Choosing the best sublimation printer for T-shirts means balancing print quality, operating costs, workspace, and the equipment needed to transfer designs onto polyester apparel. The options in this roundup range from compact standalone printers to complete bundles with ink, transfer paper, blanks, and heat presses.
Use the guide below to match your production goals and budget with the right setup. Whether you are testing a small apparel business or expanding an established workflow, the best choice depends on more than printer size alone.
Best 10 Sublimation Printer for T Shirts Picks for 2026
Best Compact Epson Pick
- PrecisionCore printhead for detailed images
- Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink
- 150-sheet enclosed auto-feed tray
Best For: Small customization businesses and compact workspaces
Best for Growing Shops
- Prints up to 8.5 by 14 inches
- Bypass tray supports prints up to 51 inches
- Includes SubliJet UHD CMYK ink
Best For: Small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs
Best Bundle Value
- Includes full 47 mL-per-color CMYK ink set
- Includes 10 sublimation transfer sheets
- Artspira software includes 100 designs
Best For: New crafters and small businesses wanting a ready-to-start bundle
Best All-in-One Starter
15x15 Heat Press Sublimation Bundle
- Includes printer, 15x15-inch heat press, and 8-in-1 attachments
- Works with T-shirts, mugs, tumblers, hats, and plates
- Pre-filled chipless ink system and setup videos
Best For: Beginners and Etsy sellers starting a custom-printing business
Best Complete Printer Bundle
Brother SP-1 Deluxe Sublimation Kit
- Includes CMYK ink, 310 sheets, 50 blanks, tape, and tools
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet support with Windows, Mac, and app compatibility
- Print-only design supports T-shirts and other personalized projects
Best For: Crafters and small businesses wanting supplies bundled with the printer
Best Multifunction Option
Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Sublimation Printer
- Includes refillable sublimation ink tanks with large listed capacities
- Adds scanner and copier functions to color printing
- Wireless, USB, and up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
Best For: Home users who want sublimation, scanning, and copying together
Best Complete Starter Bundle
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Kit
- Full CMYK ink set included
- 160 sheets and 50 blanks included
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and design software
Best For: Beginners and small businesses starting sublimation projects
Best Budget-Oriented Entry Kit
Sublimation Transfer Printer Bundle
- Includes 100 paper sheets
- Cleaning kit and heat-transfer tape included
- Designed for light polyester materials
Best For: Beginners testing shirts and small sublimation projects
Best All-in-One Press Bundle
Brother SP-1 with 8-in-1 Press
- Includes 15 x 15-inch swing-away press
- Attachments cover mugs, hats, plates, and tumblers
- Full inks, blanks, sheets, and tape included
Best For: Small businesses making apparel and varied sublimation products
Best Compact Epson Pick – SureColor F170
The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for t shirts when you want a compact, purpose-built setup with Epson ink included. Its 8.5-inch media width, wireless and USB connectivity, and enclosed 150-sheet tray suit home workspaces and small customization businesses.
Best For: Small businesses, personalized gifts, and users who prioritize consistent color and a tidy paper-feeding setup.
Pros:
- Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation ink, a user guide, and power cable.
- PrecisionCore printhead and Precision Droplet Control support clear, detailed images.
- Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity support Windows, macOS, and mobile printing workflows.
- Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps protect paper from dust and reduces preparation.
Cons:
- Its maximum media width is 8.5 inches, limiting larger shirt designs.
- The listed print speed is only one page per minute.
- A heat press is needed to transfer designs onto shirts.
Choose the F170 if a compact Epson ecosystem, enclosed paper storage, and included ink matter more than oversized transfer dimensions. It is best suited to smaller-format projects rather than large-front shirt graphics.
Best App-Focused Pick – Brother SP-1
The Brother SP-1 is an approachable sublimation printer for t shirts built around the Artspira app. You can create or import designs from a phone or tablet, print them, and finish projects with a separate heat press.
