Welcome to our comprehensive buyer’s guide for the best 3D printers in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, finding the right 3D printer can be challenging. With the rapid advancements in technology, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest models, features, and performance capabilities.
In this guide, we have carefully selected the top-rated 3D printers in various price ranges, including both filament and resin printers. Our expert reviews and comparisons will provide valuable insights into the features, performance, and overall quality of each printer. From budget-friendly options to premium printers with advanced capabilities, we have you covered.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect 3D printer for your needs. So, let’s dive in and explore the latest 3D printer models, compare their features, and discover the top 3D printer brands in the market today.
Key Takeaways
- Stay updated with the latest 3D printer models in 2024
- Learn about the features and performance capabilities of each printer
- Compare different 3D printer options based on your budget and requirements
- Discover the top 3D printer brands in the market
- Make an informed decision when purchasing a 3D printer
Under $1,000 (Filament): Bambu Lab P1S
The Bambu Lab P1S is a top contender for the best filament 3D printer under $1,000. It offers a combination of affordability and quality, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists and professionals on a budget. With its durable hardware and easy setup process, the P1S delivers consistent and accurate prints. The bundled software and community support provide an added advantage for users. Its sleek design and reliable performance make the Bambu Lab P1S a standout option in this price range.
Under $500 (Filament): Creality K1
The Creality K1 is an exceptional budget-friendly option for those in search of a high-quality filament 3D printer under $500. Designed with an all-metal frame and robust construction, the K1 offers stability and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance. Its easy setup process and intuitive user interface make it an ideal choice for beginners or those new to 3D printing.
The Creality K1 delivers impressive print quality, producing detailed and accurate prints. It supports a wide range of filaments, giving users the flexibility to experiment with different materials. Whether you’re working on intricate designs or functional prototypes, the K1 is up to the task.
With its affordable price point, the Creality K1 offers excellent value for money. It combines affordability with reliable performance, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or entry-level users. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an educator, or a small business owner, the Creality K1 is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable 3D printer.
Comparative Table: Creality K1 vs. Other Budget Filament 3D Printers
| Feature | Creality K1 | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 250mm x 250mm x 250mm | 220mm x 220mm x 220mm | 200mm x 200mm x 200mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 200mm/s | Up to 150mm/s | Up to 170mm/s |
| Connectivity | USB, SD Card | USB, SD Card | USB, SD Card |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, etc. | PLA, ABS, TPU | PLA, ABS, TPU |
| Price | $499 | $549 | $479 |
Note: The table above provides a comparison of the Creality K1 with other budget filament 3D printers in terms of key features and price. The specifications may vary based on individual models and configurations.
Under $300 (Filament): Sovol SV06
The Sovol SV06 is a top choice for an affordable filament 3D printer under $300. It offers a spacious build volume and a sturdy frame, allowing for reliable and accurate prints.
The SV06 features a user-friendly interface and comes with pre-installed firmware, making it easy to set up and operate. It supports a variety of filaments and delivers consistent print quality.
With its attractive price and impressive performance, the Sovol SV06 is an excellent option for budget-conscious users.
Under $200 (Filament): Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro
The Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro is a standout choice for a budget filament 3D printer under $200. Despite its affordable price, the Neptune 3 Pro offers a robust and reliable printing experience. It features a user-friendly interface, easy calibration, and a compact design. The Neptune 3 Pro delivers impressive print quality and supports a wide range of filaments. With its affordable price point and solid performance, the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro is an excellent entry-level 3D printer.
Premium (Filament): Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is a premium filament 3D printer that sets the standard for exceptional quality and advanced features. With its high-resolution printing capability, this printer is capable of producing intricate and detailed prints that meet the demands of professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its sturdy construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance, while its sleek design adds a touch of elegance to any workspace.
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is known for its precise printing capabilities, allowing users to bring their designs to life with incredible accuracy. This high-quality 3D printer delivers consistent and reliable performance, ensuring that each print meets the highest standards of quality.
Experience the power of the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and unleash your creativity with this premium filament 3D printer. Whether you’re a professional in need of a high-quality printer or an enthusiast looking to take your designs to the next level, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is the perfect choice.
