Choosing an Epson SureColor large format printer starts with the work you need it to do: technical plans, everyday wide-format documents, or dye-sublimation transfers. I rank the T5170 first for its 36-inch width and quick A1/D-size output, while the T3170x makes a strong case for frequent printing with its included bulk ink. For a smaller workspace, the T2170 keeps the footprint and maximum width to 24 inches. The main tradeoffs are print width, ink system, and whether a specialized sublimation model fits your output better than a general-purpose plotter.
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These five options do not serve identical jobs. The F570 is a dye-sublimation printer, while the other four are aimed at wide-format document printing. I compare each by its intended workflow, capacity, handling, and the compromises a buyer should expect.
Key Takeaways
- The T5170 is the only 36-inch printer here, giving it the broadest capacity for oversized plans and graphics.
- The T3170x includes 1,120 ml of ink in a cartridge-free system, which suits frequent printing and reduces cartridge changes.
- The T2170 is the narrower 24-inch plotter choice, with roll and sheet support and 2400 dpi resolution.
- The T3170 and T3170x share a 24-inch format and 34-second A1/D-size speed, but use different ink systems.
- The F570 is built for dye-sublimation output and its included cutter and sheet feeder; it is not a substitute for a general technical-document plotter.
| Epson SureColor T5170 36-Inch Wide-Format Wireless Inkjet Printer |  | Best Overall for Wider Technical Prints | Printer type: Wide-format inkjet | Print width: 36 inches | A1/D-size speed: 31 seconds | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor T3170x 24-Inch Wide-Format Wireless Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Frequent Printing Without Cartridges | Print technology: Inkjet | Maximum print width: 24 inches | Ink system: Cartridge-free high-capacity bottles with auto-stop filling | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch Wireless Desktop Plotter Printer |  | Best Compact Pick for Smaller Jobs | Printer type: Wireless desktop plotter | Maximum roll width: 24 inches | Maximum sheet size: 11 × 17 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor T3170 Wireless Desktop Wide-Format Plotter Printer |  | Best Straightforward 24-Inch Cartridge Plotter | Printer type: Wireless desktop wide-format plotter | Maximum print width: 24 inches | A1/D-size speed: 34 seconds | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor F570 24-Inch Desktop Sublimation Printer Bundle |  | Best for Dye-Sublimation Workflows | Printer type: Dye sublimation | Maximum media size: 24 in × 100 ft | Maximum sheet capacity: 50 sheets | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| epson surecolor large format printer | Printer type | A1/D-size speed | Connectivity | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor T5170 36-Inch | Wide-format inkjet | 31 seconds | Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct | 4.3-inch color touchscreen |
| Epson SureColor T3170x 24-Inch | — | As fast as 34 seconds | Wireless | 4.3-inch color LCD |
| Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch | Wireless desktop plotter | 43 seconds | Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct | — |
| Epson SureColor T3170 Wireless | Wireless desktop wide-format plotter | 34 seconds | Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct | 4.3-inch color touchscreen |
| Epson SureColor F570 24-Inch D | Dye sublimation | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Epson SureColor T5170 36-Inch Wide-Format Wireless Inkjet Printer
The T5170 earns the top spot because its 36-inch print width opens up work that the 24-inch models cannot handle at full size. It is the strongest fit here for architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other wide documents where reducing or tiling a file would complicate the job. A stated 31-second A1/D-size print speed also puts it ahead of the T2170’s 43-second figure for routine output.
The wider capacity comes with a larger footprint than the desktop-oriented 24-inch choices, so it is less appealing when desk space is tight or every job fits on smaller media. Its 50 mL color and 80 mL black cartridges are high-capacity, but buyers seeking a bottle-based workflow may prefer the T3170x. Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct support mobile printing, and the 4.3-inch touchscreen keeps common operations accessible. Compared with the T3170, the T5170 trades some compactness for extra width and the faster stated output.
Pros:- 36-inch maximum print width handles larger plans than the 24-inch models.
- 31-second stated A1/D-size printing is the quickest listed among these document plotters.
- Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct support printing from mobile devices.
- High-capacity cartridges and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen support regular use.
Cons:- Its wider format calls for more workspace than the compact 24-inch options.
- Uses cartridges rather than the T3170x’s refillable bottle system.
Best for: Architects, engineers, and print rooms that need 36-inch-wide technical documents and want wireless operation.
Not ideal for: Buyers whose largest jobs fit within 24 inches, or who prioritize a desktop footprint and cartridge-free ink.
