Skip to content

The Best Low Cost Sublimation Printer for Your Needs

best low cost sublimation printer

Nowadays, printers are becoming more and more advanced as well as feature-rich. One can find a wide range of suitable applications relevant to these modern-day printers. From simply printing on a paper, to high-profile personal design printing on numerous materials, the best low cost sublimation printer can do it all.

As compared to the heat transfer and cricut printers, the sublimation printers make the most compact options for printing on special materials such as polyester. During this method, the ink used for printing is heated continuously until the time it permanently gets infused onto the fabric. Read on the below-mentioned buying guide to make the best decision while purchasing the most suitable low cost sublimation printer out there.

Product

Features

Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner and Copier

  • Small & Lightweight Design

  • High Colour & Black Page Yield

  • Exceptionally Low Cost Printing

Epson EcoTank ET-2760 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer 

  • Incredibly High Pahe Yield

  • Wide Range Of Connectivity Options

  • Scans Fragile Items Very Well

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer

  • Water Resistant

  • Long-Lasting

  • Sublijet UHD Ink

Canon® SELPHY™ CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer

  • Fast & Easy Printing

  • Built-In Wireless Connection

  • Creates Clear & Sharp Images

DNP QW410 4.5-inch Dye-Sublimation Professional Photo Printer Essential Bundle

  • Ultra-Compact Design

  • Offers 16:9 Wide Ratio Prints

  • Provides dpi Resolution 300 × 300

Best Low Cost Sublimation Printer – Buying Guide

Printers have made great strides technologically in the past few decades and are now capable of printing on fabrics, ceramics, and even fabrics. Printing your designs with a sublimation printer will definitely give you the results you want.

Below is a list of the best sublimation printers you can buy right now. You can make a decision right from your home, since we have provided all the information and the top features. 

In any case, if this is your very first time purchasing a sublimation printer, we recommend reading our guide to buying the best and the cheapest sublimation printer first. You will learn about some of the most important properties of a sublimation printer in this buying guide, which will help you choose the one that suits your needs perfectly.

Factors To Consider While Buying A Best Low Cost Sublimation Printer

1.Printing Resolution & Printing Speed: Whenever you are shopping for a printer, you need to ensure that it is going to deliver the output quality you are looking for. This can be accomplished by checking the printer’s speed and resolution. A printer’s printing speed is a measure of how many outputs it can produce each minute. Pages per minute (PPM) is the printing speed of standard printers.

To create a high volume of products per day, a sublimation printer needs to have a fast printing speed if it’s being used for professional purposes or a business. It is dependent on the printing technology and the resolution of the unit as to the quality of the prints.

DPI is the unit of measurement for printing resolution. With an increase in DPI, you can expect higher print quality.

2.Connectivity Options:

Whether you have plans to purchase a DIY simple printer or a professional one, having a thorough look at the connectivity options is important. Most of the times, the connectivity options include an Ethernet port and a USB port. But the present-day pace of technological advancement have led to emergence of wireless connectivity options such as WiFi and Bluetooth.

These connectivity options are now available on almost every laptop and smartphone right now. These options enable a user to connect their printing device wirelessly with a smart device to ease accessibility. This is one of the biggest reasons why you should prefer investing in a printer that offers wireless connectivity. Thus, making the printer all the more useful. 

You can quickly draft any design on the internet using your laptop and print that design right away without wasting any time connecting the printer to the laptop, or even having to use a thumb drive.

3.Size & Form Factor:

The size of sublimation printers is pretty compact, but not all options are going to fit your needs. Choosing a compact sublimation printer that can easily fit in a tiny corner is your best option if your studio or office already has numerous printers, desktop computers, and laptops.

Portability and outdoor use are also advantages of compact options. These days, most printers support a battery pack, making compact options even more attractive. In spite of this, you should also be aware that smaller printers generally have a lower resolution and are slower in comparison.

Manufacturers cannot integrate high-end components into compact printers because of their compact size. So, a compact printer’s performance will not be sufficient for meeting the mass production-based application requirements. 

4.Control Options:

You would be wasting your money by investing in a wireless printer if you will be pressing the print button on the printer. We would recommend you to prefer investing in a web-based platform or a dedicated application for the printing instructions. 

Such a dedicated application will also help you change any quintessential printing parameters like print colour, printing resolution, etc. You could even make some small yet crucial changes on the go with this kind of a printer. 

Some sublimation printers also come with a compact display feature. You can use this feature for print previews. This preview can help you spot any error and help you fix it without wasting your time, money, and effort.

