TL;DR? Here are my top 3 recommendations for Epson sublimation printers!
- The best Epson printer overall is the SureColor T2170 (in my opinion!). This printer is a high-end model with fast print speeds and superb print quality. But what makes it so attractive is its wide format, which can handle media up to 24 inches wide. Finding a printer can produce such large sublimation designs is rare. So, it’s a great choice to create a broader range of products in your side hustle or business.
- The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is another fantastic option for printing. It’s a wide-format printer that can handle designs up to 13 x 19 inches. So, that gives you plenty of flexibility. It also has many features and specs, including wireless printing. It’s not cheap, but it’s very economical in its power consumption. That means you’ll spend less on the running costs if you go for this model.
- And last but not least is the Epson EcoTank ET-2760. I recommend this model if you’re on a budget or just starting with sublimation printing. It’s a super affordable model, so you can start making products without blowing your savings. The ET-2760 has the excellent image quality and a compact build, making it ideal for your home office.
If you’re looking for an Epson sublimation printer, you may find that the selection isn’t great. There aren’t many sublimation printers, and what does exist is pretty expensive.
But instead, you could convert a regular inkjet printer for sublimation. Here’s a detailed guide to the best Epson sublimation printer on the market right now!
It’s worth noting that not all Epson printers are suitable for sublimation. So, you’ll need to choose carefully, or you’ll end up wasting your money. And that’s where this guide comes in!
I’ll walk you through the best Epson sublimation printers for every budget and need.
Plus, you’ll learn what to look out for when buying a sublimation printer. (If you’re new to sublimation printing, check out my detailed guide on how to do sublimation transfers).
Buying Guide to the Best Epson Printer for Sublimation
Before you buy a sublimation ink printer, there are a few things you need to know. So, here’s a quick guide to the essentials when it comes to choosing a printer for sublimation.
Printer Method
There are two main methods for sublimation printing. One involves printing ink directly onto your material, e.g., your T-shirt or bag.
The second method is printing the design onto heat transfer paper. Then, you’ll need to use a heat press to transfer the design onto the finished product.
Either of these methods could work for you. It comes down more to personal preference. So, make sure you do your research to see which of these options best suits your needs.
Print Quality
One of the most critical factors in sublimation printing is print quality. You don’t want your transfers to come out blurry or smudged. Whether you’re selling products or making things for yourself, you want them to look clean and sharp.
So, you need a printer with a high image resolution. That’s measured in dpi (or dots per inch). The more dots per inch, the better your image will look. So, a high image resolution is a must-have for your sublimation printer.
Connectivity
How will you send your designs to your printer? You used to have to connect your printer to your computer manually via a USB cord. But nowadays, many printers have more versatile and user-friendly connectivity options.
Ideally, you want a printer that supports WiFi connectivity for wireless printing. That will allow you to print from any device – even your smartphone. Even better, you don’t need to be right next to your printer. So, you can print on the go and save time.
The best printers will offer WiFi Direct printing. That means you don’t even need to have an internet connection to print. Instead, your device speaks directly to the printer, offering more flexibility for you.
Ink Cartridge Cost
Some printers can only take specific ink cartridges; sublimation ink isn’t cheap. And it’s even more expensive if you can only use own-brand ink cartridges.
So, find out how much the ink cartridges will cost and how long they last. The more often you need to replace them, the more you’ll spend.
The ink cost will impact your spending long-term on your sublimation printer. So, don’t skip this step, or you could regret it later.
Price & Value for Money
I’ve mentioned the cost of ink cartridges, but you should also weigh the printer’s value for money. Compare the initial cost against the cost of running and maintaining the printer.
Does this printer have good reviews and a durable build? That’s a good sign it will last a long time. Another thing to find out is whether it comes with a warranty. If so, you’ll have more peace of mind, as the manufacturer should replace it if it malfunctions or breaks. But don’t forget to read the small print to find out what the warranty covers and for how long.
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| Product | Best Epson Inkjet Printer Overall – Epson SureColor T2170 | Best Epson Wide Format Printer – Epson WorkForce WF-7720 | Best Epson EcoTank – Epson EcoTank ET-2760 |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Paper Formats | Sheets up to 11 x 17 inches and rolls up to 24 inches | 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, Letter, A4, A3, US B | 3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, A4, A6, half letter, legal, executive |
| Printer Output | Color | Color | Color |
Epson EcoTank ET-2760
Best Epson EcoTank Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
The Epson EcoTank is a sustainable printer offering great value for money. The reason is that it comes with a huge ink supply that can last up to two years.
