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For most first-time buyers, the Epson SureColor F170 is the best-balanced dedicated sublimation printer. Choose the Brother SP1 if you want an app-led craft workflow, the Sawgrass SG500 if guided software and support matter most, and the Epson F570 if you already need larger prints. A converted EcoTank can cost less upfront, but it asks more of a beginner.
Budget for more than the printer: sublimation makes a transfer that must be pressed onto compatible polyester fabric or a polymer-coated blank. You also need sublimation paper, a heat press suited to your products, and supplies such as heat-resistant tape and protective paper. Standard sublimation does not print white ink and is generally not suitable for untreated cotton, dark garments, or ordinary uncoated objects. Epson’s overview of sublimation for makers explains the material limitations.
Quick comparison
Prices below are U.S. prices observed on August 16–18, 2026. They can change, and Sawgrass prices depend on bundle configuration. Printer prices are not the cost of a complete crafting or business setup.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Printer | Observed price | Ink system | Print-size context | Software and workflow | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | $399 MSRP | Bottles; genuine Epson sublimation ink | Compact desktop format | Mac/Windows print software; create designs in a separate graphics app if needed | Most beginners seeking a dedicated, balanced starter | Limited width for large apparel designs |
| Brother SP1 | $449.99 | Four CMYK cartridges; four 47-ml cartridges included | Craft-scale desktop use | Artspira app; computer printing is also supported | Mobile-first craft projects and small batches | Check replacement-cartridge costs and app fit |
| Sawgrass SG500 | $699.95 for one listed bundle; another bundle offer started at $649.95 | SubliJet UHD cartridges | Up to 8.5 × 14 inches standard; longer media with optional bypass tray | Windows/Mac drivers, print-management software and design tools | Buyers who value a guided ecosystem | Higher hardware and consumable costs |
| Epson SureColor F570 | Check current Epson listing | Purpose-built Epson sublimation system | Larger-format step-up from desktop models | Epson maker/small-business product range | Beginners with an immediate large-format or higher-volume need | Cost, footprint and capacity exceed most casual needs |
| Converted Epson EcoTank | Varies by printer, ink and supplies | Third-party sublimation ink in a converted printer | Depends on the specific model | More user-managed settings, profiles and troubleshooting | Experienced, risk-tolerant DIY buyers | Not a standardized or manufacturer-supported sublimation setup |
Each option still requires a heat press. The F170, SP1 and SG500 are purpose-built sublimation systems; the EcoTank route is a conversion project, not an equivalent ready-to-use product.
#1 Best Overall
- Confidence - Epson authorized partner. Original Epson Manufactured product delivered in Epson’s factory-sealed packaging with Epson documentation and Epson’s full manufacturer warranty.
- Genuine Epson Ink Included - Comes with a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks, certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for safe use on textiles, apparel, mugs, mousepads, and more.
- 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.
- 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.
- Compact Reliable Solution - Space-saving design with user-friendly setup for MacOS & Windows. Please note that connection to mobile devices is not supported with this printer. Includes ink bottles with auto-stop technology for clean, mess-free refills. Perfect for hobbyists, crafters, and small business owners.
What sublimation printing does—and does not do
You create or import artwork, print it onto sublimation transfer paper with sublimation ink, position that transfer against a compatible blank, then apply heat and pressure. The dye moves into polyester fibers or a suitable polymer coating, becoming part of that surface rather than sitting on top like a conventional sticker.
That works well for white or light polyester T-shirts and tote bags, plus blanks specifically made for sublimation: mugs, tumblers, coasters, mousepads, metal panels, phone cases, awards and photo gifts. The surface needs compatible polyester or polymer coating. Since ordinary desktop sublimation is CMYK and does not lay down white ink, a white or light base is usually necessary for colors to show as intended.
If your main goal is printing on untreated cotton or dark garments, sublimation is probably the wrong process. Look into alternatives such as direct-to-film (DTF) or printable heat-transfer vinyl instead. Do not buy a printer on the promise that it works on “any shirt.”
How to choose a beginner-friendly printer
Start with the largest product you actually plan to make
Print width is often more consequential than headline resolution. A compact desktop model can suit mugs, small gifts, mousepads and modest shirt graphics, but it may frustrate you if you want larger adult-shirt designs, all-over work or large panels. Choose the intended product first, then match both printer and press to it. Moving up to a large-format system only makes sense if you have the space, budget and production need.
The SG500 handles up to 8.5 × 14-inch media in its standard configuration; an optional bypass tray supports longer media. That is still a desktop machine, not a substitute for a large-format production printer. Check the current product specifications for any model you are considering, especially the F570, rather than relying on an old comparison chart.
