7 Best Sublimation Printers for Cricut (November 2026)

The best sublimation printers for Cricut projects include the Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. for a ready-to-start Epson setup, the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle for a full craft bundle, and the Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer for print-and-cut stickers.

On this page (4 sections)

1. Which sublimation printers work with Cricut projects?
2. What should you check before choosing a printer for Cricut sublimation?
3. 7 sublimation printer and Cricut picks
4. Which printer is the best fit for your Cricut workflow?

The best sublimation printer for Cricut projects is the Epson SureColor F170 bundle for a straightforward computer-based setup. It includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, sublimation paper in 2 sizes and thermal tape, so you can print a design before sending it to a Cricut machine to cut.

The key is to choose a printer that makes sublimation transfer prints, then use Cricut for the cut. A Cricut cutting machine does not replace the printer, and a small sticker printer that uses dye-sublimation is not automatically suitable for heat-transfer projects.

If you're new to the process, our guide to what printer you need for sublimation explains what happens between printing and transferring. For other project-specific options, see our guides to the best sublimation printer starter bundle, best sublimation printer for tumblers and best sublimation printers for mugs.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a ready-to-start Epson setup

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a full craft bundle

   Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for print-and-cut stickers

   Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Liene PixCut S1 Inspire Kit

   Best for a larger sticker-paper supply
   Check it
5. 5

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer

   Best for the core F170 printer
   Check it
6. 6

   Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer

   Best for longer print layouts
   Check it
7. 7

   Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper

   Best for Cricut-compatible transfer paper
   Check it

Which sublimation printers work with Cricut projects?

A sublimation printer works with Cricut when it can print your design on compatible sublimation paper and your Cricut can cut the printed design. The printer handles the ink and paper; the cutting machine handles the shape.

We compared the supplied product features against that workflow. The Epson SureColor F170, Brother SP-1 and Sawgrass SG500 are sublimation printer options for transfer work.

The Liene PixCut S1 products are sticker printers and cutters, while Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper is a supply rather than a printer.

The score reflects how well each product's stated features fit the search for a sublimation printer for Cricut, including whether it's actually a transfer printer. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

What should you check before choosing a printer for Cricut sublimation?

Check the printer type, paper size, computer or app support, and what comes in the box. These details affect whether a printer fits your designs and how many supplies you'll need to buy separately.

Does the printer make sublimation transfers?

For Cricut sublimation, you need a printer that makes designs on sublimation paper for transfer to a suitable blank. The F170, SP-1 and SG500 are presented as sublimation printers with sublimation inks.

The PixCut S1 uses thermal dye-sublimation for photos and stickers, and includes a cutter for those materials. That printing method alone doesn't make it a replacement for a transfer printer.

If you're comparing process types, our guide to sublimation versus screen printing covers how the methods differ.

Will the paper fit your design?

The F170 supports media up to 8.5 in wide and the supplied bundle includes 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper. The Brother SP-1 supports paper up to 8.5 x 14 in, while the Sawgrass SG500's bypass tray can fit prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.

Choose based on the design you want to print before cutting. For mug projects, paper choice and the blank also matter; our guide to what happens with a sublimation mug explains the transfer process.

What setup do you want?

The F170 is a computer-based option for Mac and Windows, with mobile device connections unsupported. The Brother SP-1 bundle includes Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and supports Windows, Mac and an app.

The Sawgrass SG500 offers Wi-Fi connectivity and access to MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility. If ink compatibility is a factor in your longer-term setup, see our guide to Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 sublimation ink cartridges.

7 sublimation printer and Cricut picks

These picks cover dedicated transfer printers, bundles, sticker makers and paper for different Cricut craft workflows. The first 3 are the most relevant printer choices for making sublimation transfers.

1

Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.: Best for a ready-to-start Epson setup

9.7/10Our score

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper
• Mac and Windows setup

This F170 bundle pairs a dedicated dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink, two paper sizes, thermal tape and a starter kit. Its computer-based setup fits a Cricut workflow where you print first, then cut.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
• Paper and thermal tape included
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray

Cons

• Does not connect to mobile devices
• Prints up to 8.5 in wide

The Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 bundle is the strongest fit if you want a dedicated transfer printer with several starter supplies. It includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, a user guide, power cable, sublimation starter kit, thermal tape, and 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper.

The printer has a 150-sheet auto-feed tray and a dust-resistant closed paper tray. Epson's PrecisionCore printhead uses Precision Droplet Control, and the printer supports Mac and Windows.

Mobile device connections aren't supported, so plan to prepare and print from a computer.

The included paper gives you a choice of sheet size before you move to the Cricut cutting step. You still need to check that your design fits the sheet and the material you'll transfer it to.

Choose this package if you want the printer and some core supplies together. The closely related budget-friendly sublimation printer options may help if you're comparing what to include in your first setup.

