10 Best Heat Transfer Vinyl for T-Shirts

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This page reviews the best heat transfer vinyl (HTV) choices available. It all seems the same, but there can be a difference in the durability and longevity of these products. A higher price doesn’t always mean better quality either. Choosing the right HTV is vital if you expect to make money with your artwork. There’s nothing worse than a t-shirt that loses its transfer after a couple of washes.

Jump straight to the reviews if you know what you want and only need to check the latest options. Keep reading if you’re new to all this and would like some guidance. My short introduction covers all the basics and explains what HTV is and what you should look for.

Budget
best-budget-heat-transfer-vinyl
VViViD V2 Pro Hyper Silver Glitter
4.8/5.0
Roll/Sheet: Sheets
Colors: 7
It is a hot peel (heat track liner), long-lasting, and affordable.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-heat-transfer-vinyl
JANDJPACKAGING HTV
4.6/5.0
Roll/Sheet: Sheets
Colors: 16
Hot iron or heat press, easy to weed, soft elasticity, machine washable.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-heat-transfer-vinyl
ARTEZA HTV
4.7/5.0
Roll/Sheet: Sheets
Colors: 22
Vibrant colors, flat protective box, easy to cut, simple to weed.
Check Amazon

Heat Transfer Vinyl 101

Most refer to Heat transfer vinyl as HTV. It’s a distinct type of inexpensive, recyclable plastic material. HTV lets you transfer creative designs onto a range of surfaces. It’s vital that you match the vinyl with the surface you’re using. Every maker should list the HTV compatibility in the product description. I include the popular surfaces the HTV works with in my reviews.

Not all heat transfer vinyl is equal so make sure you get a decent product. The best HTV sells well and enjoys favorable reviews from the community. Trust user feedback over the manufacturer’s hype.

Superior HTV should NOT do any of the following:

  1. Peel easily
  2. Fade quickly
  3. Crack after a few washes
  4. Bubble

Sometimes, user error is to blame for peeling, bubbling, and melting, especially among newbies.

The Importance of Weeding

Weeding is a process that takes a little practice to perfect, but what is it—exactly? It refers to the removal of any excess vinyl around and inside the decal. There are various weeding tools for this, the most common being pins and tweezers. Vinyl cutter machines often come with special weeding tools.

Some hobbyists love weeding as it brings their designs to life. Others find removing tiny bits from intricate designs a tedious activity. Either way, it’s a necessary process that you can’t avoid. Not all HTV is easy to weed, but it should be, so make sure you choose a product that is.

Thinner Is Better

Thin HTV is generally better unless you’re looking for a different effect. It’s also easier to cut either by hand or machine and apply to a surface. A quality, thin, lightweight HTV sits flush with the fabric that results in a soft touch. Some companies make a point of highlighting the thinness of its HTV. They claim that it’s “X% thinner than Rival Brand,” or use statements like “So thin it feels like ink.”

Characteristics of Quality HTV

Not every user demands the same characteristics from their HTV. What you need depends on your projects and expectations. Below are some of the typical features to consider before you buy:

  • Surfaces compatibility
  • Easy to use, e.g., cut and weed
  • Ultra-thin unless looking for a different effect
  • See-through square grid pattern for guidance
  • No sticky excess gum to contend with
  • Long-lasting (resistant to cracks & peeling)
  • Wide choice of colors available
  • Soft to the touch
  • Highly pressure sensitive
  • Garments can stretch naturally
  • Durable with frequent washing

Final Word on HTV

Makers of HTV sell the products in bundles, and that’s reason enough to choose with care. Also, be sure you have the right tools for the job to make the process stress-free and enjoyable. They include a computer with the proper software for your designs, and an iron or heat presser machine. You also need a vinyl cutter or cotton plotter. It sounds complicated, but none of it takes long to grasp.

Tip: expect some wastage as you learn and perform a few tests runs on throwaway garments.

About My ‘Best Heat Transfer’ Vinyl Reviews

These 10 reviews are the result of extensive research and personal experience using HTV. I also considered real user feedback along with the opinions of experts in the industry. The first three reviews are the editor’s choice for Best Budget, Best Value, and the Top Pick. The ones below those are by price—lowest to high—for easy navigation. The table below shows the 10 products as they appear.

Heat Transfer Vinyl Comparison Table

1. VViViD V2 Pro Hyper Silver Glitter HTV | Best Budget

VViViD V2 Pro Hyper Silver Glitter HTVView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Best Budget pick is VViViD V2 Pro hyper silver glitter. It’s an ultra-thin product that’s ideal for adding bling to designs. This pack includes 7 different colored sheets of heat transfer vinyl (HTV).