Compare the whole ink and software workflow
Bottles and cartridges involve different trade-offs, not a universal winner. A bottle system may offer more ink volume per refill and let you see ink levels, but filling can be messier and you must follow the specified ink workflow. Cartridges can make replacement cleaner and integrate with a guided color-management system, but replacement costs may weigh more heavily on occasional users. Compare current replacement-ink prices and availability against how often you expect to print. There is no reliable cost-per-shirt figure without assumptions about image coverage, color mix, waste and print settings.
- Epson F170: Epson supplies print software for Mac and Windows, but artwork may be made in Canva, Photoshop, Affinity, CorelDRAW, Illustrator or another design program. Epson describes its bottle filling as auto-stop and recommends genuine Epson ink for optimal performance. See the F170 product page.
- Brother SP1: Brother centers its craft workflow on Artspira, with design features and more than 100 free sublimation designs according to Brother. It also documents printing from a computer through the normal print command. Check whether the app meets your design needs and whether its features suit your device, account and region. See Brother’s SP1 page and its Windows printing instructions.
- Sawgrass SG500: Sawgrass pairs the printer with drivers, print-management software and CreativeStudio/MySawgrass tools. That can reduce workflow guesswork, but review current software, account and installation requirements before buying. See Sawgrass’s SG500 details.
- Converted EcoTank: Ink, profile, paper settings and software behavior depend on the exact printer and third-party supplies. Expect to manage more of the setup yourself.
Consider your print frequency and maintenance tolerance
If you will print only occasionally, ask whether the machine may sit unused for weeks and what its manufacturer says about maintenance. Ink systems can need care; long idle periods, the wrong ink or ignored maintenance can contribute to missing colors or clogged nozzles. A low hardware price is less attractive if you are not willing to troubleshoot or risk wasted ink on cleaning cycles. Check the cleaning instructions and support availability before purchase.
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Make room in the budget for a working setup
A printer-only price is not a startup budget. Plan for:
- Printer, ink and replacement supplies
- Sublimation paper and test sheets
- A flat heat press for shirts, totes, mousepads or flat panels
- A mug press or suitable mug attachment for mugs; a tumbler press or compatible convection-oven workflow for tumblers
- Compatible blanks, heat-resistant tape and protective paper
- Design software if the tools you need are paid
- Shipping, tax, test blanks and transfers that do not work
Choose a press with a platen large enough for your biggest planned design. A printer without pressing equipment cannot complete the transfer. Epson notes that blanks and accessories are sold separately in its maker product information: Epson’s printer range for makers.
The five options
1. Epson SureColor F170: best overall for most beginners
Best for: First-time users who want a dedicated machine for a home studio, gifts, mugs, mousepads, awards and small apparel graphics.
Why beginners may like it: It is purpose-built for dye sublimation, so there is no ink conversion. Epson lists a U.S. MSRP of $399, a 150-sheet auto-feed tray, genuine Epson sublimation ink and Mac/Windows software. Its compact desktop format and bottle-based supply system make it a balanced entry point for people who want a dedicated printer without paying for the Sawgrass ecosystem.
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Rank #2
- 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.
- 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
- Versatile Wi-Fi and USB Connectivity: Easily print from Windows or macOS computers using Epson Print Layout or Epson Edge Print software. Compatible with the Epson iPrint app for sending designs directly from Android or iOS devices. Not compatible with direct email printing or camera connections
Limitations: Desktop width limits large designs. It is not a general-purpose office printer, and the printer alone does not include the press, blank inventory or a complete business setup. See Epson’s F170 specifications and current listing.
Who should skip it: Anyone whose planned designs will exceed its desktop format, or who wants an all-in-one press-and-printer purchase.
Bottom line: The safest default recommendation when you want a dedicated starter and do not have a specific reason to prioritize a mobile app, a more guided software ecosystem or large-format printing.
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2. Brother SP1: best for an app-led craft workflow
Best for: Mobile-first makers, casual gift projects, small batches and people already comfortable with Brother products.
Why beginners may like it: Brother’s U.S. page listed the SP1 at $449.99 and includes four 47-ml CMYK cartridges plus 10 sheets of sublimation paper. Artspira offers a mobile-centered design path and, according to Brother, more than 100 free sublimation designs. Brother also lists a two-year limited warranty with replacement service.
Ink and software: The cartridge setup is straightforward to replace, while Artspira can simplify getting started with designs. Computer printing is possible too; consult Brother’s Windows instructions if that is your intended route. Artspira may not replace a full desktop graphics application for users who need more advanced editing.
Limitations: Check cartridge replacement pricing and availability before committing, especially if you expect frequent printing. The starter paper quantity is small, and a press is not included. Verify current app compatibility and terms for your device and region. Details are on Brother’s SP1 page.
