Best Epson Printer for Sublimation: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2026

You've found a great sublimation design, you've sourced your blanks, and now you're staring at a wall of Epson printers trying to figure out which one will actually work for your projects. It's a frustrating spot to be in — the wrong choice can cost you hundreds in wasted ink and ruined transfers. This guide cuts through the noise so you can pick the right machine for your workflow in 2026.

Epson dominates the sublimation printer market for good reason. Their PrecisionCore and Micro Piezo printheads deliver the kind of color accuracy and droplet control that sublimation demands. But not every Epson printer is a dedicated sublimation machine — some require ink conversion setups, while others ship ready to print out of the box. Understanding that difference upfront saves you time, money, and a lot of frustration. If you're new to the process, check out What is Sublimation Printing? before diving into the hardware.

We've evaluated seven Epson models across a range of price points and use cases — from compact desktop units for hobbyists to wide-format professional machines. Whether you're printing on mugs, polyester shirts, mousepads, or hard substrates, there's an Epson on this list built for your needs. For even more options beyond the Epson lineup, see our roundup of the 12 Best Sublimation Printers for Heat Transfer 2026. Let's get into it.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Picks of 2026

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5" x 11" Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Epson Surecolor F570 Pro 24" Desktop Sublimation Printer, Includes Two Full Ink Sets, User Guide, Sublimation Paper, & Free Remote Install SCF570PE (Printer & Inks)
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, Ethernet and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches, White
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax and Ethernet, White
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scan and Copy, The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scanner Copier, ADF and Ethernet – The Perfect Printer Home Office,White
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
  Rating:

  
  

Detailed Product Reviews

1. Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer — Best Compact Dedicated Sublimation Printer

The Epson SureColor F170 is the printer you want if you're serious about sublimation but don't need to go beyond 8.5" x 11" output. This is a purpose-built dye-sublimation machine — no ink conversion required, no void-the-warranty workarounds. It ships with genuine Epson sublimation inks that are ECO PASSPORT certified by OEKO-TEX, meaning they're safe for use on textiles, apparel, mugs, and mousepads. That certification matters when you're selling products people will wear or use with food and drinks.

The PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control produces exceptional color depth and edge sharpness at this print size. You get smooth gradients without banding — a persistent problem with cheaper converted setups. The F170 is also an authorized Epson product, which means it comes factory-sealed with full manufacturer warranty coverage. That's not a given in the sublimation printer space, where gray-market bundles are common. If you're just getting started with sublimation and want a no-fuss setup for smaller items like phone cases, coasters, and t-shirts, the F170 is your safest first machine.

Build quality is solid for a compact desktop unit. The footprint is small enough to fit comfortably on a craft table alongside your heat press. One limitation to be aware of: you're capped at letter-size output (8.5" x 11"), so if you ever want to do 13" x 19" prints or banner work, you'll need to upgrade. For everything that fits within those dimensions, though, the F170 consistently delivers professional-quality transfers.

Pros:

• Factory-built dedicated sublimation printer — no conversion needed
• Includes genuine ECO PASSPORT certified sublimation inks
• PrecisionCore printhead delivers excellent color accuracy and clarity
• Full Epson manufacturer warranty with authorized partner packaging
• Compact footprint ideal for small workspaces

Cons:

• Limited to 8.5" x 11" maximum print size
• Not suitable for wide-format or oversized substrate work

2. Epson SureColor F570 Pro 24" Desktop Sublimation Printer — Best Wide-Format Professional Sublimation Printer

When your production demands outgrow the F170 — or when you need to print wide-format designs for banners, jerseys, or large panels — the Epson SureColor F570 Pro is the professional answer. This 24-inch dedicated sublimation printer ships with two full ink sets, sublimation paper, and free remote installation assistance, so your setup time is dramatically reduced compared to piecing together a conversion kit on your own. The F570 Pro ships LTL freight only due to its size, so plan your delivery logistics accordingly.

The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead is the real headline feature here. It combines Precision Droplet Control with Nozzle Verification Technology — the printer actively checks that every nozzle is firing correctly during a print job and compensates automatically if one isn't. In a production environment, that means fewer wasted media passes and consistent output across long runs. The F570 Pro handles both rolls and cut sheets up to 24 inches wide, with a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and a built-in cutter for roll media. For small print shops and serious hobbyists scaling up to production volume, this machine eliminates most of the workflow friction you'd otherwise deal with on a converted consumer printer.

