Dye sublimation printers have been known to produce high-quality photos and have become a favorite by most people compared to inkjets. Because of the photo quality, more and more people have started buying these, including photographers who praise the image quality that they get from some of the best dye sublimation printers.
The best printers for dye sublimation are ideal for small business owners and crafty consumers. Whether you fall into our above-listed category or just want to create some great photos for memory’s sake, we have listed some of the best options for you that you can consider buying.
Recently, the demand for dye-sublimation printers has risen quite substantially. Mainly used by artists, a dye-sublimation printer is known for putting out high-quality pictures using pressure and low temperature.
Once the sublimation process is completed, you can transfer that image onto a fabric or cotton material. This makes dye-sublimation printers a key component for photo booths, small businesses, and crafty consumers.
But there are a few things on which you need to keep an eye out for when buying a dye-sublimation printer such as connectivity, max print size, and print resolution.
In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best dye-sublimation printers in 2024. We’ve carefully scouted for the best printers from all price ranges.
Let’s check them out!
Our Recommendations
- Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Overall
- Canon SELPHY CP1300 – Best In Portability
- HiTi P525L – Best For Photo Booths
- DNP DS-RX1HS – Best In Build Quality
- Sony DPP-FP70 – Best For Home Use
- SAWGRASS VIRTUOSO SG400 and SG800 – Best In Printing Speed
- Mitsubishi CP-D70DW – Best For Commercial Printing
- Epson C88+ Inkjet -Best Smudge-Free Printing
- Canon SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer – Best DPI Resolution
- Kodak Dock Dye Sublimation Printer – Best For Portrait Photography
- Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Printer – Best Water-Resistant Printing
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is currently one of the printers that can do dye sublimation. It’s an all-around printer that can do a bit of this and that in all sorts of situations.
The Epson HD XP-15000 is one of the best value-for-money mid-range printers. It’s a wide format printer that can provide quality borderless prints of up to 13″ x 19″ in size. On top of that, it comes with 6 separate colored inks. If you’re an artist, you’re bound to like this printer. It’s also 30% smaller than other printers of the Expression Photo HD series.
The performance of this printer is top-notch. The Epson HD XP-15000 prints documents at up to 9.2 ISO ppm. It also prints 4″ x 6″ borderless photos in less than 30 seconds. It also supports duplex printing and has a 200 sheet front tray.
The rest of the features are fairly standard too. You’ll get a 2.4″ color LCD. As for connectivity, you can print with it by using both Wi-Fi and ethernet connections. There’s also a dedicated mobile app if you want to print remotely.
One thing that holds back this printer is the ink cartridges. Epson recommends using their inks as other generic branded inks aren’t compatible with this printer.
Overall, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is an all-around printer that can also be used as a dye-sublimation printer.
Pros
- A wide format printer that can print up to 13″ x 19″.
- Supports 6 individual color inks.
- Prints at a maximum of 9.2 ISO ppm speed.
- Supports duplex printing.
- The 2.4″ color LCD eases navigation.
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet connection, and mobile printing compatible.
Cons
- Generic ink brands aren’t compatible.
Canon SELPHY CP1300
If you’re looking for a printer that exclusively does dye sublimation, and you don’t want to spend a fortune, you should go for the Canon SELPHY CP1300.
The Canon Selphy CP1300 banks on its portability the most. It weighs just about 1.9 pounds. It features a Dye-Sub Technology that enhances the color and pixelation of the printed picture. The build quality isn’t the best but it’s better than most.
This printer has a lot going for it despite being a small printer. It can print postcard size photos of 4″x6″ at approximately 47 seconds. It also features a 3.2″ tilt-up LCD touch screen for easier navigation.
The printing modes of this printer are quite amusing. It has modes such as portable photo booths, Instagram prints, and party shuffles. On top of that, it has both Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. Thus you can print from it by using apps such as Airprint, Mopria, and Canon Print.
However, not only does it lack ethernet connectivity but you also won’t get a mini-USB Type-B cable with the printer.
Overall, the Canon Selphy CP 1300 is a great value-for-money printer for dye sublimation. And as it’s portable, you can print while on the go!
Pros
- At just 1.9 pounds, it’s the lightest printer that can be used for dye sublimation.
- Dye-Sub Technology enhances the color and pixelation of the printed picture.