Who should skip it: High-volume buyers who have not priced replacement cartridges, and anyone who would rather create designs on a desktop or needs more production capacity.
Bottom line: A strong choice when the mobile app experience is the point—not necessarily the lowest-cost choice for steady production.
3. Sawgrass SG500: best for a guided software ecosystem
Best for: Buyers who put workflow guidance, print-management tools and a dedicated sublimation ecosystem ahead of the lowest purchase price.
Why beginners may like it: The SG500 is purpose-built, so conversion is not required. Sawgrass provides Windows and Mac drivers, print-management and design tools, and Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connectivity. It supports up to 8.5 × 14-inch media in standard use and up to 8.5 × 51 inches with the optional bypass tray. Sawgrass listed one SG500 Sublijet bundle at $699.95; a separate official bundle listing started at $649.95, so treat those as different offers, not one fixed price.
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Ink and software: It uses SubliJet UHD cartridges. A guided workflow can be valuable if color management and print settings feel intimidating, but cartridge prices can make ownership costly for very occasional users. Sawgrass states that SG500/SG1000 printers purchased on or after October 1, 2025, receive a three-year or 100,000-print warranty, whichever comes first; confirm eligibility and full terms for the specific seller, region and purchase.
Rank #3
- INNOVATIVE CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — No more dealing with tiny, expensive ink cartridges; With this wireless printer each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges²
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; Color printer lets you print up to 4,500 black and white pages and 7,200 color³
- PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the box⁴ (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations; This home printer keeps printing longer
- HIGH CAPACITY INK TANKS – Printer, scanner and copier utilizes Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles, making the refill process easy and worry-free
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — By using an Epson EcoTank printer you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills; Cartridge-free printer utilizes ink bottles for more convenience and less waste
Limitations: Higher initial and consumable costs than the F170 or SP1; it remains a desktop printer despite the bypass option. Check current software and installation requirements and bundle contents. See Sawgrass’s SG500 product page and its current product listings.
Who should skip it: Buyers whose main goal is minimum initial cost or who only plan a few projects a year and do not need its software ecosystem.
Bottom line: The premium convenience pick for a beginner who values a guided, purpose-built workflow enough to justify its price.
4. Epson SureColor F570: best if you already need larger output
Best for: A beginner with a concrete need for larger apparel graphics or more frequent production who would otherwise outgrow a desktop printer.
Why beginners may like it: Epson lists the F570 in its maker and small-business sublimation range. It is best understood as a larger-format step-up, not a direct price or size comparison with the F170, SP1 or SG500. If your product plans require larger output from day one, choosing the right format now may avoid buying a desktop printer that quickly becomes a bottleneck.
Limitations: Higher investment, larger footprint and a more demanding production setup make it excessive for many casual mug or small-shirt projects. The press, workspace and workflow must also suit the larger work. Current price, media dimensions and included supplies should be checked on Epson’s current maker product listing; they are not stated here as fixed figures.
Who should skip it: Hobbyists who mainly plan small gifts, mugs and occasional small graphics, or anyone without the space and budget for larger-format work.
Bottom line: A buy-larger-now choice only when the output size or planned volume is already clear.
5. Converted Epson EcoTank: lowest-cost DIY route, not the easiest beginner route
Best for: Experienced DIY buyers with a tight hardware budget who are prepared to research and manage conversion, third-party ink, profiles, settings and maintenance.
Why it attracts buyers: A compatible EcoTank can appear to offer a lower initial hardware cost than a purpose-built sublimation printer. But “converted EcoTank” describes a category, not one standardized printer-and-ink system. The exact printer model, ink, paper, profile, operating system and user process all affect the experience.
Limitations: An ordinary EcoTank is not automatically a manufacturer-supported sublimation printer. Do not assume that a conversion preserves the original warranty, or that you can later switch back to ordinary ink. A conversion can add color-profile work, settings decisions, support uncertainty, clogging risk and wasted transfers. A low printer price is not necessarily a low total cost once supplies and troubleshooting are included.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWho should skip it: A first-time buyer who wants predictable manufacturer support, prints infrequently, or is not comfortable diagnosing color and maintenance problems.
Rank #4
- 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
- Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
Bottom line: A qualified budget alternative for a risk-tolerant DIY user—not the default beginner recommendation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
- Want the most balanced dedicated starter? Epson SureColor F170.
- Want to design from your phone and make craft-scale projects? Brother SP1, after checking replacement-cartridge costs.
- Want a more guided print-management and design ecosystem? Sawgrass SG500, if its hardware and ink costs fit your plans.
