The best sublimation printers of 2023

As it produces sharp, durable images on a range of materials, sublimation printing has grown in popularity over time. It is understandable why small companies, professional photographers, and artists use sublimation printers on a regular basis. Finding the ideal sublimation printer, however, may be a challenging undertaking given the abundance of alternatives available.

We’ll talk about the top sublimation printers right now in this article. To provide you the top-rated printers, we conducted the necessary testing, research, and model comparisons. We have everything you need, whether you’re searching for a low-cost alternative or a premium model with cutting-edge features.

Thus there’s no need to go further if you’re looking for a sublimation printer. With the help of our in-depth guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to choose the best sublimation printer for your requirements and make an informed selection.

• Beginners should use: Eco Tank ET-2720 by Epson
• Professionals should use: DNP DS620A
• Best wide format: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
• Best for T-shirts: Sawgrass SG500
• Most affordable: Canon Selphy CP1300

The best sublimation printers: Reviews & Recommendations

Beginners should use: Eco Tank ET-2720 by Epson

Finding the best printer might be difficult if you’re just getting started in the world of sublimation printing. You need a device that is inexpensive, simple to use, and produces high-quality printouts. The Epson Eco Tank ET-2720 fills that need. Because to its accessibility, ease of use, and superior print quality, this printer is a fantastic choice for beginners. We’ll explore the benefits of the Eco Tank ET-2720 for novices in the field of sublimation printing in this post. The Eco Tank ET-2720 from Epson is the ideal printer for you, so keep reading to find out why, whether you’re beginning a new hobby or a small company.

Specifications:

The following are the features of Epson’s Eco Tank ET-2720:

• PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology for Printing
• Maximum Print Resolution: optimised at 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Type of Ink: Dye Sublimation Ink
• Mechanism for delivering ink: four separate refillable ink tanks
• Printing Speed: Black and white 10.5 pages per minute, colour 5 pages per minute (color)
• 100 sheets of ordinary paper or 20 sheets of picture paper, maximum.
• Wi-Fi, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity
• Compatible operating systems include Windows and macOS
• 12 watts (when working), 4.3 watts (when ready), and 0.3 watts (sleep mode)

Advantages:

Advantages of using the Eco Tank ET-2720 by Epson for beginners in sublimation printing:

• Affordable: The Eco Tank ET-2720 is an accessible entry point into sublimation printing since it is a reasonably priced alternative for novices.
• User-friendly: Users will have no trouble setting up and using this printer thanks to the simple instructions provided.
• Prints of the highest calibre are produced by the Eco Tank ET-2720 despite its low cost, owing to PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology and its outstanding colour accuracy.
• Refillable ink tanks make the Eco Tank ET-2720 an environmentally beneficial solution that minimises waste and ultimately saves consumers money.

Disadvantages:

Disadvantages of using the Eco Tank ET-2720 by Epson for beginners in sublimation printing:

• Restricted Printing Speed: The Eco Tank ET-2720’s relatively moderate print rates—10.5 pages per minute for monochrome prints and 5 pages per minute for colour prints—might not be suited for consumers who want higher print speeds.
• Restricted Paper Handling Capacity: Users who need to print several copies of papers or photographs may find that the printer’s 100-sheet plain paper capacity and 20-sheet photo paper capacity are insufficient.
• Limited Compatibility: Although the Eco Tank ET-2720 is compatible with Windows and macOS, it might not be with other operating systems, which could be a disadvantage for consumers who use other platforms.
• Restricted Print Size: The Eco Tank ET-2720 can print up to 8.5 x 11 inches, which might not be enough for customers whose projects call for larger prints.

Professionals should use: DNP DS620A

Professionals that use sublimation printing want a printer that can produce high-quality prints rapidly and consistently. A professional-grade sublimation printer, the DNP DS620A is made to suit the demands of companies, photographers, and other professionals who want outstanding print quality and quick print times. In this post, we’ll look at the benefits of utilising the DNP DS620A for business sublimation printing.

