If you want crisp, colorful custom gifts and décor, the right printer can make sublimation much easier. The best sublimation printers for crafts pair dependable output with starter-friendly bundles that help you begin printing faster.
In this roundup, we focused on options that fit hobbyists, makers, and small-shop creators who want practical value, simple setup, and consistent heat-transfer results.
Best 10 Sublimation Printers for Crafts Picks for 2026
PrecisionCore Starter Pick
- PrecisionCore printhead for clear output
- Includes full set of Epson sublimation ink
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray with closed design
Best For: Crafters and small businesses wanting a compact Epson bundle
Complete Bundle Upgrade
Epson SureColor F170 Starter Kit
- Includes ink, paper, tape, and starter kit
- PrecisionCore printhead for sharp transfers
- MacOS and Windows friendly desktop setup
Best For: Hobbyists and small businesses wanting a fuller Epson starter bundle
Fast Starter Bundle
- Artspira app workflow for quick design use
- Includes 100 sheets of sublimation paper
- Up to 45 seconds per sheet
Best For: Crafters who want a ready-to-print Brother bundle
EcoTank-Based Bundle
Cartridge-Free Sublimation Setup for Transfers
- Cartridge-free super-tank with easy-fill bottles
- Includes scanner, copier, Wi-Fi, and CMYK sublimation ink
- Prints up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and supports many paper sizes
Best For: Crafters who want an all-in-one sublimation printer bundle with simple ink filling.
Compact Craft Bundle
Brother SP-1 Starter Kit for Makers
- Includes CMYK inks, 10 sheets, and Artspira software
- Compact print-only design with Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- 1200 x 1200 resolution for craft transfers
Best For: Craft users who want a compact starter bundle with software and supplies included.
Pro Desktop Pick
Sawgrass SG500 for Small-Batch Crafts
- Professional-grade sublimation printer with CMYK inks included
- Supports 8.5 x 14 media and bypass prints up to 8.5 x 51
- MySawgrass tools help with design and color control
Best For: Crafters and small businesses that want professional-grade sublimation quality in a compact printer.
All-in-One Craft Starter Pick
Brother SP-1 Bundle with Full Ink Set
- Full CMYK inks, paper, blanks, and tape included
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Artspira app support
- Compact print-only sublimation setup for crafts
Best For: crafters and beginners who want an all-in-one starter kit
Professional Small-Shop Choice
- Professional-grade sublimation printing with SubliJet UHD inks
- MySawgrass and Print Utility help with design and color control
- Wi-Fi connectivity plus print head auto-maintenance
Best For: small businesses and serious hobbyists wanting consistent pro results
High-Ink Value Bundle
Brother SP-1 Bundle with Double Ink Set
- Two full CMYK ink sets included
- Paper, blanks, tape, and design resources bundled in
- Compact Wi-Fi/Ethernet sublimation printer for crafts
Best For: crafters who want a larger initial ink supply
PrecisionCore Starter Pick – Epson SureColor F170 Bundle
If you want sublimation printers for crafts that feel ready for serious use right out of the box, the Epson SureColor F170 bundle is a strong place to start. It focuses on clean output, easy filling, and a compact footprint, making it a practical choice for small custom projects and home crafting setups.
Best For: Crafters and small business users who want a compact Epson bundle with full ink included.
Pros:
- PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for sharp image clarity
- Includes a full set of Epson sublimation ink plus user guide and AC power cable
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray and dust-resistant closed tray for cleaner printing
- Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity for flexible desktop use
Cons:
- Limited to 8.5-inch media width
- Not designed for direct email printing or camera connections
- Print-only machine with no extra multifunction features
This bundle is best when you value print quality, easy setup, and included ink over extra bells and whistles. For craft transfers, personalized gifts, and small-batch production, it offers a dependable and tidy workflow.
App-Driven Creative Pick – Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer
Among sublimation printers for crafts, the Brother SP1 stands out for its app-first workflow and straightforward DIY focus. It is built around the Artspira app, so it suits makers who like designing on the go and turning those ideas into colorful heat-transfer projects.
Best For: DIY crafters who want an app-guided Brother sublimation printer for small custom projects.
Pros:
- Works with Artspira for importing, saving, and creating designs
- Includes access to over 100 sublimation designs in the app
- Fast printing for mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags, and hats
- Brother Genuine Sublimation Ink is made for vibrant heat-activated transfers
Cons:
- Heat press is required and sold separately
- Designed for US 120V use only
- Output resolution is lower than some higher-end alternatives
This is a good fit if you want a guided creative workflow instead of a more traditional printer setup. It is especially appealing for hobby projects and personalized gifts where convenience matters as much as color.
Complete Bundle Upgrade – Epson SureColor F170 Starter Kit
If you want sublimation printers for crafts with more of the essentials bundled in, this Epson SureColor F170 package is especially convenient. It keeps the same compact Epson platform while adding starter paper, thermal tape, and a fuller unboxing experience for hobbyists and small business owners.
Best For: Crafters who want an Epson F170 bundle with starter supplies included.