2

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle: Best for a full craft bundle

9.6/10Our score

• Full CMYK ink set
• 160 sheets of sublimation paper
• 50 sublimation blanks
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity

The SP-1 bundle includes ink, paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape and design resources. It supports Windows, Mac and an app, giving you several ways to prepare a design before sending it to your Cricut.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ink, paper, blanks and tape in one bundle
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
• Works with Windows, Mac and an app

Cons

• The included blanks may not match every project
• Maximum media size is 8.5 x 14 in

The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle fits crafters who want printer supplies and blanks in one package. It includes a full set of CMYK ink, 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape and design resources.

Its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity give you options for connecting it to your setup. The bundle supports Windows, Mac and an app, and its listed paper sizes include 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in.

The included blanks can help you begin making projects, but check whether their shapes and materials suit the designs you have in mind. The main advantage here is the collection of supplies; the F170 package is a better fit if you want an Epson printer and specific paper sizes included.

Choose the SP-1 bundle when included materials and connection options are a priority. For more bundle comparisons, see best sublimation printer starter bundles.

3

Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer: Best for print-and-cut stickers

9.6/10Our score

• Thermal dye-sublimation photo printing
• Built-in sticker cutting
• 300 dpi color printing
• Bluetooth app control

The PixCut S1 combines small-format color sticker printing and cutting in one device. Its thermal dye-sublimation process is for photo and sticker media, so it is not a substitute for a printer that makes heat-transfer designs for Cricut projects.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Prints and cuts stickers in one device
• Bluetooth app control
• Automatically laminates sticker media

Cons

• Maximum media size is 4 x 7 in
• Not a standard sublimation-transfer printer

The Liene PixCut S1 is a compact option for making and cutting small stickers, not for printing standard Cricut sublimation transfers. It combines thermal dye-sublimation photo printing with a cutting machine and supports prints up to 4 x 7 in.

You can edit, print and cut from a smartphone through Bluetooth and the app. The device also uses AI image extraction to identify a subject and guide the cut, and its four-layer process automatically laminates the photo paper.

That makes it useful if you want a separate route to custom stickers or labels. Its small media size and sticker-focused process don't match the larger paper sheets used for most Cricut transfer designs.

Choose it for a print-and-cut sticker workflow that doesn't require a separate Cricut. For heat-transfer sublimation, choose one of the dedicated printers above.

4

Liene PixCut S1 Inspire Kit: Best for a larger sticker-paper supply

9.6/10Our score

• PixCut S1 printer and cutter
• 36 photo sheets and 144 sticker sheets
• 300 dpi color printing
• Bluetooth app control

The Inspire Kit combines the PixCut S1 printer and cutter with 180 sheets of photo and sticker paper. Choose it for a separate sticker-making workflow, not to print the larger heat-transfer designs used with Cricut.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 180 sheets of included media
• Prints and cuts in one device
• Bluetooth app control

Cons

• Maximum media size is 4 x 7 in
• Not intended for standard heat-transfer projects

The Liene PixCut S1 Inspire Kit adds a larger supply of media for sticker projects. It includes 36 photo sheets and 144 sticker sheets for use with the PixCut S1 printer and cutter.

Like the other PixCut S1, this is a thermal dye-sublimation photo and sticker device with a maximum media size of 4 x 7 in. It combines printing and cutting, and connects through Bluetooth for app-based editing and control.

The extra paper makes sense if your goal is to produce many small stickers, labels or photo designs. It doesn't turn the PixCut into a standard sublimation-transfer printer for designs you cut with Cricut.

Choose the Inspire Kit over the PixCut S1 alone if the added sticker paper suits your projects. Choose a transfer printer if your plan is to print sublimation designs for blanks, clothing or drinkware.

5

Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer: Best for the core F170 printer

9.5/10Our score

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Compact design
• Mac and Windows setup

This F170 package includes the printer, genuine Epson ink, user guide and power cable. It suits Cricut users who want the dedicated printer and plan to choose their own paper and other supplies.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Compact design

Cons

• Paper and starter supplies are not included in this package
• Does not connect to mobile devices

This Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 package suits buyers who want the dedicated printer and genuine Epson ink without the larger starter bundle. It includes the printer, ink set, user guide and power cable.

The 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps keep paper ready for printing. Epson's F170 uses PrecisionCore technology, supports Mac and Windows, and has a compact design for a home craft area.

Unlike the first F170 package here, this version doesn't include the same collection of starter supplies and paper sizes. Plan for separate sublimation paper and any tape or blanks you need.

Choose it when you want the core Epson printer setup and already know which supplies fit your projects. Check the paper size your designs need before you settle on a workflow.

