6 Best Sublimation Printers for Fabric and T-Shirts (October 2026)

The best sublimation printers for fabric and T-shirts include the Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. for small garment designs, the Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer for a compact Epson setup, and the Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch for light fabric transfers.

On this page (6 sections)

1. How we chose sublimation printers for fabric
2. Which printer fits your garment design size?
3. What fabric works with a sublimation printer?
4. How wide should a T-shirt sublimation printer print?
5. What else do you need for fabric transfers?
6. Which sublimation printer should you choose for T-shirts?

The best sublimation printer for fabric and T-shirts for most small projects is the Epson SureColor F170, which uses genuine Epson sublimation ink and prints on media up to 8.5 inches wide. For wider garment panels, the Epson SureColor F570 supports media up to 24 inches.

The printer sets the maximum transfer width, but fabric choice matters just as much. Sublimation is suited to polyester or polymer-coated materials, and light-colored fabric is the practical choice for designs that need to show clearly.

If you are still deciding whether to convert an inkjet or buy a purpose-built machine, start with What Printer Do I Need for Sublimation? What Really Happens.

This comparison focuses on garment design size, textile transfer fit and the supplies that make each setup usable.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for small garment designs

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact Epson setup

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for light fabric transfers

   Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Brother Sublimation Printer

   Best for app-based shirt designs
   Check it
5. 5

   Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink

   Best for an all-in-one setup
   Check it
6. 6

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson Surecolor F570 24" Desktop

   Best for wide garment panels
   Check it

How we chose sublimation printers for fabric

The best sublimation printer for fabric depends first on the transfer width you need, then on how you want to handle ink, paper and design setup. We compared the listed media sizes, included ink and textile guidance to match each option with a practical garment use.

An 8.5-inch maximum media width suits smaller chest designs and compact graphics. A 24-inch option gives more room for wide graphics, but it also takes substantially more workspace.

We also considered whether a setup includes sublimation ink, supports a design app or bundles useful paper. Printer features alone do not determine the final result: the garment must suit sublimation, and a heat press is needed to apply the transfer.

Our score weighs specs and features against the garment design needs behind this search. The products appear from highest score to lowest.

Which printer fits your garment design size?

For a small shirt logo or chest design, an 8.5-inch printer is usually the more space-conscious fit. Choose a wider printer when your artwork needs a large transfer sheet or you plan to print fabric panels.

1

Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.: Best for small garment designs

9.7/10Our score

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Maximum media width of 8.5 in
• Mac and Windows setup

A compact dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink and an 8.5-inch maximum media width. The bundle also includes sublimation paper, thermal tape and starter blanks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
• Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Mac and Windows setup

Cons

• Maximum media width is 8.5 in
• Mobile device connection is not supported

The Epson SureColor F170 is the strongest general pick here for small apparel projects. Its genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink and 8.5-inch maximum media width make it a straightforward match for compact shirt graphics.

The 150-sheet auto-feed tray keeps paper enclosed between prints, and the bundle includes 8.5 x 11-inch and 8.5 x 14-inch sublimation paper, thermal tape and starter blanks. Epson’s dye-sublimation ink is certified under ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for textile use.

The F170 supports Mac and Windows setup, but mobile device connection is not supported. Keep the design within the printable width and confirm your press can cover the full transfer area.

Pick this bundle if you want an Epson dye-sub printer and starter supplies for small garment designs. For a broader overview of printer types and conversion considerations, read our guide to what printer you need for sublimation.

2

Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer: Best for a compact Epson setup

9.5/10Our score

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Maximum media width of 8.5 in
• Mac and Windows setup

This F170 bundle pairs Epson dye-sublimation ink with a compact format for smaller shirt graphics. It includes a user guide and power cable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
• Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Mac and Windows setup

Cons

• Maximum media width is 8.5 in
• Mobile device connection is not supported

This second Epson F170 option suits buyers who want the same compact printer format with a simpler bundle. It includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, a user guide and power cable, with a 150-sheet tray and an 8.5-inch maximum media width.

That width is enough for smaller front or chest graphics, but it limits how wide a single transfer can be. The included setup supports Mac and Windows, and mobile device connection is not supported.

