The best printer for iron on transfers depends on your method: sublimation printers for polyester and hard surfaces, or transfer paper that works with the inkjet or laser printer you already own. We compared five options by print method, format, ink and warranty, using only what each listing publishes.
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Quick picks
Best Overall Epson SureColor F170: PrecisionCore, ECO PASSPORT ink, full warranty Check price on Amazon
Best Sublimation Brother SP1: Artspira app, genuine sublimation ink, DIY crafts Check price on Amazon
Best Super-Tank Pinckney Super-Tank: cartridge-free, scanner and copier, 5760×1440 dpi Check price on Amazon
Best for Light Fabrics TransOurDream Light 3.0: 20 sheets, 30 washes, teflon included Check price on Amazon
Best for Dark Fabrics TransOurDream Dark 3.0: 20 sheets, dark fabrics, teflon included Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Brother SP1 | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Pinckney Super-Tank | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | TransOurDream Light 3.0 | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | TransOurDream Dark 3.0 | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Epson SureColor F170
A compact 8.5 x 11 in dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink, a 150-sheet tray and full manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Full manufacturer warranty stated
- ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certified ink
- PrecisionCore printhead
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
Cons
- 8.5 x 11 in format only
- No mobile device connection per the listing
- Sublimation needs a heat press
- Highest complexity of the five
Detailed Review
The Johnson Plastics Plus listing describes the Epson SureColor F170 as a compact 8.5 x 11 in dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink, certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX, and a PrecisionCore printhead. The bullets list a 150-sheet auto-feed tray, MacOS and Windows setup, and full manufacturer warranty from an authorized partner. No mobile device connection is supported.
Who it's for: someone who wants a stated warranty and certified ink for sublimation. Who should skip it: anyone who needs larger formats or mobile printing.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 24/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Format | 8.5 x 11 in |
|---|---|
| Ink | Genuine Epson sublimation |
| Tray | 150 sheets |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX per the listing, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Brother SP1
A dye-sublimation printer for DIY crafts powered by the Artspira app, with genuine Brother sublimation ink.
Pros
- Artspira app with over 100 designs
- Genuine Brother sublimation ink
- Made for DIY shirts, mugs, bags and hats
- Fast printing speeds stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Heat press required, sold separately
- No format size is stated
Detailed Review
Brother lists the SP1 as a dye-sublimation printer for DIY crafts, powered by the Artspira app with over 100 sublimation designs and genuine Brother sublimation ink. The bullets describe fast printing speeds for mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags and hats, and state a heat press is required as an additional purchase. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: a crafter who wants app-driven sublimation designs. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty or format size.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Type | Dye-sublimation |
|---|---|
| Ink | Genuine Brother sublimation |
| App | Artspira |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Pinckney Super-Tank
A cartridge-free super-tank sublimation printer bundle with scanner and copier, printing up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.
Pros
- High-capacity ink tanks, no cartridges
- Built-in scanner and copier
- Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Widest paper support, up to 8.5 x 47.2 in
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Converted ET-2800 or ET2803 body
- Ink may ship separately
Detailed Review
Pinckney lists the bundle as a wireless super-tank all-in-one with scanner and copier, converted from an ET-2800 or ET2803, with sublimation ink: black 127 mL and magenta, cyan and yellow 85 mL each. The bullets describe up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, paper sizes up to 8.5 x 47.2 in, and easy-fill nozzles. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: someone who wants an all-in-one sublimation bundle with wide media. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty or a factory-built sublimation printer.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 71 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi | |
| Ink | 127 mL black, 85 mL colors |
| Media | Up to 8.5 x 47.2 in |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
TransOurDream Light 3.0
Transfer paper for light fabrics: 20 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in plus 2 teflon sheets, for inkjet and laser printers.
Pros
- Works with inkjet and laser printers
- 20 sheets plus 2 teflon sheets
- No peeling or cracking after 30 washes stated
- First listed February 9, 2021
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Light fabrics only
- Needs an iron or heat press
Detailed Review
TransOurDream lists the Light 3.0 as transfer paper for inkjet and laser printers using dye or pigment ink (not sublimation ink), with 20 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in and 2 teflon sheets of 11 x 17 in. The bullets describe vivid printing, machine washable in cold water with no tumble dry, and no peeling or cracking after 30 washes. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: someone with an inkjet or laser printer who presses light fabrics. Who should skip it: anyone printing on dark fabrics.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 22/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 70 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Sheets | 20, 8.5 x 11 in |
|---|---|
| For | Light fabrics |
| Printers | Inkjet and laser |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No safety lock or safety listing is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
TransOurDream Dark 3.0
Transfer paper for dark fabrics: 20 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in plus 2 teflon sheets, for inkjet and laser printers.