- Printer type:Wide-format inkjet
- Print width:36 inches
- A1/D-size speed:31 seconds
- Display:4.3-inch color touchscreen
- Cartridge capacity:Up to 50 mL color and 80 mL black
- Connectivity:Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct
Our verdict“I’d choose the T5170 when full-size 36-inch output matters more than a smaller footprint or bottle-based ink.”
Epson SureColor T3170x 24-Inch Wide-Format Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The T3170x is the standout for ink capacity: it replaces cartridges with high-capacity bottles and includes 1,120 ml of ink. For a small studio, school, or office that prints plans and posters regularly, fewer cartridge changes can make the workflow easier to manage. Its stated A1/D-size speed of 34 seconds matches the standard T3170, while its 24-inch width keeps it in the same compact class.
That ink system is the reason to choose the T3170x over the T3170, not a wider print area or faster stated speed. The included ink is a practical advantage for buyers who expect ongoing use; occasional printers may not benefit as much from a bulk supply. Like the T2170 and T3170, it is limited to 24-inch media, so it cannot replace the 36-inch T5170 for oversized plans. The optional stand is sold separately, and the desktop design may need a dedicated surface.
Pros:- Cartridge-free bottle system avoids routine cartridge swaps.
- Includes 1,120 ml of ink for a ready supply.
- 34-second stated A1/D-size speed matches the T3170.
- Compact 24-inch format and wireless connectivity suit desktop workflows.
Cons:- Maximum 24-inch width falls short of the T5170’s larger format.
- Optional stand is sold separately.
- Bulk ink capacity may be more than occasional users need.
Best for: Frequent users who want a 24-inch wireless plotter with a bottle-based ink system and substantial included ink.
Not ideal for: Infrequent printers who want the simplest cartridge setup, or buyers who need output wider than 24 inches.
- Print technology:Inkjet
- Maximum print width:24 inches
- Ink system:Cartridge-free high-capacity bottles with auto-stop filling
- Included ink:1,120 ml
- A1/D-size speed:As fast as 34 seconds
- Display:4.3-inch color LCD
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Optional stand:Sold separately
Our verdict“I’d pick the T3170x over the T3170 when frequent output and its included bottle ink matter more than a cartridge workflow.”
Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch Wireless Desktop Plotter Printer
The T2170 is the compact-format choice for buyers who need a plotter but do not need the T5170’s 36-inch width. Its 24-inch roll capacity and support for sheets up to 11 × 17 inches give it two useful media paths, while the listed 2400 dpi resolution points to detailed output for line work and graphics. It also prints A1/D-size documents in 43 seconds, though the T3170 and T3170x are listed at 34 seconds.
Compared with those faster T3170 variants, the T2170’s case is its combination of roll and sheet handling and a modest desktop footprint. It uses UltraChrome XD2 pigment ink, described as instant-dry, and supports mobile printing over wireless or Wi-Fi Direct. The stand is optional, which may affect setup if there is no suitable desk. Epson-cartridge exclusivity is another constraint for buyers who value flexibility in consumables. This is a good fit for moderate, space-conscious work, rather than the fastest document workflow in this group.
Pros:- Supports both rolls up to 24 inches and sheets up to 11 × 17 inches.
- 2400 dpi maximum resolution suits detailed line and graphic output.
- Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct support printing from phones and tablets.
- Compact desktop format with instant-dry UltraChrome XD2 pigment ink.
Cons:- 43-second A1/D-size speed is slower than the T3170 models’ stated 34 seconds.
- Optional stand is sold separately.
- Designed for use exclusively with Epson cartridges.
Best for: Small offices, classrooms, or home studios that need 24-inch rolls plus occasional sheets up to 11 × 17 inches.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need the fastest listed A1/D-size output, a 36-inch width, or non-Epson cartridges.
- Printer type:Wireless desktop plotter
- Maximum roll width:24 inches
- Maximum sheet size:11 × 17 inches
- A1/D-size speed:43 seconds
- Maximum resolution:2400 dpi
- Ink type:UltraChrome XD2 pigment ink
- Cartridge capacity:Up to 50 mL color and 80 mL black
- Connectivity:Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct
Our verdict“I’d choose the T2170 for flexible roll-and-sheet work in a compact setting when maximum speed is secondary.”
Epson SureColor T3170 Wireless Desktop Wide-Format Plotter Printer
The standard T3170 is the balanced 24-inch plotter for buyers who want quick stated output, a touchscreen, and wireless printing without opting for the T3170x’s bottle system. Its 34-second A1/D-size speed is notably quicker on paper than the T2170’s 43 seconds, while its compact desktop footprint is easier to place than the 36-inch T5170. For routine technical documents, that mix may be more useful than the T2170’s higher listed resolution.
