Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is revolutionizing the custom apparel industry, giving small businesses the ability to produce professional-quality prints with ease and precision. Whether you’re just starting your own print-on-demand venture, running a print shop, or exploring new revenue streams for your business, the right DTG printer can make all the difference.
With the ability to produce high-quality, full-color designs on a variety of fabrics, DTG has become the go-to solution for custom garment printing. But not all printers are created equal—factors like print quality, speed, ease of use, and cost can vary significantly between models. That’s why we’ve rounded up the Top 5 Best DTG Printers for Small Businesses to help you choose the perfect match for your needs.
The 5 Best DTG Printers for Small Businesses
RICOH Ri 1000 – Best All-Around DTG Printer
Price Range: Mid-Range
The RICOH Ri 1000 is a standout choice for small businesses seeking a balance of quality, reliability, and user-friendliness. This award-winning printer delivers crisp, vibrant prints with its 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, making it perfect for professional-quality output.
Key Features & Benefits
- Intuitive Touchscreen: User-friendly interface for easy navigation and setup.
- Automated Maintenance: Simplifies upkeep and minimizes downtime.
- Versatile Printing: Handles various fabrics, including cotton, polyester blends, and more.
- Durable Build: Designed to withstand long-term use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding print quality
- Simplified maintenance
- Works well with a variety of garment types
Cons
- Mid-range price might not suit tight budgets
Who Should Buy This?
Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses ready to invest in a reliable, high-quality DTG printer.
DTG G4 – Best for Speed & Efficiency
Price Range: Mid-Range
Engineered with vacuum platen technology, the DTG G4 minimizes errors, ensuring perfect garment placement for every print. Its fast and efficient performance makes it a time-saving solution for small businesses.
Key Features & Benefits
- Vacuum Platen Technology: Reduces misprints and ensures precision.
- Low Maintenance Needs: Less ink overspray means easier cleaning and more uptime.
- Robust Design: Built to handle daily use in small business settings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Enhanced placement accuracy
- Minimal downtime
- Competitive print speeds
Cons
- Production volume may need assessment before committing
Who Should Buy This?
Perfect for businesses prioritizing speed and reliability in their printing operations.
Epson SureColor F2100 – Best for High-Quality Prints
Price Range: High-End
For unmatched print quality, the Epson SureColor F2100 is hard to beat. Featuring full automation, this printer combines pre-treatment and printing in one streamlined system to produce brilliant, sharp prints on both light and dark garments.
Key Features & Benefits
- High-Resolution Output: Exceptional color vibrancy and detail.
- Fabric Versatility: Works with cotton, polyester blends, and more.
- Automated Maintenance: Keeps the printer in top shape with minimal effort.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning print quality
- Automated pre-treatment
- Reliable and durable build
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
Who Should Buy This?
A great investment for growing businesses looking to deliver premium-quality prints to their customers.
Brother GTX Pro – Best for High-Volume Production
Price Range: High-End
The Brother GTX Pro is a powerhouse machine designed for businesses handling high-demand orders. With its fast print speeds and advanced ink system, it enables efficient production without sacrificing quality.
Key Features & Benefits
- Rapid Printing: Produces high volumes of garments faster.
- Proprietary Ink System: Ensures vibrant colors and reduces maintenance requirements.
- Scalability-Friendly: Expandable features for growing businesses.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly efficient for large-scale production
- Vibrant, consistent prints
- Scalable for future growth
Cons
- Higher price point; primarily suited for medium to large businesses
Who Should Buy This?
Best for businesses with high production demands or those needing scalability as they grow.
RICOH Ri 100 – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Price Range: Budget
If you’re just starting out or working with a limited budget, the RICOH Ri 100 is an excellent entry-level choice. Despite its compact size, it delivers professional-quality prints and includes an all-in-one design for pre-treatment and printing.
Key Features & Benefits
- Affordable: Perfect for startups and small-scale businesses.
- Beginner-Friendly: Easy to learn and operate.
- Compact Size: Fits seamlessly into smaller workspaces.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Simple setup and use
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Limited production capacity
Who Should Buy This?
Perfect for startups or home-based businesses looking to get started with DTG printing.
What to Look for in a DTG Printer
Before making your purchase, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right DTG printer for your business:
1. Print Quality
Resolution (measured in DPI), color accuracy, and ink technology can all impact the quality of your prints. Opt for a printer that delivers vibrant, sharp, and consistent results.
2. Production Speed
How quickly can the printer produce garments? If you have high-order volumes, make sure the printer’s speed aligns with your business needs.
3. Maintenance Requirements
Automated cleaning features can save time and effort. Consider printers with low maintenance requirements to reduce downtime.
4. Cost Considerations
Factor in upfront costs, ongoing ink and maintenance expenses, and your production volume. Budget-friendly options may be a good starting point, but investing in quality could yield long-term savings.
5. Scalability
If you plan to grow your business, choose a printer that can scale with you. Look for features like compatibility with additional accessories or software updates to stay future-ready.
Which DTG Printer is Best for You?
The perfect DTG printer for your business depends on your unique needs and goals. Here’s a quick recap to guide your decision-making process:
- RICOH Ri 1000: Best all-around printer for quality, versatility, and ease of use.
- DTG G4: Ideal for speed and efficient production.
- Epson SureColor F2100: A premium choice for businesses focused on high-quality prints.
- Brother GTX Pro: Best suited for high-volume production and scalability.
- RICOH Ri 100: The top pick for startups and budget-conscious small businesses.
No matter which model you choose, investing in a DTG printer can open up new opportunities to grow your business with stunning, custom-printed garments.