Specifications:

The DNP DS620A sublimation printer has the following features:

• Thermal transfer and dye sublimation printing technologies
• 300 x 300 dpi or 300 x 600 dpi for printing (with High-Resolution mode)
• Print Dimensions: 2 x 6, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 6 x 8
• 8.3 seconds are needed for each print (4″ x 6″ size)
• Up to 400 sheets of 4″ x 6″ material can be input.
• Internet and USB 2.0 connectivity
• Compatible with Mac OS X 10.10, 10.11, and 10.12, Windows 7, 8, and 10 (32- and 64-bit).

Advantages:

The DNP DS620A sublimation printer has the following benefits when used for business purposes:

• High-Quality Prints: The DNP DS620A produces outstanding prints with vivid colours and fine details, making it the perfect choice for professionals that need to make high-quality prints for their projects or clients.
• Rapid Print Speeds: The DNP DS620A is one of the quickest sublimation printers on the market, printing a 4″ x 6″ page in only 8.3 seconds. This makes it the perfect option for professionals that need to swiftly and effectively create big numbers of prints.
• High Input Capacity: With to the DNP DS620A’s huge input capacity of up to 400 sheets of 4″ x 6″ media, professionals can focus more on their job and spend less time reloading the printer.
• Simple Maintenance: The DNP DS620A was created with simplicity in mind. The printer features a built-in self-cleaning system that maintains the print head clean and clear of obstructions. The printer also includes a front-loading design that makes it simple to replace the print ribbon and ink media without stopping the printing operation.

Disadvantages:

The following are possible drawbacks of utilising the DNP DS620A sublimation printer for business purposes:

• High Price: Compared to some other models on the market, the DNP DS620A is more expensive but is a professional-grade sublimation printer. Due to this, it might not be as affordable for smaller companies or freelancers with limited resources.
• Restricted Print Sizes: The DNP DS620A has several print sizes, including 2″ x 6″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, and 6″ x 8″, but it might not be the greatest option for professionals who need bigger print sizes for their projects.
• Restricted Connectivity: The DNP DS620A only provides Ethernet and USB 2.0 as connecting options. For some professionals who prefer to connect their printers wirelessly or through alternative interfaces, this may limit their flexibility and use.
• The DNP DS620A is a somewhat hefty and big printer, which might make it less portable or practical for professionals that constantly move their printers.

Best wide format: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a fantastic option to take into consideration if you’re searching for a sublimation printer that can handle bigger print sizes. It’s understandable why many people think it’s the greatest wide format sublimation printer available right now given its wide-format capabilities and high-quality print output.

Specifications:

The wide-format Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer has the following specifications:

• Printing technique combines inkjet printing with MicroPiezo AMC print heads.
• Maximum Print Resolution: optimised at 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Up to 9.2 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 9.0 ppm for colour may be printed.
• Paper Size: Borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″ are supported.
• 200 sheets of paper with a rear paper feed for specialty media are available.
• Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB connections are available.
• Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print are all supported for mobile printing.
• Six Claria Photo HD ink cartridges are utilised to improve colour accuracy and durability.

Advantages:

The top-of-the-line wide-format Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer has several benefits over other printers in its class. Three to four benefits of using this printer are as follows:

• High-Quality Prints: The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000’s capacity to generate high-quality prints is one of its biggest features. This printer produces brilliant, vibrant colours and fine detail using six different ink cartridges, including one each for red and grey. This printer is perfect for photographers, designers, and painters since it can generate images that are vivid and detailed with a maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
• Versatility: The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 has a variety of uses. Plain paper, picture paper, cardstock, and other materials in sizes up to 13 x 19 inches can all be used with this printer. It also has back feed for specialised media and automated duplex printing, making it simple to transition between various papers and print styles.
• Connection possibilities are great with the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000. You can print from many different devices, including your smartphone or tablet, because it has both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity. Moreover, the printer supports Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint, making it simple to print from your preferred programmes and websites.
• Lastly, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a cost-effective wide-format printer alternative for individuals in need of one. Although it could be more expensive than some competing models, its automated duplex printing and high-yield ink cartridges might assist save continuing expenditures. Also, individuals searching for a long-term printing solution will find it to be a trustworthy investment due to its strong construction and lengthy lifespan.

