Best Sublimation Printers in 2023

Sublimation printing is a unique process that allows you to transfer images onto a variety of surfaces, including fabrics, ceramics, and metals. It’s a popular choice for creating custom t-shirts, mugs, and other personalized items. However, to achieve high-quality results, you need the right equipment. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the best sublimation printers on the market.

When shopping for a sublimation printer, there are several critical factors to consider. First and foremost, you want a printer that produces vibrant, long-lasting prints. You also need a printer that’s easy to use and compatible with a range of materials. Furthermore, the cost of ink and paper is an essential consideration, as these expenses can add up quickly.

After researching and testing various sublimation printers, we’ve identified the top models on the market. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of each printer’s features, pros, and cons. Whether you’re a professional printer or a hobbyist, we’re confident that our recommendations will help you find the best sublimation printer for your needs.

Best Sublimation Printers

We understand the importance of having a reliable sublimation printer for all your printing needs. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a small business owner, or someone who enjoys crafting, having the right sublimation printer can make all the difference in the quality of your prints. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best sublimation printers on the market. Our team has researched and tested various models to bring you a comprehensive list of printers that offer high-quality prints, user-friendly features, and great value for your money. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best sublimation printers.

1) Brother Sublimation Printer

We highly recommend the Brother Sublimation Printer for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient sublimation printer.

The Brother Sublimation Printer is an excellent choice for those who want to create personalized pieces with exceptional print quality. With the Artspira app, you can access over 100 sublimation designs, stylistic photo authentic images, and more. The fast printing speeds allow you to quickly show off your custom project in vibrant color. However, keep in mind that a heat press is required for best results and that compatibility may vary by device and operating system.

In conclusion, the Brother Sublimation Printer is a reliable and efficient choice for anyone looking to create personalized pieces with exceptional print quality.

*Disclaimer: *Compatibility may vary by device and operating system. Requires connection to a wireless network.

2) HPRT Photo Printer

If you’re looking for a sublimation printer that can bring your memories to life in brilliant color, the HPRT CP4100 is a great option.

The HPRT CP4100 is a great sublimation printer for those who want to print high-quality photos with ease. It’s perfect for printing photos from your phone or tablet, and the Heyphoto app makes it easy to connect to your printer. The AR printing function is also a great feature that allows you to print wirelessly with a variety of sizes printing function such as 6″, 5″, 3″, 2″, 1″, etc., a variety of filters and borders to choose from, the AR printing function supports printing video, cropping video, after printing, click on the AR scanning to align the photos to be played back.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable sublimation printer that can produce high-quality prints, the HPRT CP4100 is definitely worth considering.

3) Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle

If you’re looking for a high-quality sublimation printer, the Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle is a great option.

We’ve been using the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 HD Product Decorating System for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The printer is easy to set up and use, and the included design access cards and online designer software make it easy to create professional-quality designs.

One thing to keep in mind is that sublimation only works on polyester fabrics or polymer-coated rigid media, so you’ll need to make sure you’re using the right materials. Additionally, sublimation requires a heat press for application, which is not included in the bundle.

Overall, we think the Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle is a great option for anyone looking to get started with sublimation printing. The bundle includes everything you need to get started, and the printer itself is designed specifically for sublimation, so you can be sure you’re getting high-quality results.

4) HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdn Printer

If you’re looking for a sublimation printer that can handle professional-quality color documents and reports, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdn Printer is a great choice for small teams of up to 10 people. With blazing-fast color printing speeds of up to 35 pages per minute, this printer can handle even the most demanding printing tasks with ease.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdn Printer is easy to set up and use, with mobile printing capabilities that allow you to print from any mobile device, PC, or tablet. The Ethernet connection ensures that you can print from virtually anywhere, while the advanced security features help to keep your printer and information safe.

One of the standout features of this printer is its fast printing speeds, which make it ideal for small teams that need to print a lot of documents quickly. The auto 2-sided printing and auto document feeder also make it easy to scan and copy documents, saving you time and effort.

However, it’s worth noting that this printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry, which could be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, the driver support for network environments is minimal, and some users have reported issues with staying online and scanning with multiple users.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sublimation printer that can handle professional-quality color documents and reports with ease, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdn Printer is definitely worth considering.

5) Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer with AirPrint and Cloud Compatible, Black

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile sublimation printer, the Canon Pixma iX6820 is worth considering.

Overall, the Canon Pixma iX6820 is a great sublimation printer that offers excellent print quality and a range of features that make it easy to use. However, its size, noise level, and cost of ink cartridges may be a concern for some users.

In terms of print quality, the Canon Pixma iX6820 is hard to beat. The Fine Print head technology ensures that every print is sharp and detailed, while the high-performance 5 individual ink tank system produces vibrant colors and deep blacks. The printer is also easy to use, thanks to its compatibility with Air Print, Google Cloud Print, and Pixma Printing Solutions (PPS).

That being said, the printer is quite bulky and heavy, which may be a problem if you have limited space or need to move it around frequently. Additionally, the ink cartridges can be expensive, especially if you plan to use the printer for high-volume printing. Finally, the printer can be quite noisy, which may be a concern if you’re working in a shared space.

Overall, we would recommend the Canon Pixma iX6820 to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile sublimation printer that offers excellent print quality and a range of useful features.

6) HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 4301Fdw Wireless All-in-One Printer

If you’re looking for a reliable sublimation printer, the HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 4301Fdw is a great choice. It’s fast, easy to use, and offers a wide range of features that make it perfect for small teams.