Pros:
- Includes full OEM Epson sublimation ink with full manufacturer warranty support
- Bundled with sublimation starter kit, paper, and thermal tape
- PrecisionCore printhead is designed for outstanding image clarity
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray and mess-free auto-stop ink bottles
Cons:
- Mobile device connection is not supported
- Limited to 8.5-inch media width
- Print-only design may be restrictive for some users
This bundle makes sense if you want to get crafting faster with fewer add-on purchases. It is a solid option for people who prefer a compact, well-supported Epson setup with a more complete supply kit.
Fast Starter Bundle – Brother SP1 with 100 Sheets
This Brother bundle is a practical pick if you want sublimation printers for crafts with paper included and a faster path to your first project. It keeps the Artspira-based workflow but adds 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper, which is handy for crafters who want to start printing right away.
Best For: Crafters who want a Brother SP1 bundle with sublimation paper included.
Pros:
- Powered by Artspira for importing images and accessing design content
- Includes 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper
- Fast printing, with up to 45 seconds per sheet
- Works with a range of project types including shirts, mugs, and bags
Cons:
- Heat press required and sold separately
- Printer resolution is listed at 300 x 300
- Best suited to small-format 8.5 x 11 inch projects
This bundle is a nice middle ground for makers who want speed, software support, and paper in the box. It is most compelling for everyday craft projects where convenience and a simple setup matter most.
EcoTank-Based Bundle – Cartridge-Free Sublimation Setup for Transfers
If you want sublimation printers for crafts with an easy refill path and an all-in-one feature set, this Pinckney bundle is built around a cartridge-free EcoTank platform. It includes sublimation ink, built-in scanner and copier functions, Wi-Fi, and support for a wide range of paper sizes, making it a practical pick for heat-transfer projects and everyday crafting workflows.
Best For: Crafters who want an all-in-one sublimation printer bundle with simple ink filling and broad paper-size support.
Pros:
- Cartridge-free super-tank design with easy-fill ink bottles
- Includes sublimation ink in CMYK plus built-in scanner and copier
- High resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi for detailed transfers
- Supports many paper sizes, including longer formats up to 8.5 in x 47.2 in
Cons:
- Print speed is modest for color jobs at 5 ppm
- Requires checking nozzle alignment if print quality looks dull before transfer
- Best results depend on proper sublimation workflow and heat pressing
This is a strong choice if you value convenience and an ink-tank setup over a bare-bones printer. It offers a good mix of craft-friendly features, but it is most appealing to users comfortable with sublimation-specific prep and troubleshooting.
Compact Craft Bundle – Brother SP-1 Starter Kit for Makers
For makers comparing sublimation printers for crafts, the Brother SP-1 stands out as a compact print-only option that arrives with a full CMYK ink set, transfer sheets, and Artspira design software. It is aimed at hobbyists, artists, and small-business users who want a ready-to-use bundle for items like shirts, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, and coasters.
Best For: Craft users who want a compact starter bundle with software, paper, and inks included.
Pros:
- Includes CMYK inks, 10 sublimation sheets, and Artspira software download
- Compact footprint with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Supports Windows, Mac, and app-based use
- 1200 x 1200 resolution is suited to vibrant craft transfers
Cons:
- Print-only design means no scanner or copier functions
- Maximum media size is legal, so it is not meant for larger-format jobs
- Bundle is positioned as a starter package rather than a high-volume production unit
The SP-1 is a sensible pick if you want an approachable entry into sublimation without assembling every accessory separately. Its bundled supplies and software make it especially convenient for small craft projects and first-time users.
Pro Desktop Pick – Sawgrass SG500 for Small-Batch Crafts
If your goal is polished output from sublimation printers for crafts, the Sawgrass SG500 is the most professional-leaning option in this group. It comes with SubliJet UHD inks and paper, supports small business use, and pairs its compact desktop size with software tools designed to make color management and design work more controlled.
Best For: Crafters and small businesses that want professional-grade sublimation quality in a compact printer.
Pros:
- Professional-grade sublimation focus with vivid CMYK inks included
- Compact desktop size but supports media up to 8.5 in x 14 in, with bypass up to 8.5 in x 51 in
- MySawgrass platform and Print Utility add design and color-control tools
- Wi-Fi connectivity and auto-maintenance support reliability
Cons:
- Smaller standard media size than larger-format production printers
- Designed for 110/120V North American outlets only
- Primarily aimed at users who want a more guided software ecosystem
The SG500 is the best fit if you care most about consistent, high-definition results and a more business-ready workflow. It is less about being the cheapest entry point and more about delivering dependable quality for serious craft output.
All-in-One Craft Starter Pick – Brother SP-1 Bundle with Full Ink Set
If you’re comparing sublimation printers for crafts, this Brother SP-1 starter bundle is built to get you making right away. It pairs the printer with a full CMYK ink set, sublimation paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources, so you can move from setup to first project without sourcing every accessory separately. The compact footprint and Wi-Fi/Ethernet connectivity make it a practical choice for a home craft space or small shop.
