10 Best DTG Printers For Home Office and Business Needs
Reading Time: 21 minutes 
Making customized accessories and clothing is an excellent medium for channeling your creativity. You can showcase your individuality and vocalize your thoughts through unique patterns and images. Technological advancements in printers have made making custom designs on apparel easier than ever. The idea of printing digital images onto fabric straight from a computer may sound too good to be true! But, DTG printing has made it feasible.
Direct-to-garment printing is a modern textile print technology that is gaining popularity rapidly. It helps you get high-quality, detailed prints in much less time than screen printing or embroidery. If you are in the customization business, a DTG printer would be perfect for you. You can customize almost anything, from towels and hats, to t-shirts and pillowcases.
Getting the best DTG printer for your business can be an overwhelming challenge if you are new to DTG printing. Since it is a hefty investment, buying a machine that meets your requirements and delivers quality outputs is imperative. Let’s have a look at our picks for the best DTG printers ranging from expensive to DTG printers under 5000$ and even under 1000$. We hope that our detailed performance reviews and strengths and weaknesses of different machines could help you make an informed purchase.
Top Ten DTG Printers:
- HRM DTG Printer Machine
- Automatic A3 DTG Printer – Best for Startups
- HRM Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printing Machine
- A3 R1390 DTF Transfer Printer
- HP DesignJet T650
- HRM A4 Commercial DTG Printing Machine
- L1800 DTF Transfer Printer–DTF Printer for Small Business
- A3 DTF L1800 Printer
- PLK DTF L1800 Transfer Printer–Economical
- Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500–Cheap
To save your time and here is the Top three best DTG printers compared with each other.
Top 3 Comparison Table:
| Image | Detail | What We Liked | What We Missed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
DTG Printer T-Shirt Printing Machine A4 Printing Technology Dye Sublimation Printer Output Monochrome Operating System Windows XP Print media Fabric Compatible Devices PC |
Perfect for thin clothes like t-shirts and onsies. Print resolution: 5760 x 1440 DPI Maximum print size: 210*300mm Print speed: 12ppm Print height: 30mm |
Found it Hard to work for sweatshirts and thick fabrics. No Double-sided printing. |
Check Price |
 |
hrm Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printing Machine DTG Printer Printing Technology Inkjet Printer Output Color Print media Fabric, Glossy photo paper Scanner Type Photo Compatible Devices PC |
The machine prints beautifully and Prints on multiple thick and thin fabric types (Sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, jeans, socks, bags) For A4 size picture, it took 3-5 minutes for white t-shirt and 6-8 minutes for black t-shirt. Maximum print size: 329 x 500mm. 100 ml of ink provides about 90pcs of A4 size images. |
Heavy and Large Incompatible with Mac |
Check Price |
 |
DTF L1800 Transfer Printer Printing Technology Inkjet Color red Model Name L1800-C DTF Roll Printer Printer Output Color Operating System Windows 7, Windows 11, Windows 10 Item Weight 45 Kilograms Product Dimensions 12.6″D x 30.71″W x 8.66″H Controller Type Remote Control |
It generates an A4 size image on light colors in four to five minutes and six minutes on dark colors. You can make custom designs on fabrics like cotton, denim, polyester, athletic mesh, cambric, canvas, and others with cotton content. Consumes less ink and thus saves money in long run. compatible with multiple fabric types. Waterproof Effect:Print wont fade after washed |
Heavy. Free printing software works only with Windows. |
Check Price |
Step by Step T-Shirt Printing Process
HRM DTG Printer Machine – Affordable DTG Printer
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Affordable
|
HRM DTG Printer Machine
|
9.5
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: HRM
- First Released Date: May 5, 2020
- Price: $3099
The HRM is best DTG printer under $5000 that generates high-quality prints. Whether you need to print color or monochrome designs, the dye-sublimation technology will give you color-accurate results every time. You can customize a number of objects like tote bags, t-shirts, socks, baby onesies, and more. However, you cannot print on sweaters or hoodies because it is incompatible with thicker fabrics. On our experience, It provided best results on materials with a thickness of up to 210 x 300mm. The high-quality printer is mess-free and operates quietly.
The machine has a small footprint. It is perfect for small businesses and home studios with space constraints. If you prefer to operate the printer with your computer, the printer offers a free printing software. You can connect your computers and navigate the machine effortlessly. The HRM A4 DTG printer flaunts a print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi and a print speed of 12ppm.
