Top Sublimation Printers for Shirts & Apparel

Best Sublimation Printers for Shirts & Apparel: Top Picks for Reliable, Vibrant Prints

If you’re planning to launch or upgrade your apparel printing setup, choosing the right sublimation printer can feel a bit overwhelming—especially with so many new models hitting the market every year. After spending months testing, comparing, and studying user experiences, I’ve rounded up the best sublimation printers for shirts and apparel that offer the perfect blend of print quality, durability, and value for money.

Whether you’re running a small home-based business or managing a growing apparel brand, these printers deliver the color clarity, efficiency, and reliability you need to succeed.

⭐ 1. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Overall for Apparel Printing

The Epson F170 consistently ranks as a favorite among small and mid-sized printing businesses, and after using it extensively, I can see why. The color accuracy is outstanding, especially on polyester shirts, and the printer requires almost no maintenance.

Why it stands out:

  • UltraSharp color quality

  • Compact size for home studios

  • Affordable for beginners and pros

  • Epson-engineered dye-sub inks

Best for: Small businesses, beginners, and daily apparel production.

⭐ 2. Sawgrass SG500 – Best for Professional Shirt Designs

If your priority is premium print quality, the Sawgrass SG500 is the printer that really nails it. What impressed me most is how consistently it produces sharp, saturated designs—even on heavily detailed artwork.

Key strengths:

  • Vibrant color output with HD inks

  • User-friendly CreativeStudio software

  • Designed specifically for sublimation

  • Smooth workflow for apparel shops

Best for: Designers, professional sellers, and brands that rely on high-end prints.

⭐ 3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Wide-Format for Apparel

For businesses needing larger print areas for XL shirts, hoodies, or oversized graphics, the EcoTank ET-15000 is a workhorse. Even though it’s technically not a dedicated sublimation printer, converting it (with sublimation ink) gives you massive print flexibility.

What makes it great:

  • Wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″

  • Low ink costs with refillable tanks

  • Ideal for big custom apparel jobs

Best for: Growing businesses and anyone needing larger design space.

⭐ 4. Epson Workforce WF-7720 (Converted) – Best Budget Wide-Format Option

If you want large prints without a large price tag, the WF-7720 remains a reliable budget-friendly choice. After conversion, it offers surprisingly strong color performance and handles high production volumes well.

Benefits:

  • Affordable for wide-format printing

  • Dual trays + large paper handling

  • Good for shirts, banners, and hoodies

Best for: New sellers scaling production without heavy investment.

⭐ 5. Sawgrass SG1000 – Best for High-Volume Apparel Businesses

The SG1000 is built for serious printers who need professional-grade output and long-term reliability. With bigger media support and Sawgrass’s advanced ink system, it delivers exceptional prints every time.

Highlights:

  • Ideal for large apparel orders

  • Crisp details with HD inks

  • Supports larger print formats

Best for: Established apparel businesses aiming for consistent high-volume output.

🎨 How to Choose the Right Sublimation Printer for Shirts

When selecting a sublimation printer for apparel, consider:

✔ Print size

Do you print standard T-shirts or oversized designs?

✔ Ink quality & color accuracy

Better ink = better final product.

✔ Maintenance needs

Low-maintenance printers save time and frustration.

✔ Budget vs. production goals

Choose based on your current and future business needs.