Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
For most US beginners, the Epson SureColor F170 is the best-value dedicated sublimation printer; choose the Brother SP1 if you want an app-led crafting workflow, or the Sawgrass SG500 if guided software and a more managed ecosystem matter more than price. A converted Epson EcoTank can cost less to get started, but it shifts setup, ink, color management, and maintenance risks to you. Whichever printer you choose, you will also need a heat press and compatible blanks—the printer alone cannot make a finished product.
These recommendations are for traditional dye sublimation and US buyers. Prices below are observed US prices, not guaranteed current street prices; confirm the seller’s price, bundle contents, and warranty before ordering.
First, make sure sublimation suits your products
Traditional sublimation prints with dye-sub ink onto transfer paper. Heat and pressure then transfer the image into polyester fibers or a polymer coating. The process works best on white or light-colored polyester garments and suitable coated goods such as mugs, tumblers, coasters, mousepads, metal panels, and phone cases.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Confidence - Epson authorized partner. Original Epson Manufactured product delivered in Epson’s factory-sealed packaging with Epson documentation and Epson’s full manufacturer warranty.
- Genuine Epson Ink Included - Comes with a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks, certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for safe use on textiles, apparel, mugs, mousepads, and more.
- Astounding Print Quality - Epson's Surecolor F170 Sublimation printer boasts the PrecisionCore printhead which offers Precision Droplet Control for the most outstanding image clarity on the market. Included in the printer bundle: full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, AC power cable.
- Versatile Media Support - Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. Epson SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
- Compact Reliable Solution - Space-saving design with user-friendly setup for MacOS & Windows. Please note that connection to mobile devices is not supported with this printer. Includes ink bottles with auto-stop technology for clean, mess-free refills. Perfect for hobbyists, crafters, and small business owners.
It is generally a poor match for untreated cotton, dark garments, or uncoated ceramic and metal. Standard sublimation printers do not print white ink, so a design cannot add white to a dark surface. If cotton or natural fabrics are your priority, investigate a different transfer process or a specifically designed system such as Sawgrass VersiFlex; do not assume standard SubliJet ink is interchangeable with it. Epson’s sublimation overview and Sawgrass’s VersiFlex and SubliJet guide explain these material distinctions.
Compare the leading beginner printers
The prices and bundle details below are US observations, not permanent prices. Epson’s figure is manufacturer-listed MSRP; Brother’s is the observed US price; Sawgrass figures are from an authorized US dealer. Compare what is included as well as the printer price.
| Printer | Observed US price | Ink and included supplies | Media and connectivity | Software and support | Best fit and main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | $399 US MSRP observed; verify current price. | Refillable genuine Epson dye-sub ink bottles. Paper and blanks are sold separately. | Desktop sheet-size workflow; 150-sheet auto-feed tray. Epson lists USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity. | Epson print software for Windows and Mac. | Best value for a buyer who wants dedicated hardware and bottle-based ink. Less of a guided craft-app experience. |
| Brother SP1 | $449.99 observed on Brother’s US page; verify current price. | Four 47 ml CMYK sublimation cartridges and 10 sheets of sublimation paper included. | Desktop sheet-size workflow; wireless. US-page dimensions are 17.1 × 13.5 × 6.2 inches. | Brother driver and Artspira. Brother’s US page lists a two-year limited warranty with replacement service. | Best for app-oriented crafting and an out-of-box supply bundle. Cartridge dependence may not suit buyers prioritizing ongoing consumable flexibility. |
| Sawgrass SG500 | $599.95 starter bundle or $659.95 complete package observed at an authorized US dealer; verify current price and bundle. | Proprietary SubliJet UHD cartridges. Starter and complete packages differ in ink and paper contents. | Up to 8.5 × 14 inches standard; optional bypass tray supports media up to 8.5 × 51 inches. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. | Sawgrass Print Utility and CreativeStudio ecosystem. Internet is required during software installation. For printers purchased on or after Oct. 1, 2025, Sawgrass lists a three-year or 100,000-print warranty, whichever comes first. | Best for buyers who value a managed workflow and vendor ecosystem. Higher entry cost and greater reliance on proprietary consumables. |
Specifications and current terms: Epson F170, Brother SP1, and Sawgrass SG500. Sawgrass bundle pricing is listed by an authorized US dealer.
Best value for most beginners: Epson SureColor F170
The F170 is the straightforward pick if you want a factory-purpose-built system without paying for a larger format or a more elaborate craft ecosystem. Epson’s US page lists a $399 MSRP, refillable dye-sub ink bottles, Windows and Mac software, and a 150-sheet auto-feed tray. Its listed maximum print resolution is 1200 × 600 dpi and it uses a PrecisionCore microTFP printhead; those specifications describe the printer but do not prove it will produce better finished transfers than competitors.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose it for small-shop or home-craft work such as ordinary apparel designs, mugs, ornaments, coasters, and other desktop-size transfers. Expect to buy compatible paper, blanks, and a heat press separately. It is less suitable if you need oversized designs or want the printer itself to provide a highly guided app workflow.
