Best DTF Printers Under $2000 in 2024: Complete Buyer's Guide
Looking for a DTF printer that won't break the bank?
You're in the right place.
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is becoming super popular for custom t-shirts and other items, and you don't need to spend a fortune to get started.
In this guide, we'll look at the best DTF printers under $2000 in 2024.
What's DTF Printing and Why Should You Care?
DTF printing lets you create custom designs on all sorts of materials - t-shirts, bags, hats, and more. It works by printing your design on a special film and then transferring it to your product using heat.
The best part?
It works on both light and dark materials, and the prints last a long time.
Unlike traditional printing methods, DTF doesn't require any special pretreatment of garments, and it can handle complex designs with multiple colors easily.
The process is relatively simple, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced printers looking to expand their capabilities.
What to Look for in a Budget DTF Printer
Before we dive into the specific printers, here's what matters most when choosing a DTF printer under $2000:
The Best DTF Printers Under $2000 for Small at Home Businesses
Let's take a detailed look at our top picks for 2024.
Each of these printers offers unique features and benefits that make them stand out in the budget DTF printer market.
1. PUNEHOD DTF Printer A4 L805
The PUNEHOD DTF Printer A4 L805 has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable entry-level DTF printers on the market. Despite its compact size and budget-friendly price point, this printer packs impressive features that make it a smart choice for beginners and small business owners alike.
At the heart of this printer is a well-designed white ink circulation system that helps prevent one of the most common problems in DTF printing - white ink settling. While it may not be as sophisticated as systems found in more expensive models, it does an admirable job of keeping the white ink properly mixed and flowing, reducing maintenance headaches and improving print consistency.
Print quality is where this little powerhouse really shines. With a resolution of 1440x1440 dpi, it produces surprisingly crisp and vibrant prints that can rival those from more expensive machines. The color accuracy is impressive for a printer in this price range, and the white ink coverage is consistent enough for printing on dark materials - a crucial feature for any DTF printer.
The printer's compact A4 size makes it perfect for home offices or small workspaces. Don't let its small footprint fool you, though - it can handle a steady workflow of 30-50 prints per day, making it suitable for small businesses or side hustles. The maximum print width of 8.3 inches covers most common DTF printing needs, from t-shirt designs to accessories.
One of the most appealing aspects of this printer is that it often comes as a complete package. Most kits include:
Technical Specifications:
Standout Features:
What i Love: The printer's plug-and-play nature makes it perfect for beginners. The included software is intuitive, and the learning curve is gentle compared to more complex systems. The compact size fits easily in most workspaces, and the print quality is consistently good for everyday DTF printing needs.
Watch Out For:
Perfect For: This printer is ideal for:
Daily Use Experience: In daily operation, the PUNEHOD A4 L805 proves itself to be a reliable workhorse. The printer starts up quickly and maintains consistent quality throughout print runs. While it may not be the fastest printer on the market, its steady pace and reliable output make it perfect for small businesses that value quality over quantity.
The white ink system requires daily attention - a quick shake of the white ink bottles in the morning and regular nozzle checks are essential for optimal performance. However, these maintenance tasks are straightforward and become part of a simple daily routine.
Value Proposition: For anyone looking to enter the DTF printing market without a massive initial investment, the PUNEHOD A4 L805 offers an excellent balance of features, quality, and affordability. While it has its limitations, its reliable performance and user-friendly nature make it a smart choice for those starting their DTF printing journey or running a small-scale operation.
Price: $1,899 on Amazon
2. PUNEHOD A4 DTF Printer
The PUNEHOD A4 DTF Printer emerges as a standout option in the compact printer category, offering an impressive balance of functionality and value. This printer's thoughtful design and feature set make it particularly appealing for those entering the DTF printing market or running a small-scale operation.
At the heart of this printer's performance is its upgraded roller design, which works in harmony with precision cutting blades. This innovative combination allows you to cut at any print position without wasting film - a feature that can significantly reduce your operating costs over time. The attention to material efficiency is particularly valuable for businesses watching their bottom line.
Print quality is where this machine truly proves its worth. Despite its compact size, it delivers a remarkable resolution of 1440x1440dpi, ensuring that your designs come out crisp and professional. The printer employs L800 print technology with a CMYK+WW color configuration, providing excellent color accuracy and the ability to produce vibrant designs even on dark materials.
The white ink management system deserves special mention. It incorporates three key features: white ink agitation, recirculation, and automatic cleaning functions. This comprehensive approach to white ink management helps prevent the common issues of settling and clogging that often plague DTF printers. While you'll still need to perform regular maintenance, these features significantly reduce the likelihood of white ink-related problems.
When it comes to daily operation, the printer shows its user-friendly nature. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate settings and start print jobs. The included software is compatible with common design programs, allowing for a seamless workflow from design to final print.
