8 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 Dye-Sublimation Printer is designed to deliver high-quality prints, making it an excellent choice for t-shirt printing. It features Epson's PrecisionCore printhead technology, which ensures outstanding image clarity. With a resolution that supports high DPI, this printer is capable of producing vibrant and detailed designs. The printer comes with a full set of Epson sublimation ink known for its excellent color saturation and contrast, further enhancing print quality.

It supports multiple media sizes up to 8.5 inches in width, which is suitable for most t-shirt designs. The inclusion of a 150-sheet auto-feed tray and a dust-resistant closed tray system improves efficiency and maintains print cleanliness. One of the notable strengths is the high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop for easy refilling, reducing the frequency and mess associated with ink replacement, which is economical for users. Connectivity options are versatile, offering wireless, USB, and Ethernet connections, making it easy to integrate into various setups.

However, the printer has a relatively slow print speed of 1 page per minute for both monochrome and color prints, which may not be ideal for high-volume printing tasks. Additionally, the maximum print size is limited to 8.5 inches in width, which might be restrictive for larger designs. The setup process includes a user guide and a sublimation starter kit, making it user-friendly for beginners. It's important to note that once ink is loaded, the item cannot be returned, and ink leakage during transport can cause skin irritation. This product is well-suited for small businesses or hobbyists who prioritize print quality and are not in a rush to produce large quantities of t-shirts.