8 Best Printers for Sublimation and Heat Transfer (October 2026)
The best printers for sublimation and heat transfer include the TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T for dark cotton transfers, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank for a home ink tank base, and the Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work for compatible EcoTank conversion.
On this page (5 sections)
The best printer for sublimation and heat transfer depends on what you want to transfer. The Sawgrass SG500 and Brother Sublimation Printer are designed for sublimation, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a general inkjet option that may suit a planned conversion workflow.
These methods use different inks, papers and suitable surfaces. For mug projects, compare sublimation printers for mugs.
Sublimation is generally used with polyester fabric or polymer-coated blanks, while heat transfer paper can be printed with a compatible inkjet printer and pressed onto fabric.
If you’re deciding between the methods, read our What Is Heat Transfer Sublimation? A Beginner’s Explanation and Sublimation vs Heat Transfer Vinyl: Quick Fixes for the basic workflow differences.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for dark cotton transfersTransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a home ink tank baseEpson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for compatible EcoTank conversionHiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer
Best for a dedicated sublimation setup - 5
Check itDelclynee 15" x 15" High Pressure Heat
Best for pressing full-size shirt designs - 6
Best for app-led sublimation craftsCheck it - 7
Check itPinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink
Best for an ink-and-printer bundle - 8
Check itEpson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank
Best for wider sublimation designs
How we compared printers for sublimation and heat transfer
We compared each option by its intended printing method, ink setup, media size and the other supplies the workflow needs. A heat press is part of the transfer process, but it is not a printer.
The right choice depends on the finished material and the amount of setup you want to handle. For more background, see [What Printer Do I Need for Sublimation?
What Really Happens](/what-printer-do-i-need-for-sublimation/).
| Product | Best for | Sheets | Printer ink | Fabric | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T | dark cotton transfers | 20 | Pigment or dye ink | Black and dark cotton, 70% to 100% cotton | 9.6 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank | a home ink tank base | 9.5 | |||
| Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work | compatible EcoTank conversion | 9.5 | |||
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer | a dedicated sublimation setup | 9.4 | |||
| Delclynee 15" x 15" High Pressure Heat | pressing full-size shirt designs | 9.3 | |||
| Brother Sublimation Printer | app-led sublimation crafts | 9.2 | |||
| Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink | an ink-and-printer bundle | 9.1 | |||
| Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank | wider sublimation designs | 9.0 |
Printer and supply picks for each transfer workflow
Choose a dedicated sublimation model for a direct sublimation setup, or pair a compatible inkjet with the correct heat transfer paper for printed fabric transfers. The picks below are ordered by their fit for this roundup, with tools and supplies included where they complete the workflow.
New to the process? Compare sublimation printers for beginners.
Brother Sublimation Printer: Best for app-led sublimation crafts
- Designed for sublimation
- Works with Artspira app
- Brother ink and starter paper included
The Brother printer pairs with the Artspira app and includes Brother sublimation ink and starter paper. It suits a workflow centered on phone or tablet designs and a separate heat press.
Pros
- Sublimation ink and starter paper included
- Artspira includes designs
- Designed for DIY transfer projects
Cons
- Heat press sold separately
- Intended for US 120V use
The Brother Sublimation Printer is designed for sublimation and works with Brother’s Artspira app. It includes Brother Genuine sublimation ink and a starter pack of sublimation paper, while a heat press is required separately.
Artspira offers more than 100 designs and lets you create projects on a phone or tablet. The printer supports media up to 8.5 x 11 in.
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink: Best for an ink-and-printer bundle
- Converted ET-2800 or ET-2803 printer
- Sublimation ink included
- Print, scan and copy
This bundle combines a converted tank printer and sublimation ink. It can reduce setup steps for a buyer who wants those pieces together, but check the exact printer model and included supplies.
Pros
- Sublimation ink included
- Autofill bottle design
- Scanner and copier included
Cons
- Converted printer workflow
- Heat press and transfer paper are separate
Pinckney bundles a converted ET-2800 or ET-2803 with sublimation ink. The bundle includes black, cyan, magenta and yellow ink, plus a manual and setup disc.
