10 Best Sublimation Printers for Apparel Businesses in 2026

Choosing the right sublimation printer for an apparel business can affect your startup costs, workflow, print quality, and ability to fulfill orders efficiently. The models in this roundup range from compact desktop printers to bundle-focused options with ink, transfer paper, and blanks.

Use the buying guide below to compare format, running costs, connectivity, included supplies, and practical business fit before investing in a printer for custom shirts, jerseys, mugs, and other sublimation-ready products.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business Picks for 2026

Best Compact Epson Pick – SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for apparel business owners who want a compact, reliable setup for shirts, mugs, mousepads, and similar projects. Its PrecisionCore printhead, included genuine Epson inks, enclosed 150-sheet tray, and support for media up to 8.5 inches wide make it well suited to small-scale production.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses prioritizing Epson support and a space-saving design.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports sharp, detailed color output.
• Closed 150-sheet tray helps reduce dust and paper preparation.
• Supports Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connections on Windows and macOS.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connection is not supported.
• Designed for simplex printing only.

The F170 is a strong fit when dependable manufacturer support and a tidy desktop footprint matter more than oversized transfer capacity. Its included OEM ink and straightforward operation make it a convenient starting point for an apparel-focused business.

Best App-Driven Brother Pick – SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for apparel business projects built around the Artspira app. You can create or import designs, print them on sublimation paper, and transfer them with a separately purchased heat press to shirts, bags, hats, mugs, and other compatible items.

Best For: Beginners and mobile-first creators making customized apparel and merchandise.

Pros:

• Artspira provides designs, image tools, and storage for imported projects.
• Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a starter paper pack.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and a touch-controlled display support convenient operation.
• Brother highlights durable results on polyester or coated items after heat transfer.

Cons:

• A heat press is required and sold separately.
• The Artspira app is required to begin using the printer.
• It is intended for US 120-volt use, and other use may void the warranty.

The SP-1 makes sense for creators who prefer designing from a phone or tablet and want a guided workflow. It is especially appealing for custom-order apparel and gift projects, provided the app-based process suits your business.

Best Growth-Oriented Choice – Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 is a compelling sublimation printer for apparel business owners who want professional-grade color and room to handle varied products. It prints up to 8.5 by 14 inches through the standard path, while its bypass tray can accommodate prints up to 8.5 by 51 inches for longer designs.

Best For: Home-based entrepreneurs and small businesses producing apparel, drinkware, signage, and promotional products.

Pros:

• Includes a complete set of SubliJet UHD CMYK inks and TruePix paper.
• MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility provide templates and color-control tools.
• Print-head auto-maintenance and Wi-Fi support a convenient workflow.
• Bypass tray supports long prints up to 8.5 by 51 inches.

Cons:

• Standard media size is limited to 8.5 by 14 inches.
• Uses simplex printing.
• Designed for standard 110/120V US and North American outlets.

The SG500 stands out for businesses that need more than basic shirt transfers, especially if long-format designs or multiple product categories are part of the plan. Its software ecosystem and maintenance features also support a more structured production workflow.

Best Brother Bundle – SP-1 CMYK Starter Set

This Brother SP-1 bundle is a convenient sublimation printer for apparel business beginners who want a fuller starter package. It combines the printer with 47 ml bottles of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink, 10 transfer sheets, Artspira software, and connectivity for Windows, Mac, and compatible apps.

Best For: New apparel sellers and crafters seeking included supplies for shirts, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, and coasters.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml of each Brother CMYK sublimation ink color.
• Comes with 10 sheets of 8.5 by 11-inch sublimation paper.
• Artspira includes 100 sublimation designs for getting started.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity with Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• The included paper quantity is limited to 10 sheets.
• A heat press and compatible blanks are not listed as included.
• Printing is simplex only.

This bundle is attractive when you want to begin making custom apparel without sourcing ink and paper separately. Its included design software and supplies make the setup approachable, while the legal-size support gives you flexibility for larger transfer layouts.

Complete Bundle Pick – Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Bundle

For shoppers seeking a sublimation printer for apparel business projects, this Epson SureColor F170 bundle provides a ready-to-use setup with CMYK ink, sublimation paper, tape, and sample blanks. Its 150-sheet auto-feed tray, Wi-Fi, USB connectivity, and PrecisionCore printhead make it practical for producing sharp, colorful transfers in a small workspace.

Best For: New apparel sellers who want a printer bundled with supplies and sample blanks for testing products.

