Best Epson Printers for Sublimation: Which One Fits Your Projects? (2026)

Updated: March 11, 2026

The best Epson printers for sublimation are not the same for everyone — and that is where most “best printer” articles get it wrong. They list 8 printers with specs and leave you to figure it out. But the right printer depends on one thing: what are you actually making?

Someone who only sublimates mugs and keychains does not need a $500 wide-format printer. And someone printing full-size adult shirt transfers will be frustrated with an 8.5×11″ printer after the first week. Below is a project-based guide that tells you exactly which Epson to get based on what you plan to sublimate — not just which printer has the best specs on paper.

Quick Picker: Which Epson for Your Sublimation Projects?

Your Main Projects	Printer You Need	Why
Mugs, keychains, coasters, ornaments	ET-2800	All small items fit on 8.5×11″ paper
Kids shirts, baby onesies, tote bags	ET-2800 or ET-2850	Small/medium transfers still fit 8.5×11″
Adult shirts (L, XL, XXL)	ET-15000	Full chest transfers need 13×19″
Large canvas art, oversized tumblers	ET-15000	Anything over 8.5×11″ requires wide format
Photo gifts, portraits, realistic images	ET-8500	6-color system handles gradients and skin tones
Business with mixed product sizes	ET-2800 + ET-15000	Two printers: one for small, one for large
Want zero setup, full warranty	SureColor F170	Only dedicated Epson sublimation printer

That table covers 90% of decisions. If you already know which printer you need, scroll down to that section for the details. If you are not sure yet, keep reading — the sections below explain exactly why each printer fits each use case.

For Mugs, Keychains, and Small Items: Epson ET-2800

If your sublimation projects are mostly mugs, keychains, coasters, ornaments, phone cases, and mouse pads, the ET-2800 is probably all you need for most small sublimation projects. Every single one of these items uses a transfer that fits on a standard 8.5×11″ sheet of sublimation paper.

A mug wrap is about 9.25 x 3.75 inches. A keychain design is maybe 2×3 inches. Coasters are 3.75 x 3.75 inches. You can fit multiple small designs on a single sheet, which means less paper waste and faster batch production.

The ET-2800 is the most affordable EcoTank with a refillable tank system — which is what makes the conversion to sublimation ink possible. For the cleanest conversion, start with a brand-new printer and fill it with sublimation ink from day one, before ever using regular ink. The process takes about 30 minutes. The full conversion guide walks you through every step.

My tip: The ET-2803 is functionally identical to the ET-2800 — it is a retailer-exclusive variant. Whichever one is cheaper when you buy is the one to get. For a detailed look at both, check the ET-2800/ET-2803 review.

For Kids Shirts and Medium Transfers: ET-2800 or ET-2850

Here is where people often over-buy. If you are making sublimation shirts for kids (sizes 2T through youth L), you do not need a wide-format printer. A kids’ chest transfer is roughly 7×8 inches — that fits on 8.5×11″ paper with room to spare.

The ET-2800 handles this perfectly. If you are doing a lot of shirts in batches, the ET-2850 is worth the modest upgrade — it has better paper handling, auto-duplex, and a color display that makes checking ink levels easier. For occasional use, the ET-2800 is fine.

Where the ET-2800 stops working for shirts is adult sizes. An adult medium chest transfer is about 10×12 inches, and adult XL can be 12×14 inches or larger. That simply does not fit on 8.5×11″ paper. If you plan to do adult shirts, skip to the ET-15000 section below.

For Adult Shirts and Large Projects: Epson ET-15000

The moment you want to sublimate adult-size shirts (medium and up), large canvas prints, or oversized tumbler wraps, you will probably want 13×19″ printing capability. The ET-15000 is the most popular wide-format EcoTank for sublimation, and for good reason — it is the most affordable way to print large sublimation transfers.

A full adult shirt transfer typically needs at least 11×14 inches for a standard chest placement. For all-over prints or larger placements, you need even more space. The ET-15000’s 13×19″ capability handles all of this comfortably.

The ET-15000 gives you wide-format capability up to 13×19 inches through the rear feed, plus a front paper tray for standard media. It also has an automatic document feeder and ethernet connectivity. It is built for heavy use, which matters when you are running a sublimation business and printing dozens of transfers per day.

Many sublimation business owners run two printers: an ET-2800 for small items (mugs, keychains) and an ET-15000 for shirts and canvas. That setup covers almost every common sublimation project for home and small business use. The full price comparison with other wide-format options is in the cheapest sublimation printers guide.

For Photo-Quality Prints: Epson ET-8500

Most sublimation projects — mugs with text, keychains with bold graphics, shirts with cartoon designs — look great from a standard 4-color printer. But if your designs involve photographs, portraits, watercolor art, or anything with subtle color gradients, you will notice the difference a 6-color printer makes.

The ET-8500 uses a 6-color ink system designed for better photo output and smoother tonal transitions. In practical terms, that means gradients, portraits, and realistic artwork usually look more refined than they do on a standard 4-color EcoTank.

If your designs are mostly bold text, logos, and simple graphics, you probably will not notice enough difference to justify the extra cost. But print a family photo on a canvas using an ET-2800 versus an ET-8500, and the difference in smooth color transitions becomes clear.

The trade-off is cost. The printer itself costs more, and 6-color sublimation ink sets are less common and more expensive than standard 4-color sets. If you do not print photo-realistic designs regularly, the ET-8500 is overkill. For bold graphics, text, and patterns, a 4-color printer is perfectly fine.

Need 6-color quality in wide format? The ET-8550 is the 13×19″ version of the ET-8500 — same 6-color system, larger print size. It is the premium option for gallery-quality sublimation canvas prints and large photo gifts.

