The best 3D printers can cost less than $250 (sometimes even less than $200), or you could spend a bit more for special features such as a larger build volume, higher resolution, or faster output. With the right 3D printer, you can make toys, tabletop models, custom accessories, 3D print parts for PC mods, or print a new case for your Raspberry Pi. For beginners, there’s never been a better time to join the world of 3D printing or for experienced makers to upgrade to a new model.
The two types of desktop/home 3D printers are resin MSLA (Masked Stereolithography) and filament FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). FDM printers are the best 3D printers for beginners or for kids. These use reels full of plastic filament that is fed into a hot nozzle and extruded out layer-by-layer to form a solid model. MSLA printers use a UV-cured resin material to form a model layer-by-layer as it rises from a vat of toxic liquid that requires very careful handling and post-processing.
Below are our picks for the Best 3D printers in the market today. We’ve also tested over a dozen top FDM models and ranked them for discerning hobbyists and makers looking for top speed and output quality. To see the benchmark results, check out our 3D Printer Speed Hierarchy page.
Quick List
Best 3D Printer Overall
This impressive 3D printer delivers multi-color, high-quality output with blazing 500mm/s print speeds and an acceleration rate of 20,000 mm/s. At $699, it has all the premium features experienced makers are looking for. (AMS combo for $949)
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Best Fast 3D Printer
This $599 enclosed Core XY machine can run at a whopping 600mm/s at maximum print speed with an acceleration rate of 20,000 mm/s. Delivers smooth prints at a fraction of the time it takes other bed slingers.
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3. Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
Fastest Budget 3D Printer
On sale for $279, this speedster is a great choice for makers who are looking for fast printing on a budget. It’s open source, has CR Touch for auto bed leveling, and has a max print speed of 500mm/s.
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Best 3D Printer for Beginners
The Neptune 4 Pro is a fantastic printer that offers all the premium features without the premium price. For $259, first-time users can enjoy high-speed quality printing. It’s easy to assemble and easy to use.
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5. Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Best Budget 3D Printer
A beginner’s dream machine, this affordable bed slinger is selling for only $199. Despite its low price, Creality did not scrimp on deluxe features – it’s easy to assemble, has auto bed leveling, and has a modern LED interface.
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Best 3D Printer for Kids
Specifically designed for kids, the X-Maker is shipped fully assembled and ready to use out-of-the-box. It also comes with passcode safety features and is preloaded with kid-friendly design programs. Price at $349 with coupon.
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Best Professional 3D Printer
This easy-to-use, fully enclosed, high-speed multicolor 3D printer adds smart features like LIDAR-assisted calibration and live video monitoring among its many premium capabilities. Also comes with a premium price of $1,449 for the combo.
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Best Premium 3D Printer
At $1099, the MK4 is quite the investment, but alternatively, you can get the kit for $799 and still enjoy all the benefits this reliable workhorse has to offer. Upgrade kits are also available for MK3 owners.
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Best Compact 3D Printer
This bed slinger may come with a small 180x180x180mm build volume but it has an impressive top speed of 500mm/s. Perfect for anyone who wants to try printing multi-color models without breaking the bank.
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11. Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Best Medium Format 3D Printer
This FDM 3D printer features more build volume than the Neptune 4 Max but with the same high-speed capabilities. It offers all the bells and whistles you could ask for at a reasonable $350 price point.
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Best 3D Printers You Can Buy Today
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Best 3D Printer Overall
Today’s 3D printers are all about speed, and Bambu Lab’s P1S delivers a whopping maximum print speed of 500mm/s, backed with an acceleration rate of 20,000 mm/s. How fast is that? Let’s just say its turbo button is labeled “Ludicrous Mode”. It can knock out a Speed Benchy in 17 minutes with good quality, and its normal print speed is around five times faster than old school bed slingers. It’s not the most budget minded printer, but it has the best out-of-the-box experience for both beginners and experienced makers.
The P1S is the “Goldilocks” of Bambu Lab’s lineup, offering everything you need for very good, very fast prints without going overboard on expensive features. It’s a Core XY machine, which offers both speed and smooth printing. It has an all metal hotend with a direct drive extruder, plus it’s fully enclosed for handling temperature sensitive material like ABS and ASA. It’s one of the few “plug and play” 3D printers on the market, arriving 99.5% assembled. All you need to do is unbox and unpack the printer. It even calibrates itself.
