Dye sublimation photo printers are famous for their exceptional print quality, vibrant color reproduction, and long-lasting durability. They utilize a heat transfer technique to infuse dyes into specially coated paper. Consequently, the resultant colors remain vivid, and the photos remain durable for a lifetime. However, to ensure your pictures exhibit stunning realism, it is essential to choose the right dye sublimation photo printer.
The best dye sublimation photo printer should provide high-resolution prints, be user-friendly, and support a variety of printing paper sizes. Also, it should ensure a quicker drying time to minimize the potential of smudging. Using a printer not fitting these conditions could result in dull and unattractive photos, regardless of the quality of your digital images.
Before purchasing a dye sublimation photo printer, it’s essential to focus on its specifications. It should have the ability to match the number of colors, known as color depth, often indicated as something like 16.7 million colors. Lastly, it should be sturdy, with good connectivity options like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or USB direct printing.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best dye sublimation photo printer. Having researched, tested, and experienced a wide range of models, we’ve managed to sieve out the top contenders. This guide aims to equip you with all the information needed to pick the ideal printer for your photography endeavors. By the end of this article, you will be in no doubt to choose a dye sublimation photo printer purposed for your specific needs.
Best Dye Sublimation Photo Printers
Selecting a top-tier dye sublimation photo printer is vital for producing vivid and long-lasting print-outs. Amidst the plethora of choices, it can seem an overwhelming task to spot the appropriate one. Not to worry, we’ve done the research and curated a list of the best dye sublimation photo printers, ensuring splendid print quality and optimal user experience. This fine assortment will help you make an informed decision, bringing you one step closer to a more rewarding photo printing experience.
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Compact Photo Printer Black + 2X KP-108IN Color Ink & Paper Set 216 Sheets Value Bundle with USB Cable + More Accessories Kit – International Version
If you’re looking for a compact and portable photo printer, the Canon SELPHY CP1300 is a great option. It’s perfect for printing photos on the go, and the bundled accessories make it even more convenient to use.
Pros
- The printer is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The bundled accessories, including the KP-108IN color ink and paper set, make it easy to get started with printing.
- The printer supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connections, so you can easily print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Cons
- The printer is a bit slow, so it may take some time to print multiple photos.
- The ink cartridges can be a bit expensive to replace.
- The printer only supports borderless printing up to 4×6 inches.
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 is a great option for anyone who wants to print photos on the go. The printer is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. The bundled accessories, including the KP-108IN color ink and paper set, make it easy to get started with printing. The printer also supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connections, so you can easily print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
One of the downsides of the printer is that it is a bit slow, so it may take some time to print multiple photos. Additionally, the ink cartridges can be a bit expensive to replace. Finally, the printer only supports borderless printing up to 4×6 inches, which may be a limitation for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and portable photo printer, the Canon SELPHY CP1300 is a great option. With its easy-to-use interface and bundled accessories, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to print photos on the go.
Liene 4×6” Photo Printer, Phone Printer 100 Sheets, Full-Color Photo, Portable Instant Photo Printer for iPhone Android, Thermal Dye Sublimation, Wi-Fi Picture Printer 100 Papers & 3 Cartridges
If you’re looking for a compact and portable photo printer, the Liene 4×6” Photo Printer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The printer is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around.
- It supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connections, allowing you to print photos from various sources.
- The printer is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it versatile.
Cons
- The printer is a bit slow, taking around 1 minute and 30 seconds to print a 4×6 photo.
- The print quality is not the best, especially when printing in borderless mode.
- The printer is a bit expensive, considering the number of sheets and cartridges it comes with.
The Liene 4×6” Photo Printer is easy to set up and use, thanks to its user-friendly app. The printer supports various photo editing features, allowing you to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of your photos before printing.
The printer is also compatible with various social media platforms, allowing you to print your favorite photos directly from Instagram, Facebook, and other apps. It also supports AirPrint, making it easy to print photos from your iPad or iPhone without the need for additional apps.
Overall, the Liene 4×6” Photo Printer is a great option for those who want a compact and portable photo printer that supports various connections and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. However, if you’re looking for a printer with the best print quality and speed, this might not be the best option for you.
DNP DS820A 8″ Professional Dye-Sublimation Printer for 8×10 and 8×12 Photos – Bundle Pure Premium Media for DS820A Printer, 8×10, 2X 130 Print Rolls
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient dye-sublimation printer, the DNP DS820A is a great option.
Pros
- The printer is easy to use and has a high print speed, making it perfect for professionals and hobbyists alike.
- The printer is compatible with a wide range of media sizes, allowing you to print on a variety of materials.
- The printer comes with a generous amount of media, ensuring that you can print plenty of photos without having to purchase additional rolls.
Cons
- The printer is a bit noisy during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
- The printer requires a bit of space due to its size, which may be an issue for those with limited desk space.
- The printer is relatively expensive compared to other dye-sublimation printers on the market.
The DNP DS820A is a great choice for those who want a high-quality dye-sublimation printer that is easy to use and efficient. The printer is compatible with a wide range of media sizes, including 4×6, 5×7, 6×8, 8×10, and 8×12 inches, making it perfect for printing on a variety of materials. Additionally, the printer comes with two rolls of Pure Premium Media, which provides excellent color reproduction and sharpness, ensuring that your photos look their best.
