10 Best Sublimation Printers For Crafts In 2026: Top Picks For Vibrant Heat Transfers

Choosing the right printer can make or break your craft projects, especially when color accuracy and transfer quality matter.

Our roundup of the best sublimation printers for crafts in 2026 focuses on dependable performance, starter-friendly bundles, and the features that matter most for hobbyists and small makers.

Best 10 Sublimation Printers for Crafts Picks for 2026

Editor’s Pick – Epson SureColor F170 Compact 8.5" x 11" Printer

If you want one of the most polished sublimation printers for crafts, the Epson SureColor F170 is a compact, ready-to-use option built for clean, color-focused transfer work. It ships with genuine Epson sublimation inks, supports MacOS and Windows, and uses a 150-sheet auto-feed tray with a closed, dust-resistant paper path to help keep prints tidy.

Best For: Crafters and small business owners who want a compact Epson sublimation setup with OEM ink included.

Pros:

• Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink and factory-sealed packaging with full manufacturer support.
• PrecisionCore printhead and Precision Droplet Control are designed for strong image clarity.
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray and closed paper path support efficient, cleaner sublimation transfer prep.
• Compact design works well for hobby spaces and small workstations.

Cons:

• Does not support mobile device connections.
• Prints are limited to an 8.5″ x 11″ format.
• Primarily a print-only device, so it is not built for scanning or copying.

Overall, the F170 is a strong pick if you value OEM support, compact size, and straightforward sublimation output over extra functions or wider-format printing.

App-Driven Choice – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer with Artspira

The Brother SP-1 is a practical option among sublimation printers for crafts if you like designing from your phone or tablet workflow through Artspira. It supports over 100 sublimation designs in the app, lets you import and save up to 20 images, and is built for DIY projects like mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags, and hats.

Best For: DIY crafters who want an app-based Brother sublimation printer for custom projects.

Pros:

• Works with the Artspira app for importing, saving, and creating designs.
• Can be used for a wide range of craft items, including mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags, and hats.
• Brother genuine sublimation ink is made for vibrant, long-lasting results after heat pressing.
• Compact, color-focused setup with Wi-Fi connectivity and a touch control interface.

Cons:

• Artspira is required to start using the printer for DIY crafts.
• Heat press is required and sold separately.
• Print resolution is listed at 300 x 300 in the supplied details.

If your crafting workflow starts with design app convenience, the SP-1 stands out as a user-friendly entry into Brother sublimation printing.

Wide-Format Option – Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wide-Format All-in-One

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is not a dedicated sublimation machine, but it is listed for standard or sublimation ink and offers wide-format printing up to 11 x 17 inches. For crafters who need a multi-function printer with scanning, copying, faxing, and refillable ink tanks, it brings more flexibility than a basic craft-only printer.

Best For: Makers who want a wide-format all-in-one that can be used with standard or sublimation ink.

Pros:

• Supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one machine.
• Prints up to 11 x 17 inches for larger craft layouts and documents.
• Refillable EcoTank system helps reduce cartridge swapping.
• Wi-Fi, LAN, and USB connectivity add setup flexibility.

Cons:

• It is an inkjet all-in-one rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
• Supplied details mention plain paper media, so craft sublimation use depends on your own setup.
• Bulkier than compact craft-focused printers.

Choose this model if you need a wider-format, do-everything printer and are comfortable with a more general-purpose platform for sublimation-related projects.

Best Value Bundle – Brother SP-1 Starter Kit with Ink, Paper & Blanks

If you want a ready-to-craft bundle of sublimation printers for crafts, this Brother SP-1 starter kit gives you the printer plus a large supply of accessories to get moving faster. It includes full CMYK ink, 160 sublimation transfer sheets, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, design assets, and Wi-Fi plus Ethernet connectivity.

Best For: Beginners and small sellers who want an all-in-one Brother sublimation starter bundle.

Pros:

• Includes the Brother SP-1 printer with full CMYK inks.
• Bundle adds 160 transfer sheets, 50 sublimation blanks, and heat-resistant tape.
• Artspira design software app and 100 sublimation designs are included digitally.
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity help with flexible setup.