- Print speed of 12ppm.
- Quiet Operation.
- You can customize a number of objects like tote bags, t-shirts, socks, baby onesies, and more.
- Print resolution of 5760 x 1440.
- Beginners Friendly.
- Best for thin Fabrics only.
- You will need a heat press to print designs with this printer.
Verdict
We recommend HRM A4 DTG printer perfect for beginners starting a customization business. It offers many advanced functions and sought-after features at an economical price. The printer is reliable, easy to set up and use, and delivers excellent performance.
Automatic A3 DTG Printer – Best for Startups
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
For Startups
|
hrm Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printing Machine DTG Printer
|
9.6
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: Cyq
- Released on: 27 December 2020
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Price: $5698
The moderately priced, versatile A3 DTG printer is perfect for customization businesses. It allows users to work with different fabrics of varying thicknesses. The maximum thickness it supports is 329 x 500mm. Whether you need a t-shirt or a hoodie, the automatic A3 DTG printer is there for you. The machine is super easy to use, with an intuitive control panel and an automatic self-adjustable print bed. You can also adjust the height manually. Plus, it includes a sensor that tweaks the size accordingly. Also, the self-cleaning feature makes working with this printer even more convenient.
We have found the quality of prints quite impressive. The results are top-notch, owing to a print resolution of 1440 x1440 dpi resolution. We found, printer has a decent print speed. You can get your custom design in size A4 on a T-shirt in about five minutes. For darker-colored clothes, it may take a couple more minutes. The A3 printer is compatible with the efficient print software AcroRIP 9.0 compatible with Windows only. It allows for efficient, smooth design printing.
- Perfect for both thick and thin fabric.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Environment friendly.
- print resolution of 1440 x1440 dp.
- A4 size image in 3-5 minutes and darker color 6-8 minutes.
- Only USB connectivity.
Verdict
The automatic A3 DTG printer, with its user-friendly interface is perfect for novices using a DTG printer for the first time. It delivers quality prints swiftly to help users keep their customization business steady.
HRM Automatic A3 T-Shirt Printing Machine–Best For Home and Office Use
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Home and Office Use
|
Automatic A3 DTG Printer Machine Flatbed Printer for Big Size T-Shirts Hoodies
|
9.0
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: cyq
- Released Date: 04 March 2020
- Price: $5699
The reliable, multi-purpose A3 DTG printer allows you to print on specialized photo paper as well as fabric. This printer also flaunts an automatic feature for adjusting the height and position. You can also alter them to your liking manually. It is a versatile printer that allows you to print designs on different fabrics with cotton content. We have used it for design printing on socks, jeans, trousers, sweatshirts, tote bags, etc., and found it satisfactory.
The automatic A3 printer is easy to use and offers value for money. It is reasonably priced, and operational costs are economical. Thanks to the advanced Micro Piezo print technology, you will get detailed, intricate images and patterns. We found it perfect for high-volume printing with a swift print speed. You can get your custom design on light-colored clothes in less than four minutes. It is also super-fast with darker fabrics with a design printing speed of around five minutes.
- Perfect for thin and big size clothes (Hoodies,sweaters).
- Supports automatic adjustment of height & position.
- Supports bulk volume printing.
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
- Heavy.
- Incompatible with Mac.
Verdict
The HRM automatic A3 printer is perfect for textile printing. It supports several thick and thin fabrics and prints professional-quality images and patterns on clothes and photo paper. The printer is convenient to handle and offers valuable business-centric features.
A3 R1390 DTF Transfer Printer
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
For Small Business
|
A3 R1390 DTF Transfer Printer
|
9.2
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: ACHI
- First Available Date: 08 August 2022
- Items Weight: 88 pounds
- Whats Included in the Box: ink Bottles, 100 sheets DTF films
- Price: $2899
The R1390 boasts cutting-edge transfer to film technology, perfect for design printing on fabric. You can customize anything you like; jeans, suits, shoes, umbrellas, bags, hoodies, jackets, hats, and more. It is affordable and serves as a one-stop solution for all your fabric printing needs. The prints it produces are long-lasting and waterproof. On our experience, the cost-per-print is economical, allowing small business owners to make their setup more profitable.
The printer is easy to navigate with an intuitive display that allows you to monitor and adjust temperature and humidity. The machine comes with a two-year warranty and provides excellent tech support. It is a high-speed printer capable of generating twenty-eight color pages per minute. R1390’s white ink circulatory system ensures there will be no setbacks, and you get the perfect design each time you print. The preheat function allows you to heat up the object before pressing it to get better sticking power.