Dual Extrusion: Flashforge Creator Pro 2
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is a leading dual extrusion 3D printer that offers versatile printing capabilities. With its dual-extruder system, this printer allows for multi-color and multi-material prints. It features a sturdy metal frame, an enclosed build chamber, and a user-friendly interface. The Creator Pro 2 delivers excellent print quality and offers reliable performance. Whether you’re interested in creating complex models or experimenting with different materials, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is an excellent choice.
Small: Original Prusa Mini+
The Original Prusa Mini+ is a compact 3D printer that offers a small footprint without compromising on performance. Despite its small size, this printer delivers high-quality prints with excellent detail. It features an easy-to-use interface and a reliable extruder system. The Mini+ is known for its stability and precise calibration, ensuring accurate prints every time. If you’re in need of a compact 3D printer that doesn’t sacrifice quality, the Original Prusa Mini+ is an ideal choice.
Mid-Size: Qidi Tech X-Plus 3
The Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 is a mid-size 3D printer that offers a large build volume, making it suitable for users who require more space for their prints. This printer combines a sturdy metal frame, an enclosed build chamber, and a user-friendly interface to provide a reliable and efficient printing experience.
With its large build volume, the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 allows you to create larger prints without the need for scaling or slicing the models. Whether you’re working on prototypes, functional parts, or artistic creations, this mid-size 3D printer gives you the freedom to bring your ideas to life with precision and detail.
The X-Plus 3 supports a variety of filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more, providing flexibility in material choices for your projects. It also features a dual extruder system, allowing you to print with multiple colors or materials simultaneously, expanding your creative possibilities.
Equipped with a high-resolution touch screen interface, the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 offers intuitive navigation and easy control over your printing settings. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module, enabling wireless printing and seamless connectivity with your computer or smartphone for convenient operation.
When it comes to print quality, the X-Plus 3 delivers reliable and precise results. It utilizes a precision ball screw and a high-precision double Z-axis design to ensure stable and accurate movements during the printing process. With its advanced technology and meticulous engineering, this mid-size 3D printer produces high-quality prints with excellent resolution and fine details.
Overall, the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 is a versatile and capable mid-size 3D printer that offers a large build volume, reliable performance, and excellent print quality. Whether you’re a professional user or an enthusiast, this printer is well-suited for a wide range of applications, from engineering designs to artistic creations.
| Feature | Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 270mm x 200mm x 200mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 150mm/s |
| Print Resolution | Up to 50 microns |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more |
| Extruder System | Dual extruder |
| Interface | High-resolution touch screen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, SD card |
| Enclosed Build Chamber | Yes |
Large-Format: Mingda Magician Pro
The Mingda Magician Pro is a large-format 3D printer designed to meet the needs of users who require a high-volume printing capability. With its spacious build volume, this printer is capable of producing large and complex models with ease. The Magician Pro is equipped with a sturdy frame, ensuring stability and precision throughout the printing process.
Featuring a user-friendly interface, the Mingda Magician Pro offers a seamless printing experience for both professionals and enthusiasts. The printer is designed to deliver accurate and consistent prints with excellent detail, allowing users to bring their creative visions to life. Whether you’re in need of a printer for architectural models, prototypes, or other large-scale projects, the Mingda Magician Pro provides the space and reliability you need.
| Key Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Spacious build volume | Allows for the production of large and complex models |
| Sturdy frame | Provides stability and ensures accurate prints |
| User-friendly interface | Makes the printing process seamless and easy |
| Accurate and consistent prints | Brings your creative visions to life with excellent detail |
Beginners: Bambu Lab A1 Mini
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is a beginner-friendly 3D printer designed for users who are new to 3D printing. Its compact size and straightforward setup process make it easy for beginners to get started on their 3D printing journey. The A1 Mini features a user-friendly interface, allowing users to navigate through the printing process with ease.
This easy-to-use 3D printer delivers consistent and high-quality prints, ensuring that beginners can achieve impressive results right from the start. Its reliable performance and precise printing capabilities make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the world of 3D printing without any complications.
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is designed to meet the needs of beginners, providing a seamless printing experience without compromising on quality. Its user-friendly features and intuitive interface enable users to quickly grasp the fundamentals of 3D printing and start bringing their ideas to life.
With the Bambu Lab A1 Mini, beginners can confidently dive into the world of 3D printing, knowing they have a reliable and easy-to-use 3D printer by their side.