Best For: Crafters and beginners who want an all-in-one sublimation setup with supplies included.
Pros:
- Includes full CMYK inks plus paper, blanks, tape, and design cards
- Compact printer with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Designed for t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, coasters, and more
- Artspira app access and quick reference guide help speed up the learning curve
Cons:
- Print-only device, so it won’t scan or copy
- 600 x 600 resolution is lower than the Sawgrass bundle in this roundup
- Best suited to 8.5 x 11 and legal-size projects rather than oversized prints
As a starter bundle, this package reduces the guesswork that often comes with entering sublimation printing. It’s especially appealing if you value convenience and want a single purchase that covers the printer plus many of the basics needed for craft projects.
Professional Small-Shop Choice – Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle
For buyers focused on sublimation printers for crafts with a more polished output, the Sawgrass SG500 is the most business-ready option here. This starter bundle includes SubliJet UHD inks and paper, plus access to MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility, which makes it easier to design and manage color-accurate projects. Its compact desktop design still handles media up to 8.5″ x 14″, with bypass-tray support for longer prints when needed.
Best For: Small businesses and serious hobbyists who want professional-grade sublimation results.
Pros:
- Professional-grade print quality with rich CMYK sublimation inks
- MySawgrass and Print Utility software support design and color control
- Wi-Fi connectivity and auto-maintenance add convenience and reliability
- Can print up to 8.5″ x 51″ through the bypass tray for longer projects
Cons:
- Starter bundle is aimed at more committed users than casual crafters
- Maximum standard media size is 8.5 x 14 inches without the bypass tray
- Higher-end features may be more than needed for occasional use
This is the strongest pick if you want a craft printer that feels built for long-term use and repeatable results. The combination of software, support, and print flexibility makes it a strong fit for anyone selling custom products or refining a small business workflow.
High-Ink Value Bundle – Brother SP-1 Bundle with Double Ink Set
If your priority is stretching supplies while shopping sublimation printers for crafts, this Brother SP-1 bundle is the most generous ink-focused package in the group. It includes two full CMYK ink sets along with 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, tape, and design resources, making it a practical option for users who expect to print more before restocking. Like the other SP-1 bundle, it keeps the setup compact and supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.
Best For: Crafters who want extra ink on hand for a larger initial supply cushion.
Pros:
- Includes two full sets of CMYK inks for a bigger starting supply
- Comes with paper, blanks, tape, and design cards for immediate use
- Compact Brother SP-1 platform with Wi-Fi and Ethernet support
- Suitable for common craft items like shirts, mugs, tumblers, and coasters
Cons:
- Still a print-only machine, so it lacks scanning and copying functions
- Not aimed at users who need larger-format output than legal size
- Bundle focus is on supplies rather than advanced printer features
This version makes sense if you expect to use the printer often and want more ink headroom from day one. It offers the same craft-friendly convenience as the other Brother kit, but with a stronger emphasis on keeping your first rounds of projects moving.
How We Picked These Sublimation Printers for Crafts
We prioritized models and bundles that make sense for makers, not just print speed on paper. That means looking at print quality, bundle value, ink and paper inclusion, ease of setup, wireless convenience, and whether the printer is beginner-friendly enough for craft projects like mugs, shirts, tumblers, and signs.
We also favored products that reduce hidden costs. Starter kits, extra transfer sheets, and bundled ink can save time and money when you are learning sublimation printing for the first time.
Quick Comparison: What Matters Most
For most crafters, the biggest differences come down to three things: how much you want to spend upfront, how hands-on you are willing to be, and how often you plan to print. Entry-level bundles are great for occasional projects, while higher-value starter kits are better if you want to make multiple items right away.
If you want a straightforward path with fewer setup questions, look for an all-in-one bundle. If you care more about long-term running costs and flexibility, compare refill options, ink capacity, and support ecosystem before buying.
Key Buying Factors for Sublimation Printers for Crafts
Bundle Contents
For Sublimation Printers for Crafts, bundled ink, paper, tape, and blank items can be more valuable than the printer alone. A fuller kit helps you start creating immediately and can lower your first-project frustration.
Print Ecosystem and Software
Check whether the printer works with easy-to-use design tools or craft software. That matters if you are new to sizing artwork, managing color, or preparing transfers without a steep learning curve.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Wireless printing is convenient for home studios, but simple setup, clear instructions, and reliable maintenance routines matter just as much. Craft printers should be easy to keep running between projects.
Project Type and Output Needs
Choose based on what you make most often. Smaller craft shops may want compact, consistent printers for labels, mugs, and apparel, while high-volume makers may prefer bundles that include more supplies and support repeat production.
Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printers for Crafts?
Beginners should look for starter bundles with ink and paper included, especially if they want a low-stress way to learn the process. If you plan to print frequently, choose a model with better supply value and a smoother workflow. If you want the simplest craft setup possible, prioritize complete kits over bare printers.
In short, the best choice depends on whether you want the lowest upfront cost, the easiest first-time experience, or the most complete package for ongoing creative work. Matching the printer to your craft goals will give you better results and fewer wasted supplies.