Choosing the right sublimation printer for small business can affect your product range, production speed, and startup costs. The models in this roundup cover compact dedicated printers, wide-format tank systems, and bundles with essential supplies.
Use the guide below to compare print size, included equipment, operating costs, and ease of use before investing in a setup for shirts, mugs, tumblers, décor, or other personalized products.
Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Small Business Picks for 2026
Best Overall
- Dedicated sublimation design with genuine Epson ink
- PrecisionCore printhead for detailed output
- Closed 150-sheet tray and flexible connectivity
Best For: Small businesses wanting a compact, reliable sublimation setup
Best Multifunction Option
- Prints, scans, copies, and faxes
- Supports media up to 11 by 17 inches
- Refillable tanks, duplex printing, and network connectivity
Best For: Small offices needing wide-format multifunction capability
Best Starter Bundle
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle
- Includes printer, CMYK ink, paper, blanks, and tape
- Comes with design resources and Artspira compatibility
- Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app workflows
Best For: Beginners launching a personalized-product business
Best Wide-Format Photo Pick
- Six-color refillable ink system
- Prints media up to 13 x 19 inches
- Includes print, scan, and copy functions
Best For: Small businesses needing versatile wide-format creative printing
Best Complete Starter Bundle
Sublimation Starter Kit 8-in-1
- Includes printer and 15 x 15-inch heat press
- Eight attachments cover mugs, tumblers, apparel, and more
- Pre-filled chipless sublimation ink system
Best For: Beginners launching a custom-product or Etsy business
Best Compact Office All-in-One
- Wireless print, scan, copy, and fax functions
- Automatic duplex printing and 35-sheet feeder
- Refillable system rated for up to 3,000 color pages
Best For: Small offices combining document work with creative printing
Best with Extra Features
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer Bundle
- Genuine Epson ink and starter supplies included
- 150-sheet enclosed auto-feed tray
- Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity
Best For: Small businesses wanting a complete, compact Epson setup
Best Heavy-Duty Pick
Sublimation Heat Transfer Printer Kit
- Includes 100 sheets and cleaning supplies
- Supports shirts, mugs, bags, and phone cases
- Designed for light polyester-based materials
Best For: Beginners testing small-scale personalized-product sales
Best Connectivity
Epson SureColor F170 Compact Printer
- Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity
- Supports Epson iPrint on Android and iOS
- Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink
Best For: Small customization businesses needing flexible device access
Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170
The Epson SureColor F170 is a strong sublimation printer for small business owners who want a compact, purpose-built machine with genuine Epson ink and dependable connectivity. Its 8.5-inch media support, closed 150-sheet tray, and PrecisionCore printhead make it practical for producing transfers for apparel, mugs, mousepads, and similar projects.
Best For: Small businesses and serious crafters seeking a reliable, dedicated sublimation printer for desktop production.
Pros:
- Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and manufacturer support.
- PrecisionCore printhead supports clear, detailed color output.
- Closed 150-sheet tray helps keep paper protected from dust and reduces handling.
- Offers Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity in a compact design.
Cons:
- Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
- Does not support connections to mobile devices.
- Heat press and compatible sublimation blanks are not included.
For buyers prioritizing purpose-built reliability over the broadest media size, the F170 is an especially practical fit. Its included OEM supplies and compact footprint can simplify the transition from occasional crafting to consistent small-business production.
Best for Mobile Design – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer
The Brother SP-1 is a user-friendly sublimation printer for small business owners who prefer designing from a phone or tablet. Its Artspira app provides access to designs and image tools, while Wi-Fi connectivity and included starter ink and paper support quick projects such as shirts, bags, mugs, and tumblers.
Best For: Mobile-first creators making personalized products and short-run custom orders.
Pros:
- Artspira supports importing and saving images, plus access to more than 100 designs.
- Includes Brother genuine CMYK sublimation ink and a starter paper pack.
- Wi-Fi connectivity and a touch-controlled display simplify setup and operation.
- Designed for vibrant transfers on polyester-coated products.
Cons:
- Requires a separate heat press to complete projects.
- Artspira is required to get started, with desktop support noted as forthcoming.
- Intended for sale and use in the United States at 120 volts.
The SP-1 makes the most sense when convenience and mobile design tools matter more than advanced desktop workflow features. It is a straightforward option for creators building a product catalog around personalized, made-to-order items.
Best Multifunction Option – Epson EcoTank ET-15000
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format all-in-one inkjet that can suit a sublimation printer for small business workflow when copying, scanning, faxing, and larger paper handling are also priorities. It supports media up to 11 by 17 inches, includes refillable ink tanks, and offers automatic duplex printing for general office and production tasks.
Best For: Small offices that need one wide-format machine for everyday documents and supported sublimation-ink applications.
Pros:
- Combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device.
- Supports paper sizes up to 11 by 17 inches.
- Refillable EcoTank system is designed for convenient ink replenishment.
- Includes Wi-Fi, Ethernet, a 250-sheet capacity, and automatic duplex printing.