  • Best feature 1: Ultra-thin metallic flakes
  • Best feature 2: 7 vibrant colors
  • Plus points: Hot peel (heat track liner), long-lasting, affordable
  • Minus points: Difficult to weed for first-time users

Colors available: Gold, silver, red, black, blue pink and white

What We Like About VViViD V2 Pro

This HTV is full of shimmering ultra-thin metallic flakes. The thinness of this type of product is vital so that it’s easy to cut. Its heat track liner (hot peel) is a unique liner on V2 that allows smooth removal from garments while hot. The results are spectacular for a non-transparent glittering finish. The product is long-lasting when applied correctly and should keep for as long as the garment.

The Not So Good

Some first-time users may find this product tricky to weed. Carry out a few trial-runs on test pieces first. Users with some experience, though, find VViViD V2 Pro super easy to work with.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheet
Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 10.5”
Shipping weight: 9.9 oz. (0.61 lbs.)
Available colors: 7
The Pros
Ultra-thin metallic flakes
7 vibrant colors
Hot peel (heat track liner)
Long-lasting
Affordable & fun
The Cons
Difficult to weed for first-timers

2. JANDJPACKAGING HTV 25 Pack Bundle | Best Value

JANDJPACKAGING HTV 25 Pack BundleView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Best Value heat transfer vinyl is JANDJPACKAGING red color HTV. The bundle includes 11 heavy-duty sheets and costs under 15 dollars at the time of writing this guide.

  • Best feature 1: Heavy duty HTV
  • Best feature 2: Eco-friendly
  • Plus points: Hot iron or heat press, easy to weed, soft elasticity, machine washable
  • Minus points: Difficult to know which side is which

Colors available: black, white, red, green, navy blue, baby blue, royal blue, orange, neon hot pink, deep gold, lilac purple, sun yellow, dark yellow, neon orange, lime green, and silver.

What We Like About J&J PACKING HTV

New users appreciate the instructions that this product comes with—not all HTV does. Another plus is the eco-friendly PU material (SGS certified) that’s safe to use and chemical-free. The HTV sheets are durable and should easily last the life of any garment. The thickness is ideal for precision cutting with brand cutters like Cricut, Brother, and Silhouette, etc.

Other standout features of JANDJPACKAGING HTV are its soft elasticity and easy weeding. You can also machine wash garments without the HTV losing any of its adhesiveness.

The Not So Good

It’s not easy to tell which side of the HTV to cut on, especially for first-time users. That’s a common problem with some HTV brands, and it can be annoying and wasteful.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheets
Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 11 x 0.2”
Shipping weight: 9.6 oz. (0.6 lbs.)
Available colors: 16
The Pros
Heavy duty HTV
Eco-friendly (SGS certified)
Hot iron or heat press
Easy to weed
Soft elasticity
Machine washable
The Cons
Not easy to tell which side of the HTV to cut on

3. ARTEZA Heat Transfer Vinyl Flexible Set | Top Pick

ARTEZA Heat Transfer Vinyl Flexible SetView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

ARTEZA HTV makes the Top Pick for this guide. It’s a flexible product and one that transfers to most types of fabric. It’s also durable and stands up well to multiple washes.

  • Best feature 1: Transfers to most fabrics
  • Best feature 2: Durable PU material, long-lasting
  • Plus points: Vibrant colors, flat protective box, easy to cut, simple to weed
  • Minus points: Inconsistent experiences, film side not obvious

Colors available include: White, black, red, green, neon green, blue, royal blue, sky blue, lemon yellow, golden yellow, orange, neon orange, silver, gold, pink, neon pink, grey, burgundy, fuchsia, beige, camel, aquamarine, and maroon.

What We Like About ARTEZA HTV Flexible Vinyl

There are 22 sheets in the pack that arrive in a flat protective box to prevent bent corners. Not all brands offer the same safeguard. High durability HTV is an essential buying consideration, and ARTEZA doesn’t fall short. The product is a durable PU material. PU is renowned for its versatility, resilience, and long-lasting properties. Garments are more likely to wear out before the HTV does.

The product works with all the popular cutting machines and is super-easy to cut. Weeding is also a quick, stress-free experience, and not all HTV can make that claim.