Disadvantages:

While being a great wide-format printer, the Epson Expression Picture HD XP-15000 may have a few drawbacks that you should be aware of:

• Huge Footprint: The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000’s size is its primary potential drawback. In addition to inherently occupying more space than a conventional printer due to its wide-format capabilities, the XP-15000 is also very big and hefty in comparison to certain other models. This implies that you’ll require a reliable and specific area to house it.
• Slow Printing Speeds: The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000’s somewhat poor printing rates are another possible drawback. Although it can create prints of good quality, it could take longer than certain other printers to do so. If you regularly need to print a lot of copies rapidly, this can be a problem.
• High-yield ink cartridges are used by the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, which may assist to lower continuing expenses, however new ink can still be very pricey. If you have a limited budget or regularly need to generate big quantities of prints, this can be a problem.
• Low Paper Capacity: The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 has a maximum input tray capacity of 200 sheets, which is a rather little amount of paper capacity. This can be a problem if you regularly need to print big numbers of prints since you might need to refill the tray.

Best for T-shirts: Sawgrass SG500

Popular dye-sublimation printers like the Sawgrass SG500 are frequently cited as among the finest choices for imprinting high-quality graphics on T-shirts and other clothing. This adaptable and user-friendly printer creates bright, durable graphics that are ideal for personalising T-shirts, caps, bags, and other textile goods using specialist dye-sublimation ink and transfer paper. In this post, we’ll examine the Sawgrass SG500 in more detail and go over some of its main characteristics, advantages, and possible disadvantages. The Sawgrass SG500 could be the ideal tool for your requirements, whether you’re a small company owner trying to diversify your product line or a hobbyist interested in designing unique apparel at home.

Specifications:

The Sawgrass SG500’s specs are as follows:

• Technique for printing: dye-sublimation
• Resolution for Printing: 4800 x 1200 dpi
• 8.5″ x 14″ maximum print size.
• Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Cartridge
• Cartridge for ink 29 ml (standard) or 42 ml in volume (extended)
• Availability of USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi
• OS Platforms Supported: Windows 7, 8, 10,
• at least Mac OS X 10.7
• Image formats supported include PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PDF, and PSD.
• The item is 15.5″ x 14.25″ x 8″ in size.
• 15.5 pounds in weight.

Advantages:

The Sawgrass SG500 has benefits, which are as follows:

• High-Quality Prints: The Sawgrass SG500 produces high-quality, long-lasting prints on a range of textile materials, including T-shirts, using dye-sublimation ink and transfer paper. The SG500 creates prints that are guaranteed to impress with a print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi and the capacity to reproduce vibrant colours and precise details.
• Versatility: The SG500 is made to handle a variety of textile goods, such as T-shirts, caps, bags, and more. Due to its adaptability, it is a fantastic option for hobbyists and small company owners who wish to print unique patterns on a range of items.
• Simple and intuitive interface, which makes it simple to set up and operate, are all part of the SG500’s user-friendly design. Moreover, it includes software that makes it simple to create and print patterns so that even novices can get started right away.
• Cost-Effective: The SG500 delivers cost savings over time thanks to the use of high-capacity ink cartridges and an effective printing process, despite having a greater starting cost than some other printers. Also, small company owners may avoid the price of purchasing large numbers of pre-printed T-shirts or other merchandise by producing unique designs on-demand.

Disadvantages:

The Sawgrass SG500 has Disadvantages, which are as follows:

• Small to medium-sized products, such as T-shirts, can only be printed on using the Sawgrass SG500 because to its limited print size. This might be a drawback if you’re searching for a printer that can handle a variety of products because it means you might not be able to print on bigger things like hoodies, sweatshirts, or bags.
• Cost: In comparison to other printers in its class, the Sawgrass SG500 is a costly device. Special sublimation inks and transfer sheets are needed, which might raise the price of printing as a whole. The printer’s greater upfront price compared to other entry-level models may also be a drawback for individuals on a limited budget.
• Maintenance: To keep the Sawgrass SG500 functioning effectively, it has to receive regular maintenance. This involves making sure the printer is calibrated properly, changing the ink cartridges, and cleaning the printer heads. For people who are unfamiliar with how a printer functions, this might be time-consuming and possibly need a certain amount of technical ability.
• Learning curve: The Sawgrass SG500 is a complicated piece of equipment, thus mastering its use may take some time. While printing, there are several settings and options to take into account, which might be confusing for novices. If you’re searching for a printer that is simple to operate and doesn’t need a lot of setup, this may be a drawback.

