7 Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts | Ultimate Review & Buying Guide
Sublimation printers have gained quite a reputation for their high-quality printing and impressive ink quality. These printers use a special heat transfer method to get the sharp and vibrant colors printed on the t-shirt without any smudge issues. Likewise, these are known for their ability to get the design on different fabrics with high-speed settings in an affordable price range.
So, whether you are a hobbyist or planning to start a business, these alternatives are your go-to choice. However, before buying, there are some things you should look into, such as printing speed, volume, size, color accuracy, and transfer method. If you are still confused, need not worry as I have brought together some best sublimation printers for t-shirts along with some buying instructions.
Are You In Hurry?
If you are in hurry and have no time to read the complete article. So you can simply go with my recommendation for these printers.
Our Recommendation
- Large Ink Tanks
- Ultra-fine printing quality
- Auto Continuous Print Switch
- Auto Duplex Printing
- User-friendly control panel
- Starter Kit Ink Cartridges
- Work With Alexa
- Great value for money
- 100 Paper Sheets In Tray
Comparison Of The Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts – At a Glance
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
EXPENSIVE PICK
| HRM Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK
 | Canon PIXMA G3260 Wireless Color Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
EDITOR’S CHOICE
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
PREMIUM PICK
 | A4 DTG T-Shirt Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
TOP CHOICE
 | Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 Wireless Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
TOP RATED
| Brother MFC-J491DW Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
AMAZON CHOICE
 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless Printer |
| Check on Amazon |
Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts – Reviews
If you’re new to printing, and want to buy the best sublimation printer for t-shirts, but are confused about what things to consider before choosing the best sublimation printer. Consequently, you should read my review of each printer. Because I spent 168 hours researching, exploring, and carefully observing the market and then sharing our own experiences with you. Let’s move down to the reviews section.
1. HRM Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printing Machine
Modern Key Features:
I am starting this list of the best printer for sublimation with this HRM, best known for its water-based ink composition and speed range. It comes with dedicated software and an impressive sublimation mechanism that works with the majority of synthetic fabrics. I absolutely loved the ultra-fine printing quality that incorporates rich and vibrant color accuracy, making it great for dark as well as light t-shirts.
The first thing to note in this model is its sturdy plastic construction that is absolutely durable and easy to carry around. It also comes with a user-friendly control panel that allows you to customize the speed and pattern as per your requirements. The manufacturers have also added Wifi technology that allows you to retrieve your favorite designs.
In terms of my observation, this printer works on water-based HRM ink that works remarkably well for synthetic fabrics like polyester, cotton, and leather. It further integrates a Free RIP 9.0 software that allows you to adjust the contrast and brightness of your design, so you get the most incredible results on dark colors. All in all, it doesn’t take more than six minutes for a design.
- Includes a software
- Fast and economical
- Eco-friendly HRM inks
- Ultra-fine printing quality
- It can be a bit heavy
Final Verdict
Finally, If you are looking sublimation printer for your t-shirt printing business, HRM A3 is undoubtedly a suitable t-shirt sublimation machine for small businesses, all thanks to its eco-friendly ink composition and impressive speed range. It is equipped with a user-friendly manual accompanied by dedicated software that allows you to customize the design as per your requirements. On the whole, it is fairly fast and convenient.
2. Canon PIXMA G3260 Wireless Color Printer
Modern Key Features:
The Canon Pixma G3260 Wireless is included as the second-best sublimation printer for t-shirts, hugely popular for its low running cost and printing quality. I absolutely loved the fact that this printer offers high output and a range of connectivity options that facilitate you well. It is an upgraded version that works on bulk-ink instead of carriages which makes it an attractive economic alternative to invest in.
To begin with, this machine is equipped with a sturdy, compact design that is easily portable and offers you a long service life. It further incorporates an easily understandable control panel that helps you with ink selection and other specifications. Here, it is also worth mentioning that the paper tray has the ability to hold 100 sheets at a time, making it time-efficient and convenient for the most part.
