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7 Best Sublimation Printer For T Shirts 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen, Large, White

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality (DPI)
The gloss prints on Epson ultra premium paper are simply the finest gloss prints I've ever seen.
Ink System
Ink tanks are huge and transparent, allowing you to see how much ink is left, and the ink lasts a long time without being expensive.
Print Speed
The printer creates incredible photos quickly, earning praise even from professional photographers.
Connectivity Options
The wireless printing function is excellent, enabling quick prints from your phone or tablet with just a few clicks.
Compatibility with Transfer Paper
This printer handles different materials like sticker paper, cardstock, and holographic paper with great accuracy and speed.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and Auto 2-Sided Printing - White, Medium

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is very sharp, with impressive color accuracy on photos.
Ink System
The ink-tanks are super easy to fill, and the ink lasts so long you might forget it’s even there.
Connectivity Options
The wireless setup was really quick and easy, thanks to the Epson Smart Panel app.
#3

Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)

The Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle is a versatile choice for those looking to create custom t-shirts. One of its standout features is the high print resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, which ensures detailed and vibrant designs. The printer supports various paper sizes, making it adaptable for different projects.

Additionally, the easy-fill ink system is user-friendly, which means you won't need syringes or worry about ink spills. The inclusion of a built-in scanner and copier adds functionality for everyday use, and its wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi allows for convenient printing from various devices. The ink system is particularly notable for its high capacity, reducing the need for frequent refills and enhancing the printer's efficiency for high volume tasks.

However, the print speed might be a concern for some users, as it prints at 10 monochrome pages per minute and 5 color pages per minute, which is relatively slow compared to other models. The maximum print size is limited to 8.5 x 11 inches, which might not be sufficient for larger t-shirt designs. Additionally, while the printer is highly compatible with different paper sizes, the maximum sheet capacity is 100, which may necessitate frequent paper refills during larger print jobs. The durability and build quality are solid, but the printer is somewhat heavy at 15.3 pounds, which might be an issue for portability.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality (DPI)
The sublimation prints come out great, making it an excellent choice for custom t-shirts.
Ink System
There was an issue with the black ink bottle leaking, but other colors did not cause any mess.
Durability and Build Quality
The printer works and prints beautifully once set up properly.

Buying Guide for the Best Sublimation Printer For T Shirts

Choosing the right sublimation printer for t-shirts can be a game-changer for your printing business or personal projects. Sublimation printing is a popular method for creating vibrant, long-lasting designs on fabric. To make the best choice, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a sublimation printer for t-shirts.
Print Quality (DPI)DPI stands for Dots Per Inch and it measures the resolution of the print. Higher DPI means more detailed and sharper images. For t-shirt printing, a DPI of 300 is generally sufficient for most designs, but if you are looking to print highly detailed images or photographs, you might want to go for a printer with a higher DPI, such as 600 or more. Consider what kind of designs you will be printing most often to determine the right DPI for you.
Print SizePrint size refers to the maximum dimensions that the printer can handle. If you plan to print large designs that cover most of the t-shirt, you will need a printer that supports larger print sizes, such as 13x19 inches or more. For smaller designs or logos, a standard 8.5x11 inch print size might be sufficient. Think about the typical size of your designs and choose a printer that can accommodate them.
Ink SystemThe ink system in a sublimation printer is crucial because it affects the color quality and longevity of the prints. Look for printers that use high-quality sublimation inks, which are specifically designed for fabric printing. Some printers come with refillable ink tanks, which can be more cost-effective in the long run, while others use cartridges. If you plan to do a lot of printing, a refillable system might be more convenient and economical.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly the printer can produce prints. If you are running a business and need to produce a large number of t-shirts in a short time, a faster printer will be beneficial. However, for personal use or small-scale projects, print speed might not be as critical. Consider your production needs and choose a printer that matches your required output speed.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can send your designs to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing, which can be very convenient if you have multiple devices or a shared workspace. USB connections are reliable and straightforward, while Ethernet is useful for networked environments. Think about your workspace setup and how you prefer to connect your devices to choose the right connectivity options.
Compatibility with Transfer PaperSublimation printing requires special transfer paper that holds the ink before it is transferred to the fabric. Ensure that the printer you choose is compatible with the type of transfer paper you plan to use. Some printers are designed to work with specific brands or types of paper, so check the manufacturer's recommendations. Using the right transfer paper is essential for achieving high-quality prints.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are important, especially if you plan to use the printer frequently. Look for printers made from robust materials that can withstand regular use. A well-built printer will have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. Consider reading reviews or seeking recommendations to find a reliable model that will serve you well over time.

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