Most affordable: Canon Selphy CP1300

The Canon Selphy CP1300 is an inexpensive photo printer with a variety of functions and outstanding print quality for people on a budget. Your images will remain beautiful for years to come thanks to the dye-sublimation printing method used by this small, lightweight printer. Also, it is highly portable, making it the perfect option for anybody who enjoys travelling or needs to print images on the move.

You can also print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet using the printer’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which is an added convenience. The Canon Selphy CP1300 is a fantastic choice for anybody who wishes to print high-quality images at home, despite the expense of the consumables, which can be a drawback.

Specifications:

The following three details apply to the Canon Selphy CP1300:

• Print Speed: The Canon Selphy CP1300 can print a postcard-sized picture in around 47 seconds. For a portable photo printer, this is a very speedy printing speed, making it a great option for individuals who need to print images quickly.
• Print Size: The printer can produce prints in the following sizes: card size (2.1 x 3.4 inches), L size (3.5 x 4.7 inches), and postcard size (4 x 6 inches). Because of its adaptability, which enables you to print images in a range of sizes, it’s a great option for anyone who wish to print pictures for framing or scrapbooking.
• The following three details apply to the Canon Selphy CP1300:
• Print Speed: The Canon Selphy CP1300 can print a postcard-sized picture in around 47 seconds. For a portable photo printer, this is a very speedy printing speed, making it a great option for individuals who need to print images quickly.
• Print Size: The printer can produce prints in the following sizes: card size (2.1 x 3.4 inches), L size (3.5 x 4.7 inches), and postcard size (4 x 6 inches). Because of its adaptability, which enables you to print images in a range of sizes, it’s a great option for anyone who wish to print pictures for framing or scrapbooking.

Advantages:

Here are the Canon Selphy CP1300’s three benefits:

• Affordability: For individuals on a tight budget who want to print high-quality images at home, the Canon Selphy CP1300 is a great option. It is among the least expensive portable photo printers available, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wish to print images without going over budget.
• Being small and light, the Canon Selphy CP1300 is portable and simple to bring with you wherever you go. It’s a great choice for people who enjoy travelling or who want to print images while they’re on the road.
• Convenience: You can print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet using the printer’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which makes it exceptionally simple to use. A further degree of ease is provided by the LCD screen of the printer, which makes it simple to preview and modify images before printing.
• Print Quality: The Canon Selphy CP1300 provides great print quality while being reasonably priced. Your images will continue to look fantastic for years to come because to the printer’s usage of crisp, bright prints made possible by dye-sublimation technology.

Disadvantages:

These are the Canon Selphy CP1300’s three drawbacks:

• Limitations in Print Sizes: The Canon Selphy CP1300 has several limitations when compared to some other photo printers, despite its ability to print in a range of sizes. You’ll need to get a separate printer if you want to print bigger photographs.
• Cost of Consumables: Although the Canon Selphy CP1300 is reasonably priced initially, the price of consumables over time might increase. It can be costly to change the printer’s ink and specialty paper, especially if you use it regularly.
• Print Speed: Although the print speed of the Canon Selphy CP1300 is rather quick for a portable photo printer, it still takes about a minute to print a postcard-sized photo. If you only need to print a few pictures at a time, this might not be a problem, but if you need to print a lot of pictures rapidly, it might be annoying.
• Restricted Compatibility: Not all operating systems are compatible with the Canon Selphy CP1300. Although it functions with Windows 10, 8.1, 7, and Mac OS X versions 10.10 to 10.13, it could not function with more recent operating systems. If you upgrade your computer or mobile device and discover that your printer is no longer compatible, this might be an issue.

