:
Preconfigured for sublimation, no messy conversions. Excellent customer support and dedicated resources for beginners. Prints with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Cons:
Limited to smaller designs due to its 8.5″ x 14″ maximum print size. Higher upfront cost compared to converted printers. Requires Sawgrass proprietary inks, which can be more expensive.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2850
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a reliable alternative for those looking to start sublimation without spending too much. Although it isn’t designed specifically for sublimation, it can easily be converted by using sublimation ink. Its EcoTank system ensures you get the most out of your ink, making it an economical choice for beginners.
Pros:
Budget-friendly and easy to convert for sublimation. Low running costs due to the refillable EcoTank system. Compact size fits well in small workspaces.
Cons:
Lacks the built-in support and resources Sawgrass offers. Color vibrancy can be slightly less accurate without extensive tweaking. Conversion process might intimidate complete beginners.
The Best Sublimation Printer for t-shirts
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile sublimation printer capable of handling larger projects. Its ability to print up to 13″ x 19″ makes it perfect for producing designs for t-shirts or larger garments.
Pros:
Wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″. Economical ink refilling with the EcoTank system. Reliable and versatile for various sublimation projects.
Cons:
Slightly higher price point. Requires conversion for sublimation use. Slower print speeds compared to higher-end models.
4. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 builds on the success of the SG500, offering a larger print area (up to 11″ x 17″) without sacrificing ease of use. This model is designed for users who want to level up their sublimation game.
Pros:
Plug-and-play sublimation functionality. Excellent color consistency and support for large designs. High-quality software for customizing designs.
Cons:
Premium price compared to converted models. Proprietary ink adds to ongoing costs. Less suitable for extremely large prints beyond its size capacity.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is another wide-format option that balances affordability with performance. It’s versatile enough for various sublimation projects, including t-shirts, canvas bags, and more.
Pros:
Produces vivid, detailed prints. Wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″. Lower ink costs with the EcoTank system.
Cons:
Requires initial conversion to sublimation ink. Slower output speed for large batch printing. Some trial and error needed to optimize color profiles.
6. Epson F570
The Epson F570 is a professional-grade sublimation printer and an excellent choice for those ready to invest in high-quality results. It’s specifically designed for sublimation, so there’s no need for conversions.
Pros:
Preloaded for sublimation with professional-grade ink. Can handle a variety of sublimation surfaces and sizes. Exceptional print speed and color accuracy.
Cons:
Expensive compared to other options. Larger footprint, requiring more space. Overkill for beginners who don’t plan on scaling up quickly.
The Best Sublimation Printer for Cricut
7. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 / 2803
If you’re using a Cricut for crafting projects, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 (or its near-identical twin, the ET-2803) is a budget-friendly, reliable option for beginners. Its compact size and refillable ink system make it perfect for smaller projects.
Pros:
Affordable and beginner-friendly. Compact size perfect for tight workspaces. Easy to convert for sublimation.
Cons:
Limited print size restricts larger projects. Color quality may require tweaking. Slower output compared to higher-tier models.
8. Epson EcoTank ET-4800
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 takes everything great about the ET-2800 but adds extra features, such as an automatic document feeder, making it ideal for multi-tasking crafters.
Pros:
Includes additional features like faxing and scanning. Affordable and efficient ink system. Easy to find in stores and online.
Cons:
Small print size limits versatility. Not preconfigured for sublimation. Slightly higher price point than the ET-2800.
Honorable Mention
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer
This compact sublimation printer delivers excellent results for small-scale projects.
Epson SureColor F570 Pro Sublimation Printer
A professional option with advanced features for bulk printing.
Sawgrass SG500
Reliable and beginner-friendly with dedicated sublimation support.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Affordable and beginner-friendly for Cricut and small projects.
What Can You Make With a Sublimation Printer?
Sublimation printers open up endless possibilities for creative projects. You can create custom mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, keychains, tote bags, and even personalized home décor. It’s an incredible tool for entrepreneurs or hobbyists looking to add a personal touch to their work.
Learn Sublimation With More In-Depth Guides and Tutorials
If you’re just starting, there are countless tutorials and communities online to help you learn the craft. I recommend exploring YouTube channels, forums, and workshops to refine your skills and learn advanced techniques.
Find the Right Printer For You
Choosing the best sublimation printer comes down to understanding your specific needs, budget, and the types of projects you plan to create. Whether you’re crafting for fun or planning to build a business, there’s a printer here that can help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best printer to turn into sublimation?
The Epson EcoTank series (ET-2800, ET-2850, and ET-15000) are popular choices for conversion due to their refillable ink tanks and affordability.
What kind of printer do you need to sublimate?
You’ll need an inkjet printer capable of using sublimation ink. Some printers, like the Sawgrass series, are specifically designed for sublimation, while others require conversion.
Ready to dive into sublimation? Let me know which printer you’re considering!
