Choosing the best sublimation printer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started. Should you buy a converted Epson EcoTank printer? Is a Sawgrass printer worth the extra cost? Do you need a large-format printer from day one?
The good news is that most beginners do not need an expensive setup to create professional-quality sublimation products.
Whether you want to make custom shirts, mugs, tumblers, ornaments, or products for your Etsy shop, the right printer depends on your budget, goals, and experience level.
If you’re completely new to sublimation, start by reading What Is Sublimation? A Beginner-Friendly Guide and How to Get Started With Sublimation before choosing a printer.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best sublimation printers available today and help you find the right option for your needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Printer | Best For | Sheet Size | Beginner Friendly | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Beginners | 8.5″ x 11″ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | $189.00- $210.99 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Home Crafters | 8.5″ x 11″ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | $330.00- $379.99 |
| Sawgrass SG500 | Dedicated Sublimation | 8.5″ x 14″ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | $600.00- $679.99 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Growing Businesses | 13″ x 19″ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | $500.00- $579.99 |
| Sawgrass SG1000 | High Volume Production | 13″ x 19″ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | $1,600.00- $1,699.99 |
Best Overall Sublimation Printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
For most people, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 remains the best sublimation printer available today.
It is affordable, easy to find, produces excellent image quality, and has become the most popular EcoTank model among beginners.
The ET-2800 is not a dedicated sublimation printer. Instead, users convert it by filling the ink tanks with sublimation ink before the printer is ever used.
If you’re considering this printer, make sure to read our guide on How to Convert the Epson ET-2800 Into a Sublimation Printer.
Why We Like It
- Affordable entry price
- Excellent print quality
- Huge community support
- Low operating costs
- Ideal for beginners
Drawbacks
- Limited to letter-size printing
- Cannot easily switch back to regular ink
Best For
- First-time sublimation users
- Hobby crafters
- Etsy beginners
- Budget-conscious buyers
Bottom Line
If you’re buying your first sublimation printer, the ET-2800 is the easiest recommendation.
Black EcoTank ET-2800
White EcoTank ET-2800
Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer: Sawgrass SG500
If you want a printer specifically designed for sublimation, the Sawgrass SG500 is one of the best choices available.
Unlike Epson EcoTank conversions, the SG500 arrives ready for sublimation printing right out of the box.
It also includes dedicated software, color profiles, and support designed specifically for sublimation users.
Why We Like It
- Built specifically for sublimation
- Excellent color consistency
- Easy setup process
- Professional software ecosystem
Drawbacks
- Higher upfront cost
- Ink is more expensive than EcoTank alternatives
Best For
- Users who want simplicity
- Small business owners
- Dedicated sublimation enthusiasts
Bottom Line
The SG500 is a fantastic printer if you prefer convenience over the lower operating costs of an Epson conversion.
Sawgrass SG500
A dedicated sublimation printer.
Best Large Format Sublimation Printer: Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Once you begin selling products regularly, larger print sizes become increasingly important.
The Epson ET-15000 allows printing up to 13″ x 19″, opening the door to oversized shirts, larger designs, and expanded product options.
Many experienced sublimation sellers consider this the best value large-format sublimation printer available.
Why We Like It
- Large-format printing
- Excellent print quality
- Lower running costs than Sawgrass
- Great long-term value
Drawbacks
- Higher purchase price
- Larger footprint
Best For
- Growing Etsy shops
- Side hustles
- Small businesses
Bottom Line
If you already know you’re serious about sublimation, the ET-15000 can save you from upgrading later.
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Sublimation Printer for Growing Businesses
Best Premium Sublimation Printer: Sawgrass SG1000
The Sawgrass SG1000 takes everything people love about the SG500 and scales it up.
It supports larger media sizes, higher production volumes, and business-focused workflows.
Why We Like It
- Professional-grade performance
- Large-format capabilities
- Excellent software integration
- Strong support network
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Higher ink costs
Best For
- Established businesses
- Production environments
- High-volume sellers
Bottom Line
For dedicated production work, the SG1000 is difficult to beat.
Sawgrass SG1000
Sublimation printer for small businesses
Epson EcoTank vs Sawgrass: Which Is Better?
This is probably the most common question new sublimation users ask.
Choose Epson EcoTank If:
- You want the lowest startup costs
- You enjoy DIY projects
- You want lower ink costs
- You’re a beginner
Choose Sawgrass If:
- You want plug-and-play simplicity
- You prefer dedicated support
- You don’t mind paying more
- You want a purpose-built sublimation printer
For most beginners, Epson EcoTank printers provide the best value.
For business users who prioritize convenience, Sawgrass remains a strong option.
How to Choose a Sublimation Printer
Print Size
Think about the products you want to create. Tumblers, mugs, and small shirts work well with letter-size printers. Larger apparel often benefits from 13″ x 19″ printing.
Budget
Budget
Most beginners can start successfully with:
- Epson ET-2800
- Sublimation ink
- Sublimation paper
- A heat press
You do not need a thousand-dollar setup to get started.
For a complete beginner setup, see How to Get Started With Sublimation.
Business Goals
Many people buy the cheapest printer available, only to upgrade a year later.
If you plan to sell products consistently, investing in a larger-format printer can save money long term.
Which Sublimation Printer Should You Buy?
- First-time beginner: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Best dedicated sublimation printer: Sawgrass SG500
- Best large-format option: Epson ET-15000
- Best for small business production: Sawgrass SG1000
For most beginners, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 remains the easiest recommendation. It offers excellent value, produces high-quality prints, and keeps startup costs low.
Creative Products to Try
Fun sublimation blanks that are beginner-friendly, giftable, and great for testing new designs.
Sublimation Tumblers
Great for personalized gifts, Etsy products, and colorful wrap designs.
Sublimation Mouse Pads
Affordable blanks for testing designs, gifts, and simple shop products.
Sublimation Mugs
Classic sublimation blanks that work well for gifts, holidays, and small shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any Epson EcoTank printer be converted for sublimation?
Many EcoTank models can be converted, but some are more popular than others. The ET-2800 is currently one of the most recommended beginner options.
Is Sawgrass better than Epson for sublimation?
Sawgrass printers are built specifically for sublimation, but Epson conversions are usually more affordable and offer excellent print quality.
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is one of the best beginner-friendly sublimation printers due to its affordability and strong community support.
Do I need a heat press with a sublimation printer?
Yes. A sublimation printer creates the transfer, but a heat press is required to permanently transfer the design onto the blank.
Conclusion
The best sublimation printer depends on your budget and goals. Most beginners will be happiest with the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, while growing businesses may benefit from larger options like the ET-15000 or Sawgrass SG1000.
Whichever printer you choose, pairing it with quality sublimation ink, paper, and a reliable heat press will have a bigger impact on your results than the printer alone.