Technical comparison for TSHIRT printers
Brother GTX Pro
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 |
✅ Pros: Industrial build quality, very fast print speeds.
❌ Cons: High entry price, needs professional setup.
✅ Pros: Modular print heads allow for easy upgrades.
❌ Cons: Older technology compared to GTX series.
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 The GT-381 was a reliable workhorse in its day, but its manual maintenance and slower print speeds feel outdated in a fast-paced production environment.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.