10 Best Sublimation Printers for Tumblers in 2026: Top Picks for Custom Drinkware

Choosing the best sublimation printer for tumblers means balancing print quality, ink costs, workflow, and the supplies needed to transfer designs cleanly onto coated drinkware.

We compared 10 options from Epson, Brother, Sawgrass, and other brands, including printer-only models and bundles with ink, transfer paper, blanks, tape, or a tumbler press.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Tumblers Picks for 2026

Best Compact Epson Pick – SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for tumblers and other small-format projects, combining a compact footprint with Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead and included genuine sublimation ink. Its 8.5-inch maximum media width suits many standard transfer workflows.

Best For: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses wanting an easy-to-use desktop Epson printer for mugs, tumblers, apparel, and similar projects.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• PrecisionCore printhead supports sharp, detailed image output.
• 150-sheet enclosed auto-feed tray helps keep paper clean and organized.
• Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is limited to 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connection is not supported.
• Heat press and compatible tumbler blanks are separate purchases.

The F170 is a strong choice when dependable Epson support, a space-saving design, and straightforward desktop sublimation matter more than oversized prints or mobile control.

Best App-Driven Option – Brother SP-1

The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for tumblers, shirts, mugs, bags, and hats, with creative tools built around the Artspira app. It includes starter ink and sublimation paper, making it a convenient option for DIY projects.

Best For: Beginners and mobile-first crafters who want to create, save, and print designs from a phone or tablet.

Pros:

• Artspira provides designs, patterns, and image-based creative tools.
• Supports Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile control through iOS devices.
• Includes Brother genuine black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Starter sublimation paper is included.

Cons:

• A heat press is required and sold separately.
• Desktop version of Artspira is noted as coming soon.
• Intended for US 120-volt use; other use may affect the warranty.

The SP-1 stands out for its app-centered workflow and approachable DIY setup. It is particularly appealing if designing on a phone or tablet is more important than traditional desktop software flexibility.

Best Starter Bundle – Epson SureColor F170 Kit

This bundled Epson SureColor F170 is a well-equipped sublimation printer for tumblers and other small-format transfers. Along with genuine Epson ink, it adds 8.5-by-11-inch and 8.5-by-14-inch paper, thermal tape, and a sublimation starter kit.

Best For: New sublimation users who want core printer supplies included for getting started with mugs, tumblers, apparel, and related projects.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• Bundle includes two paper sizes, thermal tape, and starter supplies.
• PrecisionCore printhead is designed for clear, detailed transfers.
• 150-sheet enclosed auto-feed tray helps reduce paper preparation.

Cons:

• Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
• Mobile-device connection is not supported.
• A heat press and suitable tumbler blanks are not included.

Compared with the printer-only F170 package, this version offers more immediate value for first-time buyers by adding essential transfer materials. It is a sensible pick when minimizing separate starter purchases is a priority.

Best for Growing Shops – Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 is a versatile sublimation printer for tumblers, drinkware, apparel, signage, and promotional products. It combines included SubliJet UHD CMYK inks with Wi-Fi, printhead auto-maintenance, and support for media up to 8.5 by 14 inches.

Best For: Home-based entrepreneurs and small businesses that need vivid output, guided software, and room to handle varied sublimation orders.

Pros:

• Includes a full 31 mL set of SubliJet UHD CMYK inks and TruePix paper.
• MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility support design and color-control workflows.
• Bypass tray can accommodate prints up to 8.5 by 51 inches.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and printhead auto-maintenance support regular use.

Cons:

• Limited to 8.5-inch standard media width.
• Designed for standard 110/120-volt US and North American outlets.
• A heat press and compatible blanks are separate purchases.

The SG500 is the most business-oriented option in this group, especially for users who value software assistance, color consistency, and a larger bypass format for select projects. Its included ink and paper also make the bundle practical for ongoing production.

Best Overall – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

The Brother SP-1 is a compact, purpose-built sublimation printer for tumblers and other coated blanks. It includes a full 47 ml CMYK ink set, 10 sheets of sublimation paper, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, and Artspira software to help you get started.