Best Low Cost Sublimation Printer Reviews

1.Best Low Cost Sublimation Printer – Epson EcoTank ET-2720 All-in-One Wireless Color Supertank Printer with Scanner and Copier

best low cost sublimation printer
  • Description:
    • Brand:Epson
    • Model Number: ET-2720
    • Special Feature:Wireless, Refillable
    • Printing Technology:Inkjet
    • Colour:White
    • Connectivity Technology:USB, Ethernet, WiFi
    • Item Dimensions: 13.7 x 14.8 x 8.7 Inches
    • Sheet Size: Legal, 4″ x 6″, A6, 5″ x 7″, Half Letter, A4, Letter, Executive, User definable (from 3.4″ x  2.2″  to 47.2″ x 8.5″)
  • Performance: The Epson EcoTank-2720 inkjet printer makes a suitable choice for a wide number of applications. Instead of using traditional ink cartridges, this printer has four refillable ink tanks thanks to its super cartridge system. 
  • Comparison:As compared to other sublimation printers mentioned in the reviews, this printer from Epson makes the top low cost sublimation printer because it delivers outstanding page yields.
  • Usage:In terms of usage, this printer can printer in white, black, and colour. You will have to place all the pages manually in this printer’s flatbed and delivers a decent colour reproduction.
  • Pros:
    • Small & Lightweight Design
    • High Colour & Black Page Yield
    • Exceptionally Low Cost Printing
  • Cons:
    • Very Slow Printing Speed
  • What’s New?

Both, Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and Epson EcoTank ET-2720 are inkjet printers with a Supertank system, however ET-2800 is the newer model and performs a bit better.

  • Why You Should Buy It?

You should buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 as it makes a great printer for beginners and students. The printer offers a compact size and outstanding page yields accompanied with an exceptional printing cost per printer. You can also connect this printer using a wireless WiFi connection, Apple Print, Epson’s Companion App, and Mopria Printer Service.

2.Most Inexpensive Sublimation Printer – Epson EcoTank ET-2760 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer

best low cost sublimation printer
  • Description:
  • Brand:Epson
  • Model Number:ET-2760
  • Special Feature:Wireless, Refillable
  • Printing Technology:Inkjet
  • Colour:White
  • Connectivity Technology:USB, Ethernet
  • Item Dimensions:14.8 x 13.7 x 9.4
  • Sheet Size: 4″ x 6″, 3.5″ x 5″, 5″ x 7″, 8.5″ x 11″, 8″ x 10″, legal, 8.5″ x 14″, A6, A4, half letter, executive
  • Performance:Another great all-in-one printer from Epson, ET-2760 comes with a Supertank system. It prints a large number of pages and will make good choice for someone who desires to print multi-page documents. 
  • Comparison:As compared to other sublimation printers reviewed in this list, the ET-2760 from Epson makes the most inexpensive sublimation printer because its yield an incredible number of pages and is well-suited for fragile item scans.
  • Usage:In terms of usage, this printer from Epson offers a phenomenal cost-per-print ratio and also makes one convenient and affordable option, specifically for new students.
  • Pros:
    • Incredibly High Page Yield
    • Wide Range Of Connectivity Options
    • Scans Fragile Items Very Well
  • Cons:
    • Bad Colour Accuracy 
  • What’s New?

The Epson EcoTank-2760 as well as the Epson Eco-Tank ET-4700 make great sublimation printers for beginners. While the EcoTank-2760 offers a higher page yield, the Eco-Tank-4700 comes with an automatic document feeder.

  • Why You Should Buy It?

You should buy the Epson EcoTank-2760 printer because it makes the best choice for small offices. The printer offers an outstanding page yield, wide range of connectivity options, low cost-per-print, and a decent photo printing quality.

3.Cheapest And Best Sublimation Printer – Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer

best low cost sublimation printer
  • Description:
    • Brand:Sawgrass
    • Model Number:N/A
    • Special Feature:Compact
    • Printing Technology:Dye Sublimation
    • Colour:White
    • Connectivity Technology:WiFi
    • Item Dimensions:15.775 x 17.25 x 8.5 Inches
    • Sheet Size:N/A
  • Performance:The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation printer is a multi-functional printer that can do a wide range of tasks. It prints high resolution images with utmost clarity, and also makes prints very vivid and bright at the same time.
  • Comparison:As compared to other sublimation printers on the list, this printer from Sawgrass makes the cheapest and best sublimation printer because of its high resolution, self-cleaning and maintenance capabilities, and even water resistance. 
  • Usage:The Sawgrass SG500 printer is compatible with smartphones, laptops, and PCs. It offers WiFi and Ethernet connectivity options. It consumes very less ink and definitely falls into the category of all those environment-friendly printers.
  • Pros:
    • Water Resistant
    • Long-Lasting
    • Sublijet UHD Ink
  • Cons:
    • No Touch Sensor
  • What’s New?

Both, Sawgrass SG500 and Sawgrass SG1000 are backward compatible sublimation printers with the bypass trays. While the SG500 can print just up to 8.5” × 51” material, the SG1000 can print just up to 13” × 51” material.