- Prints up to 4″x6″ at approximately 47 Seconds.
- The 3.2″ Tilt-up LCD Touch Screen is perfect for navigation.
- Features 3 unique photo printing modes.
- Features USB and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- It can be used from mobile devices via dedicated apps.
Cons
- Lacks Ethernet connectivity.
- A mini-USB Type-B cable doesn’t come with the printer.
HiTi P525L
If you want a dye sublimation printer with impressive printing speed and portability for your office, the HiTi P525L would be perfect for you. This printer from HiTi has been improved drastically from its predecessors and is perfect for photo booths and photographers who are always on the move.
The HiTi P525L features a D2T2 Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer technology. This technology provides relatively faster printing despite being portable. It weighs about 39 pounds and can be moved easily inside your office. It also features both a glossy and matte finish.
The HiTi P525L can print up to a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi. On top of that, it can print sizes up to 6 x 8″ at a minimum of 20 seconds. There’s also a Grayscale LCD panel for navigation.
As for connectivity, it’s missing both Wi-Fi and ethernet connections. But it does feature a USB connection. It’s compatible with operating systems such as Android, Windows, and macOS so you can easily pair it up with your computer or mobile devices.
However, it isn’t compatible with memory cards. On top of that, the build quality is a bit sub-par.
Overall, the HiTi P525L is perfect for Photo Booths and photographers that are always on the go. It would be a good choice for you if you intend to buy a dye sublimation printer for either one of these purposes.
Pros
- The D2T2 Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer technology prints pictures faster.
- Prints with a resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi.
- It can print up to 6 x 8″ at a minimum of 20 seconds.
- The Grayscale LCD panel for navigation is simplistic but gets the job done.
- Fast USB connection.
- Compatible with Android, macOS, and Windows.
Cons
- Not compatible with memory cards.
- Build quality is a bit sub-par.
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection
DNP DS-RX1HS
If you want a dye-sublimation printer that can serve you in the long run and provide good service, you should take a look at the DNP DS-RX1HS. It provides decent service at a mid-range price point.
The DNP DS-RX1HS features a thermal transfer dye-sublimation technology. The build quality is solid and it has a nice looking matte finish. In terms of color palette, it features a CMY Overcoat.
The DNP DS-RX1HS has a pretty decent performance section. It has a print resolution of up to 300 x 600 dpi. It can print up to 6 x 8″ sized rolls at a minimum of 22 seconds. That’s pretty fast compared to its size.
The DNP DS-RX1HS is compatible with both macOS and Windows. In terms of connectivity, it supports a USB Type-A interface. But it doesn’t feature either Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. But the USB Type-A covers this up with its fast user interface.
We have a couple of complaints regarding this printer. Even though it’s a pretty cheap printer, the running costs are a bit high. Also, it isn’t compatible with memory cards.
Overall, the DNP DS-RX1HS is a great printer for heavy usage. Though it has its flaws, it is still a remarkable printer.
Pros
- The thermal transfer dye-sublimation technology is well optimized.
- Solid build quality with a great-looking matte finish.
- It has a print resolution of up to 300 x 600 dpi.
- Prints up to 6 x 8″ sized rolls at 22 seconds.
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows.
- Boasts of a fast USB Type-A interface.
Cons
- Maintenance costs are a bit high.
- Not compatible with memory cards.
Sony DPP-FP70
We decided to pick a printer that would be good to use at home. We didn’t find a better one other than the Sony DPP-FP70. It’s also great for those who are on a tight budget.
As this is a fairly cheap printer, it’s quite clear that it won’t perform as well as the rest of the printers on this list. But for home use, the specs are ideal. It weighs just about 5.5 pounds and is easily portable. The build quality is good and it can take a few bumps on a really bad day.
The performance is satisfactory. It has a max resolution of 300 x 300 dpi. It supports 3 colored inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). The maximum print size on this printer is about 4″ x 6″.
The connectivity options on this printer are decent. Though it doesn’t feature Wi-Fi or ethernet connections, it does feature USB 2.0 (480Mbit/sec) and a memory card. It also has a 2.5-inch color display for navigation.
The complaints? As it’s a fairly cheaper model, they had to cut corners by excluding a lot of key features.