The machine retails for $699, which may not fit everyone’s budget. But if you’re looking for a machine that just works so you can focus on the creative or business side of 3D printing, the P1S is for you. If you want the ability to print in a rainbow of colors, then the optional Automatic Multicolor System is a definite plus that you can only get with a Bambu Lab printer.
When we tested the P1S it did an amazing job, quickly printing colorful action figures, nylon gears for an RC car and ASA tools for around the house. It did have to slow down to print TPU, but the results were remarkably smooth and flawless.
More: Bambu Lab P1S Review
Best Fast 3D Printer
The entire 3D printing community has fallen in love with high speed printers, and Creality’s new flagship, the K1, is looking to win you over. In clear response to the competition, Creality has introduced a speedy, fully enclosed Core XY machine. It boasts a maximum print speed of 600mm/s paired with an acceleration rate of 20,000 mm/s. It can knock out a Speed Benchy in 15 minutes with good quality, and its normal print speed is around five times faster than old school bed slingers.
The K1 is retailing at $599, the same price as Bambu Lab’s open frame P1P. How does it compare? In our testing, the K1 is just as fast as both the P1P and P1S with a better interface and the ability to avoid unreliable cloud printing by using a USB stick or your private LAN.
The K1 is a Core XY machine, a speedy style that Creality hasn’t tried since the ill-fated Ender 7. This machine is twice as fast and with the help of Klipper’s input shaping can produce excellent quality at speed. It has an all metal hotend with a bespoke Volcano style nozzle, a Sprite direct drive extruder, and an enclosure for handling temperature sensitive material like ABS and ASA. It’s one of the few “plug and play” 3D printers on the market, arriving 99.5% assembled. All you need to do is unbox and unpack the printer. And like its rival at Bambu Labs, it can calibrate itself.
More: Creality K1 Review
Fastest Budget 3D Printer
Speedy printers are no longer out of reach for makers watching their bottom line. The Ender 3 V3 KE has everything you need in a 3D printer and delivers it in a slim, stylish package that’s easy on the wallet. It currently retails at $299 and is on sale for $279.
The KE shares many parts with its Creality brethren and is Open Source, making it a 3D printer that is cost-effective to maintain and modify. Not that you need to modify this Ender: it comes with Klipper preinstalled, plus linear rails on the X axis, linear rods on the Y axis, and a high flow hot end.
It is extremely easy to use, with advanced auto-leveling that sets its own Z height for exceptional first layers. The tool head packs a one-two punch by pairing Creality’s best extruder (the Sprite) with the blazing fast K1’s high-flow hotend.
It has a top speed of 500 mm/s with an acceleration max of 8000 mm/s² and can print a Speed Benchy in 19 minutes and 48 seconds. Our only complaint is it doesn’t come with an accelerometer for tuning Klipper yourself, but the factory presets were pleasantly accurate on our test printer.
More: Creality Ender 3 V3 KE Review
Best 3D Printer for Beginners
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro may look suspiciously like a typical Creality Ender 3 clone, but that’s where the similarities end. Equipped with a powerful part cooling fan, dual threaded Z-axis rods, automatic build platform calibration, and an extruder module absolutely packed with functionality, the Neptune 4 Pro jumped straight onto our Best 3D Printers list as soon as it was out of the box. For beginners looking for a capable machine with a fast start-up and a low entry price, the sub-$300 Neptune 4 Pro is our choice to recommend.
Common failure points for beginners include adhesion to the build platform, which can be caused by either a non-adhesive platform or a poor calibration. The textured PEI sheet on the Neptune 4 Pro keeps parts locked down during printing, but releases them after cooling allowing for an effortless part removal. The 121-point automatic calibration compensates for unevenness on the platform, and helps users to dial in the perfect print. Add in a direct drive extruder, linear rods for lightning-fast travel moves, an intuitive touchscreen, and suddenly the value of the Neptune 4 Pro becomes clear.
The Neptune 4 Pro is simple enough for a beginner to assemble in only a few hours, but has enough features and horsepower to allow users to grow with the printer. This Klipper-equipped printer is capable of easily hitting dizzying print speeds while the included part cooling module can lock the filament in place immediately after extruding.
More: Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro 3D Printer Review
Best Professional 3D Printer
One look at the polished aluminum shell of the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon with AMS and it is immediately clear that this printer stands out from the competition. With a 256mm x 256mm x 256mm build volume, 300°C hot end, and four color AMS, the X1-Carbon brings a new level of polish to the consumer market. The first layer inspection alone is a feature that would justify the cost of this printer to professional users, and the rest is icing on the cake.