  • Why You Should Buy It?

You should buy the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer because it comes with an airtight printing system that would not face a potential disaster mostly relevant to a clogged print or an inline air bubble. The easy-to-use software designing certainly makes this sublimation printer a must have.

4.Least Expensive Sublimation Printer – Canon® SELPHY™ CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer

best low cost sublimation printer
  • Description:
    • Brand:Canon
    • Model Number:CP1300
    • Special Feature:Portable
    • Printing Technology:Dye Sublimation
    • Colour:Black
    • Connectivity Technology:USB
    • Item Dimensions:7.1 x 5.4 x 2.5 Inches
    • Sheet Size: 3 x 5 Inches
  • Performance:Another good quality sublimation printer that made it to our review list is the Canon  CP1300 wireless compact photo printer. This affordable and decent printer comes with a single operator system for delivering a hands-on printing experience.
  • Comparison:As compared to other sublimation printers on the list, Canon® SELPHY CP1300 makes the least expensive sublimation printer. It also offers a comprehensive onboard control button range for a standalone printing experience.
  • Usage:In terms of usage, this sublimation printer from Canon delivers useful colour LCD screen and high-quality prints. The portable printer can create prints which are postcard size and also offers versatility to its user.
  • Pros:
    • Fast & Easy Printing
    • Built-In Wireless Connection
    • Creates Clear & Sharp Images
  • Cons:
    • No Bluetooth Connectivity
  • What’s New?

While the Canon Selphy CP1200 has dimensions 5.4 x 7.1 x 1.9 inches, the Canon Selphy CP1300 had dimensions 5.4 x 7.1 x 2.5 inches.

  • Why You Should Buy It?

You should buy the Canon Selphy CP1300 because it can print good quality pictures and comes with plenty of features. The large touch screen accompanied with the Party Shuffle feature also makes this sublimation printer a great and affordable choice.

5.Most Affordable Sublimation Printer – DNP QW410 4.5-inch Dye-Sublimation Professional Photo Printer Essential Bundle

best low cost sublimation printer
  • Description:
    • Brand:DNP
    • Model Number:QW410
    • Special Feature:Portable
    • Printing Technology:Dye Sublimation, Thermal
    • Colour:Black
    • Connectivity Technology:USB
    • Item Dimensions:14.5 x 14 x 13.25 Inches
    • Sheet Size: 4 inch x 6 Inches
  • Performance:This DNP sublimation printer is suitable for bulk printing applications because of its low cost, high speed, and economical printing service. 
  • Comparison:As compared to other sublimation printers in the review, the DNP QW410 makes the most affordable sublimation printer on the list. Its innovative features accompanied with a lightweight and compact design make it stand out.
  • Usage:In terms of usage, this printer helps its users print wide-ratio designs along with a matte and glossy finish. The printer also uses comparatively lesser power than other sublimation models out there.
  • Pros:
    • Ultra-Compact Design
    • Offers 16:9 Wide Ratio Prints
    • Provides dpi Resolution 300 × 300
  • Cons:
    • NO LCD View
  • What’s New?

While the DNP QW410 printer offers no direct printing comes with a CMYK ink palette, the DNP  RX1HS dye sublimation printer comes with a CMY and Overcoat ink palette.

  • Why You Should Buy It?

You should buy the DNP QW410 sublimation printer because it uses thermal transfer technology, comes with an ultra-compact design, takes 19 seconds for each print, offers buffer memory of 32mb, uses less power, and can even continuously print for an hour.

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest sublimation printer?

The cheapest and the best sublimation printer the Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer. It is a multi-functional printer that can do a wide range of tasks. It prints high resolution images with utmost clarity, and also makes prints very vivid and bright at the same time. The Sawgrass SG500 printer is compatible with smartphones, laptops, and PCs. It offers WiFi and Ethernet connectivity options. It consumers very less ink and definitely falls into the category of all those environment-friendly printers.The easy-to-use software designing certainly makes this sublimation printer a must have.

2. What is better Sawgrass or Epson?

It is well known that Sawgrass delivers consistent results and great customer service. Even though Sawgrass inks and printers are costlier than Epson, their customer service is excellent. When you need assistance setting up your color profiles or if there is a problem with your computer, they can remotely log in to your computer.

3. How much does it cost to start a sublimation business?

Sublimation businesses offer a low start-up and production cost, as well as high profit margins. Getting your sublimation business up and running may cost you under $1,500. The process of sublimating and managing the business is also easy to learn.

4. Is sublimation a profitable business?

There is a lot of reward and profit in sublimation. Dyes sublimation is a growing industry for thousands of small businesses and individuals to create unique items for loved ones, local communities, and online shops.