6

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer: Best for longer print layouts

9.4/10Our score

• CMYK SubliJet UHD inks
• Prints on media up to 8.5 x 14 in
• Bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 x 51 in
• Wi-Fi connectivity

The SG500 includes CMYK SubliJet UHD inks and supports standard media up to 8.5 x 14 in. Its bypass tray can fit prints up to 8.5 x 51 in, which may help with longer designs before cutting.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Bypass tray supports longer prints
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility included

Cons

• Designed for 110/120V North American outlets
• Paper bundle details should be checked for your setup

The Sawgrass SG500 suits users who want room for longer print layouts. It prints on media up to 8.5 x 14 in, and its bypass tray can fit prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.

The SG500 includes a full set of CMYK SubliJet UHD inks. Sawgrass also provides access to its MySawgrass design platform and Sawgrass Print Utility, with Wi-Fi connectivity and printhead auto-maintenance listed among its features.

For the printer's waste collection unit, see which waste collection unit fits Sawgrass printers.

One specific buying check matters here: the printer is designed for standard 110/120V North American electrical outlets. Confirm that the power setup works where you plan to use it.

Choose the SG500 if its longer bypass-tray format helps with your print layouts. For mug-focused ideas, compare it with the picks in our best sublimation printers for mugs guide.

7

Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper: Best for Cricut-compatible transfer paper

9.1/10Our score

• 200 sheets
• 8.5 x 11 in size
• 120 gsm weight
• Designed for sublimation printing and Cricut cutting

This paper is made for printing a full-color sublimation design, cutting it with a Cricut machine and transferring it with a Cricut heat press. It is paper for a workflow, not a printer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cricut describes a print, cut and transfer workflow
• 200 sheets included
• 120 gsm paper

Cons

• Requires a separate sublimation printer
• Print on the white side

Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper is a supply for your workflow, not a printer. The pack includes 200 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in paper with a 120 gsm weight, designed for full-color sublimation projects.

Cricut describes the steps as designing, printing with a sublimation printer, cutting with a Cricut and transferring the design with a Cricut heat press. Print on the white side of the paper, and check that your printer supports the sheet size.

This can fit a setup that already has a compatible transfer printer. It can't print a design by itself, and it doesn't replace the ink, printer or heat press.

Choose it when you want Cricut-branded paper for the print, cut and transfer sequence. If you need a printer too, start with the Epson or Brother bundle above.

Which printer is the best fit for your Cricut workflow?

The Epson SureColor F170 bundle is the best all-around fit here because it pairs a dedicated sublimation printer with genuine ink, paper and thermal tape. The Brother SP-1 is a strong choice when you want a wider collection of supplies and connectivity options in one bundle.

Choose the F170 core package if you want the printer and ink, then plan to select paper and blanks yourself. Choose the Sawgrass SG500 if its bypass tray length supports your print layouts and its electrical requirements suit your workspace.

Pick either Liene PixCut S1 package for photo stickers and small labels, not Cricut heat-transfer designs. Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper can support a print, cut and transfer workflow, but it needs a separate printer.

The best sublimation printer for Cricut is the dedicated transfer model that fits your sheet size and setup: choose the F170 bundle for a ready-to-start Epson package, the SP-1 for a fuller craft bundle, or the SG500 for longer layouts.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a ready-to-start Epson setup

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a full craft bundle

   Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for print-and-cut stickers

   Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Can Cricut print sublimation designs?

A Cricut cutting machine can cut a printed sublimation design, but you need a separate sublimation printer to print it. Design the image, print it on sublimation paper, then use the Cricut to cut it before transferring it to a suitable blank.

The Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper supports that print, cut and transfer workflow.

Which printer works best with Cricut for sublimation?

Choose a dedicated dye-sublimation printer, such as the Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1, for designs you plan to print on sublimation paper and cut with Cricut. Both options here include sublimation ink, and the bundles also include paper and other supplies.

Match the paper size to your design.

Is the Liene PixCut S1 a Cricut sublimation printer?

The PixCut S1 uses thermal dye-sublimation technology, but it prints small photos and stickers on its own media. It also cuts those stickers, so it is a separate kind of craft device from a printer that creates heat-transfer designs for Cricut projects.

Its maximum media size is 4 x 7 in.

What size sublimation printer do I need for Cricut?

Choose a printer that handles the paper size your designs need. The Epson F170 supports media up to 8.5 in wide, while the Brother SP-1 supports paper up to 8.5 x 14 in.

A Cricut can cut a design after printing, but the printer's media limits still set the largest sheet you can use.

Do I need special paper for Cricut sublimation?

Yes. Use sublimation paper that works with your printer and the transfer process.

Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper comes in 8.5 x 11 in sheets and is designed for full-color projects that are printed, cut and transferred.

Print on its white side, then follow the instructions for your blank and heat press.