Color output is stunning — deep blacks, accurate skin tones, and vibrant saturated colors across the full gamut. If you're producing sublimated sportswear, promotional items, or home décor at volume, the F570 Pro pays for itself quickly in reduced waste and increased throughput. This is a commercial-grade machine that happens to fit on a large desk.

Pros:

• Purpose-built 24" wide-format dedicated sublimation printer
• Nozzle Verification Technology ensures consistent quality across long runs
• Includes two full ink sets, sublimation paper, and remote install support
• Handles both roll and sheet media with built-in cutter
• 50-sheet auto-feed tray for efficient batch production

Cons:

• Ships LTL freight only — requires coordinated delivery
• Significantly higher price point than compact alternatives

3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One — Best for Large-Format Hobbyist Projects

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a popular choice among sublimation crafters who need wider output without jumping to a professional-grade machine. With printing capability up to 13" x 19", it opens the door to larger shirt panels, flag designs, tote bags, and pillow covers that the F170's letter-size limit rules out. The EcoTank system means you're filling tanks with sublimation ink rather than swapping cartridges — a setup that's more cost-efficient over time and better suited to the ink volumes sublimation work demands.

This is a converted setup, which means you'll be replacing the stock Epson ink with third-party sublimation ink (or purchasing a pre-converted version from a sublimation supplier). That introduces a layer of complexity compared to the F170, but the ET-15000's large tank capacity makes it practical. The all-in-one scanner and copier functions add versatility if you also use this machine for standard document printing — though once you load sublimation ink, you'll want to dedicate it exclusively to that purpose. Built-in wireless (802.11b/g/n), Ethernet, and USB connections give you flexible connectivity options across different workspace setups.

Print quality with proper sublimation inks and Epson's ICC profiles is impressive at this price range. Colors are vivid, transfers wash well on polyester-rich fabrics, and the 13" x 19" capability makes it one of the most capable consumer-tier sublimation options available. If you're running a side business producing custom gifts and want to explore more sublimation ideas with a wider canvas, the ET-15000 is a practical bridge between hobby and small-business production.

Pros:

• Prints up to 13" x 19" — excellent size range for hobbyists and small businesses
• EcoTank reservoir system reduces per-page ink costs significantly
• Wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity
• All-in-one scanner and copier for added workspace utility

Cons:

• Requires ink conversion — not a dedicated sublimation machine out of the box
• Using third-party inks voids standard Epson warranty

4. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One — Best Wide-Format All-in-One for Business

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 is the business-oriented evolution of the ET-15000. It combines wide-format output with pro-tier features including a larger paper tray capacity, faster print speeds, and an automatic document feeder — all wrapped in the EcoTank supertank system that keeps your operating costs low. For small businesses running mixed workloads — some sublimation production, some standard office printing — the ET-16650 gives you both in a single machine.

One important note: Epson explicitly states this printer is designed for pigment inks. Using dye inks (which sublimation inks are) may cause damage not covered by warranty. This is a critical distinction. If you're converting this printer for sublimation, you do so understanding that warranty coverage becomes limited. That said, many sublimation creators run converted ET-16650 units successfully — the key is committing the machine entirely to sublimation from the first fill. Do not mix pigment and dye-based sublimation inks in this printer. Replacement ink bottle costs are dramatically lower than cartridge-based competitors — roughly 2 cents per color ISO page versus 14 cents with traditional cartridges, which adds up quickly at production volumes.

Print quality at 13" x 19" is excellent for converted sublimation work. The Pro designation brings higher-capacity paper handling and more durable internal components suited to heavier daily use than the standard ET-15000. If your operation produces dozens of prints per day and you need reliable wide-format output without the cost of a dedicated commercial sublimation printer, the ET-16650 is worth the investment.

