






Brother
Unleashing Creativity at Home: The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer Reviewed
Price History
£334.98
Lowest
£399.00
Highest
£383.76
Average
-2%
vs Average
The Verdict
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is an excellent choice for creative individuals who want to explore sublimation printing and create personalized items from home. However, those seeking a straightforward printing solution may want to consider alternatives without the added complexities of sublimation.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
With the current price at £375.00, which is slightly below the average of £383.76, this is a good time to purchase. However, keep in mind that the lowest recorded price was £334.98, so if you're looking for the best possible deal, it may be worth waiting for further price drops.
What we like
- Compact design suitable for small workspaces, ensuring convenience in usage.
- Ability to create custom designs up to 216 x 355 mm, providing ample creative freedom.
- Eliminates the need for third-party suppliers, potentially saving time and costs.
- Artspira App compatibility allows for easy design transfer.
- High customer rating of 4.5/5 suggests satisfaction among users.
Worth noting
- Some users reported issues with certain sublimation papers not producing optimal results.
- Initial setup can be complex for those unfamiliar with sublimation technology.
- May require ongoing investment in sublimation inks and materials.
What Buyers Say
Common Praise
Common praise focuses on the printer’s compact size, ease of use with the Artspira App, and the vibrant quality of prints.
Common Complaints
Common complaints revolve around compatibility issues with certain sublimation materials and the complexity of the initial setup process.
Real User Reviews: What 61 Buyers Actually Think
We analysed verified customer reviews to bring you an honest summary.
The sentiment from the 61 reviews leans positive, with about 80% expressing satisfaction, while a smaller portion indicates disappointment.
What 5-Star Reviewers Love
Five-star reviewers frequently highlight the printer’s ease of use, vibrant color output, and versatility in design options.
What 1-Star Reviewers Complain About
One-star reviewers mainly complain about initial setup difficulties and issues with specific sublimation paper compatibility.
Recent reviews suggest a stable trend, with no significant changes in satisfaction levels noted over time.
A significant number of reviews appear to be from verified purchases, indicating genuine feedback from actual users.
Who Is This For?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and small business owners eager to create custom apparel and gifts. It’s ideal for those who enjoy crafting and want to produce unique items. However, if you prefer straightforward printing without the intricacies of sublimation, this may not be the right choice.
Our Review
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is a desktop-sized powerhouse designed for creative enthusiasts looking to personalize their homewares, clothing, and gifts. Priced at £375.00, which is 6% off the list price of £399.00, you're getting a deal at what is now the all-time lowest price recorded for this model. With a commendable rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 61 reviews, this printer has managed to carve out a niche in the competitive market of Cricut and creative machines.
First impressions of the Brother SP1 are quite positive. It's compact, fitting easily on a desk without taking up too much space, making it a feasible option for those with limited workspace. The printer supports designs up to 216 x 355 mm, opening up a wide range of creative possibilities. Users can create custom items right at home, eliminating the need for third-party suppliers. This feature alone can save you both time and money in the long run.
In terms of performance, the Brother SP1 excels in delivering vibrant colors and sharp images, which are crucial for sublimation printing. The use of the Artspira App adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing users to create and transfer designs seamlessly from their PC or Mac. This ensures that both tech-savvy individuals and those less familiar with design software can utilize the printer efficiently.
When it comes to build quality, Brother has a solid reputation, and the SP1 appears to uphold that. The materials feel durable, and while it’s lightweight, it doesn’t compromise on sturdiness. However, potential buyers should be aware that sublimation printers can be finicky when it comes to ink and paper compatibility, and some users have reported issues with certain brands of sublimation paper not yielding the best results.
In terms of value for money, the current price of £375.00 is quite close to the average price of £383.76. While it is a good time to buy given the all-time low price, it’s important to be aware that the lowest recorded price was £334.98. So, if you're particularly price-sensitive, it might be worth waiting for a better deal.
Comparing the Brother SP1 to alternatives like the Cricut EasyPress Mat and A-SUB Sublimation Paper, the SP1's price is justified considering its multi-functional capabilities. The EasyPress Mat, priced at £18.89, and the sublimation paper at £13.99 don't offer the same level of versatility that the SP1 provides, but they complement the printer well. However, it’s crucial to remember that the competition might offer cheaper or more specialized products depending on your needs.
Who is this for? The Brother SP1 is ideal for hobbyists and small business owners looking to create custom prints at home. It’s especially suitable for those interested in starting a DIY t-shirt or gift-making business. However, if you’re someone who desires a simple plug-and-play printer without the intricacies of sublimation printing, this may not be the best fit for you.
Pros:
Cons:
The final verdict? The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is an excellent choice for creative individuals who want to explore sublimation printing and create personalized items from the comfort of their homes. However, those seeking a straightforward printing solution may want to consider alternatives without the added complexities of sublimation.
User Reviews Analysis:
What Buyers Say:
Buy Timing:
FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brother worth buying in 2026?
Given its solid rating of 4.5/5 and competitive pricing, it remains a strong contender in the sublimation printer market.
How large can you print with the Brother SP1?
The printer supports designs up to 216 x 355 mm, making it versatile for various projects.
How does this compare to Cricut's offerings?
While Cricut offers great products, the Brother SP1 specializes in sublimation printing, allowing for more diverse creative outputs.
What are the main complaints about this product?
Users have mentioned issues with certain sublimation papers and difficulties during setup, which could be a deterrent for some.
Can the printer handle different materials?
The Brother SP1 is specifically designed for sublimation printing, which works best on polyester or polymer-coated materials.
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Curated by MakeMoneyAs on All The Top Picks · Updated March 2026
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