The latest 3D printers have found a place in everything from classrooms to design firms to hobbyists' and DIYers' homes. You can make almost anything using a 3D printer, including models, functional prototypes, and even protective clothing. There is only one trick: find the 3D printer that suits your skill level, intended use cases, and budget.
There are a bewildering array of 3D printers geared at various types of users, so narrowing down your selections may appear daunting. Nonetheless, we can assist you in locating one of the top 3D printers in a variety of pricing ranges, from entry-level devices to more complex machines.
We examined a wide range of devices at various price points to identify the best 3D printers for various applications. From low-cost printers geared at beginners and students to high-end models that aid in professional design projects, here's how to get your hands on a 3D printer capable of generating exactly what you need.
Which 3D Printers Are The Best?
3D printing is a particularly tough pastime to get into; there are complex jargon flying about, a million printers on the market, and enough specs for each to make your head spin. But it doesn't have to be this way!
Not all 3D printers are made equal, and this is especially true for individuals who are just getting started with 3D printing. A printer that goes above in terms of comfort features, print success methods, or a big and supportive community behind it may be quite beneficial.
Here are our recommendations for the best 3D printers for beginners, sorted by price rather than choice.
The Best 3D Printers
Elegoo Mars Pro
Resin printers are becoming quite popular among 3D printing aficionados, particularly those looking for smaller prints with a high level of detail. While the Mars 2 Pro is the most recent addition to the well-regarded Mars series, it is only available through resellers at scalper rates much above $500. As more become available, the price will certainly fall.
The Mars Pro, on the other hand, is a rock-solid resin printer that costs $220. You can go a bit cheaper with the standard Mars model, but I think the slightly higher quality Mars Pro is worth the extra $30.
Monoprice MP Voxel 3D Printer
If you want to get started with 3D printing, the Monoprice Voxel 3D printer is an excellent option because it produces high-quality prints without breaking the bank.
Novices will welcome the Voxel's heated print base, which promises more dependable prints when using materials like ABS. The top of the print bed also pulls out and is flexible, making it easy to remove prints. We also appreciate that the Voxel is enclosed, which is crucial whether you plan on utilizing a 3D printer at home or in the school.
The MP Voxel is quick, generating prints in fractions of the time that more costly machines do. In our tests, we were especially delighted with the print quality, which precisely replicated details and preserved natural, smooth curves.
Monoprice Delta Mini 3D
Look no farther than the Monoprice Delta Mini V2 to get started with 3D printing for less than $200. It's a low-cost printer that's still fully functional and produces outstanding print quality for the price.
Even when compared to other inexpensive 3D printers like the da Vinci Nano, you'll have to make certain sacrifices, such as a limited build volume. However, the Monoprice Delta Mini V2 does support a broad range of materials, including PLA, ABS, and others. This level of adaptability is uncommon in an entry-level device.
Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0
If you have little wiggle room in your budget and must print for the least amount of money feasible, the Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0 is a good place to start.
The Anycubic Mega Zero, Anycubic's initial effort at a low-cost 3D printer, was an unusual budget 3D printer that made certain purposeful design decisions to decrease the cost but elevated things elsewhere to accommodate. We loved the printer for its ease of use when we reviewed it, but its absence of a heated bed was too material restricting.
Only a few months after its predecessor was released, the Mega Zero 2.0 was released. This version has the same build volume as its predecessor (220 x 220 x 250 mm), but it now has a heated, detachable bed, rounding out the best 3d printer for beginners machine and eliminating the fear of objects not adhering well enough to the bed and destroying the PLA-only seal.
Lulzbot Mini 2
When it comes to duplicating what made the original LulzBot Mini such a wonderful 3D printer, this upgraded version doesn't skip a beat. If you're ready to move on from starter 3d printers, you can purchase a printer that's versatile enough to handle a variety of materials at a reasonable price.
You may have to look for the LulzBot Mini 2, and finding one for less than its initial $1,500 price may be difficult, as the printer is in low supply. It is still available for $1,495 from 3D printer vendor Dynamism. That's a lower price than we've seen at other vendors, suggesting that supplies for this older printer are running short.
However, the LulzBot Mini 2 outperforms its predecessor by providing a bigger print area and a new, more flexible printhead capable of handling even more materials. Our tests found that the Mini 2 prints are quicker than the original while maintaining great quality on the end output.
XYZ da Vinci Nano Printer
With the release of the Monoprice Delta Mini V2 3D printer, the da Vinci Nano from XYZprinting can no longer claim to be the best cheap 3D printer on the market. Still, if you can get the da Vinci Nano for under $200, it's an excellent deal.
The da Vinci is small, approximately the size of a breadmaker, yet it has a large-for-its-tiny construction surface of 4.7 inches on all sides. (This is larger than what Monoprice's budget printer provides.) There is a door to seal off the print area and block out part of the printer noise, but keep in mind that opening the door does not halt the printing process.
The da Vinci Nano isn't a speed demon — other top 3D printers produce objects in much less time — but the prints it produced in our tests were of very high quality. The software that comes with this 3D printer is also simple to use, which is why we recommend the da Vinci Nano for classroom use.
Polaroid PlaySmart
The company that earned its reputation with instant-photography cameras is now doing the same with 3D printing. The Polaroid PlaySmart is one of the finest 3D printers to buy if you want a user-friendly gadget that also creates good-looking prints quickly.
This Polaroid 3D printer, in our opinion, prints much faster than comparable priced devices. The output looks good as well — the details are clean and smooth, and our test prints had very few issues. We also like that the Polaroid PlaySmart can work with a variety of materials and that you are not required to purchase your printing material from the manufacturer.
These days, a Polaroid PlaySmart costs slightly more than a da Vinci Nano — and occasionally the same amount when Polaroid's 3D printer is on sale. As a result, it's an excellent place to start if you're new to 3D printing. The PlaySmart eliminates most of the waiting involved with the 3D printing process, and we believe you'll be delighted with the outcomes.
Conclusion
Be aware that no 3D printer is indestructible. You'll need to replace a part or get your hands dirty in some other way at some point. Replacement parts and new printers are available at Elegoo. Contact us, our able team will be happy to share and advise you on our vast range of 3D printer options.