Cons:
- It is a general-purpose inkjet rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
- Supplied ink is standard Epson/EcoFit ink; sublimation ink is not listed as included.
- Larger and heavier than the dedicated compact models in this roundup.
The ET-15000 is worth considering when versatility and wide-format office functionality are central to the buying decision. Buyers should verify ink compatibility and workflow requirements before selecting it specifically for sublimation production.
Best Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle
The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle is a convenient sublimation printer for small business beginners who want supplies for testing products immediately. Along with the printer and full CMYK ink set, the package includes transfer sheets, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, design resources, and Artspira compatibility for projects ranging from shirts and mugs to tumblers and coasters.
Best For: New sellers and crafters who want an all-in-one launch package for experimenting with personalized products.
Pros:
- Includes the Brother SP-1 printer, full CMYK ink set, and 160 sublimation transfer sheets.
- Provides 50 sublimation blanks for practicing or creating initial product samples.
- Includes four rolls of heat-resistant tape and access to design resources.
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and works with Windows, Mac, and the app.
Cons:
- A heat press is not listed among the included items.
- Maximum listed media size is 8.5 by 14 inches.
- The bundle adds supplies that may be unnecessary for buyers who already have blanks and paper.
This bundle can reduce the number of separate purchases required to start a small sublimation venture. Its strongest advantage is the included consumables and blanks, making it easier to test designs, photograph products, and refine a workflow before buying supplies in larger quantities.
Best Wide-Format Photo Pick – Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
For a sublimation printer for small business, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a flexible option when you also need high-quality photos, graphics, and creative projects. Its refillable six-color ink system, wide-format support, and all-in-one design suit sellers who value versatile in-house printing.
Best For: Small businesses that need wide-format color printing, scanning, copying, and economical photo or creative-project printing.
Pros:
- Supports media up to 13 x 19 inches.
- Six-color Claria ET Premium inks are designed for vibrant colors and sharp text.
- Refillable ink bottles reduce cartridge waste and replacement frequency.
- Includes up to two years of ink in the box, according to the supplied notes.
Cons:
- Its 24.5-pound body and wide-format dimensions require substantial workspace.
- The supplied notes identify home use rather than a dedicated sublimation workflow.
The ET-8550 stands out for businesses that want one machine for wide-format creative work and everyday document tasks. Confirm that its supported ink and media setup matches your intended sublimation process before purchasing.
Best Complete Starter Bundle – Sublimation Starter Kit 8-in-1
This sublimation printer for small business is packaged as an all-in-one startup bundle rather than a printer alone. It combines a printer, 15 x 15-inch heat press, and eight attachments for producing custom mugs, tumblers, T-shirts, hats, and plates.
Best For: Beginners, Etsy sellers, and startup businesses that want printing and heat-press equipment in one bundle.
Pros:
- Includes a 15 x 15-inch heat press and eight-in-one attachments.
- Comes with mug, 30-ounce tumbler, hat, and plate attachments.
- Uses a chipless ink system with pre-filled sublimation ink and no cartridge switching.
- Digital temperature control reaches up to 480°F.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not provide printer resolution, print speed, or media-size specifications.
- As a multi-piece kit, it may require more setup and storage space than a printer-only purchase.
For someone launching a custom-product shop, this kit offers the most immediately complete setup of the three options. Its included attachments and beginner-focused videos can reduce the need to source compatible pressing equipment separately.
Best Compact Office All-in-One – Canon MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MAXIFY GX2020 is a compact refillable-tank all-in-one to consider when a sublimation printer for small business must also handle routine office work. Wireless printing, automatic duplexing, scanning, copying, faxing, and a 35-sheet feeder make it suited to mixed business tasks.
Best For: Small offices that prioritize compact document handling, refillable ink, and wireless all-in-one functionality.
Pros:
- Prints, copies, scans, and faxes with wireless connectivity.
- Automatic two-sided printing helps reduce manual page handling.
- Refillable tanks are rated for up to 3,000 black-and-white and 3,000 color pages per ink set.
- Compact desktop design includes a 35-sheet automatic document feeder.
Cons:
- Maximum media size is listed as 8 x 10 inches, limiting larger designs.
- The supplied notes describe pigment-based GI-25 ink bottles, not a dedicated sublimation ink setup.
The GX2020 is a practical office companion for businesses that need efficient documents more than specialized sublimation production. Its compact footprint and broad office features are appealing, but verify ink compatibility before using it for sublimation projects.
Best with Extra Features – Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer Bundle
For a small business seeking a dependable sublimation printer, the Epson SureColor F170 combines a compact footprint with genuine Epson ink, PrecisionCore print technology, and useful starter supplies. Its 150-sheet enclosed tray can help streamline recurring transfer work.
Best For: Small businesses, crafters, and hobbyists who want an authorized Epson bundle with paper, thermal tape, and OEM ink included.
Pros:
- Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks and a starter kit.
- PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control is designed for clear, detailed images.
- 150-sheet dust-resistant auto-feed tray supports more efficient printing.
- Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity on Windows and macOS.
