Choosing a DTG Printer: Top 8 Recommendations

Gone are the days when high-end printing technology was limited only to factories and large-sized businesses. Now, a wide range of DTG printers is available for businesses of all sizes. Many DTG printers are even suitable for printing at home.
So, whether you are looking for a DTG shirt printer or a DTG printer for your small-scale business, you are in the right place.
In this article, we'll explore the basics of what is DTG printing and some of the top options available in the market.

What is DTG Printing?

DTG stands for Direct-to-Garment. DTG printing is a popular printing method where a DTG printer is used to apply ink directly to a fabric, such as a t-shirt. So, DTG printing basically involves printing on a t-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt, instead of paper.
The general DTG printing process starts with creating a design on a computer and then using the printer to put the design on a suitable fabric.
Overall, DTG printing is a highly useful printing method due to its versatility and accessibility. Anyone can find a suitable DTG printer within their budget and transfer the designs onto the fabric. It works for small quantities as well as bulk orders. So, you can use DTG printers for small orders or to create personal clothes as well.

Top 8 DTG Printers Recommendations

Let's look at the top 8 DTG printer machines suitable for personal usage at home as well as large-scale printing:

1. Ricoh Ri 100 / Ri 100Lt

The Ricoh Ri 100 is a highly accessible entry-level DTG printer. It is meant for hobbyists, small studios, and boutique shops.
Key characteristics like its small size and user-friendliness make it perfect to get fit neatly in a small workspace. Moreover, it supports A4 and A5 tray sizes, which makes it suitable for small-format prints like t-shirts, tote bags, and kids' apparel.
Ricoh Ri 100 / 100Lt has a price range of roughly $3,000–$5,500. Hence, it is an affordable way to get started in DTG printing. Moreover, you won't need any advanced technical knowledge to operate this DTG printer.
The Ri 100Lt is a slightly updated version with additional tray flexibility and smoother operation.
However, a common limitation is its smaller print area and slower production speed compared to professional units.
Overall, if you are looking for a DTG printer to test out designs, personalize, or handle low-volume business, you should go for Ricoh Ri 100 / Ri 100Lt.

2. Roland VersaSTUDIO BT-12

Roland's VersaSTUDIO BT-12 is another compact DTG printer. It is perfect for users wanting on-demand customization without the complexity of larger machines. You can get this DTG printing machine for about $3,000–$4,000, depending on the bundle.
This DTG printer is well-suited for printing on light cotton garments and small items like pillowcases, handkerchiefs, or aprons. Another unique characteristic of the BT-12 is that it is fully enclosed to ensure maximum safety and dust control. It also makes it perfect for environments such as retail kiosks, design studios, or classrooms. Overall, it is a fantastic choice for entrepreneurs exploring DTG printing at home.

3. HRM A4 / A3 Desktop DTG Printers

HRM has a long list of budget-friendly DTG printers, such as the A4 and A3 desktop lines. These models are popular among both startups and home-based businesses because of their pricing and compactness.
Despite the lower prices, HRM DTG printers are excellent for both white and color ink printing. It allows you to decorate dark fabrics as well as light ones. Moreover, HRM DTG printers are best suited for small home-based production and creative testing instead of industrial output.
Generally, the A3 version of any DTG printer provides a larger print area than the A4. It is also more versatile for adult-sized shirts. So, it is vital to evaluate your own requirements before choosing a DTG printer machine.

4. Epson SureColor F2100

Epson SureColor F2100 is a popular choice among small and mid-sized shops. Its price is around $11,995, which strikes a balance between affordability and professional performance. Epson's DTG technology is also known for its reliability.
Hence, you can expect sharp, vibrant prints with consistent color accuracy from the F2100 DTG printer. It also has a robust white ink circulation system, which reduces clogging and downtime. Moreover, you get support for multiple platen sizes, which provides flexibility for printing everything from youth shirts to hoodies.
While the upfront cost of Epson SureColor F2100 is significantly higher than compact printers, it is designed for continuous business use and has lower ink wastage compared to cheaper alternatives.
So, if you are an entrepreneur serious about scaling your custom apparel business, the Epson SureColor F2100 is a safe option with reliable results and strong support.
By now, we've looked at DTG printers meant for home or small-scale usage. Now, let's have a quick look at some DTG printers that target mid-to-large requirements.