Best For: Beginners and crafters who want mobile-first design tools for shirts, bags, hats, mugs, and other sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Artspira provides more than 100 designs and can store up to 20 imported printing images.
- Includes Brother genuine black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink plus starter paper.
- Wi-Fi connectivity and a display screen support a straightforward workflow.
- Brother states that sublimated polyester-coated items can remain vibrant through repeated washing and wear.
Cons:
- A heat press is required and is sold separately.
- The Artspira workflow currently centers on phones and tablets; the desktop version is listed as coming soon.
- The product is intended for US 120-volt use, and other use may void the warranty.
The SP-1 makes sense for creative users who value guided, mobile design more than advanced desktop control. Its 8.5-by-11-inch paper size is suitable for many smaller shirt graphics and craft projects.
Best for Growing Shops – Sawgrass SG500
The Sawgrass SG500 is a flexible sublimation printer for t shirts aimed at home entrepreneurs and small businesses. It supports media up to 8.5 by 14 inches, includes SubliJet UHD CMYK inks, and can use a bypass tray for prints up to 8.5 by 51 inches.
Best For: Small businesses that need vivid color, longer transfer options, and software designed to simplify production.
Pros:
- Includes a full 31 mL set of SubliJet UHD cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.
- Supports standard media up to 8.5 by 14 inches and bypass-tray prints up to 8.5 by 51 inches.
- MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility provide templates, smart presets, and color controls.
- Wi-Fi connectivity and printhead auto-maintenance support regular use.
Cons:
- The printer is designed for standard 110/120V US and North American outlets.
- Its listed maximum sheet capacity is 100 sheets.
- A heat press and compatible blank garments are still required for shirt production.
The SG500 stands out when a business needs more media flexibility than a basic letter-size printer. Its software and maintenance features also make it a strong choice for users building a repeatable workflow.
Best Bundle Value – Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle
This Brother SP-1 bundle is a convenient sublimation printer for t shirts because it combines the printer with a full 47 mL-per-color CMYK ink set, 10 transfer sheets, and Artspira design software. It supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet and handles paper sizes up to legal 8.5 by 14 inches.
Best For: Hobbyists and new small businesses that want supplies and design software included in one starter package.
Pros:
- Includes 47 mL each of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
- Includes 10 sheets of Brother 8.5-by-11-inch sublimation paper.
- Artspira provides 100 sublimation designs for shirts, bags, mugs, tumblers, and more.
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and is listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and the app.
Cons:
- The included paper quantity is limited to 10 sheets.
- A heat press is not listed as included.
- It uses simplex printing, so sheets must be handled one side at a time.
For someone starting from scratch, this package reduces the number of separate supplies to source. Its legal-size capability offers useful room for larger shirt transfers while keeping the Brother SP-1 workflow familiar.
Best All-in-One Starter – 15×15 Heat Press Sublimation Bundle
If you want a sublimation printer for t shirts and other personalized products, this starter kit combines a printer with a 15-by-15-inch heat press and eight attachments. It is designed to cover common startup projects without requiring separate purchases for mugs, tumblers, hats, and plates.
Best For: Etsy sellers and beginners launching a small custom-printing business.
Pros:
- Includes a 15-by-15-inch heat press, printer, and 8-in-1 attachments.
- Supports T-shirts, mugs, 30-ounce tumblers, hats, and plates.
- Chipless, pre-filled sublimation ink system requires no cartridge switching.
- Digital temperature control reaches up to 480°F, with setup and troubleshooting videos.
Cons:
- The bundled equipment may require more workspace than a printer-only setup.
- The kit is focused on heat-transfer production, so it may be more than needed for occasional printing.
Its main advantage is convenience: the included press and attachments create a broader starting setup than a standalone printer. The one-year warranty and beginner-oriented videos may also help new users get started.