Bambu Lab has clearly listened to the feedback of the 3D printer market, and the LIDAR-enabled flow calibration, automatic bed leveling, and first layer inspection of the X1-Carbon are features individually worthy of a “Best Of” entry. Taking all of that and adding in a four color AMS system that can automatically change materials during printing, a fully enclosed build volume, and an intuitive slicer app results in a refreshingly powerful and intuitive machine.
The Bambu Lab X1-Carbon with AMS is a powerhouse of a machine, and the $1,449 price tag is at the high end for printers in the consumer market. While it’s not an inexpensive machine, the X1-Carbon impressed us at every turn during our review, and is likely to remain a popular selection for high speed multi-material desktop FFF 3D printing.
More: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D Printer Review
Best Budget 3D Printer
There has never been a more user friendly, sub $200 3D printer than Creality’s Ender 3 V3 SE. Say goodbye to scratch builds and manual leveling. This machine takes no more than 15 minutes to assemble, then self levels and sets its own Z height. Its modern LED interface makes the machine simple to use and comes complete with guides to walk you through filament changes and more.
It’s faster than previous Ender 3s with a max speed of 250mm/s, which is mainly done by way of a robust build, with linear rods on the Y axis and dual Z axis, rather than speedy firmware.
Obviously Creality had to cut a few corners to produce this machine. It only has one Z stepper motor – the second Z axis is synced with a belt. The bed has a cheaper PC surface, and there’s no Wi-Fi.
More: Creality Ender 3 V3 SE Review
Best 3D Printer for Kids
3D printers are not toys, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t have a printer of their own. The AO Seed X-Maker is the best 3D printer I’ve seen made specifically for a child to run independently. It’s compact, it’s cute and it comes with its own suite of kid-friendly design software.
Unlike some printers for kids, this one is not “dumbed down.” It’s a fully enclosed 3D printer that can still be used with normal slicers like Cura or PrusaSlicer – which means it can grow to meet the needs of an advanced student or grownup. It’s simple to load, comes factory leveled, and has an informative graphic interface.
The X-Maker is fully assembled, and its software is packed with toys ready to personalize and print. Some of the apps are a little clunky, and the onboard slicer is limited, but it gets the job done. The best part is there are no memberships to buy or toys to unlock with tokens, everything is included. You can gift this printer to a child in the morning and have toys in hand before bedtime.
The software also provides a “walled garden” for children, so they do not need to access the internet at large to use it. However, those limits are placed solely in the software. If you want to use the X-Maker as a normal 3D printer, you can transfer files a via USB stick.
More: Anycubic Photon Mono 2 Review
Best Premium 3D Printer
As the sequel to the MK 3S+, the MK4 does not disappoint. Prusa’s new flagship printer has maintained its reputation as the premium printer for makers of all levels.
At a price point of $1,099 for a pre-assembled machine and $799 for a DIY kit, the MK4 is one of the most expensive printers on our list. That price may sound exorbitant for some hobbyists, but for makers who want top-quality performance and stellar customer service, the MK4 is worth the investment.
From fully automatic bed leveling, dual Z axis, magnetic flex plate, and color LCD screen to a webcam, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity – these are just some of the features that come with the Prusa MK4. It also has new firmware that allows for faster printing without any loss in print quality. We were also impressed by how quietly this machine operates.
Additionally, Prusa is offering an upgrade kit for MK3S+ owners for just $579.
More: Prusa MK4 3D Printer Review
Best Compact 3D Printer
If you want to squeeze as much printing power into a small space (and tight budget) as possible then Bambu Lab’s A1 Mini checks all the boxes. It’s a bed slinger style mini 3D printer with the option of adding a “lite” AMS (Automatic Material System). It’s the fastest bed slinger we’ve clocked so far, and nearly as fast as Bambu’s larger Core XY machines.
Retailing at $299 for the printer and $459 with the AMS Lite, it packs more features than the competition for significantly less money. It has an intuitive color touch screen, quick change steel nozzles and a blazing 10,000mm/s² acceleration speed for fast, clean prints. The A1 Mini can level the bed and set its own Z height with the touch of a button.
The AMS for the A1 Mini spoils the compact footprint a bit, as it has to be set next to the printer rather than on top. It makes up for the inconvenience by being superior to the full sized AMS with sensors that detect tangles and a spindle for each spool that can accommodate filament with odd sized or cardboard spools.
