How does it compare to direct to textile printing?

Although the additional process of the paper transfer is often thought to make sublimation the more expensive and drawn out printing technique, this is not necessarily correct. The initial print of direct to textile is indeed faster but the steaming, washing and drying processes involved in the direct to textile print greatly increase the turnaround time when compared to the simple heat press procedure with sublimation ink

Sublimation will generally offer more detail and sharpness of print.