- Long lasting and water proof prints.
- Customize anything you like; jeans, suits, shoes, umbrellas, bags, hoodies, jackets, hats, and more.
- Intuitive display for real-time monitoring and adjustment.
- In absence of ink, automatic warning appears (reduce losses for empty printing).
- White ink circulation system minimizes head clogs.
- USB connectivity only.
Verdict
The R1390 is ideal for businesses with diverse printing needs. It is speedy and produces durable prints that your customers would love. The printer might have a higher initial price point, but low running costs and valuable features make it worth the investment.
HP DesignJet T650
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Economical DTG Printer
|
HP DesignJet T650-DTG Printer
|
9.6
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: HP DesignJet
- First Available Date: 12 January 2021
- Items weight: 124 pounds
- Price: $2199
The HP DesignJet T650 is a versatile, multifunctional printer that can print a number of different objects like maps, technical drawings, and even t-shirts. You will need a heat press to print designs on fabric with this printer. It prints the image on a stickable sheet, and then you apply heat and pressure to imprint it onto the garment. The large-format printer can produce high-quality prints up to 35 inches wide. It has multiple advanced connectivity features such as, Ethernet, WIFI, and USB 2.0. The print speed is excellent; it generates 25 ppm in A1/D and 82 prints per hour in A1/D size.
The printer is reliable with a one-year warranty and a super responsive and helpful customer support team. The initial setup is easy, but if you are confused, you can always call them and get technical assistance. Wireless connectivity options make printing through computers feel like a breeze. The printer is suitable for home use. It satisfies multiple printing needs like printing stickers, posters, architect drawings, t-shirts, and more. Running costs are economical as it uses less ink than other printers at this price point.
- High-quality prints up to 36 inches.
- Generates 25 ppm in A1/D and 82 prints per hour in A1/D size.
- Allows mobile printing.
- Low ink consumption.
- Portable.
- It does not have a scanner.
Verdict
The HP DesignJet is perfect for printing large-format designs. You can use it in different environments and for diverse printing needs. It delivers vivid images and highly-legible text with impressive speed.
HRM A4 Commercial DTG Printing Machine
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Commercial
|
A4 DTG T-Shirts Printer Machine Multicolor DTG Printer Tshirts Machine for Both Dark & Light Clothes Printing
|
9.2
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: cyq
- First Available: 05 May 2020
- Weight: 79.37 Pounds
- Price: $3099
The HRM A4 DTG printer can print on both light and dark fabrics. It utilizes the Micro Piezo print technology that ensures detailed, color-accurate prints. Also, the results are scratch-resistant and waterproof. You can make custom designs for various items like shoes, canvas bags, jeans, hoodies, etc. It is compatible with many fabric types such as, cotton, denim, bamboo fiber, and more. The printer has a high print speed; it can produce a 4x 6” photo print in just a few seconds. It takes less than five minutes for an A4 size picture on lighter fabric and around six to eight minutes for dark colors.
The printer offers free print software ArcoRip 9.0. Also, it allows printing directly from your computers. Its user-friendly display screen allows previewing the input before printing and facilitates error-free printing on garments. You can smoothly adjust the height and size with the knob. It also offers efficient plateless direct image printing of any format like JPEG, JPG, TIFF, PSD, etc. The printer includes sought-after features like non-contact inkjet printing with 540 nozzle pieces and six color ink system suitable for both light and dark clothes.
- Supports both light and dark fabrics.
- Micro Piezo print technology that ensures detailed, color-accurate prints.
- Scratch-resistant and waterproof prints.
- Less than five minutes for an A4 size picture on lighter fabric and around six to eight minutes for dark colors.
- Intuitive display screen to preview the design.
- Slightly higher ink consumption.
Verdict
The printer is perfect for beginners as it comes at an economical price and offers high-end features. A print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi and advanced print technology guarantee quality results.