So, you avoid all the expenses of replacing ink cartridges every month or so. That makes this printer a very attractive prospect, especially if you’re on a budget! Instead, you can simply refill the ink tank with the ink provided.
As for image quality, this printer is pretty good. It may not be a premium model, but your prints should be clean and sharp. The 1440 dpi resolution is fairly standard and should meet your needs.
The cost per print on this model is great so it will be gentle on your budget. And buying sublimation ink refills works out cheaper than ink cartridges, too. You can also feel good about yourself, as choosing this printer will reduce your plastic waste.
This Epson EcoTank has a nice 1.5-inch color display. Even though it’s not a touchscreen display, this feature comes in handy. It’s very useful for navigating the menu and selecting the right options.
This printer is also surprisingly compact, so it won’t take up too much space. Overall, it makes for an excellent Epson sublimation printer. And out of the Epson EcoTanks, this one is your best bet!
It beats the other models regarding the specs, features, and cost per print. So, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to start sublimation printing from home.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Paper Formats: 3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, A4, A6, half letter, legal, executive
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- A very budget-friendly printer
- It has a good cost per print
- You can use sublimation ink refills instead of cartridges
- The image quality is great, so your designs will look high-quality
Cons:
- It’s compact, so it won’t take up too much space
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AmazonEpson EcoTank ET-2720
Best Low-Cost Epson Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
Just like the ET-2760, this Epson EcoTank printer is another fantastic option. It’s almost identical to the ET-2760 but doesn’t offer a memory card slot. So, it doesn’t have an external storage space, unlike the 2760 model.
But this printer ticks all the right boxes if you’re looking for a low-cost sublimation printer. You can fill the large ink tank with sublimation ink, and then you’re ready to print!
Other notable features include a paper tray holding up to 100 sheets. It also offers auto-duplex printing and a built-in scanner and copier. But they probably won’t come in handy as you’ll use your printer.
The connectivity options are great on this Epson printer. It provides USB, ethernet, and WiFi connectivity. So, you’ll have more flexibility on where and when you print, including from your smartphone. It even supports voice commands via Alexa.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 also comes with a two-year warranty. So, there’s very little not to like about this printer. It’s a great entry-level Epson sublimation printer and should last you a long time.
Eventually, you’ll need to replenish your ink supply. But in the meantime, you’ll have saved a lot of cash compared to buying ink cartridges. And the ink refills tend to be cheaper, anyway.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Paper Formats: 3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, A4, A6, half letter, legal, executive
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- This printer is very affordable
- It’s a great beginner printer
- You can save money on ink cartridges with this EcoTank printer
- It comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
- It doesn’t have any external storage support
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AmazonEpson WorkForce WF-7720
Best Epson Wide Format Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
This printer is perfect if you need something a bit more advanced. The WorkForce-7720 is a powerhouse printer and an upgrade to the earlier 7710 model.
But this printer is also super economical, using 80% less power than a regular printer. So, it is very reasonably priced, and you’ll save on your bills too.
The WF-7720 offers wireless printing via WiFi and supports smartphones and other devices. So, you can easily print a new design straight from your phone or tablet.
While this printer is a little larger, it looks sleek and cool. Plus, it should fit in most home offices without needing too much space.
It offers the advantage of speedy printing without losing out on any image quality. This printer can handle up to 500 sheets of paper with two 250-sheet paper trays. So, you don’t need to hover over this printer when in use. It’s as hands-free and low maintenance as possible.
Most notably, the WorkForce 7720 can also do large format printing up to 13 x 19 inches. So, you can print gorgeous, borderless designs with this excellent printer. That gives you more options when it comes to your designs. You can create much larger sublimation prints than with a regular printer.
Despite all these superb features, this printer is still very low-priced. You don’t need to invest a lot of money to start sublimation printing. The WorkForce WF-7720 could be exactly what you need, so check it out!
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Paper Formats: 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, Letter, A4, A3, US B
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- An advanced printer with excellent specs and features
- It supports wide-format borderless printing up to 13 x 19 inches
- It has a fast print speed
- The image quality is fantastic
Cons:
- It’s a little large and bulky compared to the other printers on this list
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AmazonEpson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Best Epson Ink Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
Next up is another Epson printer capable of wide-format printing. But the Epson Expression XP-15000 is a much more compact model.
So, it’s ideal if you’re short on space and don’t need an all-in-one printer/copier/scanner. (That’s unlikely if you only plan to use it for sublimation printing, anyway!).
The XP-15000 can handle prints up to 13 x 19 inches, which is pretty big. So, it has the potential for larger designs than most other printers can produce. If you invest in a wide-format printer, you can have a wider product range – and potentially charge more.
