Best 3D Printers
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
3D printing has transformed how we create, allowing everything from small trinkets to intricate prototypes to come to life by turning digital designs into physical objects using materials like plastic, metal, or resin. With 3D printers becoming more affordable and user-friendly, they’re now a popular tool for hobbyists, designers, and businesses alike. When choosing a 3D printer, consider print quality for smoothness and detail, build volume for the size of objects you can create, and the range of materials it supports for flexibility, strength, and appearance. After testing a wide range of models, we’ve identified the best 3D printers that deliver reliability, high-quality prints, and great value for different skill levels and needs.
FlashForge Adventurer 5M
We think the FlashForge Adventurer 5M is a great choice for beginners and experts alike, thanks to its user-friendly features and impressive print quality.
We think the FlashForge Adventurer 5M is a great choice for beginners and experts alike, thanks to its user-friendly features and impressive print quality.
When we first got our hands on the FlashForge Adventurer 5M, we were blown away by how quick and easy it was to set up. In just a few minutes, we had it up and running. The auto-leveling feature worked like a charm, saving us time and hassle.
We put the printer through its paces with a variety of projects. The print quality was top-notch, even at high speeds. We loved how quiet it was too – we could barely hear it working in the next room.
One thing that really stood out was the quick-change nozzle system. We swapped nozzles in seconds, which was great for switching between detailed and fast prints. The direct extruder handled different materials well, from basic PLA to more tricky filaments like TPU.
Creality K1C 3D Printer
We think the Creality K1C is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for a fast, feature-packed 3D printer.
We think the Creality K1C is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for a fast, feature-packed 3D printer.
The K1C impressed us with its blazing fast print speeds. At 600mm/s, it churned out models much quicker than other printers we’ve tested. We were able to go from unboxing to printing in just minutes thanks to its pre-assembled design and user-friendly setup process.
We found the auto-leveling and calibration features to be real time-savers. The printer handled most of the prep work on its own, letting us focus on designing and printing. The direct extruder worked well with a variety of materials, including carbon fiber filaments.
While the AI camera is a neat feature, we had mixed results with its effectiveness. It sometimes failed to catch print issues that we spotted ourselves. The cooling system did a good job preventing warping, but the fans were louder than we’d like during extended print sessions.
Creality K1 Max
We think the Creality K1 Max is a top choice for both beginners and pros seeking a fast, large-format 3D printer.
We think the Creality K1 Max is a top choice for both beginners and pros seeking a fast, large-format 3D printer.
The K1 Max wowed us with its blazing speed. We printed a complex model in just a few hours that would’ve taken all day on a standard printer. The huge build volume let us tackle big projects or print lots of small items at once.
We loved the smart features. The AI camera caught a failed print early, saving us time and filament. Auto-leveling worked great, giving us perfect first layers without fuss. The dual cooling fans kept even tall prints looking crisp.
Setup was a breeze. We were printing within 30 minutes of unboxing. The quick-heating bed reached 60°C in 90 seconds flat. We did notice some vibration at top speeds, so a solid table is a must. While most prints came out flawlessly, we had to use a glue stick for tricky materials like PETG.
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro
We think the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro is a top choice for those seeking a fast and precise 3D printer.
We think the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro is a top choice for those seeking a fast and precise 3D printer.
The Neptune 4 Pro impressed us with its blazing speed. We printed a complex model in half the time of other printers we’ve tested. The Klipper firmware and powerful processor work together to make this possible.
We found the all-metal guide rails on the X and Y axes to be a game-changer. They made a big difference in print quality, giving us smoother surfaces and more accurate details. The direct drive extruder also did a great job, handling different filaments with ease.
One thing we really liked was the segmented heating zones. It’s a smart feature that saves power by only heating the area you’re using. The auto-leveling worked well too, saving us time and hassle. While it took some setup, we think it’s worth it for the performance you get.
Creality Ender 3
We think the Creality Ender 3 is a great starter 3D printer for beginners on a budget.
We think the Creality Ender 3 is a great starter 3D printer for beginners on a budget.
We spent a week testing the Creality Ender 3, and we’re impressed by its performance at this price point. The printer comes partially assembled, and we had it up and running in about 2 hours. The instructions were clear, making the setup process smooth for 3D printing newbies.
In our tests, print quality was surprisingly good for an entry-level machine. We printed several small figurines and functional parts with nice detail. The heated bed helped prints stick well, though it took some trial and error to get the leveling just right.
One feature we really liked was the ability to resume printing after a power outage. This came in handy when we accidentally unplugged the printer mid-print. The Ender 3 picked up right where it left off once we powered it back on.
While not silent, the Ender 3 wasn’t overly loud during printing. The upgraded extruder worked smoothly, and we didn’t experience any clogs. Build quality feels solid for a budget printer, with an aluminum frame providing good stability.
Creality K1C Speed Demon
We recommend the Creality K1C for its blazing speed and user-friendly features, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts.
We recommend the Creality K1C for its blazing speed and user-friendly features, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts.
The Creality K1C impressed us with its rapid printing capabilities. We were able to churn out models in record time without sacrificing quality. The printer’s sturdy metal frame kept vibrations to a minimum, even at top speeds.