Best For: Crafters and small businesses wanting a dedicated dye-sublimation printer with straightforward connectivity and design software.

Pros:

• Includes black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation inks at 47 ml each.
• Supports printing up to legal-size 8.5 x 14-inch media.
• Offers 1200 x 1200 resolution, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
• Includes Artspira software and 100 sublimation designs.

Cons:

• The starter package includes only 10 sublimation sheets.
• It is a print-only model without scanning or copying functions.

Choose this model if you prefer a dedicated sublimation workflow and want a compact printer that can handle projects ranging from tumbler transfers to apparel and mugs. Its included software and full CMYK starter ink set make it a practical entry point.

Best All-in-One Value – Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer

The Pinckney cartridge-free super-tank printer is a flexible option for sublimation projects, including tumbler transfers, when you also want scanning and copying. Its refillable ink system arrives with a high-capacity bundle and supports wireless printing from compatible devices.

Best For: Home crafters who want sublimation printing plus built-in scanning and copying in one machine.

Pros:

• Includes high-capacity sublimation ink: 127 ml black and 85 ml each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
• Cartridge-free tanks use auto-fill nozzles designed for easy refilling without a syringe.
• Provides built-in scanner and copier functions.
• Supports Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and multiple paper sizes, including 8.5 x 47.2-inch media.

Cons:

• Its maximum listed media size is 8.5 x 11 inches for standard supported paper.
• The printer is larger than the Brother SP-1, measuring 22.8 x 14.8 x 10 inches.
• Ink may ship separately from the printer.

This model stands out when an all-in-one format matters more than a compact footprint. The generous included ink supply and easy-fill tanks may suit frequent hobby use, while the scanner and copier add everyday versatility.

Best for Comfort – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle

The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle is designed for buyers who want more than a printer alone. Along with the SP-1 and full CMYK ink set, this package includes 160 transfer sheets, 50 sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources for beginning tumbler and other sublimation projects.

Best For: New crafters and small businesses that want a broad supply bundle for testing different sublimation blanks.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml each of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Provides 160 total transfer sheets, including 150 ProSub sheets and 10 Brother sheets.
• Includes 50 sublimation blanks and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
• Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Artspira software, and 500 SoFontsy design cards.

Cons:

• The printer is limited to simplex printing.
• It does not include scanning or copying functions.
• The listed resolution is 600 x 600 dpi, lower than the other Brother SP-1 listing.

If you are building a sublimation workspace from scratch, this bundle can reduce the need to purchase paper, blanks, tape, and design assets separately. It is particularly useful for experimenting with different products before committing to larger supply quantities.

Best with Extra Features – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for tumblers when you want reliable color output from a compact desktop machine. It includes a full OEM CMYK ink set, a 150-sheet covered auto-feed tray, and wireless connectivity for home studios or small businesses.

Best For: Makers and small businesses that want a ready-to-use Epson sublimation printer for tumblers, mugs, apparel, and other compatible projects.

Pros:

• Includes full-size genuine Epson CMYK sublimation inks and a maintenance tank.
• PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead supports precise droplet control and vibrant color.
• Covered 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps streamline repeat transfer printing.
• Compact design with wireless connectivity and Mac/Windows support.

Cons:

• Maximum media size is listed as A4, limiting larger transfer layouts.
• Not compatible with mobile devices.
• Designed for simplex printing only.

The F170 is the strongest all-around choice here for buyers prioritizing Epson print technology, included OEM ink, and a cleaner desktop workflow. Its main limitation is the smaller maximum media format, so check your tumbler-transfer layout requirements before buying.

Best Heavy-Duty Pick – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Kit

The Brother SP-1 Deluxe Kit is a sublimation printer for tumblers packaged with supplies that reduce the need for separate starter purchases. Along with the printer and full CMYK ink set, it includes transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, design resources, and Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

Best For: Beginners, crafters, and small-business owners who want a broad supply bundle for starting personalized tumbler and gift projects.