On the other end of the scale, you can print designs as small as 4 x 6 inches. So, it offers excellent versatility.
That’s not all this printer has going for it. It’s practical, with all the necessary features you’d expect. It has a paper tray holding up to 200 sheets and a rear tray for specialty media.
It has 1440 dpi, so your designs look sharp and accurate. This printer uses six different inks, providing stellar image quality and true-to-life colors.
And with the XP-15000, you get some great connectivity options. It supports cloud printing services like AirPrint as well as WiFi and USB printing.
The Epson Expression HD XP-15000 is another strong contender on this list. This one is perfect if you want a compact printer that can handle larger designs! It provides excellent image quality and greater possibilities for your home business.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Paper Formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- A compact printer that won’t take up too much space
- You can produce larger sublimation designs due to the wide-format
- It has all the regular features you could need
- It also copies and scans
- The colors are accurate
- The printer is low cost
Cons:
- But the ink cartridges are pretty expensive
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AmazonWorkForce WF-7710
Best Epson Inkjet Printer (Runner Up)
(Image credit: Epson)
I’ve already reviewed the Epson Workforce-7720. But it’s still worth checking out the slightly older WF-7710 model, as it’s still a great printer. And it also comes with the bonus of being slightly cheaper than the upgraded model.
As with the 7720, this is another wide-format printer suitable for sublimation printing. The larger size makes it ideal if you have big plans for what sort of designs you want to create.
But there’s a lot more on offer, too. This printer offers auto-duplex printing as well as copying and scanning. So, it is a great all-in-one device for the home or a small business.
The print speed is quite fast, reaching 8.7 ppm (black and white). So, you won’t have to wait too long, making it ideal if you need to print large quantities.
It also has a 4.3-inch color touchscreen LCD. This feature makes it easy to use this printer and select the correct printing options.
And as you’d expect from an Epson, it has excellent connectivity options. You can print wirelessly from almost any device, including smartphones and iPads. So, there’s no need to hover around your printer or find a USB cable to print your designs. The WF-7710 provides efficient and stress-free printing.
This model also has super-low power consumption levels. So, although it’s expensive, it will save you money on running costs.
Factor in the stellar print quality, and you won’t go wrong with this printer. It’s ideal if you want to invest in a superior printer for your sublimation printing business.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Paper Formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- This printer has excellent print quality
- It’s easy to use, with a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD
- It offers wireless printing from almost any device
- It has a very low energy consumption
- You can print larger designs up to 13 x 19 inches
Cons:
- It doesn’t have as many features as the new WF-7720 model
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AmazonEpson SureColor T2170 24-Inch Desktop Wide-Format
Best High-End Epson Printer
(Image credit: Epson)
If you’re looking for a high-end sublimation printer, check out the Epson SureColor T2170. This printer doesn’t come cheap – it’s the most expensive model on this list. But it’s worth it if you want a printer for professional sublimation printing.
Most notably, this printer has a 24-inch wide format. It can accommodate paper up to 11 x 17 inches but also handles other media options up to 24 inches wide.
So, you can create any design from small to huge, giving you much more flexibility. It opens up more options for your sublimation business, as you can create all sorts of products.
This printer also has a high image quality. It’s been designed to have a super-accurate printhead to ensure your designs come out sharp and clear. It also has fast printing speeds, which is ideal if you plan to print a lot. As a result, it can cope with larger print runs without keeping you waiting for ages.
Another attractive feature is its compact size. It’s ideal if you’re short on space, as it’s not too bulky. But despite this, it has a large user-friendly touchscreen, making it very easy to use.
And as you’d expect from a premium printer, the connectivity options are excellent. It supports WiFi Direct printing from computers, iPads, tablets, and smartphones.
Even better, it uses high-yield cartridges, so you won’t need to change them as often.
As you can see, the Epson SureColor T2170 is a solid option for printing. If you can afford the steep cost, you’ll find this printer is a great investment!
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Paper Formats: Sheets up to 11 x 17 inches and rolls up to 24 inches
- Printer Output: Color
Pros:
- It has excellent print quality
- The print speeds are pretty fast
- It’s compact and lightweight
- It offers WiFi Direct printing
- You can print designs up to 24 inches wide
Cons:
- It’s the most expensive printer on this list
The Wrap Up
It’s worth taking the time to do some research before buying a sublimation printer. But now, you have a good idea of the best Epson printers.
All these models are suitable for sublimation printing, unlike many others. So, you can feel safe investing in one of the printers reviewed above. There’s something for every budget and need, from the beginner to the pro.
Tell me if you buy one of these sublimation printers and how you get on!
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