Its key distinction from the T3170x is the cartridge approach. The T3170 uses high-capacity cartridges, up to 50 mL color and 80 mL black, whereas the T3170x is designed around bulk bottles and includes a large ink supply. The T3170 therefore makes sense for buyers who prefer cartridge replacement; those printing in volume should compare the bottle model closely. Like the other compact plotters, it is limited to 24 inches, and the stand is a separate accessory. Its 4.3-inch color touchscreen and Wi-Fi Direct support straightforward operation.
Pros:- 34-second stated A1/D-size speed is faster than the T2170’s listed time.
- Compact desktop footprint fits smaller work areas.
- Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct allow mobile printing.
- Touchscreen and high-capacity cartridges support accessible routine use.
Cons:- The optional stand is sold separately.
- Cartridge workflow lacks the T3170x’s bulk bottle system.
- 24-inch maximum width cannot match the T5170 for larger plans.
Best for: A small business or studio that wants a quick 24-inch plotter with a touchscreen and cartridge-based ink.
Not ideal for: High-volume users drawn to bulk ink, or anyone whose documents require more than 24 inches of width.
- Printer type:Wireless desktop wide-format plotter
- Maximum print width:24 inches
- A1/D-size speed:34 seconds
- Display:4.3-inch color touchscreen
- Maximum cartridge capacity:50 mL color; 80 mL black
- Connectivity:Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct
- Design:Compact desktop footprint
- Optional accessory:Stand sold separately
Our verdict“I’d take the T3170 when I want the faster compact plotter workflow but prefer cartridges to refillable bottles.”
Epson SureColor F570 24-Inch Desktop Sublimation Printer Bundle
The F570 serves a different production goal from the T-series plotters: it is a 24-inch dye-sublimation printer intended for transfer work. If the finished output is for a sublimation workflow, its roll and sheet support, built-in cutter, and 50-sheet auto-feed tray make it the specialized pick here. The bundle includes a full ink set, Epson Edge Print Pro, and remote installation, adding setup and layout support that the document plotters do not emphasize.
For technical plans or general wide-format documents, the T5170, T3170, and T2170 are more directly aligned with the job. The F570’s listed pace is one color or black-and-white page per minute, and its 151-pound weight makes it less desktop-friendly than the name suggests. Its 24-inch maximum media width also does not match the T5170’s larger format. I would rank it last in a general plotter roundup, but it becomes the right choice when dye-sublimation output is the actual requirement.
Pros:- Purpose-built dye-sublimation output distinguishes it from the T-series plotters.
- Handles rolls and sheets, with a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter.
- Bundle includes a full ink set, Edge Print Pro software, and remote installation.
- Nozzle verification technology is listed with its PrecisionCore printhead.
Cons:- Listed print speed is one page per minute for color and black-and-white output.
- At 151 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the compact T-series options.
- Its specialized sublimation workflow is a poor fit for general plotter needs.
Best for: Small production businesses and makers who need a 24-inch dye-sublimation setup with roll and sheet handling.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a general technical plotter for plans, posters, or fast A1/D-size document printing.
- Printer type:Dye sublimation
- Maximum media size:24 in × 100 ft
- Maximum sheet capacity:50 sheets
- Paper handling:Rolls and sheets; built-in cutter
- Ink colors:Cyan, magenta, yellow, black
- Included ink:One full ink set
- Software:Epson Edge Print Pro
- Print speed:1 color page per minute; 1 black-and-white page per minute
- Weight:151 lbs
Our verdict“I’d choose the F570 only when dye-sublimation production is the goal; for technical documents, the T-series models fit better.”
How We Picked
I ranked these printers around the needs suggested by Epson SureColor large format printer: producing wide documents and graphics, fitting the printer into a real workspace, and matching the ink and media workflow to the job. Width and stated A1/D-size speed help distinguish the technical plotters. Ink capacity or bottle-based filling matters to buyers who print often, while roll and sheet handling can shape everyday convenience.