More: Bambu Lab A1 Mini Review
Best Food 3D Printer
The Cocoa Press chocolate 3D printer is a unique machine on our Best 3D Printers list, as it is currently the only printer on the list designed specifically for printing chocolate. The latest chocolate printer from Ellie Weinstein, the Cocoa Press, is a DIY kit 3D printer that is priced at $,1499 for all the non-printed components (you can print your own or buy the parts as a bundle) and takes about 10 hours to assemble.
Using a custom Marlin firmware and a PrusaSlicer profile for printing, the Cocoa Press sits somewhere between a 3D printer and an appliance you’d find in a bakery. We were impressed with the printed parts made by the Cocoa Press, and found them to be as tasty as they were consistent.
If you’re interested in printing chocolate at home or for business and have a bit of experience with mechanical assembly, the Cocoa Press is an appealing option for expanding your capabilities. Similarly, 3D printing enthusiasts who are looking for a cartridge-based extrusion system to experiment with will be interested in the robust documentation provided by the Cocoa Press team.
More: Cocoa Press 3D Printer Review
Best Medium Format 3D Printer
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus strikes a well-calibrated balance between large format printers that offer huge build volumes and speed machines that are designed for lightning-fast prints. With a build volume of 320mm x 320mm x 385mm and a max print speed of 500mm/s (recommended: 250mm/s), the Neptune 4 Plus targets users on the fringe of both of these markets without compromise. The flexible bed makes part removal a one-handed operation, and the large part cooling fan module results in high-quality parts even at fast speeds.
The integrated Wi-Fi module on the Neptune 4 Plus is a welcome addition, as the printer can be easily monitored or adjusted remotely using the Fluidd Klipper interface. Add in a USB webcam plugged straight into the printer and you can easily remotely monitor a print with visual feedback all from a slicer like OrcaSlicer.
The Neptune 4 Plus offers both larger build volume as well as faster print speeds without a dramatic increase in cost. With a debut price of $350, the Neptune 4 Plus is an easy choice for anyone interested in adding a larger machine to their printer fleet, with the added bonus of faster print speed as well.
More: Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer Review
Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a great and affordable option for anyone who is new to or want to get started with resin 3D printing. This printer is compact and light-weight so it won’t take up a lot of space and can easily be stored away. It’s shipped mostly assembled which makes setup a snap.
But don’t let the size of this printer fool you, the Photon Mono 2 has a 20% larger build volume than its predecessor. In our testing, we were able to fit six presupported minuatures on the build plate at once.
This printer delivers very detailed 4K print quality, is great for miniatures and small models, and comes with its own custom slicer, the Photon Workshop V3.
More: Anycubic Photon Mono 2 Review
Best Ultra High Resolution 3D Printer
When it comes to printing in detail, nothing comes close to the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s which features a whopping 12K resolution and achieves 19 micron X accuracy. It’s also super fast. In our test, we were able to print a 3.5-inch model in less than an hour. Anycubic claims this printer has the ability to reach an average print speed of 105mm/hour, so if you are looking for a high speed, high res printer, the M5s has you covered.
Amazingly, the Photon Mono M5s doesn’t require any manual calibration. This is the first resin printer we’ve tested that provides auto-leveling using mechanical sensors which not only saves time but also makes it super easy to set up. Just add resin and you are ready to go.
Anycubic has also come out with its own specialty high-speed resin (sold separately or included in bundle kits) which works with the M5s and is the secret sauce that helps to cut the time of your prints tremendously.
With all these and more “smart” features the Photon Mono M5s has to offer, it is a great option for makers looking for a mid-size high-resolution printer. Also, a smart buy as it is currently $40 off its usual $539 MSRP.
More: Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review
Best 3D Printer / Laser Engraver Combo
We’ve seen a few 3D printers that double as laser engravers, but most of these products live up to the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none.” The SnapMaker Artisan 3-in-1 does three different things really well: laser engraving, CNC carving and 3D printing. You’ll pay a large premium of $2,899 for this product and you’ll need a huge table to accommodate its 508 x 620 x 634 mm (20 x 24.4 x 24.9 inches) frame. However, if you want the features it provides, the Artisan 3-in-1 is a great choice.
When it operates as a 3D printer, the SnapMaker Artisan 3-in-1 delivers huge, detailed prints, thanks to a generous 400 x 400mm build volume. It also has a dual hot end, with two extruders that each can connect to a different spool of filament, allowing for dual color or dual-material prints. When we printed a black jar with red hearts on it, the output was sharp, and there was no bleeding or blurriness between the colors.