The Not So Good

ARTEZA HTV is flexible and works with just about any fabric. However, it transfers easier onto some surfaces than others and colors can make a difference too. It’s most noticeable when using a hand iron. There aren’t any serious issues, though. Just anticipate a different experience when working on new surfaces. Finally, some users report that it’s hard to know which side is the film.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheets
Product Dimensions: 12 x 0.5 x 12”
Shipping weight: 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.)
Available colors: 22
The Pros
Transfers onto any fabric
Durable PU, long-lasting
22 vibrant colors
Flat protective box
Easy to cut
Simple to weed
The Cons
Inconsistent experience
Film side not obvious

4. Somolux Black Heat Transfer Vinyl HTV Iron-on

Somolux Black Heat Transfer Vinyl HTV Iron-onView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Somolux Black Heat Transfer Vinyl works with modern heat press machines and craft cutters. It’s an affordable product and an excellent choice for larger designs.

  • Best feature 1: Temperature and pressure sensitive backing
  • Best feature 2: Easy to cut & weed
  • Plus points: Durable polyurethane, eco-friendly, SGS certified, perfect for larger projects
  • Minus points: Limited colors, small bundles, tricky to weed intricate designs

Colors available: Black, blue, red, and white

What We Like About Somolux Black HTV Iron-on

Somolux HTV is easy to cut and quick to apply using a heat press or regular iron. The backing is pressure and temperature sensitive. The product is ideal for creating custom numbers, text, and simple logos. Most users find it cuts well and weeds easily. The durable polyurethane can withstand many washes without any compromise to its integrity. It’s also eco-friendly, SGS certified, and safe to wear.

The Not So Good

There are only 4 colors at the time of writing this review. The bundles are also small for heavy users. Another issue is that weeding can be tricky with smaller designs though easy with larger ones.

Tech Specs
Type: Roll 12” x 12 ft.
Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 2.2 x 2.1”
Shipping weight: 14.4 oz. (0.9 lbs.)
Available colors: 4
The Pros
Temperature and pressure sensitive backing
Easy to cut & weed
Durable polyurethane
Eco-friendly material
SGS certified
Perfect HTV for larger projects
The Cons
Limited colors
Small bundles
Tricky to weed intricate designs

5. Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl Starter Bundle

Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl Starter BundleView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

This bundle is the Siser NA EasyWeed HTV pack. It includes 12 favorite color sheets of 12” by 15”. It’s a hot peel that works well with 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and all cotton/poly blends.

  • Best feature 1: Ultra-thin, easy to work with
  • Best feature 2: 12 most popular colors
  • Plus points: Hot peel, pressure sensitive carrier, tremendous durability
  • Minus points: Potential iron-on issue

Colors available: White, black, royal blue, orange, yellow, silver, sun yellow, flor. pink, flor. green, light pink, red, and gold.

What We Like About the EasyWeed Starter Bundle

Siser NA EasyWeed heat transfer vinyl is an ultra-thin HTV—thinner than its rivals. It’s easy to cut and transfer the product and effortless to weed. These are all significant buying considerations. The pressure sensitive carrier lets users weed intricate designs and small lettering effortlessly. Siser’s easyweed is an excellent HTV product for single color or multifaceted use.

Durability is another thing to consider with any HTV and Siser’s easyweed checks that box too. You can wash it as often as you like and the transfer stays consistent for the life of the garment.

The Not So Good

It’s often down to user error when a quality HTV doesn’t stick well. However, user feedback suggests that Siser’s easyweed has inconsistent results when using an iron. Not everyone has issues. But there are enough complaints to highlight it as a ‘potential’ concern. Always follow the iron-on instructions for heat and pressure settings. There aren’t any reported problems securing the vinyl with a heat press.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheets
Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 1.6 x 1.6”
Shipping weight: 12 oz. (0.75 lbs.)
Available colors: 12
The Pros
Ultra-thin, easy to work with
12 most popular colors
Hot peel
Pressure sensitive carrier
Tremendous durability
The Cons
Potential iron-on issue

6. CAREGY 25ft White Iron-On Heat Transfer HTV

CAREGY 25ft White Iron-On Heat Transfer HTVView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

CAREGY HTV comes in a 12” x 25ft roll of 90-microns thin iron-on HTV. It’s a PU (polymer) composition and CPSIA certified. That makes it a safe product for use with children’s clothing.

  • Best feature 1: PU (polymer) composition CPSIA certified
  • Best feature 2: Applies at a lower heat
  • Plus points: Works with most craft cutters, peels hot or cold, layerable, works as a base layer
  • Minus points: Poor packaging, limited colors

Colors available: Black, white

What We Like About CAREGY Iron-On HTV

This heat vinyl transfer is excellent value and a superb choice. The HTV works with most craft cutter brands. It transfers with ease using a heat press or a regular home iron at lower temperatures. It only needs 305°F for 15/sec at medium pressure. It peels hot or cold and won’t lift during the weeding process. There’s a lot of material here too and the uses are endless.

