PrintersMag UK

Brother GTX Pro vs Brother GT-381

Technical comparison for TSHIRT printers

Brother GTX Pro - tshirt printer product view

Brother GTX Pro

VS
Brother GT-381

Brother GT-381

Specifications Brother GTX Pro Brother GT-381
Print Technology DTG DTG
Color Output CMYK + White CMYK + 4 White
Print Resolution 1200 x 1200 dpi 1200 x 1200 dpi
Black Print Speed (PPM) N/A Fast
Color Print Speed (PPM) Fast Standard
First Page Out Time N/A N/A
Auto Double-Sided No No
Input Paper Capacity 1 Platen 1 Platen
Output Tray Capacity N/A N/A
Supported Paper Sizes Up to 16 x 21 inches 14 x 16 inches
Paper Weight Support Heavy Garments Cotton
Scanner Type None None
Scan Resolution N/A N/A
Auto Document Feeder None None
Copy Speed No No
Wi-Fi Connectivity No No
Ethernet Support Yes Yes
USB Connectivity Yes Yes
Mobile Printing Support No 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
Brand Brother Brother
Check Brother GTX Pro Check Brother GT-381

Brother GTX Pro Review

✅ Pros: Industrial build quality, very fast print speeds.

❌ Cons: High entry price, needs professional setup.

Brother GT-381 Review

✅ Pros: Modular print heads allow for easy upgrades.

❌ Cons: Older technology compared to GTX series.

⚖️

Expert Verdict

Comparing the older Brother GT-381 to the modern Brother GTX Pro reveals a massive leap in direct-to-garment (DTG) technology. The GT-381 was a reliable workhorse in its day, but its manual maintenance and slower print speeds feel outdated in a fast-paced production environment. The GTX Pro introduces a revolutionary white ink circulation system that dramatically reduces clogging and maintenance downtime compared to the GT-381. With the GTX Pro, you get significantly faster print times, allowing you to fulfill larger orders with much higher throughput. The new printhead design also produces sharper details and more vibrant colors, especially on dark garments that require a heavy white underbase. While the GT-381 might be found as a cheaper used entry point, its operational costs and high maintenance requirements make it a risky bet today. The GTX Pro is designed for high-volume shops that need to print and ship quickly without worrying about head clogs. If you are serious about scaling a t-shirt business, the Brother GTX Pro is the only logical choice. It wins hands-down on speed, ink management, and overall reliability.

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