Setting up the K1C was a breeze. It came mostly pre-assembled, and the auto-calibration feature had us printing in no time. We liked the AI camera that kept an eye on our prints, alerting us to any issues. This feature gave us peace of mind when we left long prints running overnight.
We found the all-metal extruder to be a standout feature. It handled carbon fiber-filled filaments like a champ, opening up new possibilities for strong, stable prints. The built-in air purifier was a nice touch, keeping our workspace smelling fresh during long printing sessions. While it can get a bit loud at max speed, switching to silent mode solved this issue for us.
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus
We think the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus is a great choice for those seeking a fast and large-format 3D printer.
We think the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus is a great choice for those seeking a fast and large-format 3D printer.
The Neptune 4 Plus caught our eye with its lightning-fast printing speeds. We were amazed to see it zip through prints at up to 500mm/s. This speed boost lets us finish projects much quicker than with other printers we’ve tested.
We love the huge build volume on this printer. At 12.59″x12.59″x15.15″, it gives us plenty of room to print large models or multiple smaller items at once. The direct drive extruder works great with various materials, including tricky ones like TPU.
Setting up the Neptune 4 Plus took us about an hour. The auto-leveling feature works well, but we had to tweak some settings to get the best results. While it’s not the easiest printer for newcomers, we think it’s a solid pick for those willing to learn and experiment.
ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro
We think the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro is a great choice for beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts alike due to its user-friendly features and reliable performance.
We think the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro is a great choice for beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts alike due to its user-friendly features and reliable performance.
The Neptune 3 Pro impressed us with its straightforward assembly process. We had it up and running in no time, thanks to the pre-assembled main components and included tool kit. The printer’s 225x225x280mm build volume is enough for most common projects, though it might fall short for bigger builds.
We found the dual-gear direct extruder to be a standout feature. It handled various filaments like PLA, TPU, and PETG with ease, reducing clogging issues we’ve seen in other printers. The auto bed leveling was a breeze to use, scanning 36 points on the bed to ensure our first layer adhered perfectly every time.
During our tests, we noticed how quiet the Neptune 3 Pro was, thanks to its silent stepper motors. This makes it a great option for home use, even in shared spaces. The dual Z-axis lead screws added stability to our prints, resulting in crisp, accurate models. While we did face a slight learning curve with the software, the included videos were helpful in getting us started.
Asani Mini 3D Printer
We think this compact 3D printer is a great choice for kids and beginners looking to get started with minimal fuss.
We think this compact 3D printer is a great choice for kids and beginners looking to get started with minimal fuss.
The Asani Mini 3D Printer stood out to us as a user-friendly option for newcomers. We found its compact size perfect for tight spaces like dorms or small home offices. The auto-leveling feature worked well, saving us time and frustration during setup.
We liked that it came with everything needed to start printing right away. The included PLA filament and pre-loaded designs on the SD card let us dive in quickly. The magnetic build plate made removing finished prints a breeze.
One drawback we noticed was the limited build area. It’s fine for small projects, but you’ll need to look elsewhere for larger prints. We also wish it was compatible with more filament types beyond PLA and TPU. While WiFi connectivity is nice to have, we had some hiccups getting it working smoothly.
FlashForge Adventurer 5M
We think the FlashForge Adventurer 5M is a top pick for both beginners and experts looking for a fast, high-quality 3D printer.
We think the FlashForge Adventurer 5M is a top pick for both beginners and experts looking for a fast, high-quality 3D printer.
The Adventurer 5M impressed us right out of the box. We had it up and running in just 10 minutes. The auto-leveling feature worked like a charm, saving us the headache of manual calibration. Our first prints came out smooth and stuck well to the bed.
We loved how fast this printer is. It zoomed through our test models at speeds up to 600mm/s without sacrificing quality. The Core XY design kept things stable even at high speeds. We noticed the vibration compensation really helped reduce ghosting on our prints.
The quick-change nozzle is a game-changer. We swapped nozzles in seconds, letting us switch between fine detail and speedy drafts easily. The dual-sided PEI platform was another nice touch. Our prints popped off without a fuss when the bed cooled down.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a 3D printer, there are several key factors to consider. We’ll walk you through the main features to look for.
Print Quality
Print resolution is crucial. Look for printers with finer layer heights (measured in microns) for smoother prints.
Build Volume
This determines the maximum size of objects you can print. Larger volumes allow for bigger creations.
Printing Speed
Faster print speeds can save time, but may impact quality. Find a balance that works for your needs.
Filament Compatibility
Some printers work with multiple materials. Consider what you want to print and choose accordingly.
Ease of Use
User-friendly features like auto-leveling beds and touchscreens make printing easier.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi enables remote printing. USB and SD card slots offer offline options.
Safety Features
Enclosed printing areas and automatic shutoff are important safety considerations.
Price
Set a budget, but remember that higher-quality printers often cost more.
Feature | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Resolution | Affects print detail |
Build Volume | Determines max object size |
Speed | Impacts production time |
Materials | Expands creative options |
We recommend prioritizing print quality and ease of use for beginners. More advanced users might focus on speed and material compatibility.