You can use CAREGY’s HTV to decorate any garment that’s 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and cotton/poly blends. The product is also layerable, so you can mix and match the HTV with other EasyWeed vinyl. It works well as a base layer too, so it’s ideal for holographic, and glitter, etc.

The Not So Good

A few users complain that the product arrives slightly damaged. It’s not sent out that way—the damage happens in transit due to weak packaging. I’m sure people would pay a bit extra for a more protective box. The other con is that there are only two semi-gloss colors to choose from.

Tech Specs
Type: Roll 12” x 25ft
Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 2.5 x 2.3”
Shipping weight: 21.12 oz. (1.32 lbs.)
Available colors: 2
The Pros
PU (polymer) composition
CPSIA certified
Applies at a lower heat
Works with most craft cutters
Peels hot or cold
Layerable
Works as a base layer
The Cons
Weak packaging
Limited colors

7. Marea Premium Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl HTV

Marea Premium Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl HTVView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

This is a 16-color sheet bundle of glitter heat transfer vinyl from Bright Idea Supplies. It’s a versatile pack for anyone who wants to personalize t-shirts and other garments.

  • Best feature 1: Works with a wide variety of fabrics
  • Best feature 2: Strong and durable
  • Plus points: Easy to cut, apply, and weed, iron-on & heat press
  • Minus points: Some colors harder to weed than others

Colors available: Black, hologram black, white, gold, copper gold, silver, blue, royal blue, red, pink, light pink, emerald green, khaki green, purple, lavender, and confetti.

What We like About Marea Premium Glitter HTV

Marea premium glitter HTV is a colorful, quality product of South Korea. It works with Cricut, Silhouette Cameo, and all other modern craft cutters. The material feels a tad stretchy compared to some brands, but it cuts, applies, and weeds just fine. Another welcome feature is that it works with a variety of fabrics. They include cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, rayon, and viscose.

This vinyl is tough and durable and made to withstand 50+ washes with no peeling or cracking. You can transfer it using a regular house iron or heat press machine.

The Not So Good

This HTV is easy to cut, transfer, and weed. However, there are some who find the weeding tricky, especially on smaller designs. It turns out that some colors take more time to weed than others. HTV is a simple product, but it also has ‘specific instructions’ on how to use it for best results.

A lot of transfer and weeding issues arise out of too much guesswork in my experience. This one says 284° Fahrenheit for 8 seconds. That’s “specific,” and anything else may result in disappointments.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheets
Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 10 x 0.6”
Shipping weight: 24 oz. (1.5 lbs.)
Available colors: 16
The Pros
Works with a variety of fabrics
Strong and durable
Easy to cut and apply
Easy to weed
Iron-on & heat press
The Cons
Some colors harder to weed than others

8. imPRESSED Iron On HTV Heat Transfer Vinyl

imPRESSED Iron On HTV Heat Transfer VinylView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

There are endless opportunities to be creative with this 20 sheet ImPressed Vinyl Pack. There are 18 vibrant colors of premium heat transfer vinyl with 2 black and 2 whites.

  • Best feature 1: 18 color multi-pack
  • Best feature 2: Eco-friendly
  • Plus points: Packaging, iron-on or heat press, easy to weed, durable, bonus Teflon sheet
  • Minus points: Unnamed sheets, cold peel

Colors available: Black (2), White (2), silver/grey, gold, brown, grass green, neon green, neon pink, neon yellow, light pink, fuchsia, red, orange, yellow, purple, royal blue, sky blue, and aqua.

What We Like About imPRESSED Iron-On HTV

The ImPressed vinyl pack uses safe, eco-friendly materials that are SGS certified. The product ships in a protective sleeve that doubles as a handy storage container. You can apply this HTV with a regular iron at its maximum (hottest) setting or use a heat press. The transfer is simple to do and super-easy to weed. The result is a durable finish that retains its adhesive wash after wash.

There’s a bonus non-stick Teflon sheet included in the pack. Teflon acts as an effective protective barrier. It’s especially useful when doing multiple presses as it removes the risk of scorching.