Cons:
- Maximum media width is 8.5 inches.
- Mobile-device connection is not supported according to the supplied notes.
- Print speed is listed at approximately one page per minute.
This is the most complete option for buyers who value manufacturer-backed authenticity and an immediately useful supply bundle. Its compact format is well suited to smaller workspaces, though businesses producing larger transfers will need a wider printer.
Best Heavy-Duty Pick – Sublimation Heat Transfer Printer Kit
This sublimation printer bundle is aimed at new sellers testing custom apparel and gift products. It includes paper, cleaning supplies, and heat-transfer tape, while supporting projects such as light-colored polyester shirts, mugs, mouse pads, and phone cases.
Best For: Beginners and budget-conscious small businesses starting with basic sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Includes 100 sublimation paper sheets, a cleaning kit, and heat-transfer tape.
- Suitable for applications including T-shirts, ceramic mugs, bags, and other customizable items.
- Designed to minimize ink usage for a potentially cost-conscious workflow.
- Supports light-colored polyester fabrics and polyester-coated items with no more than 30% cotton.
Cons:
- OEM inks are not included, creating an additional supply consideration.
- Material compatibility is limited; sublimation is not intended for general cotton garments.
- The supplied notes do not provide connectivity, resolution, or print-capacity specifications.
This bundle offers a straightforward entry point for experimenting with personalized products, but buyers should confirm the included ink situation and technical specifications before relying on it for higher-volume business production.
Best Connectivity – Epson SureColor F170 Compact Printer
This compact Epson SureColor F170 is a practical sublimation printer for small business users who want genuine Epson ink and flexible computer or mobile connectivity. Its enclosed 150-sheet tray and auto-stop ink bottles are designed to make routine transfer printing cleaner and easier.
Best For: Customization businesses that print from Windows, macOS, or supported Android and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, a user guide, and an AC power cable.
- Offers wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, plus support for Epson iPrint on Android and iOS.
- 150-sheet dust-resistant tray reduces paper handling between jobs.
- Auto-stop ink bottles help make refilling cleaner and reduce waste.
Cons:
- Maximum media size is 8.5 inches wide.
- The supplied notes list a limited one-year warranty.
- Direct email printing and camera connections are not supported.
Compared with a basic desktop setup, this F170 stands out for its network and mobile-printing options while retaining a compact design. It is a good fit for small customization operations, provided the 8.5-inch format matches the products you plan to make.
How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Small Business
We selected these products based on their suitability for small-business workflows, supported print sizes, ink and supply setup, included accessories, connectivity, and overall flexibility. The list includes dedicated sublimation printers as well as bundled options for buyers who need a heat press or blanks to get started.
Because product listings can vary by seller, check the exact package contents, warranty, compatible paper, and ink requirements before ordering. A standard inkjet printer is not automatically suitable for sublimation; it must be designed or converted for sublimation use.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Look For | Typical Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Compact startup | Dedicated letter-size printer | Smaller footprint and simpler setup |
| Larger apparel designs | Wide-format printing | More room for shirts, signs, and décor |
| All-in-one workspace | Printer-and-press bundle | Fewer separate purchases |
| Lower running costs | Refillable tank system | Potentially lower ink cost per print |
Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Small Business
Print Size and Product Range
Confirm the maximum paper size before buying. Compact 8.5-by-11-inch models work well for mugs, small transfers, ornaments, and youth apparel. Wide-format printers are better suited to adult shirts, larger panels, signs, and multi-item layouts.
Dedicated Versus Converted Equipment
A dedicated sublimation printer is usually the easiest choice for a new business because it is designed around compatible sublimation ink and a predictable setup. Converted printers may offer flexibility, but changing ink systems can create maintenance, color, and warranty concerns.
Ink Costs and Maintenance
Compare the price and availability of replacement ink, not just the printer’s upfront cost. Tank-based systems can reduce refill frequency, while dedicated cartridge or bottle systems may provide a more straightforward manufacturer-supported workflow. Regular printing and proper maintenance help reduce clogged printheads.
Connectivity and Workflow
Wireless printing is useful when several devices share a workspace, while USB can provide a dependable direct connection. Check operating-system compatibility, print software support, color-management options, and whether the printer handles your preferred transfer paper.
Included Accessories
Starter bundles may include a heat press, transfer sheets, thermal tape, blanks, or other supplies. Treat these extras as convenience items and verify their quality, dimensions, and suitability for your intended materials. A bundle is worthwhile only if it includes equipment you would otherwise buy separately.
Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Small Business?
Choose a compact dedicated model if you are testing demand, have limited workspace, or mainly produce smaller transfers. Choose a wide-format tank printer if larger garments and higher-volume layouts are central to your business. A printer-and-press bundle suits beginners who want a complete launch package, but compare the included press with standalone alternatives before committing.
For established makers, prioritize dependable ink availability, repeatable color, supported paper sizes, and serviceability over the largest accessory bundle. The best Sublimation Printer for Small Business is the one that matches your product dimensions and expected order volume without adding unnecessary equipment or operating complexity.