Pros:

• Wide-format output up to 13" x 19" with pro-grade paper handling
• Very low per-page ink costs via EcoTank supertank system
• Faster print speeds and larger tray capacity than ET-15000
• Wireless, Ethernet, fax, scanner, and ADF included

Cons:

• Officially designed for pigment inks — sublimation conversion voids warranty
• Higher upfront cost compared to the ET-15000

5. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One — Best Budget Entry-Level Option

If your budget is tight and you want to explore sublimation printing before committing to a more expensive machine, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is your entry point. It's the most affordable EcoTank model on this list and prints at standard letter size (8.5" x 11"), making it suitable for mugs, coasters, phone cases, and smaller fabric transfers. The cartridge-free EcoTank system is a significant advantage even at this price — you get up to 4,500 black pages or 7,500 color pages per ink set, which is far more economical than cartridge printers at this tier.

The ET-2800 is a converted sublimation setup, so you'll need to fill the tanks with sublimation ink rather than Epson's standard dye ink. The EcoFit bottle design makes refilling clean and straightforward — you won't be spilling ink all over your workspace. Wireless connectivity is included, scan and copy functions work well for basic tasks, and the overall footprint is compact enough for small craft rooms or home office corners. Print speeds are modest — this is not a high-throughput machine — but for occasional sublimation projects or learning the craft, it does the job.

What you give up at this price point is speed, paper size, and print resolution compared to higher-tier EcoTank models. What you gain is a very low cost of entry with the EcoTank ink economy still intact. For beginners testing the sublimation waters, the ET-2800 is a smart starting point before scaling up to a dedicated machine or wider-format model. Pair it with quality sublimation blanks to get the best results — our guide to the best sublimation blanks products has solid recommendations.

Pros:

• Most affordable EcoTank entry point for sublimation conversion
• EcoFit ink bottles make refilling clean and easy
• High ink yield — up to 7,500 color pages per set
• Compact design with wireless connectivity

Cons:

• Limited to 8.5" x 11" print size
• Slower print speeds — not suited for production volume

6. Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Wireless Color All-in-One — Best Mid-Range All-in-One

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 sits in the sweet spot between the entry-level ET-2800 and the wide-format ET-15000, making it an ideal mid-range choice for home office users and dedicated hobbyists. At 15.5 pages per minute in black and 8.5 ppm in color, it's meaningfully faster than the ET-2800 — a real difference when you're printing multiple transfer sheets in a session. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution produces crisp text and smooth color gradients that translate well to sublimation transfers.

The ET-3850 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), which is a notable upgrade over base EcoTank models. The ADF simplifies scanning multi-page documents and makes the all-in-one functionality genuinely useful rather than a box-checking feature. Ethernet connectivity is included alongside wireless, giving you stable network printing options in a shared workspace. For converted sublimation use, the tank capacity and print speed make this a more capable production unit than the ET-2800 without the jump in price that the ET-15000 demands.

Print quality on sublimation transfers — when using quality third-party sublimation inks with proper color profiles — is excellent for letter-size work. Colors are vivid, registration is accurate, and the output is consistent across a print session. If you're running a small home-based sublimation business and you need a reliable daily driver at a mid-range price, the ET-3850 is one of the best-value options on this list. Like all converted EcoTank units, dedicate it to sublimation ink from the first fill and never run standard inks through it.

Pros:

• Faster print speeds (15.5 ppm black / 8.5 ppm color) vs. entry-level models
• 4800 x 1200 dpi for sharp, detailed output
• Includes ADF for practical all-in-one functionality
• Ethernet and wireless connectivity

Cons:

• Still limited to letter-size output — no wide-format capability
• Sublimation conversion requires third-party inks and voids standard warranty

7. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer — Best Wide-Format for Converted Sublimation

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 has been a long-standing favorite in the sublimation community for one key reason: it prints up to 13" x 19" and takes compatible sublimation ink cartridges — no tank refill process required. This cartridge-based wide-format printer uses Epson's PrecisionCore technology to deliver print-shop quality output at borderless sizes, making it well-suited for larger substrate work like full-size shirt fronts, banner sections, and wide textile panels.

The WF-7720 is a cartridge printer, which means your ink cost per page is higher than EcoTank models. However, sublimation cartridges for this printer are widely available from reputable third-party suppliers, and the convenience of cartridge swaps rather than tank refills appeals to many users who prefer simplicity. It handles copy, scan, fax, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet in addition to printing — a genuinely versatile machine if your workspace needs multi-function capability at wide format. Epson notes that non-Epson inks may cause damage not covered by warranty, which applies to any converted setup.