I’ve utilized a lot of this printer because the manufacturers have also added different options like USB 2.0 and wifi facility that maximizes its utility to a great extent. Here, when it comes to performance, it comes with dedicated Photo Print software that helps you in editing the color and nuances, making it perfect for sublimating the ink on your t-shirt. All in all, the ink quality is quite tidy and doesn’t fade easily.
- High sheet output
- Low operating cost
- Impressive printing quality
- Includes an editing software
- No automatic feeder included
Final Verdict
Final thoughts, if you are interested in t-shirt printing, so Canon Pixma G3260 is one of the best and most cheap sublimation printers for t-shirts. It is famous for its ability to provide you with high-quality printing output, editing software, and high output. Likewise, its low running cost and time-efficient mechanism make it an intriguing deal. However, the lack of an automatic feeder can be a problem for beginners.
3. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer
Modern Key Features:
Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is one of the best options for people who belong to the printing business, best known for its versatile construction and high-quality printing output. It is specifically designed for business professionals who are looking for something that can sublimate to glass, fabrics, leather, and cotton. Here, I highly appreciate the color customization that allows you to choose the right colors and designs for your t-shirt prints.
Moreover, I personally utilized and observe that Sawgrass SG 500 is a very sharp printer than its previous version. Because it comes with robust construction quality and a small size that allows you to conveniently transport it easily without any potential damage. It also comes with a touchscreen LCD display that allows you to adjust the speed, ink color, and size of your print easily. This interface also includes wireless technology that allows you to export your favorite designs or customize different patterns to be printed on your shirts.
For my printing Projects, I chose SG 500 based on its amazing features, like it has a dpi range of 4880x 1200 that offers absolutely vibrant and sharp color reproduction. Here, its multiple ink system helps you in utilizing a variety of colors in one pattern with deep blacks and grays. On the whole, this printer has the ability to print 240 pages per hour, making it a fast t-shirt sublimation printer. Finally, the fact that it comes with a self-cleaning function undoubtedly makes it an attractive deal for you.
- Durable and versatile
- Offers impressive speed
- Offers fine printing quality
- User-friendly control panel
- It can be a bit expensive
Final Verdict
Lastly, this Sawgrass SG500 is undoubtedly the best sublimation printer for t-shirts, all credit to its innovative technology and high printing quality. It is famous for its ability to provide you with ultra-fine printing, having vibrant colors and scope for customization. Similarly, it comes with a user-friendly LCD panel that allows you to set the instructions as per your requirements. Also, it is worth mentioning that the printer is quite fast and offers a self-cleaning function.
4. A4 DTG Printer T-Shirt Printing Machine
Modern Key Features:
If you are a hobbyist and looking for something affordable to facilitate your art and craft projects, this A4 DTG printer is my absolute recommendation for you. It is great for dark as well as light t-shirts, having a fine printing quality, convenience, and high output ensured. In addition, its sturdy and compact design helps you in carrying it around with minimal chances of damage.
To start with, it is made up of sturdy plastic that doesn’t tear down easily and prevents scratches. It also includes a flatbed scanner and easy control panel that helps you in adjusting the speed and ink color as per the job requirements. Here, a knob is included that assists you in setting the size of your print. Another fact that makes it a good sublimation printer is its ability to directly transport any image format.
I personally observed printing on the dark t-shirt. A4 DTG printer amazed me with its excellent capabilities. Because this machine is equipped with a high dpi range that provides you with vibrant and sharp colors, making it great for deep shirts that are otherwise difficult to print. It further comes with different ink options that help you in multiple color patterns. For connectivity, the manufacturers have added a USB port that allows you to retrieve media. However, there is no wifi technology which can be a downside of this printer.
- Offers high output
- Durable and versatile
- Great value for money
- Impressive printing quality
- No automatic feeder included
Final Verdict
A4 DTG is a suitable sublimation machine for t-shirts. If you are a beginner and interested in printing. So, I suggest you to buy this printer because its vibrant color technology and fine ink quality provide you with incredible results. I also find the speed and tray capacity quite decent for the price. Finally, the fact that it can work with any image format directly makes it of great value.
5. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 Wireless Printer
Modern Key Features:
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 sublimation printer for t-shirts is designed for immense productivity and versatile mechanism. I absolutely loved the organization of this printer that makes it easy to generate colorful patterns on shirts. It is further equipped with a high output ratio and user-friendly control panel that makes it absolutely worth your price. Here, its wide-format printing and automatic functions add to its value.
First of all, you will notice its compact and modern design that is equally sturdy, making it visually appealing and durable. It further integrates an automatic feeder and LED touchscreen display that aids you in adjusting the speed and color as per your requirements. I tested WF-7820 as a t-shirt printer that’s perfect for small businesses. Because of its fast speed range, it works five times better than a traditional sublimation printer.
According to my experience, it has an advanced printing technology that offers a high dpi range and vibrant colors, which goes well with dark and light t-shirts alike. It is equipped with four cartridges that are replaceable and offer fine printing quality. It is worth mentioning that the running cost of this wireless printer is relatively lower than its counterparts. Finally, for connectivity, the manufacturers have added a Wifi facility that makes it convenient and maximizes its utility.
- Offers great versatility
- Great value for money
- Ultra-fine printing quality
- Impressive output quality
- Instruction knob can issue
Final Verdict
Our verdict, if you are searching for a convenient and low-cost printer for t-shirts. So the Epson Workforce printer is absolutely the one for you. It is equipped with advanced printing technology that provides you with vibrant and sharp colors. Likewise, the low running cost and versatile mechanism add to its worth. Last but not least, the Wifi facility assists you in retrieving your favorite designs for sublimation.
6. Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Inkjet Printer
Modern Key Features:
I utilized Brother MFC-J491DW because it is the best inkjet printer for t-shirts, popular for its innovative features and fine printing quality. It works with a number of fabrics and colors, all thanks to its ink quality and color reproduction. I absolutely loved the fact that manufacturers have added Wifi technology as it helps you in retrieving your favorite designs. All in all, it is faster than usual and operates at a low cost.
Furthermore, the first thing to notice about this printer is its typical yet durable design that incorporates double the capacity of its counterparts. Here, it works with 6ppm color printing that saves you much time with great results. In addition, it is equipped with wireless Wifi direct technology that aids you in getting your favorite designs.
Finally, for performance, this printer comes with standard high-yield cartridges that provide you with absolutely vibrant and sharp colors. These containers are also recyclable, which helps you in making them functional and economical for small businesses. Here, these inks offer tidy results on a number of fabrics such as cotton and leather without any smudge issues.
- Faster than usual
- Durable and versatile
- Impressive ink quality
- Great value for money
- Not the most durable
Final Verdict
Final thoughts, this Brother MFC-J491DW is one of the best t-shirt sublimation printers for its well-organized design and cost-effective ink cartridges. It is specifically designed for small businesses, with fine printing quality and a time-efficient process. Similarly, its variety of connectivity options and Wifi technology helps you in maximizing its utility. All in all, it remains fast and works well with a number of fabrics.
7. HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Modern Key Features:
HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless is my favorite and permanent printer for t-shirt printing, hugely popular for its high-resolution output and versatile mechanism. It prints on a number of fabrics, having perfect color accuracy and impressive speed range. In addition, its well-built and modern design looks absolutely appealing to the eyes. All in all, its low running cost gives it an edge over others.
Speaking of the design, it is equipped with an LCD screen that assists you in customizing the process as per your requirements. I chose HP 8025e based on its impressive features, as it has further incorporated an output of 20,000 pages per hour which is quite considerable for such a price. For connectivity, the manufacturers have added Ethernet and Wifi technology that aids you in getting your favorite prints on different shirts.
When it comes to performance, it has HP Instant Ink cartridges that are absolutely economical and replaceable. It is equally worth mentioning that color accuracy and reproduction are remarkable and work with deep gray and black t-shirts. For color printing, it works at 10ppm, which is great for sublimating colors on fabrics.