Pros:

• Includes 47 ml bottles of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
• Supplies include 310 transfer sheets, 50 blanks, tape, and a tool set.
• Works with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira design software app.
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity provide flexible setup options.

Cons:

• The bundle includes many supplies, which may be unnecessary for buyers who already have blanks and paper.
• Maximum listed resolution is 300 dpi.
• It uses simplex printing only.

This kit stands out for convenience rather than a standalone printer specification. It is a sensible entry point if you need paper, blanks, tape, and design assets alongside the SP-1, but compare the included materials with your intended tumbler workflow.

Best Complete Tumbler Setup – Brother SP-1 with 7-in-1 Press

This Brother SP-1 package combines a sublimation printer for tumblers with a 7-in-1 heat press and a selection of tumbler, mug, and cup blanks. It is designed for buyers who want to print transfers and press multiple drinkware shapes without assembling a setup piece by piece.

Best For: Crafters and small businesses focused on tumbler and drinkware personalization who need both printing equipment and pressing attachments.

Pros:

• Includes the Brother SP-1 printer and a full 47 ml CMYK ink set.
• 7-in-1 press includes a 20/30 oz tumbler attachment plus cup, mug, shot-glass, and other attachments.
• Includes six 20 oz tumblers, three wine tumblers, 12 mugs, and additional blanks.
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, with Mac, Windows, and app compatibility.

Cons:

• The combined printer-and-press package requires more workspace than a printer alone.
• Buyers who already own a heat press may pay for duplicate equipment.
• It uses simplex printing only.

For drinkware-focused production, this is the most complete option in the group because it includes the printer, press attachments, blanks, paper, tape, and design resources. Choose it when the bundled press is useful; otherwise, a printer-only package may be more economical.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Tumblers

We focused on printers designed or bundled for dye-sublimation work rather than general-purpose models that require uncertain modifications. Our comparison considered supported media sizes, included ink, transfer-paper compatibility, maintenance features, setup requirements, and the practical value of each bundle.

Because tumbler projects often involve repeated designs and small batches, we also looked at workflow convenience. Starter supplies can make a meaningful difference for beginners, while larger ink sets, maintenance tanks, and anti-clog features may matter more to frequent users.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Look For
Beginners	A complete bundle with ink, paper, blanks, and clear setup instructions
Home crafters	Compact size, straightforward software, and manageable refill costs
Frequent production	Reliable ink supply, maintenance features, and consistent media handling
All-in-one projects	A bundle that includes a compatible tumbler or mug press

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Tumblers

Printer Format and Design Size

Most tumbler graphics are printed on sheets that are later wrapped around the blank, so confirm the printer’s maximum paper width and the dimensions required for your drinkware. Compact letter-size models can work well for many tumblers, but larger products may require a wider format or tiled artwork.

Ink and Running Costs

Check whether the printer includes genuine sublimation ink, the cartridge or tank capacity, and the cost of replacement sets. A low purchase price may be less attractive if ink is expensive or difficult to source. Bundles with full CMYK ink sets are usually easier to start with.

Software and Setup

Color management affects the final transfer, so look for supplied profiles, dedicated design software, or clear instructions. Also verify operating-system compatibility and whether wireless printing is available if your workspace does not sit beside the printer.

Maintenance and Reliability

Sublimation printers need regular use and proper storage to reduce clogging. Features such as maintenance tanks, anti-clog design, and accessible replacement supplies can improve ownership convenience, especially for users who print frequently.

Bundle Contents

Count the included sheets, blanks, thermal tape, starter materials, and accessories. A bundle with a press can be useful, but confirm that the press supports the tumbler sizes and shapes you intend to make.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Tumblers?

New crafters should prioritize a complete starter bundle with ink, paper, blanks, and simple software. Experienced makers who already own a heat press may save money with a printer-only package and choose their preferred transfer paper separately.

For regular orders, select a model with dependable ink availability, useful maintenance features, and a workflow that supports repeatable color results. If your main goal is a ready-to-run tumbler business setup, a bundle including a compatible 7-in-1 or tumbler press may offer the most practical starting point.