L1800 DTF Transfer Printer
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
For Small Business
|
PUNEHOD L1800 DTF Transfer Printer with Roll Feeder
|
9.2
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: Punehod
- First Available Date: 25 May 2021
- With Package: Printer, software, 06 bottles ink, 100 pcs sheet Pet Film, 1 USB
- Price: $3199
The Punehod L18 DTF printer is durable and lasts years. It is environment friendly and easy to operate. We have printed sample designs on both light and dark-colored t-shirts and were thoroughly impressed with the results. This versatile printer perfectly makes custom designs on a number of objects like sweatshirts, t-shirts, canvas shoes, canvas bags, hoodies, pillowcases, jeans, and more. It is a fast printer with several convenience features that expedite printing process. You can set the reel bracket to minimize paper jams and enhance print efficiency.
Also, the white ink circulation function prevents printer head clogs.
The L1800 comes in a package having everything you need to start printing designs on garments. It includes the printer, over, ink bottles, and PET film. The printer has a heater-enhanced print area that provides powerful ink adhesion and prevents ink bleeds. You get access to a print software through which you can adjust the size and position of the image you need to print. It also has a built-in heating system that guarantees flawless prints.
- Direct image printing of different formats.
- Perfect for small customization businesses.
- Prevents paper jams and increases print efficiency.
- Compatible with multiple fabric types.
- Expensive.
- Requires heat press.
Verdict
The L1800 TDF printer offers value for money and an excellent customer experience. Its valuable amenity features help businesses achieve their goals smoothly without delays. The ability to print on different fabric types makes it more advantageous.
A3 DTF L1800 Printer
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Affordable
|
A3 DTF Transfer Printer with Roll Feeder
|
9.3
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: Punehod
- First Available date: 21 February 2022
- Price: $2999
The Punehod A3 DTF L1800 is the perfect product for t-shirt businesses. It does not require pre-processing the fabric; after printing on PET film, you can instantly transfer the design to the cloth with a heat press. The printer allows plateless printing from images in different formats like JPG, JPEG, PSD, and more. The package includes a DTF printer, oven, PET film sheets, and six ink bottles. You also get access to the free printing program AcroRip 9.0. It generates quality images on a light color in less than five minutes and around six minutes on a dark color.
The A3 DTF L1800 is a durable printer. Its white ink circulation feature extends the print head’s life.
Also, a roll feeder and an auto heat station significantly reduce paper jams and increase print speed.
The printer requires minimal maintenance and will last for several years. It can print vibrant, color-accurate images on both light and dark fabrics of different types. You can print fade-proof, water-resistant designs on several items like gloves, plush toys, shoes, bags, hats, umbrellas, and more.
Printing Process Explained
- Less ink consumption.
- Long-lasting, crack-free prints.
- Prints on a variety of fabrics.
- Notifies users when ink is not sufficient for the print.
- Easy to use.
- Requires a heat press.
Verdict
The Punehod A3 DTF L1800 flaunts many attractive features at a reasonable price. It is quick, and easy to operate and maintain. The durable construction and white ink circulation function ensure you can use this printer for a long time.
PLK DTF L1800 Transfer Printer–Economical DTF Printer for Business
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Economical
|
A3 DTF Printer for DIY Print T-Shirts, Hoodie, Fabrics
|
9.5
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: PLK
- First Available on: 18July 2022
- Weight: 99 Pounds
The PLK DTF L1800 is a modern textile printer that aims to increase print efficiency, enhance user experience, and eliminate delays due to technical issues. It has all the advanced features you may need for your fabric printing business, like a roll feeder, auto heat station, and white ink circulation system.
All these features help prolong the machine life and allow users to make the most of their investment. The printer is easy to navigate. There is no need to adjust the physical position of the print head. It has control buttons to manage the forward and backward of the film to reduce wastage. The oven also has a timer that notifies the user when the baking process completes.
The PLK DTF L1800 is a fast t-shirt printer. It generates an A4 size image on light colors in four to five minutes and six minutes on dark colors. You can make custom designs on fabrics like cotton, denim, polyester, athletic mesh, cambric, canvas, and others with cotton content. We had a wholesome experience designating and customizing a number of objects like cushion covers, pillowcases, socks, jeans, tote bags, shoes, masks, and more. The quality is such that the designs did not fade or crack. They are vivid and wrinkle-free and outlive many washes.
- Built-in white ink agitator.
- Supports working with different fabric types.
- Consumes less ink.
- Durable.
- Auto heat station.
- Heavy.
- Free printing software works only with Windows.
Verdict
The PLK L1800 is an efficient machine compatible with multiple fabric types and serving various applications. It comes with everything you need to start printing custom designs on apparel and other items. Also, it consumes less ink and saves money in the long run.