- It is relatively fast
- Ultra-fine printing quality
- Economical and versatile
- Impressive connectivity options
- Not the most durable
Final Verdict
If you are a newbie and searching fast, durable, and reliable printer for your small business. So HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless is the perfect option for you. All credits to its fine printing technology and innovative design. It is equipped with Ethernet and Wifi technology that maximizes its utility to a great extent. I absolutely loved the customizable speed range and color reproduction that works remarkably with different t-shirt fabrics like cotton, jerseys, and leather.
Buying Guide Of Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts
Here are some things that you should always consider while buying the best sublimation printer for t-shirts;
Speed Range
When it comes to sublimation, speed can make a huge difference, specifically if you are looking for something that can facilitate your small businesses. So, if your printer is equipped with a fast speed, it can increase the productivity of the process. Most commonly, you can go for something between 6 to 10 ppm as it can make the process time-efficient. Yet, you will have to consider your budget restraints and go for the one that suits you well.
Ink Color Options
It is equally important to go for multiple ink options as it can help you in getting different patterns right. Most commonly, in a certain budget, you can get a set of four refillable ink cartridges that is more than enough for hobbyists and small businesses. However, if you are not restrained by budget, you can always go for eight to nine colors for enhanced flexibility.
Print Resolution
In simple words, it is measured in dots per inch and refers to the density and sharpness of your printing outcome. Hence, the rule of thumb says the more the dpi, the sharper and vibrant the printing result is. Hence, for small businesses, I would recommend you go for 1200 dpi as it can make a huge difference, specifically for fabrics.
Sublimation Cost
When it comes to different transfer methods and sublimation, it is extremely significant that you look into the method as it varies from case to case. This is because the cost is directly dependent on the number of shirts you are going to print and the ink. Hence, economical ink can save you a lot of money. My favorites are either water-based inks and Brother specialized inks as they provide you with fine quality at less price.
In the end, I hope you soon will find the best sublimation printer for shirts as per your liking.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best sublimation printer for t-shirts?
NRM A3 is undoubtedly the best sublimation printer for t-shirts, all thanks to its ultra-fine printing results and speed range. It is equipped with a water-based ink composition and RIP 9.0 software that allows you to print the design easily with vibrant and sharp color accuracy. On the whole, it remains economical and fast for the most part.
What is needed for t-shirt sublimation?
When it comes to t-shirt sublimation equipment, all you need is a specialized printer and ink. Apart from this, you would need a deep ink that can work on light and dark t-shirts. However, it still remains difficult to copy the design on dark fabric. Finally, a sublimation paper and heat press is needed to transfer the ink directly to the suitable fabric.
Can you do sublimation on dark shirts?
No, any printer cannot do sublimation. This is because the process is technical and demands some heat transfer method that can indirectly melt the ink on your fabric neatly. However, some people have converted their upgraded inkjet printers for sublimation; however, the quality is not up-to-mark and can leave patches.
How do you sublimate a shirt with a heat press?
To sublimate a shirt with heat-press, follow these steps;
- First of all, set it up to 400 degrees for 30 seconds to one minute.
- After this, place a sheet of sublimation paper inside the shirt to prevent it from bleeding.
- Now, position the front face of your shirt and cover it with a sheet.
- Finally, press it hard and remove the transfer immediately. Now, you are done.
Conclusion Of the Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts
In the end, whether you are a hobbyist or planning to start a business, a good sublimation printer can solve all your problems. These alternatives are known for their vibrant colors and ink quality that helps you in transferring the right colors without any smudges. Finally, here are some of my favorites on this list;
- Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Inkjet Printer is best known for its versatile mechanism, color accuracy, and multiple ink options.
- HRM Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printing Machine is one of the best for its impressive speed range, water-based ink, and dedicated software.
- Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer is great for professionals for its high-speed, color accuracy, and low running cost.
In essence, I hope you soon will find the best sublimation printer for t-shirts as per your liking.