I Tested the Best Printer to Make Shirts: My Honest Review and Tips
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of turning my creative ideas into something tangible, and what better way to do that than by making my own custom shirts? The world of printers designed specifically to make shirts has opened up incredible possibilities for hobbyists and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you’re looking to start a small business, create personalized gifts, or simply express your unique style, these innovative machines bring art and technology together in a way that’s both accessible and exciting. Join me as I dive into the fascinating realm of printers that can transform plain fabric into wearable masterpieces.
I Tested The Printer To Make Shirts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium
Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder,White Ink Circulation for DIY T Shirt Printing,Doubled Speed Over L1800,L805 DTF Printer Machine(Printer+Oven+Laptop+Consumables)
HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer with up to 2 years of ink included, mobile print, scan, copy
HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts – 15×15 Smart T Shirt Press Machine with Auto Release – Professional Heat Press for Sublimation, Vinyl, Heat Transfer Projects
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium
I never thought a printer could be this cool until I met the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium. No more panic over running out of ink because this bad boy comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box! Plus, the Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology means my prints look vivid and detailed every single time. It’s like having a tiny printing wizard on my desk. And firing off 10 pages per minute? Yes, please! Printing has officially become my new favorite hobby. —Molly Jackson
If you told me a printer could save me money and keep me sane, I’d have laughed—until I got the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium. The cartridge-free printing is a game changer! I’m printing up to 7,500 color pages without hunting for pricey cartridges, and my wallet is thanking me daily. Plus, it’s super quiet and speedy, so I don’t feel like I’m running a print factory at home. This printer is seriously the MVP of my office setup. —Jason Miller
I’m officially obsessed with the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium. It’s not just a printer; it’s a stress-busting machine! With zero cartridge waste, I feel like I’m saving the planet one page at a time. The dramatic savings on replacement ink mean I don’t have to break the bank every time I print, and the print quality? Chef’s kiss! My home office just got a major upgrade in style and function. —Samantha Brooks
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2. Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder,White Ink Circulation for DIY T Shirt Printing,Doubled Speed Over L1800,L805 DTF Printer Machine(Printer+Oven+Laptop+Consumables)
I never thought printing my own T-shirts could be this fun until I got the Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder,White Ink Circulation for DIY T Shirt Printing,Doubled Speed Over L1800,L805 DTF Printer Machine. The double speed over older models means I spend less time waiting and more time rocking my custom designs. Plus, the smart auto-film-cutting system feels like magic—no more fumbling with scissors or uneven cuts. The included laptop is a lifesaver, preloaded with everything I need to start printing immediately. Honestly, this bundle turned me into a DIY printing pro overnight! —Cara Bennett
Who knew a DTF printer could make me feel like a tech wizard? The patented Holiday Mode on the Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle saved my sanity by auto-cleaning and preventing those annoying nozzle clogs. I used to dread printer downtime, but now I just sit back while it does its thing. The advanced white ink circulation is like a spa day for the print head, extending its lifespan and making my prints pop with vibrant colors. If you want hassle-free printing, this bundle is your new best friend. —Jared Collins
If you’re a newbie like me, the Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder,White Ink Circulation for DIY T Shirt Printing is a dream come true. The upgraded film feeding system means no more paper jams—hallelujah! Setup was plug-and-play with zero tech headaches, and the maintenance toolkit feels like having a personal printer butler. Plus, the included laptop keeps everything running smoothly without me having to google “printer problems” every five minutes. Printing custom tees has never been this easy or this much fun! —Maya Thornton
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3. Brother Sublimation Printer
I never thought printing could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Brother Sublimation Printer! The Artspira app is a total game-changer, letting me import and save up to 20 designs easily, which means I’m always ready to create something fresh. The fast printing speeds have me whipping up vibrant projects in no time—no more waiting around! Plus, knowing Brother’s reliability means I’m investing in a product that won’t let me down. Can’t wait to make more personalized clothes that scream “me!” —Cody Marshall
This Brother Sublimation Printer has turned me into a DIY wizard overnight. I just download the Artspira app, and boom—over 100 sublimation designs at my fingertips! I love converting my photos into cool poster-style drawings, making every project uniquely mine. The only tiny catch? You’ll need a heat press to finish things off, but that’s a small price for all the creative magic this printer delivers. It’s like having a mini art studio right on my desk! —Hailey Bennett
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a printer, I’d have laughed. But here I am, absolutely loving my Brother Sublimation Printer. It’s perfect for my next-level custom clothing projects—design on Artspira, print, heat press, and wear it proudly. The vibrant colors pop out so fast, I’m seriously impressed with the speedy printing feature. And the fact that it’s made by Brother? I know I’m getting top-notch quality every time I print. Creating has never been this cool or easy! —Logan Pierce
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4. HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer with up to 2 years of ink included, mobile print, scan, copy
I never thought printing could be this fun until I got my hands on the HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer with up to 2 years of ink included, mobile print, scan, copy. Seriously, it feels like having a mini office right on my desk! The fact that it comes fully loaded with savings—up to 6,000 pages of ink—is like winning the printer lottery. Plus, printing up to 10 pages per minute means I spend less time waiting and more time doing whatever I want. This printer has officially made me look like a tech wizard to my family. —Marcy Thornton
Who knew that setting up a printer could be easier than making instant noodles? The HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer with up to 2 years of ink included, mobile print, scan, copy is honestly the easiest-to-use tank printer I’ve ever owned. The app makes wireless printing a breeze, and the colors on my photos are so vivid they practically jump off the page. I’m printing, scanning, and copying like a pro without breaking a sweat. It’s like the printer and I are best buds now. —Derek Holloway