Pros:

• Includes CMYK ink, sublimation paper, heat tape, and several sample blanks.
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray supports repeated print runs.
• Wi-Fi and USB connectivity provide flexible setup options.
• 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution is suited to detailed, vibrant designs.

Cons:

• USB cable is not included.
• Maximum listed media size is A3, so larger projects may require a different setup.
• Windows and macOS compatibility is limited to the versions listed by the seller.

This is the strongest all-in-one option of the three if you value included materials as much as the printer itself. The bundled tumbler, socks, tote bag, and mouse pad can help a new business test different product categories, while the compact design keeps the workstation manageable.

Starter Business Kit – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Bundle

This Brother SP-1 bundle is a practical choice for a small sublimation printer for apparel business setup, especially if you want supplies and design resources in one package. It includes a full CMYK ink set, 160 transfer sheets, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and software support for creating apparel and gift items.

Best For: Beginners and small businesses that want a broad starter package for shirts, totes, mugs, tumblers, and other compatible blanks.

Pros:

• Includes 50 sublimation blanks, 160 transfer sheets, four tape rolls, and CMYK ink.
• Works with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira design app.
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet provide flexible network connectivity.
• Supports media sizes up to legal size, including 8.5 x 14-inch paper.

Cons:

• 600 x 600 dpi resolution is lower than the Epson F170 options here.
• The bundle’s many included components may be more than a buyer needs if they already own blanks and supplies.
• It uses simplex printing rather than automatic duplexing.

The SP-1 stands out for the breadth of its starter contents rather than the highest listed resolution. For a new apparel business experimenting with multiple product types, the included blanks, designs, tape, and paper can reduce the need for separate initial purchases.

Clean Desktop Setup – Epson SureColor F170 with OEM Ink

If you want a compact sublimation printer for apparel business work without a large collection of bundled blanks, this Epson SureColor F170 package focuses on the core machine and genuine Epson CMYK ink. Its enclosed 150-sheet tray, auto-stop ink bottles, wireless capability, and PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead suit makers and small businesses producing consistent transfers.

Best For: Home studios and small businesses that prefer genuine OEM ink, a dust-resistant paper tray, and a compact desktop design.

Pros:

• Includes a full-size set of genuine Epson CMYK sublimation inks.
• 150-sheet closed auto-feed tray helps simplify batch printing.
• Auto-stop ink bottles are designed for cleaner refills.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports precise droplet control and vibrant color output.

Cons:

• USB is the listed connectivity option, with no Wi-Fi specified in the details.
• It does not include the broad selection of blanks and design resources found in the Brother bundle.
• Listed maximum media size is A4, which may limit larger transfer workflows.

This package is a focused choice for buyers who already have heat-press supplies and blanks. Its OEM ink, enclosed tray, and compact footprint make it well suited to a tidy home-based production area, though buyers needing broader media or bundled materials may prefer another option.

Best App-Connected Pick – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

For an apparel business that values straightforward design workflow, the Brother SP-1 combines wireless connectivity with the Artspira app. It prints color sublimation designs on letter-size media at speeds of up to 45 seconds per sheet, though a heat press is required to transfer designs to garments.

Best For: Small apparel businesses and creators who want app-based design access and a compact print-only workflow.

Pros:

• Artspira provides access to more than 100 sublimation designs and image-creation features.
• Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity support laptops, PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
• Includes 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper.
• Prints a sheet in up to 45 seconds, according to the supplied specifications.

Cons:

• Requires a separate heat press for apparel transfers.
• Maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Initial setup requires downloading the Artspira app.

The SP-1 is a practical choice when design convenience and wireless access matter most. Its included paper and Artspira integration make it approachable for custom apparel work, while the letter-size limit may be restrictive for larger designs.

Best All-in-One Value – Pinckney Cartridge-Free Sublimation Printer

This Pinckney super-tank printer is a versatile option for an apparel business that also needs scanning and copying. Its cartridge-free design comes with sublimation ink, supports multiple paper sizes, and offers wireless connectivity for everyday transfer-printing tasks.

Best For: Small businesses that want sublimation printing plus built-in scanning and copying.

Pros:

• Includes high-capacity sublimation ink tanks with 127 mL of black ink and 85 mL each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
• Built-in scanner and copier add office and production flexibility.
• Supports paper sizes ranging from 4 x 6 inches to 8.5 x 47.2 inches, according to the supplied specifications.
• Offers up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Cons:

• Requires nozzle checks and print-head alignment if print quality issues occur.
• Uses simplex printing rather than automatic duplex printing.
• A heat press is still needed to transfer designs onto apparel.