Best Complete Printer Bundle – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Sublimation Kit
For shoppers seeking a sublimation printer for t shirts with supplies included, the Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle adds paper, ink, blanks, tape, tools, and design resources to the printer. Its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity also make it practical for crafting, personalized projects, and small-business workflows.
Best For: Crafters and small businesses that want a printer package with consumables and starter materials.
Pros:
- Includes a full CMYK ink set, 310 sublimation sheets, and 50 sublimation blanks.
- Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
- Includes heat-resistant tape, a seven-piece tool set, designs, and Artspira software.
- Supports projects such as T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, and coasters.
Cons:
- It is a print-only device, so a separate heat press is needed for transfers.
- The maximum media size is legal, with listed paper sizes up to 8.5 by 14 inches.
This bundle stands out when you value a ready supply of materials and broad device connectivity. It is less suitable as a complete production station because the heat-press equipment is not included.
Best Multifunction Option – Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Sublimation Printer
This cartridge-free super-tank model is an option for shoppers who want a sublimation printer for t shirts that also scans and copies. Its refillable ink tanks, wireless connectivity, and support for several paper sizes make it useful for home crafting and heat-transfer preparation.
Best For: Home users who want sublimation printing plus scanning and copying in one machine.
Pros:
- Includes high-capacity sublimation ink tanks with 127 mL of black ink and 85 mL of each color.
- Auto-fill nozzles are designed for filling without a syringe or squeezing.
- Provides scanning and copying in addition to color printing.
- Supports Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and resolutions up to 5760 by 1440 dpi.
Cons:
- The maximum listed media size is 8.5 by 11 inches.
- Users may need nozzle checks and print-head alignment if print quality issues occur.
- A separate heat press is required to transfer designs onto shirts.
The multifunction design and refillable tanks give this printer broader everyday utility than a print-only model. Keep in mind that sublimation results look dull on paper and are intended to become vivid after heat transfer.
Best Complete Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Kit
If you want a practical sublimation printer for t shirts with supplies ready for immediate projects, the Brother SP-1 starter bundle is a well-equipped option. It includes the printer, a full CMYK ink set, 160 transfer sheets, blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources for creating apparel and other personalized products.
Best For: Beginners, home crafters, and small businesses that want a printer-plus-supplies package for shirts, mugs, totes, and other sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Includes full 47 ml black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles.
- Provides 160 sublimation sheets, 50 blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, with Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
- Includes Artspira software, design cards, and 100 sublimation designs.
Cons:
- The printer uses simplex printing rather than duplex printing.
- Its maximum listed resolution is 600 x 600 dpi.
As a ready-to-use package, this SP-1 bundle reduces the need to source basic consumables separately. Its 8.5 x 11-inch and 8.5 x 14-inch paper support, compact design, and connectivity options make it a flexible choice for starting a small sublimation workflow.
Best Budget-Oriented Entry Kit – Sublimation Transfer Printer Bundle
This compact bundle is aimed at shoppers seeking a straightforward sublimation printer for t shirts and other small personalized items. It includes a printer, 100 sublimation paper sheets, a printhead cleaning kit, and heat-transfer tape, while the supplied guidance emphasizes light-colored polyester fabrics and polyester-coated products.
Best For: Cost-conscious beginners testing sublimation on light polyester shirts, mugs, mouse pads, phone cases, and similar items.
Pros:
- Includes 100 sublimation paper sheets for initial projects.
- Comes with a printhead cleaning kit and heat-transfer tape.
- Supports applications including T-shirts and mugs.
- The notes describe it as designed to minimize ink usage.
Cons:
- OEM inks are not included.
- The recommended material guidance limits use to light-colored polyester or polyester-coated items with no more than 30% cotton content.
- The supplied specifications list a notably compact 5 x 5 x 5-inch size, which may not describe a full working footprint.
This is a better fit for experimenting than for shoppers seeking a fully stocked production setup. Plan to purchase compatible sublimation ink separately and follow the storage guidance for paper—cool, dry, and away from sunlight and humidity.
