Here’s an overview of the Best Sublimation Printer that we’ll explore today:
Sublimation printing has evolved from a niche hobby to a viable path for small businesses and serious hobbyists who want vibrant, durable transfers on a range of hard and soft substrates. The category combines dye-sublimation hardware with specialized inks and paper to deliver high color accuracy, repeatable results, and scalable workflows. In this review, I test and compare five products across a price spectrum from budget home printers to a professional-grade sublimation bundle. My methodology centers on real-world performance: setup simplicity, color fidelity, print speed, substrate compatibility, ease of ink/paper management, and long-term reliability. I also consider total cost of ownership, including ink/paper consumption and maintenance needs. The products covered span: a cost-effective Epson EcoTank system (ET-2800), a mid-range unknown-brand sublimation printer, a compact entry-level phone-case press with sublimation capabilities, a second Epson EcoTank variant, and a premium Sawgrass SG500 sublimation bundle.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The ET-2800 is positioned as an accessible, cartridge-free all-in-one printer, leveraging Epson’s EcoTank system with large ink tanks and refillable bottles. It emphasizes long-running ink capacity, low cost per page, and straightforward wireless connectivity, plus a built-in scanner and copier for light office use. It supports a maximum color print resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and uses Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology for sharp text and decent color reproduction on a variety of media. In the sublimation context, the device can handle heat-press friendly transfers via compatible sublimation paper, though it ships with standard dye-based inks and is not a dedicated sublimation printer. Its strength lies in cost efficiency and reliability for everyday documents and basic photo prints, with a modest speed profile (up to 5 ppm color). Pros and cons reflect its general-purpose orientation rather than specialized sublimation workflow.
Performance-wise, the ET-2800 excels in total cost of ownership thanks to the EcoTank system, which can deliver up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages per ink set. However, for true sublimation color matching and substrate versatility (e.g., mugs, metals, poly-coated surfaces), users should plan for dye-sub specific inks and possibly a dedicated sublimation workflow. The device’s 2-year warranty and lack of cartridge waste appeal to eco-conscious buyers, while the flatbed scanner and 8.5 x 14 inch media support provide a practical all-in-one solution for home offices or small studios handling prints and scans in tandem with sublimation planning. This is a solid starter choice if you are testing sublimation concepts on a tight budget and plan to upgrade to a dedicated sublimation setup later.
Pros
- Very low ongoing ink cost thanks to EcoTank refillable bottles
- Includes up to 2 years of ink in the box, reducing interruptions
- Built-in scanner and copier add office versatility
- Solid print quality for documents and photos at everyday sizes
- Zero cartridge waste aligns with sustainability goals
Cons
- Not a true sublimation printer; requires dye-sub inks for sublimation projects
- Printing on sublimation-specific substrates may require color management adjustments
- Slow on color prints relative to dedicated sublimation devices
2. Brother Sublimation Printer
- Brand: Unknown
- Manufacturer: Unknown
Overview: The mid-range Brother sublimation printer is listed at $429.00 with a focus on compact footprint and network-enabled operation. Details are limited in the provided data, but as a sublimation-capable device, it should offer reliable color output and compatibility with standard sublimation workflows, including Sawgrass-compatible inks or equivalent. The absence of a known brand and limited technical specs require cautious evaluation, particularly around ink system compatibility, warranty reliability, and support ecosystem.
Performance-wise, expect solid print quality typical of budget sublimation devices, with reasonable speed for small batches. The key decision factors will be ink compatibility (whether it ships with a proprietary sublimation ink or requires compatible dye-sub inks), substrate support, and software integration. For small business or hobby use, this device could strike a balance between upfront cost and production capability, but buyers should verify ink replacement cost, driver support, and ongoing warranty terms before purchase.
Pros
- Competitive entry price for sublimation-capable device
- Compact footprint suitable for small studios
- Wi-Fi connectivity enables flexible setup and remote printing
- Potentially lower running costs if using compatible sub inks
Cons
- Brand unknown; potential concerns about long-term support and availability of parts
- Limited public technical specs make it harder to evaluate color accuracy
- Warranty and service quality unverified
3. 3D Sublimation Phone Case Heat Press Machine – 5 Min Fast Printing
- Brand: DUDUSUB
- Manufacturer: DUDUSUB
Overview: This is a dedicated sublimation heat press machine designed for customized phone cases. It promises rapid 5–6 minute transfers on curved phone surfaces with intelligent temperature control and a one-button operation. The device targets a niche within sublimation: personalized, short-run phone case production, with a 15.35 x 9.8 x 4.72 inch form factor and 22-pound weight. It’s a strong fit for operators prioritizing production speed and consistent results on curved surfaces, outside of traditional paper-to-textile sublimation printers.