The Not So Good

The sheets have no color markings, and that can be problematic with a multi-pack. That’s because it’s not easy to reorder single colors unless you know the specific name. This pack has a couple of greens and 3 blue hues, for example. The HTV is cold peel although that’s not a con per se. But some users do mess up by accidentally removing the carrier sheet before it’s had time to cool down.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheets
Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 10.8 x 0.2”
Shipping weight: 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.)
Available colors: 18
The Pros
18 color multi-pack
Eco-friendly
Packaging
Iron-on or heat press
Easy to weed
Durable HTV
Bonus Teflon sheet
The Cons
Unnamed sheets
Cold peel only

9. Primology Heat Transfer Vinyl 20 Pack Bundle

Primology Heat Transfer Vinyl 20 Pack BundleView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

This Primology HTV multi-pack is another 20-sheet bundle of 12” x 10” assorted color vinyl. The product arrives in a quality protective envelope that doubles as a storage container.

  • Best feature 1: High-quality, multi-colored 20-sheet HTV bundle
  • Best feature 2: Professional-grade PU (polyurethane)
  • Plus points: Durable, easy to weed, hot or cold peeling, bonus Teflon sheet
  • Minus points: Some reports of peeling after the first wash

Colors available: Black (2), white (2), gold, silver, green, neon orange, neon green, neon pink, neon yellow orange, purple, yellow, red, royal blue, ocean blue, sky blue, pink, and deep pink.

What We Like About Primology HTV Bundle

Primology HTV 20 sheet bundle is compatible with all modern cutting machines. You can apply the vinyl using a heat press or domestic iron, and peeling can be hot or cold. The flat semi-gloss sheets are thin yet durable and easy to weed from intricate designs. The company includes a weeding tool in the box. The iron-on sheets work with 100% polyester, 100% cotton, and poly/cotton blends.

There’s a bonus heat-resistant non-stick Teflon sheet included in the bundle. It’s a useful extra that can protect your clothes and vinyl as you iron on the HTV.

The Not So Good

There are a few reports of peeling after the first wash or two. Most people don’t have issues, yet it’s the same product. That would suggest user error, at least in some cases. Following HTV instructions to the letter cannot be overstressed. Seriously, it can mean the difference between success and failure. The easy-to-follow printed instructions for Primology HTV are on the back of the protective envelope.

Tech Specs
Type: Sheets
Product Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 0.1”
Shipping weight: 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.)
Available colors: 18
The Pros
High-quality HTV
Multi-colored bundle
Professional-grade PU
Durable material
Easy to weed
Hot or cold peeling
Bonus Teflon sheet
The Cons
Some reports of peeling after the first wash

10. Siser EasyWeed HTV Glow in The Dark for T-Shirts

Siser EasyWeed HTV Glow in The Dark for T-ShirtsView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

Last of the reviews is the Siser EasyWeed 12” by 10ft roll of glow-in-the-dark heat transfer vinyl. It’s perfect for tees and other garments made from cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends.

  • Best feature 1: Works with all popular roll feeders
  • Best feature 2: Easy to cut down into sheets
  • Plus points: 11 colors available, ultra-thin, uses any vinyl cutter, pressure sensitive carrier
  • Minus points: Wrong sizing

Colors available: Glow in the dark green, chocolate brown, melon, powder blue, royal blue, tan, cardinal red, charcoal grey, dark maroon, fluorescent coral, and hibiscus red.

What We Like About EasyWeed HTV 10ft. Rolls

The final pick is another quality Siser EasyWeed polyurethane (PU) HTV. These spools work with all popular roll feeders, or you can cut it into custom sheets. This one is the glow-in-the-dark green, but there are 10 other vibrant colors to choose from (see above). Fans prefer EasyWeed for its pressure-sensitive carrier. It’s a feature that allows easy weeding for the smallest designs and tiny letterings.

The film is super thin but not flimsy. Its thinness makes the HTV easy to cut, weed, and apply. It’s also durable and will stand up to endless washes without fading, cracking, or peeling.

The Not So Good

This Siser EasyWeed is 11 ¾ wide and not 12” as stated in the description. It’s a small difference, but it can mess with premade designs if a user needs the maximum width. SISER has taken note of this complaint and since updated the sales page. The ads now read “approximately 12” x 10 Feet (+/- 0.25”).” It always pays to read ads in their entirety.

Tech Specs
Type: Roll 12” x 10 ft. (+/- 0.25”)
Product Dimensions: 12 x 2.5 x 2.5”
Shipping weight: 11.5 oz. (0.71 lbs.)
Available colors: 11
The Pros
Works with all roll feeders
Cuts down to sheet sizes
11 colors available
Ultra-thin, easy to manage
Uses any vinyl cutter
Siser’s pressure sensitive carrier
The Cons
Wrong sizing
0/50 ratings