We’ve been using the HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 4301Fdw for a few weeks now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The printer is incredibly fast, and we’ve been able to print large batches of documents quickly and easily. The quality of the prints is excellent, with sharp details and vibrant colors that really pop.

One of the best things about this printer is its wireless connectivity. We’ve been able to print from our phones, tablets, and laptops without any issues, and the printer has always been online and ready to go when we need it. The HP Wolf Pro Security is also a great feature, giving us peace of mind that our printer and information are always secure.

The only downsides we’ve noticed are the occasional firmware issues, which can be frustrating, and the fact that the printer is a bit large and heavy. However, these are minor quibbles, and overall we’re very happy with our purchase. If you’re looking for a fast, reliable sublimation printer for your small team, the HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 4301Fdw is definitely worth considering.

7) HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Printer

If you’re looking for a sublimation printer that is easy to set up and use, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Printer is a great option.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Printer is a great choice for small teams and individuals who need to print professional-quality color documents and reports. The printer includes auto 2-sided printing and is perfect for up to 10 people.

The blazing-fast color printing is one of the standout features of this printer, with sharp details and incredible color. The wireless printing feature allows you to print from any mobile device, PC, or tablet, and the printer works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook, and more.

One of the best features of the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Printer is the HP Wolf Pro Security. This feature includes customizable settings to ensure that your printer and information are always secure.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sublimation printer that is fast, easy to use, and includes advanced security features, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Printer is a great choice.

8) HP OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer with 1 Full Year Instant Ink,White New

If you are looking for a printer that can handle all your printing needs, then HP OfficeJet Pro 8034e is a great option.

We found the HP OfficeJet Pro 8034e to be a reliable printer that offers fast print speeds, automatic two-sided printing, easy mobile printing, and reliable Wi-Fi connections. The printer can print up to 20 pages per minute in black and 10 pages per minute in color. Additionally, the printer comes with an auto document feeder and allows printing from USB.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a printer that can handle all your printing needs, then the HP OfficeJet Pro 8034e is a great option. Its fast print speeds, automatic two-sided printing, and easy mobile printing make it a great choice for small businesses and home offices. Plus, the full year of Instant Ink subscription and HP Plus Smart Features are a great addition that makes this printer a great value for money.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best sublimation printer, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important features to help you make an informed decision.

Print Quality

The most important aspect of any printer is the quality of the prints it produces. When it comes to sublimation printing, the resolution and color accuracy are crucial. Look for a printer with a high resolution and color gamut to ensure your prints come out sharp and vibrant.

Size and Capacity

Consider the size and capacity of the printer when making your decision. If you plan to print large quantities or large-sized prints, you’ll need a printer with a larger capacity. However, if you have limited space, a smaller printer may be more suitable.

Connectivity

Make sure the printer you choose has the connectivity options you need. Most sublimation printers offer USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, but some may also offer Ethernet or Bluetooth connectivity. Consider which options are most important for your printing needs.

Cost

The cost of a sublimation printer can vary greatly depending on the features and capabilities. Consider your budget and the features you need when making your decision. Keep in mind that the initial cost of the printer is not the only expense – you’ll also need to factor in the cost of ink and paper.

Warranty and Support

Finally, consider the warranty and support offered by the manufacturer. Look for a printer with a solid warranty and good customer support in case you encounter any issues with your printer.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best sublimation printer for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sublimation printer is recommended for t-shirt printing?

When it comes to t-shirt printing, we recommend the Epson SureColor P800. This printer produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. It also has a wide color gamut, which means it can produce a range of colors that other printers cannot. Additionally, it has a large capacity ink system, which reduces the need for frequent cartridge replacements.

What features should a beginner look for in a sublimation printer?

For beginners, we recommend looking for a printer with ease of use and affordability. The printer should have a simple setup process and be easy to navigate. It should also be affordable, so beginners can start experimenting with sublimation printing without breaking the bank. Additionally, it should have a good warranty and technical support, so beginners can get help if they encounter any issues.

Which sublimation printer brand is known for high-quality heat transfers?

When it comes to high-quality heat transfers, Sawgrass is a brand that is well-known in the industry. Their printers are specifically designed for sublimation printing and produce vibrant, long-lasting prints. Sawgrass also offers a range of ink options, including fluorescent and metallic inks, which can add unique effects to your prints.

What are the top sublimation printers suitable for mug customization?

For mug customization, we recommend the Epson SureColor F570 and the Sawgrass SG500. Both printers produce high-quality prints with vivid colors and sharp details. Additionally, they have a compact design, which makes them ideal for small spaces. The Epson SureColor F570 has a larger print size than the Sawgrass SG500, which may be a consideration for some users.

How does print quality affect the outcome of sublimation projects?

Print quality is a crucial factor in the outcome of sublimation projects. A high-quality print will have vibrant colors, sharp details, and a consistent tone. On the other hand, a low-quality print will have dull colors, blurry details, and an uneven tone. To achieve high-quality prints, it is essential to use a high-quality printer, ink, and paper.

What software is preferred for creating sublimation designs?

Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW are two of the most popular software options for creating sublimation designs. Both programs offer a range of tools and features that allow you to create complex designs with ease. Additionally, they are compatible with most sublimation printers and can produce high-quality prints. However, there are other software options available, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and experience.