Sawgrass SG500 vs Brother GT-381
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Sawgrass SG500 VS
Brother GT-381 Sawgrass SG500
✅ Best entry-level printer for sublimation transfers.
❌ Requires specific sublimation paper and high-polyester fabric.
Brother GT-381
✅ Modular print heads allow for easy upgrades.
❌ Older technology compared to GTX series.
| Feature | Sawgrass SG500 | Brother GT-381 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Sublimation | DTG |
| Colour Output | CMYK | CMYK + 4 White |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | N/A | Fast |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | High Speed | Standard |
| First Page Out Time | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Double-Sided | No | No |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | 1 Platen |
| Output Tray Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4 / Legal | 14 x 16 inches |
| Paper Weight Support | Sublimation Paper | Cotton |
| Scanner Type | None | None |
| Scan Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Ethernet Support | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Printing Support | Yes | No |
| Display Panel | N/A | N/A |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | N/A |
| Ink/Cartridge System | N/A | N/A |
| Borderless Printing | N/A | N/A |
| Width | N/A | N/A |
| Depth | N/A | N/A |
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Machine Weight | N/A | N/A |
| Energy Efficiency | N/A | N/A |
| Noise Level (dB) | N/A | N/A |
| Processor Speed | N/A | N/A |
| Internal Memory | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | N/A | N/A |
| Security Features | N/A | N/A |
| Compatible OS | N/A | N/A |
| Included in Box | N/A | N/A |
| Warranty Period | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended Use | N/A | N/A |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
Comparing the Brother GT-381 and Sawgrass SG500 highlights the difference between DTG and Sublimation. The Brother prints directly onto cotton fibers, whereas the Sawgrass prints onto paper for heat-transferring onto polyester or coated items. The GT-381 is the winner for a business that primarily sells high-quality cotton t-shirts. The Sawgrass SG500 is the winner for someone making mugs, keychains, and polyester sports gear. In terms of sheer machine capability, the Brother is a much larger and more expensive industrial tool, while the Sawgrass is a desktop-friendly entry point into the world of personalization. For apparel, go with the Brother; for hard goods, go with the Sawgrass.
What Owners Are Saying?
Sawgrass SG500
Milly K. ★★★★★
Crafty_Jack ★★★★☆
Brother GT-381
OldSchool_Print ★★★☆☆