Technical Specifications:
What Sets It Apart:
Ideal Applications:
What's Great:
Watch Out For:
Perfect For: This printer is ideal for entrepreneurs starting their DTF printing business, existing businesses looking to add DTF printing to their services, or creative professionals who need reliable, small-format DTF printing capabilities. Its combination of quality output, manageable size, and reasonable price point makes it particularly suitable for those who want professional results without investing in a larger industrial printer.
Price: Check on Amazon
3. Cheapest Option: Procolored F8 DTF Printer
The Procolored Gen 2 F8 Panda A4 DTF Roll Printer represents a significant evolution in affordable DTF printing technology. This compact powerhouse combines innovative features with user-friendly design, making it an attractive option for both beginners and established small businesses.
What sets the F8 Gen 2 apart is its advanced roll film design system. With a printable width of 210mm (8.2 inches) and unlimited length capabilities, this printer opens up new possibilities for continuous printing and efficient layout optimization. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses looking to maximize their production efficiency while maintaining consistent quality.
The printer's Procolored Siphon Circulation system is a standout feature that demonstrates careful attention to print quality. Equipped with a 6-color ink configuration (CMYK+WW) and built-in mini siphon circulation, this system ensures steady ink flow and consistent print quality. This sophisticated approach to ink management helps prevent common issues like clogging and uneven coverage.
Maintenance becomes less of a concern with the F8's intelligent auto-cleaning system. When left powered on, the printer automatically cleans its printhead every 10 hours, consuming only about 1ml of ink per day. This automated maintenance feature helps ensure reliable operation while minimizing the need for manual intervention.
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The compact design is particularly impressive, measuring just 21 x 11 x 17 inches and weighing a mere 10kg. This space-efficient footprint makes it perfect for small studios or home-based businesses where space is at a premium. Despite its small size, the printer doesn't compromise on print quality or functionality.
Technical Specifications:
What's Included:
What's Great:
Watch Out For:
Perfect For: The Procolored F8 Gen 2 is ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a reliable, space-efficient DTF printing solution. Its combination of advanced features, compact design, and comprehensive starter bundle makes it particularly appealing for those wanting to start a DTF printing business without overwhelming complexity or space requirements. The included design resources and software make it especially valuable for those new to the industry.
At $1,699 (reduced from $2,199 on Swing Design), with financing options starting at $106/month through Affirm, this printer represents an accessible entry point into professional DTF printing. The comprehensive bundle package and included design resources add significant value, helping users get started immediately without additional investment in supplies or design assets.
Price: $1,699 on Swing Design | $1,999 on Amazon
4. Prestige A4 Direct to Film (DTF) Printer
The Prestige A4 DTF Printer is a refreshing take on budget DTF printing, offering a combination of affordability and style. Available in classic black and grey, fun pink, or fresh mint colors, it brings a touch of personality to your workspace while delivering solid performance for basic DTF printing needs.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this printer is how it manages to pack essential DTF printing capabilities into such a compact and affordable package. The printer is designed with space efficiency in mind, making it perfect for home offices or small workspaces where every inch counts.
Output quality is surprisingly good for a printer at this price point. While it may not match the resolution and speed of more expensive models, it produces clean, clear prints that are more than adequate for many applications. The printer handles basic designs well, with good color reproduction and acceptable white ink coverage.
The white ink system is basic but functional. While it may require more attention than more expensive models, it gets the job done when properly maintained. The printer includes features to help manage white ink flow, though you'll need to be diligent about maintenance to prevent clogging and ensure consistent results.
One of the standout features of this printer is its user-friendly setup process. The included DigiRIP software is straightforward to use, making it accessible even for those new to DTF printing. The printer comes with clear instructions and setup guides, helping you get started quickly.
Technical Specifications:
What's Great:
Watch Out For:
Perfect For: The Prestige A4 is perfect for hobbyists, beginners, or small businesses just testing the waters of DTF printing. It's an excellent choice if you want to learn DTF printing without making a large initial investment, or if you plan to do occasional small runs rather than high-volume production.
Price: $1,995 on Swing Design
Getting Started with Your DTF Printer
Once you buy your printer, here's what you'll need:
Making Money with Your DTF Printer
Here are some popular items you can make:
Quick Business Tips:
Common Problems and Solutions
White Ink Issues:
Print Quality Problems:
Maintenance Tips
Daily Tasks:
Weekly Tasks:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do DTF prints last? They last through many washes when done correctly.
Can I print on dark shirts? Yes! The white ink makes this possible.
How many shirts can I print per day? Depends on your printer:
Do I need special computer skills? Basic computer knowledge is enough to get started.
How much space do I need?
Remember: The best printer for you depends on your specific needs, space, and budget. Don't just go for the most expensive option - choose the one that fits your situation best.
With any of these printers, you can start a successful DTF printing business or hobby.
Just remember to practice, maintain your equipment, and focus on quality work.
Good luck with your DTF printing journey!