This can simplify the initial parts list for a buyer who wants a tank printer and sublimation ink together. The printer also has scanner and copier functions, but you’ll still need sublimation paper, suitable blanks and a heat press.
Check the exact printer model and included items before setting up. Converted printers are a separate route from buying a printer designed specifically for sublimation.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a color inkjet with refillable tanks, wireless printing, scanning and copying. It can print documents and graphics, but its standard ink setup is different from a sublimation printer.
For heat transfer paper, match the paper’s requirements to the printer and ink. For sublimation, plan the printer and ink conversion before filling the tanks, because changing ink systems affects how you use the printer afterward.
If you’re considering EcoTank sublimation ink, compare the best Epson sublimation ink bottle and confirm that the ink supports your exact model.
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer: Best for a dedicated sublimation setup
- Dedicated sublimation printer
- CMYK SubliJet UHD inks included
- Prints media up to 8.5 x 14 in
The SG500 is designed for sublimation and includes ink and paper. Its stated media size suits small to medium projects, with a bypass tray for prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.
Pros
- Designed for sublimation printing
- Ink and paper included
- MySawgrass design platform and Print Utility
Cons
- Uses standard 110/120V North American outlets
- Print width is limited for larger projects
The Sawgrass SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer supplied with CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and paper. Its standard media size reaches 8.5 x 14 in, and its bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.
The MySawgrass platform includes design templates, while Sawgrass Print Utility provides print controls and presets. Sawgrass says the printer has Wi-Fi connectivity and print head auto-maintenance.
This model is intended for standard 110/120V US and North American outlets. It fits smaller projects, while larger designs may need a different printer format.
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank: Best for wider sublimation designs
- Wide-format printing up to 13 x 19 in via rear feed
- Refillable ink tanks
- Print, fax, copy and scan
The ET-15000 offers a wider print path than standard desktop models. It is a general-purpose tank printer, so plan a compatible sublimation ink workflow before using it for transfers.
Pros
- Supports wide-format prints
- Refillable tank system
- Wireless connectivity
Cons
- Not described as a dedicated sublimation printer
- Larger footprint than compact desktop options
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format all-in-one inkjet with refillable tanks. Its rear-feed tray supports prints up to 13 x 19 in, which gives more room for larger designs than a standard desktop sheet.
It’s a general-purpose printer, so plan a compatible ink workflow before using it for sublimation. Hiipoo’s compatibility information includes the ET-15000.
Pair it with a heat press sized for your projects.
Delclynee 15" x 15" High Pressure Heat: Best for pressing full-size shirt designs
- 15 x 15 in heating surface
- Clamshell design
- Adjustable pressure knob
This is a heat press, not a printer, and can complete workflows that print a design onto transfer paper or vinyl. The 15 x 15 in surface provides room for shirt projects.
Pros
- Large 15 x 15 in heating surface
- Adjustable pressure
- Digital time and temperature gauge
Cons
- Stationary lower board
- Requires a separate printer and transfer material
The Delclynee is the heat press in this roundup, not a printer. It has a 15 x 15 in heating surface, an adjustable pressure knob, and a digital gauge with time and temperature settings.
The clamshell press has a fixed lower board, so it doesn’t slide out for loading. Its threadable lower platen leaves space to position a shirt so the press applies heat and pressure to one layer.
Choose the press after you know your transfer size and work surface. The press completes a printer-based workflow, but it cannot print designs or replace transfer paper.
TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T: Best for dark cotton transfers
- 20 sheets of dark transfer paper
- For inkjet printers with pigment or dye ink
- For 70% to 100% cotton fabrics
This transfer paper supports a workflow using a regular inkjet printer and a heat press or iron. It is intended for dark cotton fabrics, so it serves a different job from sublimation paper.
Pros
- Compatible with inkjet printers
- Includes reusable Teflon paper
- For dark cotton fabrics
Cons
- Not sublimation paper
- Requires cutting out the printed design
TransOurDream dark transfer paper is for an inkjet workflow on black and dark cotton fabrics. It calls for pigment or dye ink, scissors or a cutting machine, and an iron or heat press.