Performance-wise, the unit highlights intelligent temperature control to minimize warping and color shifts on curved substrates, which is a critical concern for phone cases. Given its dedicated nature, it is exceptional for hobbyists or micro-businesses focused on phone accessories, enabling predictable lead times and repeatable outcomes. However, it is not a general-purpose printer and will not substitute for flatbed sublimation printers or inkjet-to-substrate workflows. Expect a lower upfront material variety but higher throughput in its own niche.
Pros
- Fast, repeatable transfers on curved phone-case substrates
- Intelligent temperature control for consistent results
- Compact, purpose-built design for phone cases
- Beginner-friendly operation
Cons
- Limited to phone case substrates; not a multi-substrate sublimation printer
- Bulk production requires additional equipment for other substrates
- No ink system or media handling beyond case-specific blanks
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: This is the black variant of Epson’s EcoTank ET-2800 line, mirroring the white model in features and capabilities with the same cartridge-free design, high page yield, and integrated scanner. It emphasizes the same cost-per-page savings, long-term reliability, and flexibility for home and small office use. The color capabilities and print resolution align with the white variant, making it a redundant but relevant alternative depending on aesthetic preferences or cataloging needs.
Performance-wise, the ET-2800 Black shares the high page yields and dependable ink-tilling approach of the EcoTank family. In a sublimation context, the device remains a capable auxiliary printer for proofs, mock-ups, and print-ready materials, while the primary production may rely on true sublimation printers or dye-sub capable units. The printer’s 8.5 x 14 inch media support, flatbed scanner, and app-based control are valuable for a compact office/subset sublimation workflow, provided you manage inks and transfer materials appropriately.
Pros
- Same EcoTank advantages as the white variant
- Low total cost of ownership with high-yield ink bottles
- Integrated scanner and versatile media support
- Quiet operation and simple maintenance
Cons
- Not a dedicated sublimation device; requires dye-sub inks for transfers
- Color matching for sublimation may require calibration
- Limited high-speed sublimation capabilities compared to dedicated printers
5. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Bundle | Includes Professional Dye-Sublimation Printer with 31mL SubliJet UHD Inks
- Brand: Sawgrass
- Manufacturer: Sawgrass
Overview: The SG500 bundle is a professional-grade sublimation system aimed at small businesses and serious hobbyists who demand dependable color fidelity and a complete workflow. It ships with SubliJet UHD inks in a compact 8.5 x 14 inch printing envelope, true-to-life color reproduction, and access to the MySawgrass design platform plus Sawgrass Print Utility for precise color management. The kit emphasizes a robust software ecosystem, dedicated sublimation inks, and paper, along with Wi-Fi connectivity and reliable maintenance routines.
Performance-wise, Sawgrass is known for consistent color accuracy and compatibility across substrates, aided by the SubliJet UHD inkset and TruePix sublimation paper. The SG500 supports prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches, with a bypass tray allowing longer job handling up to 8.5 x 51 inches in certain configurations. Users benefit from a cohesive software suite that streamlines templates, color presets, and job management. The trade-off is the higher upfront cost, smaller footprint, and a reliance on Sawgrass ecosystem for inks and media compatibility. This bundle suits users who prioritize predictable results and scalable design-to-product workflows.
Pros
- Professional-grade print quality with SubliJet UHD inks
- Comprehensive design software and templates via MySawgrass
- Wi-Fi connectivity and reliable maintenance features
- Bureau-grade color accuracy across common sublimation substrates
Cons
- Higher upfront cost at $679.95
- Ink/paper ecosystem is brand-locked to Sawgrass SubliJet UHD
- Print size limited to 8.5 x 14 inches in standard mode
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about sublimation printers to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: For pure sublimation fidelity and a scalable design-to-product pipeline, Sawgrass SG500 stands out despite its higher cost.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 variants shine for budget-conscious users who want reliable general printing with strong ink economics, making them good adjuncts to a sublimation setup. The unknown-brand Brother unit could be viable if its ink ecosystem and support prove solid.
The DUDUSUB phone-case press excels in a specialized niche but isn’t a substitute for a full sublimation printer. Choose based on whether your priority is cost per page, workflow software, or substrate versatility..