Printing Process Explained:
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Epson
|
Epson EcoTank ET-8500-Epson DTG Printer
|
9.5
|
Check on Amazon |
About Product
- Manufacturer: Epson
- First Available: 16 March 2022
- Weight: 24.6 pounds
- Price: $645
The wide-format Et-8500 converts into a DTF printer and produces impeccable results. If you do not have much experience with fabric printing, you can start with the ET-8500. It is significantly cheaper than DTF printers, and the prints are comparable to what you can get with DTG printers. You can also use it for your everyday printing and scanning! It is a win-win situation. It is an easy-to-use printer with a 4.3” touchscreen. You can easily select the design to print with the interface.
The Et-8500 offers multiple connectivity options like WIFI, WIFI-direct, Ethernet, and USB connections. It produces excellent prints, thanks to the advanced piezoelectric technology and a print resolution of 5760 x 1440dpi. All you need to do is replace regular inks with DTF inks, and you can smoothly print designs on light and dark-colored fabrics. Print your designs on transfer paper and transfer them onto t-shirts, socks, gloves, pillowcases, and several other items using a heat press.
- Affordable.
- Low running costs.
- Noise-free printing.
- Versatile media compatibility.
- Allows mobile printing.
- Slow when converted to a DTF printer.
Verdict
The Epson ET-8500 provides impressive print quality and color reproduction. It has an affordable price and low operational costs. On top of being a DTF printer, this device can also fulfill multiple printing and scanning duties. You can choose to navigate the machine with its intuitive LCD or on your mobile phone or computer.
How to Choose the Best DTG Printer for Your Business?
A DTG printer is necessary if you’re in the customization and fabric printing business. If you are starting a new business, it is critical that you make a sensible decision and buy a printer with all the features that your business needs. You will probably spend your money on an unsuitable machine if you do not know your business requirements and the essential attributes of a fine DTG printer. Here’s a list of factors you need to consider before finalizing a product.
Print Quality
Print quality is of utmost importance when printing custom designs on garments. You would want your prints to look beautiful and last long. If the designs fade or crack, your business will suffer. Print resolution is a significant factor you need to consider before buying a DTG printer.
Also, check customer reviews online and see result images if possible. This way, you will get an accurate picture of the output quality of the product you consider buying. A good DTG printer should have a minimum print resolution of 1440 DPI. The printers on our list have high print resolutions, and the print quality of our sample test results was above par.
Fabric Type
The printer must be compatible with the material you intend to use. You cannot buy a printer that does not support thicker fabrics if you need to print designs on sweatshirts or hoodies. Most printers on our list support various fabric types and deliver exceptional results on multiple cloth-based accessories like aprons, tote bags, pillowcases, etc.
Running Costs
DTG printers are expensive. But it is not a one-time investment. Even if you buy a cheaper DTG printer, it may not be cost-effective in the long run. Therefore, considering the running costs is equally important as considering the initial price. It is best to find an affordable product within your budget that consumes less ink and has low operational costs.
Print speed
Fast print speed is a valuable aspect of a printer. Designing is a time-consuming task already. Getting it printed shouldn’t be one. If you can create more designs in less time, you will achieve your sales targets timely. If you need to print a high volume of t-shirts and other fabric-based items regularly, look closely at how long the machine takes to generate prints. The printers on our list are quick and efficient. You will have your custom designs ready within minutes.
Functionality
We recommend printers with intuitive controls and display screens that allow real-time monitoring. The printers must be easy to use so you wouldn’t have to spend your time figuring how to operate them. Our list of best DTG printers has user-friendly printers. You can smoothly navigate them even if you are new to DTG printing.
Conclusion
Creating and printing unique custom designs is an enjoyable experience. By having the appropriate material and equipment, you can amplify the fun and ensure you get the results you were aiming to achieve. It is also crucial to acquire a machine that could keep your business steady and help expand it over time.
The article enlists the best DTG printers on our experience, with advanced features, ease of use, and excellent output quality. We hope it helps you find a printer suitable for your distinctive business needs without making a dent in your pocket.
I am Mason, a Team Leader & Writer, a proactive and collaborative individual who works closely with my team to achieve shared goals. I am skilled in managing projects and am able to lead my team to success by setting clear expectations, providing guidance and feedback, and fostering a positive and productive work environment. I have a deep understanding of printers, sticker printers, label makers, sublimation, and craft markets, and use my knowledge to produce high-quality content that is both informative and trusted for the readers.