Pros
- Works with inkjet and laser printers
- 20 sheets plus 2 teflon sheets
- Made for dark or black fabrics
- Machine washable in cold water
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Dark fabrics only
- No tumble dry per the listing
Detailed Review
TransOurDream lists the Dark 3.0 as transfer paper for inkjet and laser printers using dye or pigment ink (not sublimation ink), with 20 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in and 2 teflon sheets. The bullets describe vivid printing on dark or black cotton fabrics, machine washable in cold water on full cycle, no tumble dry. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: someone with an inkjet or laser printer who presses dark fabrics. Who should skip it: anyone printing on light fabrics.
Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 69 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Sheets | 20, 8.5 x 11 in |
|---|---|
| For | Dark fabrics |
| Printers | Inkjet and laser |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No safety lock or safety listing is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-SublimationCheck on Amazon
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation PrinterCheck on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Product | Office Score | Type | Format | Ink / Included | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7/10 | Sublimation printer | 8.5 x 11 in | Genuine Epson ink | View on Amazon |
| Brother SP1 | 9.5/10 | Sublimation printer | Not stated | Genuine sublimation ink | View on Amazon |
| Pinckney Super-Tank | 9.5/10 | Sublimation printer | Up to 8.5 x 47.2 in | Black 127mL, colors 85mL | View on Amazon |
| TransOurDream Light 3.0 | 9.5/10 | Transfer paper | 8.5 x 11 in | 20 sheets + teflon | View on Amazon |
| TransOurDream Dark 3.0 | 9.4/10 | Transfer paper | 8.5 x 11 in | 20 sheets + teflon | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 18 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance (print method and format), build (printhead and ink system), value for the stated specs, safety and warranty. The Epson lists ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification on its ink and a full manufacturer warranty. None of the others states a warranty term or safety certification. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7 | 32 | 24 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| Brother SP1 | 9.5 | 30 | 22 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Pinckney Super-Tank | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| TransOurDream Light 3.0 | 9.5 | 28 | 20 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| TransOurDream Dark 3.0 | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
How to choose the best printer for iron on transfers
Pick sublimation or transfer paper
Three options are sublimation printers: the Epson SureColor F170, the Brother SP1 and the Pinckney super-tank bundle. Two are transfer papers for the printer you already own: TransOurDream Dark 3.0 for dark fabrics and Light 3.0 for light fabrics, both compatible with inkjet and laser printers using dye or pigment ink (not sublimation ink). Sublimation suits polyester and coated hard goods; transfer paper suits cotton shirts. For craft printing generally, see our best printer for stickers and crafts.
Check format and ink
The Epson prints 8.5 x 11 in with genuine Epson sublimation ink and a 150-sheet tray. The Pinckney lists the widest media support, up to 8.5 x 47.2 in, with a 127 mL black and 85 mL color ink set. The Brother lists genuine sublimation ink and the Artspira app with over 100 designs. The transfer papers come as 20 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in plus 2 teflon sheets each. For decal work, see our best printer for waterslide decals.
Note what else you need
Sublimation needs a heat press: the Brother listing states a heat press is required and sold separately, and the transfer papers need an iron, Easy Press or heat press. The Pinckney adds a scanner and copier in a converted all-in-one body. The Epson notes setup for MacOS and Windows but no mobile device connection. Budget the press alongside the printer.
Weigh the warranty and certification
The Epson is the only one with a stated warranty: full manufacturer warranty from an authorized partner, plus ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certified ink. The Brother, Pinckney and both transfer papers state no warranty term. The Light 3.0 paper states no peeling or cracking after 30 washes; the Dark 3.0 states machine washable in cold water, no tumble dry.
Setup Notes
- Match the method to the fabric: sublimation for polyester, transfer paper for cotton.
- Use dye or pigment ink with transfer paper; never sublimation ink, per the listings.
- Budget a heat press: required for the Brother, needed for both papers.
- Wash transfers in cold water; the Light 3.0 lists 30 washes without peeling or cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are sublimation printers?
The Epson SureColor F170, the Brother SP1 and the Pinckney super-tank bundle. The two TransOurDream products are transfer papers, not printers.
Which option has a stated warranty?
The Epson SureColor F170, with a full manufacturer warranty. The others state no warranty term.
Which transfer paper is for dark fabrics?
TransOurDream Dark 3.0, 20 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in for dark or black fabrics. The Light 3.0 is for light or white fabrics.
Which has the widest paper support?
The Pinckney, listing sizes up to 8.5 x 47.2 in. The Epson lists 8.5 x 11 in with a 150-sheet tray.
Related guides
See every printers guide and all office storage guides. Also see our best printer for QuickBooks checks. Also see our best printer for stickers and crafts.
More picks: printers for waterslide decals, printers for printing stickers, office storage.