Cons:

• Heat press is still required and must be purchased separately.
• It is a print-only device, so there are no scan or copy functions.
• The bundle is tailored to 8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″ paper sizes.

This kit is a smart pick if you want fewer separate purchases and prefer to start sublimation with paper, blanks, and ink already in the box.

EcoTank Value Pick – Epson EcoTank ET-2720

If you’re looking at sublimation printers for crafts on a tighter budget, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is more of a general-purpose inkjet than a true sublimation model, but it can still appeal to makers who want affordable, cartridge-free printing for everyday design work. Its refillable tank system, wireless connectivity, and built-in scanner/copy features make it a practical home printer for craft planning and supporting documents.

Best For: crafters who want a low-cost, cartridge-free printer for everyday use and general creative projects

Pros:

• Cartridge-free EcoTank system with refillable ink bottles
• Up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages per replacement set
• Wireless printing plus voice-activated control and app support
• Includes scanner and copier in one compact unit

Cons:

• Not listed as a dye-sublimation printer
• Designed as a basic home all-in-one, not a dedicated craft production machine
• Best fit is general printing rather than sublimation workflows

For buyers comparing sublimation printers for crafts, this model stands out more for low running costs than for sublimation-specific features. It makes sense if you need an affordable, easy-to-use printer for general creative tasks, but dedicated sublimation users should look to a purpose-built model.

Desktop Sublimation Pro – Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 is one of the most relevant sublimation printers for crafts if you want a dedicated desktop setup built for vibrant transfers. It prints in professional-grade color, includes SubliJet UHD inks, and is aimed at small businesses and home-based makers producing items like t-shirts, drinkware, signage, and promotional products.

Best For: dedicated sublimation users making colorful crafts and personalized products from a compact desktop setup

Pros:

• Purpose-built dye sublimation printer with professional-grade output
• Includes a full CMYK SubliJet UHD inkset
• Compact design with media support up to 8.5″ x 14″ and bypass up to 8.5″ x 51″
• Wi-Fi, print head auto-maintenance, and Sawgrass software tools

Cons:

• Small-format output compared with larger production printers
• Best suited to specific sublimation workflows rather than general home printing
• May be more machine than casual hobby users need

This is a strong pick when consistency, color quality, and sublimation-specific support matter most. For crafters who want a compact printer that is clearly designed for transfer work, the SG500 is a focused and capable option.

High-Output Transfer Bundle – Epson SureColor F170

If you need one of the more specialized sublimation printers for crafts, the Epson SureColor F170 bundle is built for transfer work with high image clarity and a workflow centered on sublimation ink. Its PrecisionCore printhead, 150-sheet auto-feed tray, and closed paper path are geared toward clean, efficient output for personalized gifts and promotional items.

Best For: makers and customization businesses that want a compact, dedicated sublimation printer with efficient paper handling

Pros:

• PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for sharp image clarity
• Includes Epson sublimation ink, user guide, and AC power cable
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray with dust-resistant closed tray design
• Wi-Fi and USB connectivity with support for Epson software and mobile printing

Cons:

• Print-only model, so it does not scan or copy
• Limited to 8.5-inch media width
• Designed for sublimation workflows, not everyday document printing

For craft sellers and personalization setups, the F170 bundle is the most workflow-focused option here. It emphasizes print quality, clean media handling, and sublimation-ready convenience, which makes it a strong fit for serious transfer-based projects.

Craft Starter Pick – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle

If you’re shopping for sublimation printers for crafts, this Brother bundle is built for quick, guided creating. It works with the free Artspira app, lets you import images or use ready-made designs, and includes color inks plus 100 sheets of sublimation paper to help you start producing custom items right away.

Best For: crafters who want an app-led setup, fast prints, and a ready-to-go starter bundle.

Pros:

• Works with the free Artspira app for easy design import and image conversion.
• Fast printing speeds, up to 45 seconds per sheet.
• Includes an extra set of cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink cartridges.
• Bundle includes 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper.

Cons:

• Requires downloading and using the Artspira app to begin.
• Heat press is required and sold separately.

