Quick Picks: Best Heat Transfer Printers 2026
Best for Heat Transfer Paper
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 - $199
Cotton t-shirts, low ink costs
Best Dedicated Sublimation
Sawgrass SG500 - $549
Professional quality, fast output
Best Entry Sublimation
Epson SureColor F170 - $399
No conversion needed, ready to go
Best Budget Sublimation
Brother SP-1 - $299
Affordable genuine sublimation
Heat Transfer Types Explained
Heat Transfer Paper (Inkjet)
Print designs on special transfer paper with an inkjet printer, then heat press onto fabric.
- Best for: Cotton & cotton-blend shirts
- Printer needed: Any inkjet with pigment ink
- Cost: Low startup, moderate per-shirt
Tip: Use pigment-based ink (not dye) for better wash durability. The Epson EcoTank series uses pigment black ink.
Sublimation Printing
Sublimation ink bonds permanently with polyester fibers when heated, creating vibrant, permanent prints.
- Best for: Polyester shirts (60%+ poly)
- Printer needed: Dedicated sublimation printer
- Cost: Medium startup, low per-shirt
Note: Sublimation only works on white/light polyester. The higher the poly count, the more vibrant the colors. 100% polyester = best results.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing
Print on special film, apply adhesive powder, then heat transfer to ANY fabric - cotton, poly, blends, dark colors.
- Best for: Any fabric, any color
- Printer needed: DTF printer or converted Epson
- Cost: Higher startup, flexible materials
Advantage: DTF solves sublimation's limitation - it works on cotton, dark fabrics, and any color shirt!
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
Cut designs from vinyl sheets using a cutting machine (Cricut, Silhouette), then heat press onto fabric.
- Best for: Simple designs, text, logos
- Equipment needed: Vinyl cutter + heat press
- Cost: Low startup, great for small batches
Note: HTV doesn't require a printer - just a vinyl cutter like Cricut. Great for names, numbers, and simple graphics.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Heat Transfer Features
- OK Pigment black ink (wash-durable)
- OK 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
- OK Ultra-low ink costs
- OK Convertible to sublimation
- OK Borderless printing
- OK Prints up to 8.5" x 14"
Key Specs
- Print/Scan/Copy all-in-one
- 4,500 black pages included
- 7,500 color pages included
- WiFi & USB connectivity
- Refillable ink tanks
Two Ways to Use This Printer
Option 1: Use with regular ink + heat transfer paper for cotton t-shirts
Option 2: Convert to sublimation ink (Hiipoo, Printers Jack) for polyester shirts - but once converted, it can't switch back
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the most versatile starting point for heat transfer printing. Out of the box, use it with heat transfer paper for cotton t-shirts. The pigment black ink creates designs that withstand washing better than dye-based alternatives.
Many crafters buy a second ET-2800 and convert it to sublimation using third-party sublimation ink. This gives you one printer for cotton (regular ink + transfer paper) and one for polyester (sublimation).
The included ink prints thousands of pages, making per-shirt costs incredibly low compared to cartridge printers.
Sawgrass SG500
Sublimation Features
- OK True sublimation printer
- OK SubliJet-UHD inks included
- OK CreativeStudio software
- OK Fast print speeds
- OK 8.5" x 14" max print size
- OK Professional color accuracy
Key Specs
- Desktop sublimation printer
- WiFi & USB connectivity
- Bypass tray for specialty media
- ICC profiles included
- 2-year warranty
The Sawgrass SG500 is the industry standard for desktop sublimation printing. Unlike converted Epson printers, the SG500 is purpose-built for sublimation with optimized ink chemistry and color profiles.
Print quality and speed surpass converted printers, with outstanding color vibrancy and accuracy. The included CreativeStudio software makes designing products easy, with templates for mugs, shirts, mousepads, and more.
For serious t-shirt businesses or those who want reliable, professional results without the uncertainty of printer conversion, the SG500 is worth the investment.
Epson SureColor F170
Sublimation Features
- OK Factory sublimation ready
- OK No conversion needed
- OK Epson sublimation ink included
- OK Epson warranty intact
- OK PrecisionCore printhead
- OK 8.5" x 14" max print size
Key Specs
- Dedicated sublimation printer
- WiFi & USB connectivity
- 140ml ink bottles included
- Roll paper compatible
- Epson Edge Print software
No Conversion Required
Unlike converted EcoTank printers, the F170 comes from the factory as a sublimation printer with genuine Epson sublimation ink. Your warranty stays intact, and you avoid the uncertainty of third-party inks.