Choose it when Epson’s purpose-built sublimation setup is your priority and you already have suitable paper and pressing supplies. If you're comparing this printer for other blanks, see our guide to the best sublimation printer for mugs.

2

Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer: Best for a compact Epson setup

9.5/10Our score

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Maximum media width of 8.5 in
• Mac and Windows setup

This F170 bundle pairs Epson dye-sublimation ink with a compact format for smaller shirt graphics. It includes a user guide and power cable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
• Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray
• Mac and Windows setup

Cons

• Maximum media width is 8.5 in
• Mobile device connection is not supported

3

Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch: Best for light fabric transfers

9.4/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 110 sheets
• For light-colored fabric with 30% cotton or less, or polyester
• Use with sublimation ink

Sublimation paper for garment designs and other blanks. Hiipoo specifies light-colored fabric with 30% cotton or less, or polyester.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Common letter-size sheet format
• 110 sheets per pack
• Fabric guidance is stated

Cons

• Use is limited to sublimation ink and suitable blanks
• Not a printer

Hiipoo sublimation paper gives you a letter-size option for shirt artwork printed with sublimation ink. The pack contains 110 sheets, and its fabric guidance calls for light-colored fabric with 30% cotton or less, or polyester.

The paper is a supply rather than a printer, so pair it with a compatible sublimation setup. Hiipoo describes a mirrored print workflow, followed by pressing and peeling the paper after the transfer.

This paper can fit common small apparel designs, but it does not increase the printer’s maximum media width. Check the garment composition and keep the transfer size within both the printer’s paper path and the press platen.

4

Brother Sublimation Printer: Best for app-based shirt designs

9.2/10Our score

• Artspira app access
• Maximum media size of 8.5 x 11 in
• Brother Genuine Sublimation Ink included
• Heat press required separately

The Brother SP1 works with Artspira for creating and printing DIY shirt designs. It uses sublimation paper and needs a separate heat press for transfers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Artspira includes sublimation designs
• Genuine Brother sublimation ink included
• Supports shirt and bag projects

Cons

• Heat press is an additional purchase
• Artspira is required to start using the printer

Brother’s SP1 is a good fit if you want a design workflow built around its Artspira app. The app provides access to sublimation designs, and the printer supports media up to 8.5 x 11 inches.

Brother includes genuine sublimation ink and a starter pack of sublimation paper. The workflow still needs a separate heat press, and the product information says the printer is intended for sale in the US at 120 volts.

Use it for app-based DIY shirt graphics when letter-size transfers meet your needs. If a cutting machine is also part of your workflow, our guide to the best sublimation printer for Cricut explains how to think about the printer and cutter roles.

5

Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink: Best for an all-in-one setup

9.1/10Our score

• Converted ET-2800 or ET-2803 all-in-one
• Sublimation ink bundle
• Supports paper up to 8.5 x 11 in
• Scanner and copier

This converted Epson all-in-one includes Pinckney sublimation ink and supports letter-size paper. It adds scanning and copying for a shared craft workspace.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Sublimation ink bundle included
• Print, scan and copy functions
• Supports several common paper sizes

Cons

• Converted ET-2800 or ET-2803 setup
• Maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 in

The Pinckney bundle combines an Epson ET-2800 or ET-2803 all-in-one with Pinckney sublimation ink. It can print on paper up to 8.5 x 11 inches and also includes scanner and copier functions.

This is a converted printer setup, so it makes the most sense if you specifically want the included sublimation ink arrangement and all-in-one functions. The maximum media size keeps it in the small-design group rather than the wide-panel category.

Pinckney lists paper sizes from photo formats through legal sheets, including 8.5 x 47.2 inches. However, its stated maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so confirm the supported feed and print workflow before planning an extended transfer.

6

Johnson Plastics Plus Epson Surecolor F570 24" Desktop: Best for wide garment panels

8.7/10Our score

• Media up to 24 in wide
• Roll and sheet support
• Built-in cutter
• Epson Edge Print Pro software

The F570 handles rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide, giving it room for larger garment graphics and fabric panels. It is a 151 lb desktop printer that ships by LTL freight.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Supports media up to 24 in wide
• Built-in cutter
• Software supports job layout and nesting

Cons

• Large 32 x 38 x 10 in dimensions
• LTL freight delivery requires scheduling

The Epson SureColor F570 is the wide-format pick for garment designs that exceed letter-width paper. It supports rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide, and its built-in cutter can help handle roll-fed work.

