Updated: October 15, 2026 · By the DTF Gears team
Quick answer: For most small shops, the best A3 DTF printer is the Procolored K13 Lite ($1,999). It's the lowest-cost way to print 13-inch DTF transfers, with automatic white ink circulation. Choose the Procolored F13 ($2,599) if you want an Epson L1800 printhead and a 1-year warranty. Choose the xTool Apparel Printer ($5,399) if you want 14-inch prints, dual printheads, automatic maintenance and macOS support.
Quick picks
- Best value / first DTF printer: Procolored K13 Lite ($1,999)
- Best for an Epson printhead and a full RIP: Procolored F13 ($2,599)
- Best for speed and hands-off maintenance: xTool Apparel Printer ($5,399)
A3 DTF printers compared
| Procolored K13 Lite | Procolored F13 | xTool Apparel Printer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter bundle price | $1,999 | $2,599 | $5,399 |
| Print width | 13" (A3) | 13" (A3) | 14" (max print area 14 × 18") |
| Printhead | LiteHead LH-500 | Epson L1800 (single) | Dual Epson i1600 |
| Inks | CMYK + White | CMYK + White | CMYK + White |
| White ink care | Automatic circulation every 30 min | White ink circulation system | Ink stirring and circulation, auto head cleaning, auto moisturizer refill |
| Software included | Procolored Studio Lite | Procolored RIP (Windows) | xTool Creative Space with RIP and auto nesting (Windows & macOS) |
| Starter bundle includes | 5 × 250 ml ink, 500 g powder, 100 m A3 film | 5 × 250 ml ink, 500 g powder, A3 roll film | 5 × 250 ml ink, 25 m film, moisturizing liquid |
| Warranty | See product page | 1 year | 1 year (printhead terms differ) |
Prices are as of the date above. The live price is always on the product page.
Which A3 DTF printer is easiest to maintain?
White ink is the #1 cause of clogs in DTF printing, so how a printer looks after it matters more than almost any other spec.
- xTool Apparel Printer does the most for you: automatic printhead cleaning, ink stirring and circulation, automatic moisturizer refill, and remote monitoring in the app. It's the best pick if nobody on your team wants to babysit a printer.
- Procolored K13 Lite circulates white ink automatically every 30 minutes, which stops it settling between jobs.
- Procolored F13 has a white ink circulation system and includes a printhead moisturizing device in the bundle.
Whichever you buy, daily care still matters. Our Procolored maintenance checklist covers the routine.
What does each printer cost to get started?
The starter bundles include the printer, ink, powder and film. To press transfers you'll also need a curing oven (or shaker oven) and a heat press.
- Procolored F13: $2,599 starter, $2,999 with oven, or $3,299 with oven and heat press. See the F13 bundles.
- Procolored K13 Lite: $1,999 starter, with bundles that add an oven. See the K13 Lite oven bundle.
- xTool Apparel Printer: $5,399 starter, $8,099 Professional or $8,999 Professional Plus. Here's what each xTool bundle adds.
For refills, see our premium Japanese DTF ink and economical DTF ink.
Do you need CADlink with an A3 DTF printer?
No. Every printer here ships with its own software. Many shops later add CADlink Digital Factory for finer control of the white underbase, colour and halftones. If you plan to, check our guide to setting up CADlink with Procolored printers.
Who should buy each printer?
Buy the Procolored K13 Lite if you:
- Are starting a DTF business and want the lowest upfront cost
- Print small to medium batches of T-shirts, hoodies and tote bags
- Want automatic white ink circulation without paying for a premium machine
Buy the Procolored F13 if you:
- Prefer an Epson L1800 printhead
- Want a bundle with an oven and heat press in one order
- Want a clearly stated 1-year warranty
Buy the xTool Apparel Printer if you:
- Need speed. It prints up to about 50 sq ft per hour with dual i1600 heads.
- Use a Mac. xTool Creative Space runs on Windows and macOS.
- Want the most automated maintenance and an app to monitor the printer
Skip all three if you:
- Print hundreds of transfers a day. Look at 24-inch commercial DTF printers instead.
- Only print small designs like left-chest logos and want to spend less. The Procolored F8 A4 printer starts at $1,899.
Want a deeper look?
- xTool Apparel Printer vs Procolored K13 Lite: head-to-head
- Procolored K13 Lite review
- Procolored F13 Pro vs F13
- xTool Apparel Printer review
FAQ
What is the best A3 DTF printer for beginners?
The Procolored K13 Lite. At $1,999 it's the lowest-cost 13-inch option we sell, and it circulates white ink automatically to help prevent clogs.
What size is an A3 DTF printer?
A3 DTF printers print on film about 13 inches wide. That's big enough for full-front adult T-shirt designs. The xTool Apparel Printer prints slightly wider, at 14 inches.
Which A3 DTF printer is the fastest?
Of these three, the xTool Apparel Printer. It has dual Epson i1600 printheads and prints up to about 50 sq ft per hour, depending on mode.
Which A3 DTF printer works with a Mac?
The xTool Apparel Printer. Its xTool Creative Space software runs on Windows and macOS. The Procolored RIP included with the F13 is Windows-only.
Do A3 DTF printers come with ink and film?
Yes. All three starter bundles include a CMYK + White ink set and DTF film. The Procolored bundles also include 500 g of adhesive powder.
Can I pay monthly for a DTF printer?
Yes. DTF Gears offers financing through Affirm and Clicklease. You'll see the options on each product page.
Ready to choose?
Compare all DTF printers and bundles →
Still not sure? Tell us what you'll print and how many a day, and we'll recommend the right printer.
DTF Gears is a U.S. dealer of Procolored, xTool, eufyMake, Audley and CADlink. Every printer comes with remote setup help from our team.