Overall, the Sony DPP-FP70 is a great dye-sublimation printer to use at home. It’s also great for those who are on a tight budget.
Pros
- A standard max resolution of 300 x 300 dpi.
- It can print a maximum of 4″ x 6″ size at 45 seconds.
- It features a fast USB 2.0 (480Mbit/sec) interface.
- The 2.5-inch color LCD for navigation is a well-judged addition.
- At just 5.5 pounds, it’s very portable.
Cons
- Missing a lot of key features.
SAWGRASS VIRTUOSO SG400 and SG800 – Best for T-Shirts and Apparel
The Sawgrass Virtuoso is a collaboration between Ricoh and Sawgrass to introduce the first desktop sublimation printer to the market. Unlike many other printers in this list that focus on printing photos, this dye sublimation prints to special dye-sub paper that can then be passed to merchandise like T-Shirts, Mugs, socks, etc.
If using dye-sublimation for custom merchandise is your primary purpose, then the SG400 or 800 is for you. If you want a dye-sub printer for mostly photo printing and event photo booths, you’ll want to check out the HiTi P525L below.
The SG400 ranges in the $600 price range and can print on paper up to 8 1/2″ by 14″ (but with the optional bypass tray can print on 8 1/2″ by 51″ (although this comes at an extra cost of around $175).
The SG800 ranges in the $1700 price range and can print on a wider paper of up to 13″ by 19″.
With a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, the SG400 may be the only true dye-sublimation printer on this list that tops when it comes to picture quality. It can also manage lower resolutions such as 600 x 600 dpi, but what is truly remarkable is the speed at which it prints. This model can print 157 pages per hour at the highest resolution setting, all the way up to 240 pages per hour at the highest speed setting.
Pros
- Perfect for transfer to polyester apparel and merchandise, other dye-sub printers are only useful for photos.
- The CreativeStudio software included walks you through apparel design.
- Also compatible with CorelDraw or Illustrator, but can save you thousands in software
- $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for complete ink saturation.
- Can alter the speed and/or quality based on needs. Choose either very fast printing or very high quality.
- Upwards or 1200 DPI for extremely detailed and high-quality printing.
Cons
- Only complaints so far have been regarding corresponding with customer service at Sawgrass. However, most people have never needed to contact the company for support.
For an in-depth look at this printer in action, check out this video below:
Mitsubishi CP-D70DW – Best for Mass Photo Printing
The Mitsubishi CP-D70DW is rather different than the last few dye-sublimation printers we have looked at mainly because portability is not a feature for this pro performer. The CP-D70DW can crank out regular 4″ x 6″ prints in just 8.4 seconds, making it ideal for people who are looking at printing from a commercial perspective. It makes it suitable for photo booths as it can produce 6″ x 9″ prints in about 33 seconds and standard A4 prints in about 77 seconds.
Pros
- The CP-D70DW is a favorable choice for those who are not too keen on looks and features but prefer quality and reliability.
- If you’re after borderless prints, 300 dpi resolution, and different printing modes such as ultrafine and superfine, the CP-D70DW would be a good pick.
Cons
- Weighing in at 26 pounds, Mitsubishi focused on functionality more than visual appeal as is the case with some of the smaller printers below.
- The printer lacks physical controls on it apart from the button that opens its main door.
- You would have to have it hooked to your PC as it does not have memory card slots.
Epson C88+ Inkjet – Honorable Mention
Epson’s C88+ Inkjet printer lies in between a Mitsubishi CP-D70DW and a Canon Selphy CP1300 in terms of size. The C88+ is also an upgrade for those who initially worked with the Epson Stylus C88+ Workforce printer. Performance-wise, this printer can easily manage printing up to 19 pages per minute which is faster than other sublimation printers from Epson. This is because Epson included the automated printing functionality which aids in the process.
Quality too isn’t compromised. The default maximum resolution for this printer is 5760 x 1440 dpi. This may be an important consideration for people who are looking for great quality prints. Epson also claims that the C88+ offers smudge-resistant prints thanks to DURABrite Ultra, Epson’s quick-drying formula that allows you to touch your photos/documents immediately after printing without having to worry about creating smudges. Epson’s DURABrite Ultra ink also offers fade-resistant properties allowing you to enjoy your photos for up to 100 years without noticing any kind of fading.