This is a practical pick if you want a straightforward entry into craft sublimation with useful bundled supplies. Its speed and app support make it appealing for DIY projects, but it’s best suited to users comfortable with a phone or app-based workflow.

Pro-Quality Choice – Epson SureColor F170 Bundle

For buyers comparing sublimation printers for crafts, the Epson SureColor F170 stands out as a compact, quality-focused option. This bundle includes OEM Epson sublimation ink, starter materials, and paper sizes for 8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″ work, making it a strong fit when you want clean setup and consistent print results.

Best For: hobbyists, crafters, and small business owners who want a reliable printer with Epson’s print-quality focus.

Pros:

• Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
• PrecisionCore printhead is designed for strong image clarity.
• 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps improve efficiency.
• Compact design with user-friendly setup for MacOS and Windows.

Cons:

• Mobile device connection is not supported.
• Designed as a print-only machine, so it does not add scanning or copying.

This bundle is a solid choice if print quality and a tidy workspace matter more than extra features. The included supplies and closed tray design make it especially appealing for users who want a cleaner, more polished sublimation setup.

All-in-One Value – Pinckney Cartridge-Free Sublimation Printer

If you want sublimation printers for crafts with more versatility, this Pinckney bundle adds scanning and copying to a cartridge-free tank design. It comes with sublimation ink, supports a wide range of paper sizes, and offers high-resolution output for users who want a flexible all-in-one workspace.

Best For: crafters who want a wireless all-in-one printer with refillable tanks and broad media support.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free super-tank design means fewer cartridge changes.
• Includes sublimation ink with easy-fill auto-nozzle setup.
• All-in-one functionality adds scanner and copier support.
• Supports a wide range of paper sizes, including long-format sheets.

Cons:

• Print speed is modest compared with faster single-function options.
• Users may need to run nozzle checks and alignment if print quality drops.

This is a flexible pick for makers who want one machine to handle more than printing alone. Its large media support and refillable tank system make it attractive for craft rooms where versatility matters more than raw speed.

How We Picked These Sublimation Printers for Crafts

We prioritized models that are practical for home crafters, Etsy sellers, and small studios. That means looking at print quality, setup simplicity, ink system cost, paper compatibility, and whether the printer is a true sublimation model or a converted eco-tank style option.

We also favored printers with useful starter bundles, since new users often need ink, transfer paper, tape, and sample blanks to get started quickly.

Quick Comparison: What Matters Most

When comparing Sublimation Printers for Crafts, the biggest differences usually come down to print size, ink type, and workflow. Compact printers are great for mugs, shirts, and small blanks, while wide-format options are better for larger designs and batch work. Bundle kits can reduce startup friction, but replacement ink pricing and long-term supply availability matter just as much.

Key Buying Factors for Sublimation Printers for Crafts

Print Size and Project Type

Choose a printer that matches the blanks you make most often. Letter-size output is enough for many hobby projects, but wide-format support is useful if you plan to create larger apparel graphics, signs, or multiple small designs at once.

Ink System and Running Costs

Dedicated dye-sublimation printers typically offer the cleanest workflow, while cartridge-free and supertank-style models may appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Check whether the included inks are genuine and whether refills are easy to source before you buy.

Ease of Setup

If you are new to sublimation, a bundle with ink, paper, and basic accessories can save time and guesswork. Built-in scanners, wireless connectivity, and simple maintenance can also make daily use easier.

Media and Workflow Compatibility

Make sure the printer supports the paper sizes and transfer process you plan to use. For crafts, reliable output on sublimation paper is more important than office features you may never need.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printers for Crafts?

Beginners should look for starter bundles that include ink and paper so they can test projects immediately. Crafters making gifts, shirts, mugs, and small-batch items may prefer compact dedicated sublimation models for consistency. Sellers or advanced hobbyists who need more flexibility may benefit from larger tank printers or wide-format options, especially if they print often and want lower cost per page.

In short, the best choice depends on your project size, budget, and how much setup support you want. A good sublimation printer should feel easy to use, affordable to run, and reliable enough to keep up with your craft workflow.