Rank #2
- 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Epson's Surecolor F170 Sublimation printer boasts the PrecisionCore printhead which offers Precision Droplet Control for the most outstanding image clarity on the market. Included in the printer bundle: full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, and AC power cable.
- 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘆𝗲-𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Epson ink is well-known for its consistent delivery of extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. Epson SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻: Our high-capacity sublimation ink bottles with auto-stop for easy, mess-free filling provide an economic solution to costly sublimation consumables. Be sure to get every drop of your sublimation ink which saves you money and gives you an edge in your sublimation business
- Versatile Wi-Fi and USB Connectivity: Easily print from Windows or macOS computers using Epson Print Layout or Epson Edge Print software. Compatible with the Epson iPrint app for sending designs directly from Android or iOS devices. Not compatible with direct email printing or camera connections
Best for app-based crafting: Brother SP1
The SP1 makes sense for a beginner who values a compact machine, wireless printing, and Brother’s Artspira design app. Brother’s US listing showed a $449.99 price and includes four full-size 47 ml CMYK cartridges and 10 sheets of sublimation paper. The same US page lists more than 100 free Artspira sublimation designs and a two-year limited warranty with replacement service. A heat press is required and sold separately; Brother says a USB cable is not included.
This bundle gives you initial supplies, not a guaranteed number of finished shirts or mugs. Actual output depends on design coverage, settings, blank size, and waste. Consider the cartridge system and your access to replacement ink before choosing it over a bottle-based printer.
Best managed ecosystem: Sawgrass SG500
The SG500 is the premium desktop choice for a buyer who wants the printer, ink, and software to form a more managed sublimation workflow. It uses SubliJet UHD ink and works with Sawgrass Print Utility and CreativeStudio. Sawgrass requires an internet connection during software installation. That guidance can appeal to a beginner who wants vendor-specific print tools, but it also means greater dependence on that ecosystem and its consumables.
An authorized US dealer listed a $599.95 starter bundle with 20 ml starter inks and paper, and a $659.95 complete package with full-size ink and paper. Those are distinct packages, not two prices for identical contents; verify the listing before purchase. The SG500 handles media up to 8.5 × 14 inches in its standard configuration. Sawgrass says an optional bypass tray supports media up to 8.5 × 51 inches, which adds length but does not make it equivalent to a larger-format printer.
Sawgrass lists a three-year or 100,000-print warranty, whichever comes first, for printers purchased on or after October 1, 2025. Earlier purchases may have different terms, so check the warranty that applies to the purchase date and seller.
Rank #3
- INNOVATIVE CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — No more dealing with tiny, expensive ink cartridges; With this wireless printer each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges²
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; Color printer lets you print up to 4,500 black and white pages and 7,200 color³
- PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the box⁴ (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations; This home printer keeps printing longer
- HIGH CAPACITY INK TANKS – Printer, scanner and copier utilizes Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles, making the refill process easy and worry-free
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — By using an Epson EcoTank printer you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills; Cartridge-free printer utilizes ink bottles for more convenience and less waste
Is a converted EcoTank a good beginner choice?
Converting an ordinary Epson EcoTank can lower the initial hardware cost. Some buyers also value bottled third-party ink and familiar printer controls. But the EcoTank was not designed by its manufacturer as a sublimation system: you must choose compatible sublimation ink and paper, work through color-management variables, and take responsibility for setup and troubleshooting. Switching back to ordinary ink is generally not a simple reversible process.
Check the exact printer’s warranty language and support terms for your region rather than assuming conversion automatically voids every warranty—or that normal support will cover a converted machine. Regular use and manufacturer-recommended maintenance matter for inkjet systems; long idle periods can bring maintenance problems. A conversion is best for a DIY-minded buyer prepared to manage ink, profiles, and upkeep. If minimizing first-project troubleshooting is the priority, choose a dedicated F170, SP1, or SG500 instead. Castle Ink’s comparison discusses the distinction between converted and purpose-built systems.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhen to step up to a larger-format printer
Desktop models suit many craft products and standard-size transfers. Consider a larger printer only when your actual designs, output volume, or sheet-size needs justify its cost, footprint, supplies, and any corresponding upgrade to your heat press. Epson positions the F570 in its maker and small-business lineup alongside the F170; Sawgrass positions the SG1000 for larger media. Epson’s maker lineup and Sawgrass’s SG500 information describe those product families.
For perspective, an authorized US dealer listed an SG1000 bundle at $1,699.95. That is a dated seller observation, not a universal price. It is hard to justify as a first printer for ordinary mugs, ornaments, or small apparel designs unless you already know you need larger output. Buy for your current products and realistic near-term growth, not a hypothetical production business.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Budget for the whole setup, not just the printer
A printer cannot produce finished goods without transfer equipment and compatible materials. Before buying, price the equipment and consumables you will actually use; bundles vary and prices change, so there is no single reliable total without specifying the press, blanks, paper quantity, and region.
