8 Best Sublimation Printers for Mugs (October 2026)
The best sublimation printers for mugs include the Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. for dedicated mug production, the Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer for sticker projects alongside drinkware, and the Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work for compatible EcoTank refills.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which sublimation printers for mugs stand out?
- How we chose these mug printer picks
- What should you check before buying a mug sublimation printer?
- How do you size a mug wrap for printing?
- Do you need a dedicated sublimation printer for mugs?
- Can these printers make other sublimation projects?
- Which mug sublimation printer should you choose?
The best sublimation printer for mugs for most dedicated makers is the Epson SureColor F170, with genuine sublimation ink and paper in two sizes included in one bundle. The Sawgrass SG500 is worth a look for longer wrap layouts, while the Brother SP1 has an app-led design workflow.
A mug printer needs to do more than put a graphic on paper. Your design has to fit the printable area, mirror correctly, and transfer onto a coated blank with the right heat and pressure.
If you're deciding between a dedicated sublimation model and a broader heat-transfer setup, compare our guide to best printers for sublimation and heat transfer. For the basics, [What Printer Do I Need for Sublimation?
What Really Happens](/what-printer-do-i-need-for-sublimation/) explains the ink and transfer steps.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for dedicated mug productionJohnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for sticker projects alongside drinkwareLiene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for compatible EcoTank refillsHiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itJohnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
Best for a simpler F170 bundle - 5
Check itSawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer
Best for wider mug-wrap layouts - 6
Check itHiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Compatible
Best for broad model compatibility - 7
Best for app-guided custom designsCheck it - 8
Check itPinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink
Best for an all-in-one starter setup
Which sublimation printers for mugs stand out?
The Epson SureColor F170 leads this group for a dedicated mug workflow, while the Sawgrass SG500 offers the longest listed media option. The remaining picks suit sticker crafts, app-based projects, or buyers who already have a compatible printer.
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.: Best for dedicated mug production
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Mac and Windows setup
- Includes 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper
A purpose-built dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink and paper in two listed sizes. The bundle suits a mug workflow that needs a wider sheet option for wrap layouts.
Pros
- Genuine sublimation ink included
- Closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Includes thermal tape and starter kit
Cons
- Does not support mobile-device connections
- Print-only function
The SureColor F170 is the clearest choice here if mug transfers are the main job. It arrives with genuine Epson sublimation ink, plus 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in sublimation paper, thermal tape and a starter kit.
Its 150-sheet auto-feed tray keeps paper in a closed, dust-resistant area between print jobs. Epson's PrecisionCore printhead uses Precision Droplet Control, and the printer supports Mac and Windows setup.
Those included paper sizes give you room to try common mug-wrap layouts, but measure your template first. The printer does not connect to mobile devices, so plan to prepare files from a computer.
Choose it if you want a dedicated printer with genuine sublimation ink from the start. Its supplied bundle also helps reduce the number of separate setup items to source.
Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer: Best for sticker projects alongside drinkware
- Thermal dye-sublimation photo printing
- 300 dpi color output
- Print and cut workflow
- Maximum media size 4 x 7 in
This is a compact sticker printer and cutter, not a standard mug-wrap printer. Its small media size makes it relevant for labels and sticker crafts around a drinkware business, rather than full mug transfers.
Pros
- Combines printing and cutting
- Bluetooth app workflow
- Photo paper is laminated during printing
Cons
- 4 x 7 in maximum media size
- Designed for stickers, labels and photos
The Liene PixCut S1 belongs in this roundup as an adjacent craft tool, not as a standard mug-wrap printer. It prints on media up to 4 x 7 in and combines thermal dye-sublimation printing with sticker cutting.
That size is better suited to small labels, stickers and photo projects than a full wrap around a mug. Its app workflow runs through Bluetooth, and the device can print and cut in one process.
If you make labels for packaging or decorative sticker projects alongside drinkware, the combined print-and-cut design may be useful. For full mug transfers, choose a model that supports the dimensions of your wrap.
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work: Best for compatible EcoTank refills
- Refill bottles for listed Epson models
- Auto-stop bottle design
- Water-based sublimation ink
- Compatible with ET-2800 and ET-15000 among other models
These bottles are ink, not a printer. They may suit a mug maker who already has one of the compatible Epson models and wants a refill setup, but check model compatibility before buying.
Pros
- Bottle nozzle is designed for listed ink inlets
- Compatible with a range of named Epson models
- Ink is intended for heat-transfer projects
Cons
- Does not include a printer
- Compatibility is model-specific
Hiipoo's refill bottles are a supply option for makers who already own a compatible printer. The listed compatible models include Epson ET-2800, ET-15000 and several others, and the bottles use an auto-stop refill design.
The ink is intended for heat-transfer projects such as mugs, shirts and pillowcases. Compatibility matters: this is not a universal ink replacement, and a printer needs to be configured for sublimation ink.
Check your exact model before refilling, especially if it is not one of the listed Epson lines. If you are buying your first setup, a printer bundle with sublimation ink may be simpler.