Best All-in-One Press Bundle – Brother SP-1 with 8-in-1 Press
For shoppers building a broader setup around a sublimation printer for t shirts, this Brother SP-1 bundle adds an 8-in-1 swing-away heat press to the printer and supplies. Along with full CMYK inks, transfer sheets, blanks, tape, and design resources, it includes attachments for shirts, hats, plates, mugs, and conical tumblers.
Best For: Small businesses and serious hobbyists who want one package for apparel, drinkware, plates, hats, and other sublimation products.
Pros:
- Combines the Brother SP-1 printer with a 15 x 15-inch swing-away heat press.
- Includes mug, tumbler, plate, and hat press attachments.
- Provides a full CMYK ink set, 160 listed transfer sheets, 56 blanks, and heat-resistant tape.
- Offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity plus Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
Cons:
- The complete press setup requires more space than the printer alone.
- The printer uses simplex printing and lists a 600 x 600 dpi resolution.
- The supplied notes contain differing sheet counts, so buyers should verify the exact bundle contents before ordering.
The main advantage is workflow convenience: the printer and pressing equipment arrive together, with multiple attachments for expanding beyond shirts. It is the strongest choice here for varied product customization, provided you have room for the larger equipment package.
How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for T Shirts
We focused on the factors that most affect real-world shirt customization: supported print size, included sublimation ink, transfer-paper supplies, software, ease of setup, and the value of bundled equipment. We also separated compact printers from all-in-one kits, since a printer alone cannot complete a sublimation transfer without a compatible heat press.
Brand ecosystem and refill convenience were considered alongside the included accessories. A generous bundle can be useful for beginners, but recurring ink, paper, blank garments, and press requirements matter more over time.
Quick Comparison
- Compact standalone printers: The Epson SureColor F170 and similar printer-focused options suit users who already own a heat press and want a smaller footprint.
- Feature-rich printer bundles: Sawgrass and Brother packages can simplify setup by including ink, transfer sheets, software, or blanks.
- Starter kits: Bundles with a 15-by-15-inch or 8-in-1 heat press are practical for first-time sellers building a complete workstation.
- Tank-style alternatives: Cartridge-free models may appeal to high-volume users seeking convenient refills and scanning or copying features.
Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts
Print Size and Shirt Coverage
Check the printer’s maximum media size before buying. Letter-size output works well for chest logos, sleeves, youth apparel, and smaller designs, while larger artwork may require a wider printer or tiled transfers. Remember that sublimation works best on white or light-colored polyester fabrics; it does not print opaque white ink.
Ink System and Running Costs
Use compatible sublimation ink rather than standard dye or pigment ink. Compare included ink volume, replacement availability, and whether the printer uses cartridges or refillable tanks. A low purchase price can become expensive if replacement supplies are difficult to source.
Heat Press Compatibility
A printer bundle is only part of the workflow. For T-shirts, look for a press with even pressure, stable temperature control, and a platen large enough for your typical designs. Mug and tumbler attachments are useful only if you plan to expand beyond apparel.
Software and Setup
Included design software can shorten the learning curve, but confirm operating-system compatibility and whether you can mirror artwork before printing. Easy-fill systems, clear instructions, and included transfer paper are especially helpful for beginners.
Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for T Shirts?
Choose a compact standalone printer if you already own a reliable heat press, have limited workspace, or want to build your setup gradually. Choose a Brother or Sawgrass bundle if you value a guided workflow and included supplies from an established sublimation ecosystem.
Choose a complete starter kit if you are launching a small T-shirt business and need both printing and pressing equipment in one purchase. Choose a deluxe bundle with blanks and extra transfer sheets if you want to begin testing designs immediately. For frequent production, prioritize refill availability, replacement-paper cost, press durability, and the maximum print area over the number of bonus accessories.