With its refillable tank system and all-in-one functionality, the Pinckney is suited to businesses balancing apparel production with general document tasks. Its maintenance guidance and included ink make it a flexible starting point, but users should plan for routine nozzle care.

Best Complete Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle

For an apparel business ready to make more than shirts, this Brother SP-1 deluxe bundle supplies the printer, full CMYK ink set, transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, tools, and design resources. It is designed to support personalized projects across apparel and compatible hard goods such as mugs, tumblers, coasters, and more.

Best For: Entrepreneurs who want a broad sublimation starter package for small-business projects.

Pros:

• Includes the Brother SP-1 printer and a full 47 mL CMYK ink set.
• Provides 310 total sublimation sheets, including 300 ProSub sheets and 10 Brother sheets.
• Includes 50 sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, a seven-piece tool set, and design resources.
• Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and works with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira app.

Cons:

• The bundle does not include a heat press.
• Maximum standard media size is 8.5 x 14 inches.
• The many included components may be more than a casual user needs.

This package offers the most ready-to-start setup of the three, especially for sellers testing multiple product categories. Its included blanks and supplies can reduce separate shopping, while the lack of a heat press remains an important additional cost.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business

We focused on printer features that matter in a real apparel workflow: dependable dye-sublimation compatibility, print size, ink delivery, connectivity, ease of setup, included supplies, and support for common heat-transfer projects. The selection includes established Epson, Brother, and Sawgrass options, plus bundle-oriented models designed to help new sellers start with fewer separate purchases.

Because advertised bundles and specifications can vary by seller, verify the current contents, ink capacity, warranty, and software support before ordering. Also confirm that the printer is intended for sublimation rather than standard inkjet printing.

Quick Comparison

• Best for compact workspaces: Epson SureColor F170 models offer a small desktop footprint and an 8.5-by-11-inch format.
• Best for included supplies: Brother SP-1 and Sawgrass bundles may include ink, transfer paper, blanks, or design tools.
• Best for guided beginner setup: Models with genuine branded ink, paper, software, or starter materials can reduce compatibility guesswork.
• Best for flexible home use: Wireless printers simplify placement and allow designs to be sent from multiple devices.
• Best for larger apparel ambitions: Look beyond the printer itself and plan for a heat press, cutting tools, blank inventory, and a consistent color-management workflow.

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business

Print Size and Product Range

Most compact desktop models are suited to small apparel graphics, sleeves, pockets, mugs, and accessories. If you plan to produce large front-and-back shirt designs, check the maximum paper width and consider whether a larger-format printer is more appropriate.

Ink Costs and Availability

Compare the price and yield of replacement ink, not just the printer’s purchase price. Genuine ink systems generally simplify color consistency and warranty support, while refillable or cartridge-free designs can reduce waste but require careful handling. Confirm that replacement ink will remain readily available.

Software and Connectivity

Wireless connectivity is useful for shared workspaces, while included design software can make basic artwork preparation easier. Check compatibility with your operating system, preferred design application, and color-management settings before committing.

Supplies and Total Startup Cost

A printer is only one part of a sublimation setup. Budget for a compatible heat press, sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape, protective paper, blanks, ventilation, and test prints. A larger bundle may be worthwhile if its included supplies are items you would purchase anyway.

Maintenance and Workflow

Regular printing, proper storage, and following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions help reduce nozzle problems and wasted transfers. For business use, consider print speed, paper handling, maintenance tanks, and how easily you can repeat a proven color-and-pressing process.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Apparel Business?

New sellers and hobby businesses should prioritize a simple setup, reliable branded ink, wireless operation, and a manageable initial price. A starter bundle can be useful when it includes practical blanks and paper rather than low-value extras.

Designers with limited space should consider compact desktop models such as the Epson SureColor F170 line, provided the maximum print area matches their products.

Growing apparel shops should compare ink economics, print throughput, replacement-supply availability, and the cost of scaling to larger formats. Choose a system that supports repeatable production instead of focusing only on the biggest included bundle.

Gift and craft sellers may benefit from an all-in-one package with transfer sheets, blanks, design software, and straightforward wireless printing. Regardless of the model, test color output and pressing settings on sample garments before accepting customer orders.