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer: Best for a simpler F170 bundle
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Mac and Windows setup
- Compact desktop design
This F170 bundle includes the printer, ink, user guide and power cable. It is a straightforward option if you want the same core printer without the extra paper and thermal tape listed in the other bundle.
Pros
- Genuine Epson ink included
- Closed 150-sheet tray
- Compact design
Cons
- No mobile-device connection
- Bundle does not include the extra paper and thermal tape
This second F170 bundle keeps the focus on the printer and genuine Epson ink. It includes the user guide and power cable, while the other F170 bundle above adds paper, thermal tape and a starter kit.
The printer's 150-sheet tray and compact design suit a home workspace where paper handling and desk space both matter. It supports Mac and Windows computers, but not mobile-device connections.
Choose this version if you already have sublimation paper and tape or prefer sourcing those supplies yourself. The F170's 8.5 in paper width still calls for checking your mug-wrap template before printing.
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer: Best for wider mug-wrap layouts
- Prints on media up to 8.5 x 14 in
- Bypass tray supports media up to 8.5 x 51 in
- Includes CMYK SubliJet UHD inks
- Wi-Fi connectivity
The bypass tray supports long media that can help with larger wrap layouts. Confirm the actual paper dimensions your design needs, and note that this model is designed for North American voltage.
Pros
- Bypass tray supports media up to 8.5 x 51 in
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Includes ink and paper bundle
Cons
- North American 110/120V use only
- Wider media support may be unnecessary for small designs
The Sawgrass SG500 is a practical choice when your mug design needs longer paper than a standard sheet allows. Its regular media support reaches 8.5 x 14 in, and the bypass tray supports up to 8.5 x 51 in.
If your designs need tabloid-size sheets, compare sublimation printers that print 11 x 17.
It includes a CMYK SubliJet UHD inkset and paper, plus Wi-Fi connectivity and access to the MySawgrass platform and Sawgrass Print Utility. Those tools support a guided design and printing workflow.
The printer is designed for 110/120V North American outlets, so check electrical compatibility where you'll use it. Pick it for the bypass option and platform features if those solve a real part of your workflow.
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Compatible: Best for broad model compatibility
- Refill ink for named Epson and WorkForce models
- Black, cyan, magenta and yellow bottles
- Compatible with ET-2800 and ET-4800 among others
- For heat-transfer projects
This refill set is a supply for compatible printers rather than a printer itself. It can fit a mug workflow if your printer model appears in the compatibility list and is set up for sublimation ink.
Pros
- Names a broad set of compatible models
- Four ink colors included
- Intended for heat-transfer projects
Cons
- Does not include a printer
- Check model compatibility before refilling
This Hiipoo set is another refill option for compatible inkjet printers, rather than a printer itself. Its compatibility list includes Epson ET-2800, ET-4800 and other named models, as well as some WorkForce printers.
The set contains black, cyan, magenta and yellow sublimation ink. The brand describes it for mug and other heat-transfer projects, with a note that sublimation ink is for fabrics containing less than 30% cotton.
Verify the exact printer model and its current ink setup before adding this to your workflow. If you're choosing a new printer for crafting with a Cricut, see our best sublimation printers for Cricut guide for options focused on that setup.
Brother Sublimation Printer: Best for app-guided custom designs
- Works with the Artspira app
- Includes Brother sublimation ink and paper starter pack
- Maximum media size 8.5 x 11 in
- Heat press required for transfers
Brother's SP1 pairs app-based design access with sublimation printing, and the brand describes mugs as one possible project. Its 8.5 x 11 in media limit may constrain some wrap layouts.
Pros
- Brother sublimation ink included
- Artspira offers more than 100 designs
- Supports custom mug projects
Cons
- Heat press is a separate purchase
- Designed for US 120V use
Brother's SP1 suits crafters who want to make designs in the Artspira app on a phone or tablet. The app provides more than 100 sublimation designs, and Brother says the printer can be used for projects such as mugs and tumblers.
The included Brother sublimation ink and paper starter pack help get the print side ready. A heat press is required for the transfer and sold separately, and the maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 in.
Brother describes this model for US 120V use. Consider it if app-based design access matters and your wrap layout fits its paper limit.
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink: Best for an all-in-one starter setup
- Converted ET-2800 or ET2803 all-in-one
- Sublimation ink included
- Supports paper up to 8.5 x 47.2 in among listed sizes
- Scanner and copier included
This bundle includes a converted super-tank printer with sublimation ink, plus scan and copy functions. The listed long paper option can accommodate extended layouts, but confirm the setup and support details before choosing a converted printer.
Pros
- Printer and sublimation ink included
- All-in-one scan and copy functions
- Long paper size listed
Cons
- Converted ET-2800 or ET2803 setup
- Confirm your preferred paper size and workflow
Pinckney bundles a converted ET-2800 or ET2803 with sublimation ink and adds scanner and copier functions. It supports several paper sizes, including 8.5 x 47.2 in, which may suit an extended wrap layout.
The bundle uses an easy-fill ink setup and includes a manual, setup CD-ROM and power cord. Its all-in-one functions can be useful if the printer also needs to handle everyday scanning or copying.