The pack includes 20 sheets of transfer paper and 2 reusable Teflon sheets. The printed design is cut out, placed face up on the fabric, covered with Teflon paper and transferred with heat.
This is a useful option when your project is dark cotton and you want to use a regular inkjet printer. It is not sublimation paper, so don’t use it as a substitute for sublimation supplies.
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work: Best for compatible EcoTank conversion
- Water-based dye sublimation ink
- Compatible with ET-2803 and ET-15000
- Autofill bottles
These bottles are compatible with several Epson tank printer models, including the ET-2803 and ET-15000. Check the exact model and ink workflow before using sublimation ink.
Pros
- Model compatibility includes ET-2803 and ET-15000
- Autofill bottle design
- Made for sublimation transfer projects
Cons
- Compatibility is model specific
- Sublimation use requires suitable transfer materials
Hiipoo sublimation ink is compatible with several Epson tank printer models, including the ET-2803 and ET-15000. Its autofill bottle design fits the tank inlet and stops filling automatically.
Hiipoo says the ink is suitable for fabrics containing less than 30% cotton. Pair it with sublimation paper and appropriate fabric or polymer-coated blanks.
Which printer workflow fits your project?
A dedicated sublimation printer is a direct choice when you plan to make sublimation transfers regularly. The Brother Sublimation Printer supports media up to 8.5 x 11 in, while the Sawgrass SG500 supports standard media up to 8.5 x 14 in and bypass-tray prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.
A converted tank printer can suit buyers who are comfortable planning ink compatibility and setup. The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 and ET-15000 are general inkjets, so check that your sublimation ink supports the exact model before setting up.
For dark cotton transfers, use compatible heat transfer paper and an inkjet printer that meets its requirements. Our transfer paper vs sublimation paper guide explains how the paper choice changes the process.
What else do you need for a transfer setup?
A printer alone doesn’t complete either workflow. Heat transfer paper needs a compatible printer and heat source, while sublimation needs sublimation ink, sublimation paper, a press and a suitable blank.
For sublimation, use polyester fabric or a polymer-coated surface. For fabric projects, compare sublimation printers for fabric.
TransOurDream transfer paper is intended for black and dark cotton fabrics that are 70% to 100% cotton.
For a wider kit, see our best sublimation printer and heat press bundle. For vinyl projects, our best printer for heat transfer vinyl covers a different supply path.
How to choose the best printer for sublimation and heat transfer
Choose the Brother or Sawgrass if you want a printer designed for sublimation. The Brother supports media up to 8.5 x 11 in and works with Artspira; the Sawgrass supports larger media, including bypass-tray prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.
Choose an Epson tank printer if you want a general inkjet base and are prepared to confirm compatible sublimation ink. The ET-15000 supports larger prints, while the ET-2803 is a compact home printer with wireless printing, scanning and copying.
For dark cotton projects, choose heat transfer paper that matches your printer’s ink and follow its pressing steps. Add a heat press sized for the items you plan to decorate.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for dark cotton transfers
TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a home ink tank base
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for compatible EcoTank conversion
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can one printer handle sublimation and heat transfer paper?
Some inkjet printers can print on heat transfer paper, while sublimation requires sublimation ink and paper. A printer's suitability depends on its ink system and the transfer materials you plan to use.
Check the paper's printer and ink requirements before printing.
Can I use regular ink in a sublimation printer?
Sublimation transfers require sublimation ink. Regular inkjet ink is intended for printing onto paper and does not replace sublimation ink in a transfer workflow.
Choose a dedicated sublimation printer or confirm the printer and ink compatibility before setting up a tank printer.
Do I need a heat press for sublimation?
Yes, a heat press is part of the sublimation transfer workflow. The printer puts the design on sublimation paper, then heat and pressure transfer it to a suitable polyester fabric or polymer-coated item.
Choose a press that fits the item and design size.
Is heat transfer paper the same as sublimation paper?
No. Heat transfer paper is printed and applied to fabric, while sublimation paper carries sublimation ink that transfers with heat onto suitable polyester or polymer-coated surfaces.
Check the paper instructions for printer, ink, fabric and pressing requirements.