Where the WF-7720 shines is in its combination of wide-format output, competitive pricing, and a well-established track record in the sublimation community. Print quality with quality sublimation cartridges is excellent — deep, vibrant colors that transfer cleanly to polyester and polymer-coated substrates. If you prefer cartridges over tanks and need 13" x 19" capability, the WF-7720 remains one of the most reliable converted sublimation choices in 2026. You can browse our full printer reviews for additional comparisons across different categories.

Pros:

• Wide-format output up to 13" x 19" with borderless printing
• Cartridge-based setup — easy sublimation ink swaps
• Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, wireless, fax, scan, and copy included
• Well-established in the sublimation community with proven results

Cons:

• Higher per-page ink cost than EcoTank models
• Third-party sublimation cartridges void standard Epson warranty

Choosing the Right Epson Sublimation Printer: A Buying Guide

Picking the right Epson printer for sublimation comes down to a few key decisions. Answer these questions honestly before you buy, and you'll avoid the most common mistakes buyers make in this category.

Dedicated vs. Converted: The Most Important Decision You'll Make

This is the first fork in the road. Dedicated sublimation printers like the SureColor F170 and F570 Pro ship pre-loaded with genuine Epson sublimation inks and come with full manufacturer warranty support. You plug them in and print. Converted printers — EcoTank and WorkForce models loaded with third-party sublimation inks — cost less upfront but involve more setup complexity and void your standard Epson warranty coverage.

For businesses where warranty support and zero setup risk matter, go dedicated. For hobbyists and budget-conscious crafters who don't mind the conversion process, EcoTank models offer excellent value. According to Wikipedia's overview of dye-sublimation printing, the process requires inks that transition from solid to gas under heat — which is why standard inks simply don't work and why ink choice is so critical to output quality.

Print Size: Match Your Machine to Your Substrates

If you're only printing for mugs, coasters, phone cases, and standard t-shirt fronts, letter size (8.5" x 11") is sufficient. The F170, ET-2800, and ET-3850 all operate in this range. If you want to print larger shirt panels, tote bags, pillowcases, or wide fabric sections, you need at minimum 13" x 19" capability — which puts the ET-15000, ET-16650, and WF-7720 in play. For full professional wide-format production up to 24", the F570 Pro is the only option on this list.

Don't undersize your printer relative to your ambitions. Upgrading later means replacing a machine you've already invested time setting up and calibrating — that's an avoidable expense if you plan ahead.

Ink System: Tanks vs. Cartridges

EcoTank models use refillable reservoirs that hold significantly more ink than cartridges. At production volumes, this translates to lower per-page costs and fewer interruptions to refill. The tradeoff is that the initial conversion — flushing old ink, filling tanks with sublimation ink, and running purge cycles — takes time and wastes some ink. Cartridge-based printers like the WF-7720 are quicker to convert and easier to swap inks between sessions if you ever want to, but your operating costs per page will be higher over time.

For anyone printing more than a few dozen sheets per week, the EcoTank system's economics make it the smarter long-term choice. For lighter use, the cartridge approach is simpler to manage.

Volume and Speed Requirements

Home hobbyists printing a few dozen transfers per month have very different needs than a small business producing hundreds of items per week. Entry-level models like the ET-2800 are fine for light use. The ET-3850 and WF-7720 handle moderate volumes well. For serious daily production — multiple jobs per day, wide-format output, consistent commercial quality — the F570 Pro is the professional tool the job requires. Buying a printer that's underpowered for your volume leads to bottlenecks, head clogs from sitting idle, and premature wear. Size your machine to your actual production needs, not just today's volume but where you expect to be in 12 months.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

• The Epson SureColor F170 is the top pick for hobbyists and small creators who want a dedicated, warranty-backed sublimation printer with zero setup headaches at letter size.
• The Epson SureColor F570 Pro is the definitive choice for professional wide-format sublimation production, delivering commercial-grade output up to 24 inches wide with Nozzle Verification Technology.
• Converted EcoTank models — particularly the ET-15000 and ET-3850 — offer the best value for crafters and small businesses willing to manage the ink conversion process for wider output and lower per-page costs.
• The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 remains a reliable cartridge-based option for 13" x 19" sublimation work with a proven community track record and straightforward ink swap process.

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