What to consider when buying the best sublimation printers

There are several things to think about when purchasing a sublimation printer. While selecting the best sublimation printer for your purposes, bear the following in mind:

• Print Quality: While purchasing a sublimation printer, print quality is one of the most crucial factors to take into account. In order to get clear, vivid prints with correct colours, look for a printer.
• Assess the size of the prints you will need to produce. While some sublimation printers can only handle tiny prints, others can accommodate bigger prints.
• Cost: The cost of sublimation printers can vary significantly, therefore it’s crucial to take your budget into account. Remember that the printer’s initial cost is only one thing to think about; you must also account for the cost of consumables like ink and paper.
• Usefulness: Choose a sublimation printer that is simple to set up and use. It should ideally be simple to connect to your computer or mobile device and have an intuitive user interface.
• Speed: Take into account your sublimation printer’s print speed if you intend to use it frequently. Your productivity can increase if your printer is speedier.
• Connectivity: Take into account your sublimation printer’s connecting possibilities. Wi-Fi connection is often included with printers, making it simple to print from a computer or mobile device.
• Seek for a sublimation printer that is made to last for a long time. In the long term, investing in a strong printer can save you money since you won’t need to replace it as regularly.

By considering these aspects, you can pick the finest sublimation printer for your needs and guarantee that you receive the best possible results from your prints.

Do you just need a printer that produces durable photos quickly?

Take into account your sublimation printer’s connecting possibilities. Wi-Fi connection is often included with printers, making it simple to print from a computer or mobile device.

• Seek for a sublimation printer that is made to last for a long time. In the long term, investing in a strong printer can save you money since you won’t need to replace it as regularly.
• By considering these aspects, you can pick the finest sublimation printer for your needs and guarantee that you receive the best possible results from your prints.
• Print Size: Take into account the dimensions of the photographs you plan to print. While some can handle greater sizes, other printers can only print tiny photographs.
• Remember that the price of the printer is only one aspect to take into account; you also need to account for the price of consumables like ink or toner and paper.
• Connectivity: Take into account the printer’s connectivity choices. Wi-Fi connection is often included with printers, making it simple to print from a computer or mobile device.
• Usefulness: Choose a printer that is simple to install and use. It should ideally be simple to connect to your computer or mobile device and have an intuitive user interface.
• Print Size: Take into account the dimensions of the photographs you plan to print. While some can handle greater sizes, other printers can only print tiny photographs.
• Remember that the price of the printer is only one aspect to take into account; you also need to account for the price of consumables like ink or toner and paper.
• Connectivity: Take into account the printer’s connectivity choices. Wi-Fi connection is often included with printers, making it simple to print from a computer or mobile device.

Usefulness: Choose a printer that is simple to install and use. It should ideally be simple to connect to your computer or mobile device and have an intuitive user interface.

What are you printing on?

It’s crucial to take into account the printing medium when selecting a printer. It’s critical to select a printer that is suitable with the materials you intend to use because different printers are made to handle various sorts of materials. For instance, if you intend to print on glossy picture paper, get a printer that can handle this kind of paper.

Similar to this, you should pick a printer that is made for sublimation or transfer printing if you intend to print on fabric or other materials. By taking into account the surface you’ll be printing on, you can select a printer that is built to handle the supplies you intend to use and make sure you receive the greatest results from your prints.

What other equipment and supplies will I need on hand? 

In order to get the most value out of your investment when purchasing a printer, it’s crucial to take into account the additional tools and materials you’ll need on hand. You will require sublimation ink, sublimation paper, and a heat press, for instance, if you decide to get a sublimation printer. You’ll need premium photo paper and ink cartridges if you’re buying a printer to print pictures. To assist you obtain the greatest results from your prints, you might also wish to spend money on a reliable picture editing application.

In order to get the most value out of your investment when purchasing a printer, it’s crucial to take into account the additional tools and materials you’ll need on hand. You will require sublimation ink, sublimation paper, and a heat press, for instance, if you decide to get a sublimation printer. You’ll need premium photo paper and ink cartridges if you’re buying a printer to print pictures. To assist you obtain the greatest results from your prints, you might also wish to spend money on a reliable picture editing application. For more information, check out readtrendy.com, a great resource for all things.