For Zero Hassle: Epson SureColor F170

Every printer above is a “converted” EcoTank — you buy a regular printer and fill it with sublimation ink yourself. The SureColor F170 is different. It is Epson’s dedicated sublimation printer — it ships with genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink (you fill the tanks during setup) and is specifically engineered for dye sublimation printing.

What you get with the F170 that converted EcoTanks do not have:

Standard Epson warranty as a dedicated sublimation printer. When you use third-party sublimation ink in an EcoTank, Epson states that damage caused by non-genuine ink may not be covered under warranty. The F170 is covered because it is designed for sublimation from the start.

Optimized color output. No ICC profile hunting, no color management headaches. The F170’s colors are calibrated for sublimation out of the box. Your screen colors match your print colors much more closely than with a converted printer.

Instant setup. Unbox, plug in, print. No conversion process, no flushing, no risk of damaging the printer during setup.

The F170 is best for small to medium sublimation projects. Epson lists a maximum paper width of 8.5 inches with sheet lengths up to 47.2 inches, so typical sublimation work fits comfortably on 8.5×14 sheets. If you need true wide-format transfers for large adult shirts or oversized art, a wide-format EcoTank like the ET-15000 remains the better fit.

Who is the F170 for? Business owners who value reliability and warranty support. People who do not want to deal with conversion. And beginners who are willing to pay more upfront for a smoother experience. The full comparison with converted options is in the converted Epson printers guide.

Dedicated vs Converted: The Real Difference

This is the most common question in the sublimation community, and the answer is simpler than people make it:

Factor	Dedicated (F170)	Converted (EcoTank)
Setup	Unbox and print	30-minute conversion
Warranty	Standard Epson warranty (dedicated sub printer)	Limited (non-genuine ink damage not covered)
Running cost (ink)	Higher (Epson sublimation ink)	Much lower (third-party ink)
Color accuracy	Calibrated out of the box	Needs ICC profile setup
Print quality	Excellent	Very good (with good ink)
Wide format option	No true wide format (max width 8.5″, longer sheets supported)	Yes (ET-15000: 13×19″)

My take: Most hobbyists and small businesses start with a converted ET-2800 because the cost savings are significant. The F170 makes sense when reliability and time matter more than saving money — typically once sublimation becomes your primary income source. There is no wrong choice here, only different priorities.

Why Epson Is the Go-To for Sublimation

People often ask whether they can use an HP, Canon, or Brother printer for sublimation. In practice, Epson is the easiest and most common choice — and there is a good reason for that.

Sublimation ink works best with a piezoelectric printhead, which uses electrical charges to push ink through the nozzles. Epson uses this type of printhead across its consumer inkjet lines, making it the most widely used, best documented, and easiest brand to find conversion support for.

HP and Canon use thermal printheads, which heat the ink to create tiny bubbles that push the ink out. Sublimation ink does not respond well to this method — it can clog the printhead, produce poor-quality prints, or damage the printer. Some Brother inkjet models do use piezo-style printheads, but they lack the broad community support and conversion documentation that Epson has. What matters most is a compatible printhead system and a reliable ink workflow — not just the brand name.

If you are curious about what happens when people try using non-Epson printers for sublimation, the regular printer for sublimation guide covers it in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Epson printer is best for sublimation beginners?

The ET-2800. It is affordable, the conversion is well-documented with hundreds of tutorials, and it handles all common beginner projects (mugs, keychains, coasters) perfectly. You do not need a more expensive printer to get started.

Can I use my Epson EcoTank for both regular printing and sublimation?

Not at the same time. Once you fill the tanks with sublimation ink, switching back to regular ink requires a full flush of the ink system — which wastes ink and is not always reliable. Most people dedicate one printer to sublimation and keep a separate printer for documents.

Is the Epson F170 worth the extra cost over a converted ET-2800?

It depends on what you value. The F170 gives you better color accuracy out of the box, full warranty, and zero setup time. The ET-2800 gives you the same core functionality at a significantly lower total cost. For hobby use, the ET-2800 is the smarter buy. For a business where downtime costs you money, the F170 is a reasonable investment.

Do I need a wide-format printer for sublimation?

Only if you plan to make adult-size shirt transfers (medium and up), large canvas prints, or oversized tumbler wraps. If your projects are mugs, keychains, ornaments, kids shirts, and coasters, an 8.5×11″ printer like the ET-2800 is all you need.

How long do converted Epson sublimation printers last?

With regular maintenance (weekly nozzle checks, head cleanings when needed), a converted EcoTank typically lasts 2-5 years. The most important thing is to not let the printer sit unused for more than a week — sublimation ink can dry in the printhead and cause permanent clogs.

What sublimation ink works best in converted Epson printers?

Hiipoo and Printers Jack are the two most popular and reliable third-party sublimation inks for converted EcoTanks. Both include ICC profiles for accurate color reproduction. Always use ink designed for your specific printer model — 4-color for standard EcoTanks, 6-color for the ET-8500 and ET-8550.

Can I sublimate on dark shirts with any of these printers?

No. Sublimation ink is transparent, so it only works on white or very light-colored substrates regardless of which printer you use. For dark garments, you need a different technology like heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or direct-to-film (DTF) transfers.

Should I buy one printer or two for a sublimation business?

If you make products in different sizes, two printers is the most efficient setup: an ET-2800 for small items (mugs, keychains, coasters) and an ET-15000 for large transfers (adult shirts, canvas). Running small designs through a wide-format printer wastes ink and paper. Running two dedicated machines is faster, cheaper per print, and gives you a backup if one printer goes down.