This is a converted printer, so review the setup and support terms before you choose it. Make sure the print dimensions match your template and that you have a suitable mug press for transfers.
How we chose these mug printer picks
We compared the product features against the needs of mug transfers, with attention to sublimation ink, supported paper dimensions, setup and how each option fits a drinkware workflow. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Paper dimensions matter because the printer can only output a wrap that fits its supported media. A long bypass tray may help with an extended design, while the included paper sizes can make a bundled setup easier to start.
We also separated printers from supplies and adjacent craft machines. The Hiipoo items are ink refills, and the Liene PixCut S1 is a sticker printer and cutter with small media support, so neither replaces a full-size mug-wrap printer.
What should you check before buying a mug sublimation printer?
Check the printer's supported paper dimensions against the exact wrap template you plan to use. Then confirm that the mug blank is coated for sublimation and that your press supports the mug's shape and size.
A wrap's height and circumference determine its paper needs. Leave room for trimming, alignment and the design's bleed area, and check whether your printer can feed the paper orientation you want.
Also confirm the complete workflow: design software, connection method, ink, sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape and a mug press. A printer alone cannot transfer the design to a blank.
If you want the printer and press together, compare sublimation printer and heat press bundles.
If your project includes taller drinkware, read our guide to best sublimation printers for tumblers. Tumbler wraps can need a longer print area than a standard mug design.
How do you size a mug wrap for printing?
Measure the mug's printable height and the distance around the area you want to cover. Use those measurements to select or build a template, then compare the template dimensions with the printer's paper limits.
A handle, taper or curved surface can affect how the wrap sits. Keep the design inside the usable area and test alignment on paper before using your sublimation sheet.
Mirror the artwork before printing if your transfer workflow requires it. Follow the mug blank and press instructions for time, temperature and pressure because these depend on the specific blank and equipment.
Do you need a dedicated sublimation printer for mugs?
A dedicated model such as the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500 comes set up for sublimation ink. A converted inkjet setup can also be used when its model and ink are compatible, but changing ink systems calls for careful model-specific checks.
The Hiipoo refill options here are intended for named compatible models. They don't include a printer, and ink compatibility should be verified before filling tanks.
For a broader first-time setup, our guide to best sublimation printers for beginners covers beginner-friendly considerations. If you already have an inkjet printer, check its exact model and intended ink workflow before deciding to convert it.
Can these printers make other sublimation projects?
Yes, several of the printers can also support other sublimation projects, depending on media size and the blank. Epson describes the F170 for rigid and soft materials, while Brother lists projects including shirts, bags and home decor.
For fabric projects, the blank needs suitable polyester content or a polymer coating for the sublimation process. Our guide to the best sublimation printer for fabric focuses on those material and print-size choices.
If your setup needs to handle more than sublimation, compare the workflow with best printers for sublimation and heat transfer. Different transfer methods use different inks and materials, so check compatibility before mixing supplies.
Which mug sublimation printer should you choose?
Choose the Epson SureColor F170 if you want a dedicated mug printer with genuine sublimation ink and a useful paper bundle. Pick the Sawgrass SG500 if its long bypass media support fits your wrap layouts, and consider Brother if you prefer the Artspira app.
The Pinckney bundle may suit buyers who want an all-in-one converted setup, while Hiipoo refills are for people with a confirmed compatible printer. If budget is your main constraint, compare the tradeoffs in our best budget friendly sublimation printer guide.
Measure your wrap first, then choose the printer whose media support matches it. That simple check can narrow down the best sublimation printer for mugs for your specific drinkware workflow.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for dedicated mug production
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for sticker projects alongside drinkware
Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for compatible EcoTank refills
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Refilled Bottles Work
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best sublimation printer for mugs?
The Epson SureColor F170 is a strong fit for dedicated mug transfers because it is a purpose-built dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink and a 150-sheet tray. Its bundle includes paper in 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in sizes.
Match the sheet width to your wrap design before choosing.
How wide should mug sublimation paper be?
Choose paper that fits the full width and height of your mug wrap, with room for trimming and alignment. Mug sizes and wrap templates vary, so measure the printable area and compare it with the printer's supported media dimensions.
A long bypass size can help with extended layouts, but does not ensure every mug template will fit.
Can any sublimation printer print mug wraps?
No. The printer needs to support the paper size your wrap requires, and the design must be transferred to a sublimation-ready mug with a heat press suitable for that mug.
Check both the printer's media limits and the mug's printable area before preparing a batch.
Do I need special mugs for sublimation?
Yes, use mugs with a polymer coating made for sublimation. The ink transfers with heat and pressure, so a standard uncoated ceramic mug is not the right blank for this method.
Our guide to what a sublimation mug is explains the coating and transfer process.
Can a regular inkjet printer make sublimation mugs?
A regular inkjet printer is not automatically ready for sublimation. It needs a compatible sublimation ink setup, and changing ink types can affect the printer, so confirm the model and ink compatibility before starting.
For the basic equipment checklist, see what printer you need for sublimation.
