Low-Cost Sublimation Printers for Startups: 5 Smart Choices

Custom apparel and personalized products like mugs, phone cases, and drinkware can generate profit margins of 300% or more using dye-sublimation. This printing method permanently bonds ink into polyester-coated surfaces, creating durable, vibrant designs that customers are willing to pay premium prices for.

The good news for new business owners is that you no longer need an industrial setup or a large upfront investment. Today’s compact sublimation printers—many priced under $700—allow startups to run a profitable, full-color production workflow from a desk or shelf.

This guide breaks down five cost-effective sublimation printers, comparing upfront pricing, ongoing operating costs, and long-term scalability. If you’re completely new to sublimation and want to understand the fundamentals of transferring designs onto apparel before investing heavily, beginner-focused sublimation tutorials can help you get comfortable with the process. Likewise, learning how sublimation chemically bonds ink to fabric will clarify why this method delivers both durability and strong profit potential.

#1 Epson SureColor F170: The Best All-Around Choice

The Epson SureColor F170 is designed specifically for dye-sublimation, making it one of the easiest printers for beginners to set up and use. Unlike converted printers, it arrives ready to print with genuine sublimation ink and pre-configured color profiles.

Why it stands out

• Typical price: $399–$499

• Print quality: Up to 1,200 × 600 dpi, producing smooth gradients and sharp photographic detail

• Speed: Approximately 8 color pages per minute, or one full-page transfer in under a minute

Because the F170 is purpose-built for sublimation, there’s no need for flushing ink lines or worrying about voided warranties. It’s a true plug-and-play solution for startups that want consistent results right away.

Operating costs

Each 140 ml ink bottle costs around $19. A complete CMYK refill can produce roughly 480 letter-size transfers at average coverage. Ink cost comes out to about $0.70 per print, and when paired with quality sublimation paper, the total cost per transfer is roughly $0.82. At a $15 profit per shirt, the printer can pay for itself after selling about 60 units.

Limitations

The main drawback is its maximum print width of 8.5 inches. While perfect for mugs, standard t-shirt panels, and small items, it won’t handle oversized designs or all-over garment prints.

Verdict

For startups prioritizing reliability, color consistency, and ease of use, the Epson F170 delivers professional-quality results at an entry-level price point.

#2 Epson EcoTank ET-2720: The Lowest-Cost Entry Point

For entrepreneurs working with a tight budget, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 offers one of the most affordable ways to get started in sublimation printing—provided you’re comfortable converting it.

Why it’s appealing

• Price range: $279–$349

• Resolution: Up to 5,760 × 1,440 dpi

• Ink system: Refillable tanks reduce long-term costs

Since this printer ships with standard dye ink, users must flush the system and refill it with third-party sublimation ink. This extra step lowers upfront cost but does void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Performance and costs

Once converted, the ET-2720 produces sharp logos and clean photo prints, though it’s slower than dedicated sublimation models. Expect about two minutes per full-bleed letter-size print. A full CMYK refill yields around 450 transfers, placing combined ink and paper costs near $0.38 per print—one of the lowest operating costs on this list.

Trade-offs

• Slower printing speeds

• Limited to 8.5-inch-wide media

• No official sublimation support from Epson

Verdict

For testing product ideas, Etsy launches, or weekend side hustles, this printer offers the cheapest path from concept to sellable inventory.

#3 Sawgrass SG500: Precision Color for Brand-Sensitive Work

The Sawgrass SG500 is built for creators who need accurate, repeatable colors—especially for branded merchandise. Sawgrass controls the entire ecosystem, including ink, software, and color profiles, which minimizes guesswork.

Key advantages

• Price: $524–$680 depending on bundle

• Resolution: Up to 4,800 × 1,200 dpi

• Speed: Letter-size prints in under a minute at standard quality

The printer integrates seamlessly with design tools and cutting machines, making it ideal for contour-cut decals and detailed graphics.

Cost of ownership

Sawgrass cartridges are smaller and more expensive than Epson bottles. A full CMYK set costs around $308 and produces roughly 280 letter-size prints. Ink cost averages $1.10 per transfer, and with paper included, total cost per print is about $1.22.

Downsides

• Higher ink costs

• Firmware updates may slightly alter color behavior

• Same 8.5-inch width limitation as other desktop models

Verdict

If color accuracy is critical and reprints are costly, the SG500’s controlled workflow justifies its higher per-print expense.

Final Thoughts

Affordable sublimation printers have lowered the barrier to entry for custom product businesses. Whether you want the simplicity of a purpose-built system, the savings of a converted printer, or the precision of a color-managed ecosystem, there’s a budget-friendly option that fits your goals.

Choosing the right printer comes down to balancing startup budget, print volume, and color accuracy needs. With the right machine, even a small workspace can become a profitable production hub.