Epson F170 vs Epson F570: Which Printer Is Right For You?

Trying to decide between the Epson SureColor F170 and the F570? 🤔You’re in the right place!

In this article, we’re sharing every major difference you need to know.

By the way, if you’re still on the fence between a true sublimation printer and a converted one, here are our thoughts on why a true sublimation printer is a better choice.

Now, let’s dive in!

Epson F170 vs Epson F570: What’s the Difference?

To sum up the major differences:

• Size: The F170 fits neatly on your desk at 14.8" x 19.8" x 7.4", while the F570 is much larger at 38" x 32" x 10". Depending on your space, this could be a factor in your decision.
• Print Size: You can print on sublimation sheets of 8.5” by 11” or 8.5” by 14” with the F170. (And extend it up to 8.5 by 47.2” if you need.) But the F570 can print on rolls up to 24” wide with virtually unlimited length. This makes a huge difference in your printing productivity.
• Price: The F170 goes for just under $450, while the F570 costs just over $2,500 for printer and starter supplies.

Next, let’s dive into the details of each category to show you what else you can expect from these printers.

Machine Size

We’ve mentioned this already, but the F570 is about double the size of the F170. You’ll need a 20”-wide space for the F170, and almost a 40”-wide space for the F570. Here’s a photo of both printers side-by-side:

Print Size

The F170 can print on 8.5” by 11” or 8.5” by 14” sheets or sheets up to 8.5” by 47.2” with modification. The F570 has a max width of 24” but isn’t limited on length, since it can print on both sheets or rolls.

Here’s a side-by-side of the largest sublimation paper for the F170 (8.5" x 14") and the 24-inch roll that represents the max printing size for the F570:

So what can you make with the F170 vs the F570?

• With the F170, you can print a full wrap for our 20oz skinny or 20oz thick tumblers and 40oz tumblers, but you’ll need the F570 to print full-sized wraps for our 30oz skinny and 30oz thick tumblers
• With the F170, you can make smaller sublimation flat items like coasters, luggage tags, and dish towels with ease
• With the F170, you can make most t-shirt designs, but for larger designs on bigger-sized shirts, you might need the F570’s bigger printing size

Print Quality

The F170 already prints high-resolution images with a max dpi of 1200 x 600, but that gets bumped up with the F570 and its max dpi of 2400 x 1200.

That said, sublimation prints always get a bit softer when you transfer them onto a material, so it probably doesn’t make that much of a difference in the final result.

Productivity

If productivity is a concern, the F570’s large print size makes printing more efficient. You can print multiple designs on rolls and use the automatic roll cutter to save you time. However, if you print with a higher dpi setting, it’ll take longer to print.

Software

Both work with your favorite design program, but the Epson F570 comes with a bonus printing program called Epson Edge Print Pro.

Epson Edge Print Pro helps you color match your image, place images for printing, and use more advanced settings. The software is only compatible with Windows, but you can use Parallels or a similar program to use it on a Mac computer.

Necessary Equipment

Of course, if you’re making larger prints with the F570, you’ll also want to make sure you have a heat press or oven large enough for the job.

The MakerFlo Sublimation Oven fits 12 tumblers standing up inside or larger tumblers with ease, which makes it work for either type of printer. Or check out our heat presses to see what sizes you might want to invest in.

Final Verdict: Who Are These Printers Best For?

Here’s what it comes down to:

The Epson SureColor F170 is the best sublimation printer for beginners, especially if you’re not ready to invest in a larger machine. It’s also great if you’re planning to make 20oz tumblers, regular shirts, or smaller-sized items.

[product=epson-r-f170-sublimation-printer]The F170 is perfect for beginners and small business owners on a budget.[/product]

On the other hand, the Epson SureColor F570 Pro is best for craft business owners who want a printer that’ll grow with their business. While it requires an initial investment, you’ll save the cost of having to upgrade your printer a year or two down the road.

Plus, you can use the F570’s wider array of printing options to your advantage—like speeding up printing times, making sure your colors match perfectly, or creating bigger prints.

[product=epson-r-f570-pro-sublimation-printer]This professional-grade sublimation printer can handle small to large print jobs and higher-volume printing.[/product]

Get Started With a Sublimation Kit

No matter which printer you choose, we’ve got a handy sublimation starter kit for each one that’ll give you everything you need to make your first items!

Love the F170? Check out the Epson F170 Sublimation Ultimate Starter Kit.

Is the F570 more your style? Consider the Epson F570 Pro Sublimation Ultimate Kit.

Finally, to help you visualize the differences between each printer, we’ve put all the major specs into a handy chart for you 👇

Side-by-Side Comparison of Specs

Final Thoughts

We hope this has cleared up the differences between each printer for you.

Is there anything we left out? Please let us know in the comments, and we’ll be happy to add more.

Before you go, join us in our Official MakerFlo Facebook Community to meet with thousands of other crafters on the same journey as you! Many of the group members have one of these printers, and you can ask them for their experience, too!

Happy shopping! 🛍️