Ultimately, the C88+ is ideal for personal use. It is a perfect choice for people who lie in between professionals and amateurs.
Pros
- 140 sheet capacity
- Automated printing functionality
- Prints up to 19 pages per minute.
- Heat transfer technology works with many types of ink.
- Scratch-resistant
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Becomes slow especially when you print too many photos at once.
Other Personal Photo Printers
The printers below aren’t meant for professional applications but can make a great option for hobbyists or those wishing to print their own high-quality photos at home. They offer affordable alternatives to the ones above.
Canon SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer
Canon as a brand has been known to create some of the best photography products over the years, and it’s in that line that they also have printers that still offer people amazing images. The Canon SELPHY CP760 printer is one famous model in the Canon line of dye-sublimation photo printers.
Pros
- One thing that we loved about this printer is the size. It is quite small which makes it easy to move around with and has been a popular model for most travelers especially those who travel to places that have beautiful and wonderful sceneries.
- This Canon printer produces high-quality 4 by 6-inch images that you can use with infrared, direct print USB and USB. This allows you to have high-quality photos at whatever time of day or night wherever you are. One can also print directly from the memory card or USB drive without the need for your computer.
- The dye-sublimation process featured on this printer is advanced and produces amazing 4 by 6-inch photos in under a minute with a clear dpi resolution of 300 by 300. The printer has more than 256 color levels available and has the capacity to produce 16.8 million different color fusions.
Cons
- Does not offer 100 percent frame coverage.
Kodak Dock Dye Sublimation Printer
Kodak is another company that has been in the photography industry for years, and you can be sure to trust their products. Kodak has different models of dye-sublimation printers that make for some of the best printers for dye sublimation.
Pros
- One of the leading models of the Kodak printers is the Kodak Dock dye-sublimation printer that prints 4 by 6-inch photos as well as legal-size papers. The legal size paper printing is quite useful, especially for portrait photography lovers. The printer is very easy to use and suitable for Kodak cameras.
- The printer produces amazing photos which enable you to use it for family photo gatherings or memories that are worth keeping. The one-touch printing feature makes it convenient for you to print photos directly from your smartphone using the printer dock which includes a free iOS lightning adapter and an Android dock pin.
- It has an in-built D2T2 thermal transfer technology that prevents your images from scanning or fading. You can simultaneously charge two smart devices as you wait, thanks to the unique dock that supplies a fast charge whether at home, business, school or office. It’s eligible for the free companion app – the Kodak Printer App – that has different filters, card templates, collage maker, stickers, video, and SNS print among other features.
Cons
- Lacks a rechargeable power source hence needs a power outlet and requires new printer cartridges with every new paper stack.
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Printer
This Canon printer is a wireless printer that makes use of heat transfer technology to give you instant copies of your photos. The Party Shuffle feature allows you to create water-resistant fin collages by getting input from several smartphones and combining them.
Pros
- The Canon SELPHY CP1300 not only allows you to print out copies of your photos instantly but also dry immediately, are water-resistant, and maintain the same look for up to 100 years. The Canon PRINT app3 gives you the comfort of easily connecting your tablet and smartphone. In addition, you can also print from USB or from your camera’s memory card directly without the need of a computer.
- The prints produced by this printer are the size of a postcard and have a Canon watermark on the reverse side. The paper and ink are only compatible with former models (the SELPHY CP series). It has a built-in LCD that helps you choose the size and type of printing you want easily. Besides, you can also edit the images before you print them out.
- With an additional battery pack that comes with the printer, you are able to print from your smartphone or memory card from almost anywhere. If you love traveling and always need to carry a printer with you, this Canon printer is not only sleek but is portable and light in weight making it possible for you to go anywhere with it.
Cons
- Some users have complained about wireless connectivity issues.
Final Thoughts
When you are shopping for the best printers for dye sublimation, it’s important that you consider your usage, printing speed, the type of printer, ink colors, durability, price, and warranty.
All these are factors that you need to consider before spending money on a printer as you don’t want to buy one and realize it doesn’t get the job done.
Most of the time, dye-sublimation printers aren’t discussed much which is why you might not know which of the models are the best and would be great for you.
In today’s article, we’ve discussed some of the best printers for dye sublimation. Each one of these printers serves a different purpose. So pick the one that suits you the best!