Rank #4
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
- Heat press: A flat press serves shirts, totes, mousepads, and flat goods; drinkware may need a mug or tumbler press. Match its working area to your intended designs.
- Sublimation paper: Confirm paper compatibility and the correct printable side for your workflow.
- Compatible blanks: Start with white polyester or clearly identified polymer-coated products.
- Heat-resistant tape: Helps secure transfer paper and prevent movement during pressing.
- Protective paper: Use butcher paper or another suitable press-protection material as directed by the blank or press maker.
- Design and print tools: You may need a computer or compatible mobile device, design software, and the printer’s driver or utility.
- Workspace: Plan for a stable, heat-resistant work surface and appropriate ventilation around pressing.
- Test materials: Budget for test blanks while learning settings; no printer bundle guarantees a particular number of saleable products.
Choose ink delivery based on how you work
Bottled ink
Bottles make remaining ink easier to see and can mean fewer replacement events. Filling and handling ink requires care, and the correct ink chemistry is essential. If using third-party ink in a converted system, compatibility and color profiles add further variables. Do not assume bottle-based ink always costs less per finished item: that depends on current prices, design coverage, paper size, and waste.
Cartridges
Cartridges can make installation and replacement cleaner and keep a buyer closer to the printer maker’s supported workflow. They may cost more over time and tie you more closely to a particular consumable ecosystem. Compare current ink availability, regional support, and replacement policies rather than relying on a generic cost-per-print claim.
Why DPI is not the buying shortcut
Finished transfer quality depends on the whole chain: source-image resolution, driver and color settings, ink, paper, blank coating, and the heat press’s temperature, pressure, and dwell time. Maximum DPI figures and advertised print speeds are not standardized quality rankings across manufacturers. Epson’s 1200 × 600 dpi specification, for example, cannot by itself establish that an F170 will look better on a finished mug or shirt than another model.
Colors can look muted on unpressed transfer paper and become more saturated after pressing. Judge the result on a compatible finished blank. A test transfer is more informative than choosing a printer based on a headline resolution number.
Quick Recap
A reliable first-print workflow
- Confirm the blank: Use a white or light polyester item or a hard good identified as polymer-coated for sublimation.
- Prepare the design: Check its size and resolution for the finished product. Mirror the design before printing when the workflow requires it; otherwise text may transfer backward.
- Set up the print: Select the correct paper, media settings, and color workflow in the printer software. Confirm the printable side and feed direction.
- Secure the transfer: Position the print on the blank and use heat-resistant tape to limit movement.
- Press to the blank’s instructions: Follow the blank maker’s guidance for temperature, pressure, and dwell time rather than using a universal setting.
- Inspect and record: Check color, edges, and alignment on the cooled product. Record the settings that worked for that specific blank.
Troubleshoot common first-project problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Weak, washed-out, or incomplete transfer | Blank lacks polyester or a suitable polymer coating, or press conditions are wrong. | Test a known-compatible white polyester or coated blank, then check temperature, pressure, and dwell time against its maker’s instructions. |
| Text transfers backward | Design was printed without mirroring. | Enable mirror or flip before printing unless the specific workflow says otherwise. |
| Faded or uneven color | Possible causes include wrong paper side, press settings, blank coating, color settings, or unsuitable ink. | Test a known-good blank, confirm paper orientation, verify press settings, then review driver and color settings. |
| Banding or missing colors | Possible nozzle blockage, air in the ink path, low ink, incorrect media settings, inactivity, or incompatible ink. | Run a nozzle check if available; check ink levels and seating; use only the manufacturer-recommended cleaning cycle. Avoid repeated cleanings that waste ink; contact support if the issue persists. |
| Paper looks dull before pressing | Sublimation ink can appear less vivid before heat transfer. | Evaluate the image on a compatible pressed blank rather than judging the unpressed paper alone. |
| Results vary after the printer sits unused | Inkjet systems may develop maintenance issues during long idle periods. | Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance, maintain a suitable print routine, or consider outsourcing occasional transfers. |
Make the choice by workflow
- Choose Epson SureColor F170 for the strongest value among these dedicated beginner options and a bottle-based system.
- Choose Brother SP1 if Artspira, wireless crafting, compact dimensions, and included starter supplies are your priorities.
- Choose Sawgrass SG500 if you value vendor-guided print software and support enough to accept the higher price and proprietary ecosystem.
- Choose a converted EcoTank only if lower hardware cost outweighs the extra DIY setup and maintenance responsibility.
- Consider Epson F570 or Sawgrass SG1000 when you have a real need for larger media or more production capacity, not simply because a larger model sounds more professional.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