The Artisan had no problem printing a very tough RC car part in ABS, but flexible prints might be its Achilles heel. A TPU model of a bunny came out a little stringy.
The printer also has a number of premium 3D printing features, including built-in Wi-Fi, a build plate that’s PEI glass on one side and plain glass on another, and automating bed leveling. Its dual extruders use direct drive.
The Artisan 3-in-1 comes with a large enclosure you can place it inside, which is good not only for working with difficult filaments but for protecting your eyes from damage when you are laser engraving with it. The laser can cut leather, wood, fabric or paper and engrave onto copper, aluminum, glass, stone and dark acrylic. We tested the laser and used it to create a model of a ruler and protractor that were burned into a 5mm sheet of plywood and found that the lines were clean and the marks and numbers on the ruler were sharp.
The CNC function works for carving wood, acrylic, soft stone, carbon fiber and even PCB. We used it to create a “Luban Lock,” a 3D puzzle that the machine carved out of a piece of MDF (Medium Density Fiber) board. The model looked really good and only took 36 minutes to complete.
Read: SnapMaker Artisan 3-in-1 Review
Best for 3D Printer Props and Cosplay
If you want a printer that can output models as big as your imagination, the Elegoo Neptune 3 Max is a great choice. Thanks to a massive build volume of 420 x 420 x 500mm, it can output the large pieces you need to build cosplay helmets and props. We were able to print a very detailed, 450mm Skyrim dagger by rotating it on the build plate and, in Inland Silver PLA+ filament, it looked good enough to bring to battle. We also outputted a 500mm tall purple dragon that would dominate anyone’s display case or mantle.
Like its little sibling, the Neptune 3 Pro, the Neptune 3 Max features a Direct Drive system that allows it to handle complex filaments such as TPU. In fact, using vase mode, we were able to output a flexible, translucent green TPU trash can. The textured PEI build platform did a great job of holding prints in place without the need for glue and yet made removing them easy.
Assembling the Neptune 3 Max is a breeze as we only had to screw in a few bolts to put the machine together and attach the touch screen base to the side. Leveling the bed is pretty easy, though you will have to start by manually leveling the surface, after which there’s a 63-point auto leveling feature.
The most difficult part of working with the Neptune 3 Max is that it takes up a lot of space. We had to sit it on our air hockey table and you may need to get a large table to house it. But that’s an inconvenience that’s inevitable when you want huge prints at excellent quality.
More: Elegoo Neptune 3 Max Review
Shopping Tips for Best 3D Printers
There are several factors to consider before buying the best 3D printer for you, so be sure to consider the questions before making a choice.
- Resin MSLA or Filament FDM? The two most popular styles of desktop 3D printing, resin MSLA and filament FDM 3D printers offer various strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the style more suited for your application will help you get better results. For many , especially beginners, filament 3D printers are a better choice because they are easier to use and work with a wide variety of materials. They are also far safer for anyone with children or pets around.
Resin 3D printers can provide a bit more detail, so they are popular among folks printing out game pieces. However, you need to handle toxic chemicals and wear a mask when setting up a print and, after the printing is over, you must wash and cure your prints. We have some resin printers on this list but also maintain a more detailed article where we name all of the best resin 3D printers.
- How much build volume do you need? If you want to print out large parts in a single print, you’ll need a printer with ample build volume. This is usually directly tied to the price of the machine, so a larger printer is going to cost more money. Printers with a 100mm cubed or less build volume are on the smaller side, 150 to 220mm cubed are average, and 250mm inch cubed and above are considered large format.
- Manual or automatic bed leveling? Leveling the bed of a 3D printer is an important but very annoying part of the process. Many printers have auto-leveling capability, which saves you most of the work and, considering that you can now find printers with this feature for less than $250, you should consider it a must-have.
- What materials are you printing with? If you’re buying an FDM printer, you’ll want to use one of the best filaments for 3D printing so you can get good models. However, some substances require higher temperatures that not every printer can achieve. PLA filament, the most common type, can print on anything but more durable or flexible plastics such as PETG or TPU need extruders that can hit 220 to 230 degrees Celsius while ABS and Nylon require 240 or 250-degree heat. Also, note that if you want to print in TPU (a flexible material), you should get an FDM printer with a direct drive system that pushes the filament more directly through the extruder. Resin printers have fewer material choices.
MORE: Best Resin 3D Printers
MORE: Best Budget 3D Printers
MORE: Best Filaments for 3D Printing
MORE: How to Buy the Right 3D Printer
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