Enclosed: Bambu Lab P1S
The Bambu Lab P1S is not only a top choice for an affordable filament 3D printer but also offers the added benefit of an enclosed build chamber. The enclosure helps to maintain a stable printing environment and improves print quality. The P1S features a sturdy construction and an easy setup process. It delivers consistent and accurate prints, making it an excellent option for users who prefer an enclosed 3D printer. With its affordability and reliable performance, the Bambu Lab P1S is a standout choice in this category.
For users seeking the advantages of an enclosed build chamber, the Bambu Lab P1S provides a reliable and cost-effective solution. The enclosed design helps regulate temperature and humidity levels, minimizing the impact of external factors on the printing process. This controlled environment contributes to better print quality, reducing the risk of warping and improving overall print accuracy.
In addition to its enclosed design, the Bambu Lab P1S offers a range of features that make it a top contender in the affordable filament 3D printer market. Its sturdy construction ensures durability and longevity, allowing for consistent and reliable performance over time. The easy setup process makes it accessible to beginners and experienced users alike, eliminating any unnecessary complications in getting started with 3D printing.
With the Bambu Lab P1S, you can expect consistent and accurate prints, whether you’re working on intricate models or functional prototypes. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users, without compromising on quality. The Bambu Lab P1S is truly a standout option for those in search of an enclosed filament 3D printer.
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Enclosed Build Chamber | Maintains a stable printing environment, improving print quality |
| Sturdy Construction | Ensures durability and longevity |
| Easy Setup Process | Accessible to beginners and experienced users |
| Affordability | Provides value without compromising on quality |
3-in-1: Snapmaker Artisan
The Snapmaker Artisan is a versatile 3D printer that offers a 3-in-1 functionality, combining 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving capabilities. With its modular design and interchangeable modules, this printer allows users to easily switch between different functions. The Artisan features a sturdy frame and a user-friendly touchscreen interface. It delivers precise and high-quality prints, engravings, and carvings. Whether you’re interested in creating intricate models or personalized engravings, the Snapmaker Artisan offers a comprehensive solution.
| Features | 3D Printing | Laser Engraving | CNC Carving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Volume | Up to 125 x 125 x 125 mm | N/A | N/A |
| Resolution | Up to 50 microns | N/A | N/A |
| Engraving Area | N/A | Up to 160 x 160 mm | N/A |
| Carving Area | N/A | N/A | Up to 160 x 160 x 55 mm |
| Software | Snapmaker Luban | Snapmaker Luban | Snapmaker Luban |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | USB, Wi-Fi | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Price | Starting at $799 | Starting at $799 | Starting at $799 |
Toy: Toybox
The Toybox 3D printer is a unique option designed specifically for kids to unleash their creativity. It offers a user-friendly interface with a wide selection of pre-designed toys that can be printed with a touch of a button. The Toybox features a safe and enclosed design, making it suitable for children. It delivers consistent and high-quality prints of various toys. With its simplicity and focus on fun, the Toybox 3D printer is an excellent choice for young creators.
Under $1,000 (Resin): UniFormation GKtwo
The UniFormation GKtwo is an affordable resin 3D printer that offers exceptional quality and performance. This printer is an excellent choice for users who require fine details in their prints, thanks to its high-precision printing capabilities. With a sturdy build and a user-friendly interface, the GKtwo delivers consistent and accurate prints with impressive resolution. It is the perfect option for those looking for a resin 3D printer under $1,000, offering affordability without compromising on performance.
Under $500 (Resin): Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is a budget-friendly resin 3D printer that offers exceptional print quality and detail, making it the best budget resin 3D printer under $500. Despite its affordable price, this printer delivers professional-level results, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals seeking an affordable resin 3D printer.
Featuring a user-friendly interface and a sturdy build, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s makes the printing process hassle-free. Its fast printing speeds and support for a variety of resins ensure versatility and efficiency in producing high-quality prints.
Whether you’re creating intricate models or functional prototypes, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s delivers exceptional precision and outstanding detail. Its affordability, reliable performance, and extensive resin compatibility make it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable resin 3D printer under $500.
Under $300 (Resin): Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is an affordable option for users seeking a resin 3D printer under $300. Despite its low price, this printer delivers impressive print quality and accuracy. It features a sturdy build and an easy-to-use interface. The Mars 4 Ultra offers a spacious build volume and supports a wide range of resins. With its affordable price and reliable performance, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is an excellent choice for hobbyists and beginners.