I also kept the F570 in the comparison because it is a 24-inch SureColor model, but treated its dye-sublimation purpose as a defining difference. Its transfer workflow makes sense for buyers creating sublimation output, not someone simply looking for the closest alternative to a T-series plotter. Where supplied details identify a limitation—such as an optional stand or Epson-cartridge requirement—I include it in the tradeoffs. The order favors broad document-printing usefulness first, then distinguishes compact, ink-efficient, and specialized choices.
| epson surecolor large format printer | Printer type | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor T5170 36-Inch | Wide-format inkjet | Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct |
| Epson SureColor T3170x 24-Inch | — | Wireless |
| Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch | Wireless desktop plotter | Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct |
| Epson SureColor T3170 Wireless | Wireless desktop wide-format plotter | Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct |
| Epson SureColor F570 24-Inch D | Dye sublimation | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Epson Surecolor Large Format Printer
I would start with the job and media size, then decide how much ink capacity and setup flexibility matter. These printers cover two distinct paths: T-series document plotting and F570 dye sublimation.
Match print width to your largest recurring job
The first fork is 36 inches versus 24 inches. The T5170 is the only option here that reaches 36 inches, which matters when full-size plans or other wide documents are part of the regular workload. The T2170, T3170, and T3170x fit work that stays within 24 inches and take up less room. If most of your files fit the smaller width, the wider T5170 may occupy more space than your workflow needs.
Choose the ink system around print volume
The T3170x uses high-capacity bottles and includes 1,120 ml of ink, making it the clearest match for frequent output among these options. The T5170 and T3170 use high-capacity cartridges, and the T2170 is specified for Epson cartridges. Bottle filling can reduce cartridge swaps, while cartridges may better suit buyers who prefer a familiar replaceable supply. I would weigh expected use and refill preferences alongside the printer’s stated capacity.
Compare speed claims for the same kind of work
For stated A1/D-size output, the T5170 is listed at 31 seconds, the T3170 and T3170x at 34 seconds, and the T2170 at 43 seconds. These figures help separate the plotters, but they do not describe every file or workflow. If you print large batches, even a modest stated difference may be relevant; for occasional plans, width, media handling, or ink setup may carry more weight.
Check media handling and workspace needs
The T2170 supports rolls and sheets up to 11 × 17 inches, giving it a clearly stated sheet option alongside roll printing. The F570 also supports rolls and sheets and adds a 50-sheet feeder and cutter, but weighs 151 pounds. Several T-series models list a stand sold separately, so account for the surface or accessory needed to place the printer securely. Compact dimensions do not eliminate the need to plan for loaded media and daily access.
Keep sublimation separate from plotter shopping
The F570’s dye-sublimation technology is a deciding feature, not a general upgrade over the T-series. It is suited to transfer production, while the other models are the clearer choices for technical drawings and wide-format documents. Before choosing the F570, confirm that your output process calls for sublimation and that its listed page-per-minute speed, weight, and 24-inch media limit fit your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Epson SureColor model in this group prints the widest?
The T5170 is the only 36-inch model listed, while the T2170, T3170, T3170x, and F570 are 24-inch options. Choose the T5170 when your regular documents exceed the narrower models’ width; otherwise, a 24-inch printer may be easier to fit into a compact workspace.
Which of these printers uses bottle-based ink?
The T3170x uses high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop filling and includes 1,120 ml of ink. The T5170 and T3170 use cartridges, and the T2170 is specified for Epson cartridges. The F570 is a dye-sublimation bundle with a full ink set, a different workflow from the T-series document plotters.
How do the T2170 and T3170 compare?
Both are compact, wireless, 24-inch plotters, but the T3170 has a faster stated A1/D-size time: 34 seconds compared with 43 seconds for the T2170. The T2170 lists 2400 dpi resolution and roll plus 11 × 17-inch sheet support. The T3170 emphasizes its 4.3-inch touchscreen and cartridge-based workflow; compare the media details and operating preferences that matter to your work.
Is the F570 a good choice for architectural plans?
The F570 is primarily a dye-sublimation printer, so I would not choose it as the default for architectural plans. The T5170 is the better fit when plans need a width up to 36 inches, while the T-series 24-inch options suit smaller document work. The F570 makes more sense when your process specifically needs sublimation transfers.
Do the compact T-series printers include a stand?
The supplied product details state that the stand is sold separately for the T2170, T3170, and T3170x. Check the exact configuration for the model you are considering, and plan for a stable surface or the required accessory. The T5170 and F570 descriptions do not specify a stand in the details provided here.
Conclusion
For 36-inch technical documents, I recommend the T5170, whose wider capacity and 31-second stated A1/D-size speed distinguish it from the compact plotters. For frequent 24-inch printing with a bottle-based ink system, the T3170x is the focused pick. Choose the T3170 if you want its quicker stated output with cartridges, or the T2170 if its roll and sheet handling and 2400 dpi listing better match your smaller workflow. The F570 belongs on your shortlist when dye-sublimation production is the real job; for ordinary plotting, one of the T-series models is a closer match.