- Need larger designs immediately? Investigate the Epson F570 and confirm its live specifications and price; do not buy a small desktop printer just because it is cheaper if you know it will not fit your product.
- Want the lowest initial hardware cost and accept DIY work? Consider a converted EcoTank only if you are comfortable with the trade-offs.
- Only plan a few projects a month—or less? Compare owning a printer, maintaining it and buying consumables with ordering ready-made sublimation transfers from a print service.
- Want to decorate cotton or dark garments? Look at another printing method rather than forcing sublimation onto an unsuitable fabric.
First-project setup checklist
- Choose the product and confirm its fabric is polyester or its hard surface has a coating specifically compatible with sublimation.
- Check the printer’s maximum usable media size against the full design, not just a sample image.
- Install only the compatible sublimation ink specified for that system. For a purpose-built printer, follow the manufacturer’s setup and support instructions.
- Create or import the design in your chosen graphics tool. Check whether it must be mirrored; many transfer workflows require mirroring, especially for text and logos. The control varies by app and driver, so verify your exact path.
- Use sublimation paper and the correct printable side, plus the printer and paper settings recommended for your workflow.
- Secure the transfer with heat-resistant tape and use protective paper as appropriate.
- Press with a suitable heat press, following the blank supplier’s instructions for temperature, time and pressure. Press type depends on the object: flat press for flat goods, mug press or attachment for mugs, and a compatible tumbler press or oven workflow for tumblers.
- Test on an inexpensive compatible blank before producing a sellable item. Adjust one variable at a time so you can identify the cause if the transfer is poor.
Common problems and what to check
Colors look dull or unlike the screen
Finished color depends on more than printer resolution: ink, paper, profile, blank coating, press heat, pressure and dwell time all matter. Check that the correct printer profile and paper setting are being used, and avoid having both the graphics application and printer driver apply conflicting color corrections. Screen brightness and calibration can also make an accurate transfer look different from its preview.
The image is weak or washed out
Confirm the blank is compatible and the coating is intact. Check the paper’s printable side, ink choice, paper setting, and the blank supplier’s recommended temperature, time and pressure. Damp paper or fabric, insufficient pressure or an unsuitable blank can also undermine a transfer.
Edges are blurred or doubled
This is often ghosting: the paper or blank moved during pressing. Secure the transfer with heat-resistant tape, avoid shifting it as the press opens, and handle the press and blank carefully. Protective paper can help keep the work area clean, but it will not correct movement during transfer.
A color is missing or the nozzle check is poor
Run a nozzle check and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning procedure before repeatedly printing transfers. Long idle periods, incompatible or contaminated ink, and neglected maintenance can contribute to missing colors or clogs. Repeated cleaning can consume ink, so use the documented steps rather than guessing.
FAQ
Can I print directly onto a mug or shirt?
These desktop systems typically print a transfer, not directly onto the finished item. You then use heat and pressure to transfer the image to a compatible polyester fabric or coated blank.
Can I use an ordinary inkjet printer for sublimation?
Not with ordinary ink. Sublimation requires sublimation ink and a compatible workflow. A converted printer may be possible as a DIY route, but it is not the same as buying a purpose-built sublimation machine and brings additional setup, support and maintenance uncertainty.
Do I need to mirror every design?
Many sublimation transfer workflows require mirrored artwork before printing, especially designs with text. Whether it happens in your design app or a printer setting depends on the software and driver, so check that workflow before printing.
Can a desktop sublimation printer make a full-size T-shirt design?
It depends on the design dimensions and the printer’s usable media size. Measure the intended graphic first. A compact desktop printer may suit a smaller chest design but be too narrow for a larger design or all-over work; investigate a larger-format system if that is your plan.
Is a converted EcoTank a good choice for someone who prints once a month?
Usually it is a poor fit if you want a low-maintenance, supported setup. Infrequent use can make maintenance more important, and a conversion adds troubleshooting. Compare the cost of ownership with ordering transfers as needed.
How much does a complete setup cost?
There is no single total: it depends on the printer, press, software, blanks, supplies, tax and shipping. Add the printer price to ink, paper, heat press, compatible blanks, tape, protective paper, design tools and test materials. The printer-only prices in the comparison table do not include all those items.
Do I need a separate mug press?
You need pressing equipment suited to the item. A flat press serves flat products; mugs generally need a mug press or compatible attachment, while tumblers require a compatible tumbler press or appropriate oven workflow. Follow the blank and equipment makers’ instructions.
Why does sublimation not work well on cotton or dark fabric?
Standard sublimation dye bonds with polyester or a compatible polymer coating and does not print a white layer to cover dark material. Untreated cotton and dark garments therefore are not the normal use case for a standard CMYK desktop sublimation printer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