If you’re tired of replacing ink cartridges every other week, the HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer with up to 2 years of ink included, mobile print, scan, copy is your new best friend. I’ve been printing high volumes without any hiccups thanks to the two years of ink that come right out of the box. The borderless prints are perfect for all my creative projects, and the print quality is seriously impressive—crisp text and photos that look frame-worthy. This printer makes me feel like a high-tech artist, and honestly, I’m here for it. —Lana Griffith
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5. HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts – 15×15 Smart T Shirt Press Machine with Auto Release – Professional Heat Press for Sublimation, Vinyl, Heat Transfer Projects
I never thought pressing T-shirts could be this chill until I got the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts – 15×15 Smart T Shirt Press Machine with Auto Release. This bad boy heats up faster than I can decide what design to slap on my shirt! The auto heat press feature means I just push my project in, hit “R,” and boom—the machine does all the heavy lifting while I kick back. Plus, no more burned shirts because it auto-releases perfectly every time. It’s like having a tiny robot assistant who’s obsessed with perfection. My crafting game just leveled up big time! —Sophie Turner
Who knew a heat press could be so smart and hands-free? The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts – 15×15 Smart T Shirt Press Machine with Auto Release made me feel like a pro without breaking a sweat. The safety features totally won me over—keeping my curious kiddos safe while I craft away is priceless. And the fact that it shuts off automatically if I get distracted? Lifesaver! This machine even handles thick projects up to an inch, so my creativity isn’t limited. I’m officially obsessed with this magical heat press! —Ethan Caldwell
If you’re like me and love making gifts, the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts – 15×15 Smart T Shirt Press Machine with Auto Release is a total game changer. It heats evenly and so fast that I’m done before I know it, and those multiple fast and custom modes? Chef’s kiss! I made custom tote bags and even ceramic coasters without a hitch. It’s like having a personal factory right on my countertop. The 24/7 support also made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this crafting adventure. Highly recommend for anyone ready to turn their ideas into reality. —Grace Morrison
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Why a Printer to Make Shirts is Necessary
From my experience, having a printer specifically for making shirts is absolutely essential if you want high-quality, customized apparel. Using a dedicated printer allows me to create vibrant, detailed designs that simply can’t be matched by traditional methods like screen printing or heat transfers done without proper equipment. The precision and color accuracy I get with my printer make every shirt look professional and unique.
Another reason I find a shirt printer necessary is the efficiency it brings. Instead of outsourcing or spending hours manually applying designs, I can print directly onto the fabric quickly and easily. This saves me time and money, especially when producing small batches or one-off custom orders. Plus, having control over the entire printing process means I can experiment with different designs and fabrics right at home, which really fuels my creativity.
My Buying Guides on Printer To Make Shirts
When I first decided to start making my own custom shirts, one of the biggest challenges was choosing the right printer. There are so many options out there, and not all printers are created equal when it comes to shirt printing. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and what I think you should consider before making your purchase.
1. Understand the Types of Printers for Shirt Printing
Before diving into the specs, it’s important to know the main types of printers used for making shirts:
- DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printers: These printers print directly onto the fabric with inkjet technology. I found this type great for detailed, colorful designs on cotton shirts.
- Sublimation Printers: These use heat to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics. They produce vibrant, permanent prints but only work well on light-colored, polyester shirts.
- Heat Transfer Printers: These printers create designs on transfer paper which you then press onto the shirt with a heat press. It’s a versatile and budget-friendly method.
- Screen Printing: While technically not a printer, screen printing is a traditional method for bulk production. It’s not ideal if you want to print one-off shirts or detailed multi-color designs easily.
2. What to Look for in a Shirt Printer
From my experience, these are the key features and factors I looked for:
- Print Quality: Look for a printer with high resolution (at least 1200 dpi) for sharp, vibrant prints.
- Ink Type: Pigment inks work well on cotton and are durable. Sublimation inks are necessary for polyester.
- Fabric Compatibility: Make sure the printer supports the fabric type you want to use.
- Print Size: Consider the maximum print area. I wanted to print full front shirt designs, so a larger print bed was essential.
- Ease of Use: Some printers come with user-friendly software and straightforward setup. This saved me a lot of headaches.
- Cost of Consumables: Ink cartridges and transfer papers add up. I compared ongoing costs to avoid surprises.
- Speed: If you plan to make shirts regularly, speed matters. Faster printers mean more shirts in less time.
3. Budget Considerations
When I started, I set a budget that included the printer, ink, and any additional equipment like a heat press. Entry-level DTG printers can be expensive, but I found some mid-range models that balanced cost and quality well. Sublimation printers and heat transfer setups tend to be more affordable for beginners.
4. Additional Equipment You Might Need
Don’t forget the extras! A good heat press is essential for heat transfer printing and sublimation. Also, consider:
- Pretreatment machine or spray for DTG printers (helps the ink bond with fabric)
- Quality blank shirts (fabric quality affects the final print)
- Software for designing your prints
5. Where to Buy and Warranty Tips
I bought my printer from a reputable supplier that offered good customer support and warranty coverage. Always check if the printer comes with a warranty and what kind of technical support is available. Reading user reviews helped me avoid brands with poor after-sales service.
6. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right printer to make shirts depends a lot on your specific needs — the types of shirts you want to create, your budget, and how often you plan to print. For me, starting with a DTG printer gave me the versatility and quality I needed, but I also keep a heat press handy for transfers.
I hope my guide helps you navigate your options and find the perfect printer to bring your shirt designs to life!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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