Under $200 (Resin): Elegoo Mars 3
The Elegoo Mars 3 is an outstanding option for users on a tight budget. With its affordable price and reliable performance, this printer offers exceptional value. The Mars 3 features a sturdy build and a user-friendly interface. It delivers consistent and accurate prints with impressive detail. Despite its low price, the Elegoo Mars 3 maintains high print quality and resolution. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly resin 3D printer, the Elegoo Mars 3 is a top choice.
Small (Resin): Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is a compact resin 3D printer that offers a small footprint without compromising on performance. With its sleek design and sturdy build, this printer is not only functional but also adds aesthetic appeal to any workspace. The Mars 4 Ultra consistently delivers high-quality prints with impressive detail, thanks to its precise printing capabilities. Despite its compact size, it offers a spacious build volume, allowing you to create models and prototypes of various sizes. The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra supports a wide range of resins, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different materials for your projects. If you’re in need of a small resin 3D printer that delivers excellent performance and fits perfectly in your workspace, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is the ideal choice.
Mid-Size (Resin): Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is a mid-size resin 3D printer that offers a large build volume, making it suitable for users who require more space for their prints. With its robust build and user-friendly interface, this printer provides exceptional print quality and resolution. It supports a variety of resins and consistently delivers reliable performance. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is the perfect choice for those in need of a resin 3D printer with a large build volume and the ability to produce high-quality prints.
Large-Format (Resin): Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K
The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is a large-format resin 3D printer that offers high-resolution printing capabilities. With its expansive build volume and impressive resolution, this printer is ideal for users who require large and highly detailed prints. The Sonic Mega 8K features a robust build and a user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless printing experience.
With its precise engineering and advanced technology, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K delivers accurate and consistent prints with outstanding detail. Whether you’re a professional creating architectural models or a hobbyist looking to bring your designs to life, this printer will exceed your expectations.
Featuring a large build volume, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K enables you to explore a world of possibilities. Its high-resolution capabilities allow for the production of intricate and complex models with exceptional accuracy. No detail is too small for this powerhouse of a printer.
With its exceptional performance, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the highest quality prints. Whether you’re printing prototypes, art pieces, or functional objects, this printer will deliver stunning results every time.
Experience the ultimate in large-format resin 3D printing with the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K. Unlock your creativity and bring your designs to life with this high-resolution 3D printer.
Beginners (Resin): Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
If you’re new to resin 3D printing and looking for a beginner-friendly option, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is the perfect choice. This easy-to-use resin 3D printer is designed with beginners in mind, offering a user-friendly interface and a straightforward setup process. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a DIY enthusiast, the Photon Mono M5s makes it easy to dive into the world of resin printing.
Despite its beginner-friendly design, the Photon Mono M5s doesn’t compromise on print quality. It delivers consistent and high-quality prints with impressive detail, allowing you to bring your creations to life with precision. Whether you’re printing miniatures, jewelry, or prototypes, this printer ensures that every intricate detail is captured accurately.
One of the standout features of the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is its affordability. It offers excellent value for its price, making it a cost-effective choice for beginners. With its reliable performance and affordable price tag, the Photon Mono M5s is a fantastic entry-level resin 3D printer that won’t break the bank.
If you’re ready to unleash your creativity and explore the possibilities of resin 3D printing, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is the best choice for beginners. Its user-friendly interface, exceptional print quality, and affordability make it the ideal resin 3D printer for those new to the world of resin printing.
How We Test
Our testing process for resin 3D printers involves a thorough evaluation of various factors that are important to beginners. We assess the user interface, ease of setup, print quality, and overall performance to determine the best option for beginners. We also take into account customer reviews and feedback to ensure our recommendations align with the needs and expectations of beginners.
Which 3D Printer is Best for Me?
Choosing the right 3D printer can be challenging, especially for beginners. Consider factors such as your budget, desired print quality, and the specific projects you have in mind. If you’re new to resin printing and looking for an easy-to-use option with impressive print quality, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is an excellent choice.
Best Professional 3D Printers
If you’re a professional seeking a high-performance 3D printer, check out our guide on the best professional 3D printers. These printers offer advanced features, large build volumes, and exceptional print quality to meet the demands of professionals in various fields.