One of the best things about the DNP DS820A is its high print speed. The printer can print up to 15 8×10″ photos in just 7 minutes, making it perfect for professionals who need to print large quantities of photos quickly. The printer is also compatible with a wide range of dye-sublimation ribbons, including DNP, Sigma, and Fujifilm, ensuring that you can print high-quality photos using your preferred brand.
While the DNP DS820A is a great printer, it does have a few drawbacks. The printer is a bit noisy during operation, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the printer requires a bit of space due to its size, which may be an issue for those with limited desk space. Finally, the printer is relatively expensive compared to other dye-sublimation printers on the market, which may be a concern for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient dye-sublimation printer that can produce high-quality prints quickly, the DNP DS820A is a great choice. While it may be a bit pricey, the printer’s ease of use, compatibility with a wide range of media sizes and ribbons, and generous amount of included media make it well worth the investment.
Brother Sublimation Printer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient sublimation printer, the Brother Sublimation Printer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The printer is built for productivity with its high-speed printing capabilities, making it ideal for small businesses and creative professionals.
- It offers versatile printing options, allowing you to print on a variety of materials, including polyester, cotton, and polyblend apparel.
- The printer is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it easy to use for a wide range of users.
Cons
- The printer is a bit bulky and heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or store in smaller spaces.
- Some users have reported issues with the printer’s ink cartridges leaking or drying out quickly.
- The printer’s print head may require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
We’ve used the Brother Sublimation Printer for several months and have found it to be a reliable and efficient option for our sublimation printing needs. The printer’s high-speed printing capabilities make it ideal for small businesses and creative professionals who need to produce large volumes of prints quickly.
One of the standout features of this printer is its versatility. We’ve been able to print on a wide range of materials, including polyester, cotton, and polyblend apparel, without any issues. This makes it a great option for those who want to experiment with different materials and printing techniques.
Another benefit of this printer is its compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems. This makes it easy to use for a wide range of users, regardless of their computer preferences.
However, there are a few downsides to this printer that we’ve noticed. The first is its size and weight. While this may not be an issue for those with ample space and storage, it may be a concern for those with smaller offices or homes. The second is the issue of ink cartridge leaks and drying out. While this may not be a common problem, it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use the printer heavily.
Overall, we would recommend the Brother Sublimation Printer to anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient sublimation printer. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer, Premium Quality Full Color Prints – Compatible w/iOS & Android Devices
If you’re looking for a portable photo printer that can easily connect to your smartphone or tablet, the Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in battery provides up to 2 hours of printing time on a full charge, making it easy to print photos on the go.
- The printer is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, so you can easily print photos from your smartphone or tablet.
- The Kodak App allows you to edit and adjust your photos before printing, giving you more control over the final result.
Cons
- The printer is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute and 15 seconds to print a single 4×6 inch photo.
- The printer only supports Bluetooth connectivity, which may be slower and less reliable than Wi-Fi.
- The printer only comes with 10 sheets of photo paper, which may not be enough for heavy users.
We’ve used the Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer to print photos from our smartphone and tablet, and we’re impressed with the results. The printer is easy to set up and use, and the built-in battery provides plenty of power for on-the-go printing.
One of the best features of this printer is its compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. We were able to easily connect our smartphone and tablet to the printer using the Kodak App, and we were able to print photos directly from our devices.
The Kodak App also allows us to edit and adjust our photos before printing, giving us more control over the final result. We were able to crop, rotate, and adjust the brightness and contrast of our photos to get the perfect print.
While the printer is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute and 15 seconds to print a single 4×6 inch photo, the quality of the prints is excellent. The colors are vibrant and accurate, and the prints have a premium glossy finish that looks great.
Overall, we highly recommend the Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer to anyone looking for a portable photo printer that can easily connect to their smartphone or tablet. It’s easy to use, has great connectivity options, and produces high-quality prints.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best dye sublimation photo printer, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the critical features that make a printer stand out.
Print Quality
The print quality is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a dye sublimation photo printer. The quality of the print will determine the overall look and feel of the final product. Look for a printer that produces vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth gradients. A high-resolution printer is also essential to ensure that the images are not pixelated or blurry.
Ink Compatibility
It is essential to choose a printer that is compatible with the type of ink you plan to use. Some printers are designed to work with specific ink brands, while others are more versatile. Make sure to check the ink compatibility before making a purchase to avoid any compatibility issues.
Print Speed
Print speed is another critical factor to consider when choosing a dye sublimation photo printer. The faster the printer, the more efficient it is. However, keep in mind that a faster printer may not always produce the best print quality. Look for a printer that strikes a balance between print speed and print quality.
Connectivity
Connectivity is an essential feature to consider when buying a dye sublimation photo printer. Look for a printer that offers multiple connectivity options, such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. This will allow you to connect the printer to your computer or other devices easily.
Price
Price is always a crucial factor to consider when buying any type of printer. Dye sublimation photo printers can be expensive, so it is essential to choose one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean better quality, so make sure to compare the features and prices of different models before making a purchase.
In summary, when choosing a dye sublimation photo printer, it is essential to consider the print quality, ink compatibility, print speed, connectivity, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best printer that meets your needs and budget.