The Epson SureColor F170 is the easiest way to start sublimation printing. It arrives ready to use with Epson's own sublimation ink - no conversion process, no voided warranty, no guesswork about ink compatibility.
Print quality matches converted EcoTanks, but with the peace of mind of manufacturer support. The included Epson Edge Print software provides accurate color management and easy workflow.
For beginners who want reliability over the cheapest possible entry point, the F170 removes the learning curve and risk of printer conversion.
Brother SP-1
Sublimation Features
- OK Genuine sublimation printer
- OK Most affordable option
- OK Brother sublimation ink
- OK 8.5" x 14" max print size
- OK Compact design
- OK Easy setup
Key Specs
- Desktop sublimation printer
- WiFi & USB connectivity
- Starter ink included
- 100-sheet paper tray
- Brother warranty
The Brother SP-1 is the most affordable genuine sublimation printer on the market. At $299, it undercuts converted EcoTank setups while providing manufacturer-supported sublimation printing.
Print quality is excellent for the price, producing vibrant colors on polyester shirts, mugs, and other sublimation blanks. The compact size fits easily on a craft table.
For hobbyists and crafters who want real sublimation without the $500+ investment of premium options, the SP-1 delivers surprising quality at an entry-level price.
Heat Transfer Printer Comparison 2026
| Printer | Price | Type | Best For | Max Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson ET-2800 | $199 | Inkjet / Convertible | Cotton or polyester | 8.5" x 14" |
| Sawgrass SG500 | $549 | Sublimation | Pro sublimation | 8.5" x 14" |
| Epson F170 | $399 | Sublimation | Easy sublimation start | 8.5" x 14" |
| Brother SP-1 | $299 | Sublimation | Budget sublimation | 8.5" x 14" |
Heat Transfer Buying Guide
What Fabrics Will You Print On?
- Cotton: Inkjet + heat transfer paper
- Polyester (60%+): Sublimation
- Any fabric: DTF printing
- Dark shirts: DTF or dark transfer paper
Don't Forget the Heat Press!
All heat transfer methods require a heat press or iron (heat press recommended for best results).
Budget heat presses start around $150-200. Factor this into your startup costs.
Sublimation Fabric Requirements
- 100% polyester = Most vibrant results
- 65%+ polyester = Good results
- 50% polyester = Faded/vintage look
- Cotton = Won't work with sublimation
Startup Cost Comparison
- Heat transfer paper: $200-400 total
- Converted sublimation: $300-500 total
- Genuine sublimation: $500-800 total
- DTF printing: $800-1500 total
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of printer do I need for heat transfer t-shirts? v
For cotton t-shirts, use an inkjet printer with heat transfer paper. For polyester shirts (60%+ poly), use a sublimation printer. For any fabric type including cotton and dark colors, consider DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing which works on all materials.
Can I use a regular inkjet printer for heat transfers? v
Yes, you can use a regular inkjet printer with heat transfer paper for cotton t-shirts. However, for best wash durability, use a printer with pigment-based ink rather than dye-based ink. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses pigment black ink and is a popular choice.
Can I switch between regular ink and sublimation ink? v
No, once you convert a printer to sublimation ink, you cannot switch back to regular ink. The inks are not compatible and mixing them will damage the printhead. If you want to do both sublimation and regular printing, you need two separate printers.
Why does sublimation only work on polyester? v
Sublimation ink bonds chemically with polyester fibers when heated. Cotton and other natural fibers don't have the right molecular structure for sublimation ink to bond with. This is why sublimation prints fade or wash out on cotton - the ink simply sits on top rather than becoming part of the fabric.
Our Recommendation
For most beginners, start with the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. At $199, you can use it with heat transfer paper for cotton shirts immediately, then decide later if you want a second one for sublimation.
For polyester sublimation specifically, the Brother SP-1 at $299 is the most affordable dedicated option. If you want professional reliability, invest in the Sawgrass SG500.
View Epson ET-2800 on Amazon