Epson Edge Print Pro supports job layout, nesting, pattern repeats and advanced color controls. The printer weighs 151 lb and measures 32 x 38 x 10 inches, so plan a dedicated, sturdy workspace before ordering.

The bundle ships by LTL freight and requires a valid phone number to schedule delivery. Choose it for larger garment panels or repeated production layouts, not for a compact craft desk.

What fabric works with a sublimation printer?

Sublimation works best on polyester fabric or materials with a polymer coating, because the transfer process relies on heat to bond the design to the surface. For cotton blends, check the paper and garment guidance rather than assuming every blend will accept the same result.

Hiipoo specifies light-colored fabric with 30% cotton or less, or polyester. That makes it a useful paper pairing for compatible light garments, but fabric composition and color still affect what the design can look like.

Sublimation ink often looks muted on paper before pressing. Brother describes its genuine sublimation ink as activating with heat to produce brighter colors on the project, so judge the transfer after it is pressed rather than by the unpressed sheet alone.

How wide should a T-shirt sublimation printer print?

An 8.5-inch maximum media width fits smaller chest graphics, while a printer supporting media up to 24 inches wide allows broader layouts. Measure your intended design and press platen before deciding, since a wider printer cannot make a small heat press cover more area.

A compact Epson F170 or letter-size Brother or Pinckney setup can suit small shirt graphics. For all-over looks or larger panel work, the F570 gives you more width, but you also need room for the printer and its media.

Do not confuse paper length with printable width. A long sheet may help with a vertically extended design, but the printer’s supported media path determines the width you can print.

What else do you need for fabric transfers?

A printer is only one part of a shirt sublimation setup. You also need compatible sublimation ink, suitable paper, a polyester-rich or coated garment, and a heat press that can apply even pressure over the design.

For Epson ET-2850 owners, match the ink to the printer before printing; our guide to the best sublimation ink for Epson ET-2850 covers that specific setup. If you are weighing a cutter alongside your printer, see sublimation printer and cutter setup choices.

Design software matters too, especially when you need to size artwork to a shirt panel or mirror a transfer. Our guide to design programs for sublimation covers the software side, while Epson sublimation printer settings can help you review print options for an Epson setup.

For drinkware rather than garments, compare the best sublimation printer for tumblers. Tumbler transfers have different shape and layout needs than flat shirt designs.

Which sublimation printer should you choose for T-shirts?

Choose the F170 for a dedicated Epson setup and smaller shirt graphics, the Brother SP1 for an Artspira-centered workflow, or the F570 when wide transfers are the priority. Choose the Pinckney bundle if an all-in-one printer with included sublimation ink fits your workspace.

For any of these, match the garment to sublimation and check the printable width before you create artwork. A compatible light polyester garment, correctly sized transfer and suitable heat press are the core parts of a shirt setup.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for small garment designs

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact Epson setup

   Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for light fabric transfers

   Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best sublimation printer for fabric?

For smaller garment designs, the Epson SureColor F170 is a strong fit because it uses genuine Epson sublimation ink and accepts media up to 8.5 inches wide. For larger panels, the Epson SureColor F570 supports media up to 24 inches wide.

The right choice depends on the transfer size you need.

Can you use a sublimation printer for cotton shirts?

Sublimation works best on polyester or fabric with a polymer coating. Hiipoo specifies its paper for light-colored fabric with 30% cotton or less, or polyester.

For mostly cotton shirts, consider a different transfer method suited to that fabric.

What size sublimation printer do I need for T-shirts?

Choose by the width of the design you plan to press. An 8.5-inch printer can handle smaller chest graphics, while a 24-inch printer gives you more room for wide layouts and fabric panels.

Check the printed transfer dimensions against your press platen before buying.

Do you need a heat press for sublimation shirts?

Yes, sublimation transfers require heat and pressure to move the printed design from paper onto a suitable garment. The Brother SP1 information specifically says a heat press is required and sold separately.

Follow the garment, ink and press instructions for temperature, time and pressure.