Best DTF Printers Under $1000 (Review & Buying Guide)

If you’re stepping into the world of DTF printing—whether for a small business, a home studio, or just starting your printing journey—you’ve probably realized one thing: finding a reliable DTF printers under $1000 isn’t easy. Over the past few years, I’ve tested and compared dozens of machines for Name Print Shop AE, and honestly, many budget printers either break down too quickly or deliver inconsistent prints. So today, I’m sharing the top-performing DTF printers under $1000 that actually offer professional-quality results without draining your wallet.

đŸ„‡ 1. Epson L1800 DTF Conversion Kit

Best Overall for Beginners & Home Businesses

The Epson L1800 is still one of the most popular DTF printers under $1000—and for good reason. When converted properly with a high-quality DTF kit, it delivers vibrant colors, crisp details, and stable performance.

Why I Recommend It

  • Smooth print quality without banding

  • Affordable parts and inks

  • Large A3 print size (great for shirts and hoodies)

  • Easy to maintain once set up

What Could Be Better

  • Slower print speed

  • Requires manual conversion (unless you buy pre-modified)

Perfect for: beginners, home shops, small-volume printing.

đŸ„ˆ 2. XP600 DTF Printer (Desktop Model)

Best for Small Businesses Needing Faster Output

If you want something faster than the L1800 but still under $1000, the XP600 head printers are a solid step up. They often come semi-assembled and already adjusted for DTF use.

Pros

  • Faster printing compared to Epson conversions

  • Good color saturation

  • Works well with mid-volume orders

  • Simple operation interface

Cons

  • Printhead requires careful maintenance

  • Noisy compared to Epson models

Perfect for: small businesses that need daily production without overspending.

đŸ„‰ 3. Epson P400 DTF Conversion

Most Color-Accurate Printer Under $1000

If color accuracy matters to you—especially for branding or high-contrast images—the P400 is a hidden gem. With a clean conversion kit, it performs like a mini professional-grade printer.

What I Loved

  • Excellent color accuracy

  • Smooth gradients

  • Reliable white ink circulation

What I Didn’t Love

  • Slightly higher ink consumption

  • Occasional firmware updates needed

Perfect for: designers, premium print sellers.

⭐ 4. L805 DTF Printer

Best Budget Pick for New Sellers

If you’re looking for the cheapest but dependable option, the L805 is great for beginners who want to learn the DTF workflow without risking a large investment.

Highlights

  • Compact size

  • Very low ink consumption

  • Easy to troubleshoot

Limitations

  • Slower than all other options

  • A4 print size only

Perfect for: first-time DTF users, hobby printing.

🛒 How to Choose the Best DTF Printer Under $1000

✔ 1. Printhead Type

XP600 = faster, stronger output
Epson L-series = stable, beginner-friendly

✔ 2. Print Size

A3 > A4 if you plan to print hoodies or XL shirts.

✔ 3. Maintenance Requirements

Look for:

  • white ink circulation

  • easy nozzle cleaning

  • available spare parts

✔ 4. Ink Compatibility

Always choose high-quality DTF ink to avoid clogs and dull prints.

✔ 5. Warranty & Support

Budget printers often lack strong support—choose models with easy-to-find parts.

🎯 Final Verdict: Which Printer Should You Buy?

If you want the best all-around DTF printer under $1000, go for the Epson L1800 DTF Conversion Kit.
It has the perfect balance of print quality, affordability, and long-term reliability.

If you need something faster, choose the XP600.
If you want premium colors, choose the P400.
If you’re on a tight budget, choose the L805.