5. Brother GTX Pro

The Brother GTX Pro is a leading name in the mid-to-large DTG printing market. Its prices start from around $20,000–$25,000, which means it is meant for businesses handling frequent, high-volume orders.
Automatic platen height adjustment and fast print speeds are the highlight features of the GTX Pro. Such features reduce manual adjustments and improve overall efficiency. Moreover, Brother DTG printers are known for their advanced ink circulation system that minimizes clogging.
While the investment is substantial, the GTX Pro pays off when you're producing designs at a large scale.

You can use print on demand service to product your DTG shirts, PODpartner use Brother GTX Pro-B DTG printer:

6. Ricoh Ri 1000 / Ri 1000X

The Ricoh Ri 1000 is a solid mid-range option for businesses wanting versatility and durability. Prices of these DTG printers vary, but they are typically in the $15,000+ range.
The Ri 1000 supports a larger print area than the Ri 100. Hence, it can handle everything from t-shirts to hoodies and specialty garments. You also get advanced features like automatic maintenance alerts, quick-change platens, and a color touchscreen interface.
The Ri 1000X expands capabilities with better durability and workflow efficiency. Both models are compatible with various cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. Hence, the versatility makes these DTG printers great options for commercial purposes.

7. Kornit Atlas MAX

Kornit is widely recognized as the leader in industrial DTG technology. The Atlas MAX series, specifically, is built to handle high-volume production. These DTG printer machines can cost well over $200,000, which means they belong to the enterprise category.
The key features of Kornit Atlas MAX include built-in pretreatment, high-speed white ink systems, and automation features to cut labor and preparation time. It also supports water-based and eco-friendly Kornit's Eco-Rapid inks for sustainability-focused brands.
This DTG printer is designed to handle thousands of shirts per day with consistent quality. So, if you want a DTG printer with excellent speed, automation, and long-term reliability, you should go for Atlas MAX.

8. M&R Maverick

The M&R Maverick is another industrial-grade DTG printing solution. It is designed for large-scale, continuous, and high-throughput printing operations. It costs anywhere between $70,000–$100,000, but is still below Kornit's ultra-premium models.
The Maverick can print full-color designs quickly across multiple garments per cycle. So, if you have a commercial business with constant demand, you can choose this DTG printer. M&R is also known for its strong support to keep the production lines running smoothly.
Moreover, the DTG printer machine supports larger platens and specialty items to ensure businesses have the flexibility to expand their product lines. Overall, it is a smart option for growing print-on-demand apparel businesses aiming to scale up production sustainably.

Do You Really Need a DTG Printer?

Before investing thousands of dollars in a DTG printer, you should ask yourself whether you need such a machine in the first place. DTG printer machines are powerful, but they require significant upfront cost, regular maintenance, and consistent order volumes to recover the initial financial investment.
Key considerations for choosing a DTG printing machine:

• Budget & ROI: Calculate whether your sales volume will justify the investment you have to make in a DTG printer.
• Order Volume: Limited orders will not cover ink, pretreatment, and maintenance expenses.
• Space & Setup: You must have stable environments and ample space for pretreatment and curing equipment to run a DTG printer efficiently.
• Technical Skills: Large-scale DTG printers require technical skills to handle tasks like nozzle checks, cleaning, and proper storage of inks.
• Support & Service: You should have reliable vendor support to minimize downtime.

If you are new to the world of DTG printing and don't want the burden of owning and maintaining a DTG printer, you should consider using the services of PODpartner.
PODpartner advanced DTG technology, along with pretreatment of dark fabrics with white ink to ensure bright and long-lasting prints. Moreover, their pigments are stable and resistant to fading, which helps you deliver professional-quality apparel without owning a printer yourself.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that choosing a cost-effective DTG printer comes down to balancing your budget, order volume, and long-term growth plans.
While owning a DTG printer machine gives you full control, it also requires ongoing investment in maintenance, ink, and pretreatment. You can avoid these challenges by choosing PODpartner as a smart alternative.
Their advanced DTG technology ensures pigments are stable, long-lasting, and resistant to fading.
With PODpartner, you can focus on design and sales while delivering professional-quality apparel, all without the expense and responsibility of managing your own DTG printer.