The 10 Best 3d printer for beginners (Top Picks and Expert Advice)

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best 3D printer for beginners! Whether you’re an aspiring hobbyist, a DIY enthusiast, or a professional looking to delve into the world of 3D printing, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision, from understanding different types of 3D printers to exploring top-rated models on the market.

Why Invest in a 3D Printer?

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s briefly discuss why investing in a 3D printer can be a game-changer. With a 3D printer at your disposal, you can bring your creative ideas to life with ease. From prototyping to customizing household items, the possibilities are endless. Plus, learning 3D printing opens up new opportunities for skill development and innovation.

The 10 Best 3d printer for beginners

1. Creality Ender 3 V2

Maker: Creality
Features:

• Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250mm)
• Carborundum glass platform for improved adhesion
• Silent motherboard for quieter operation

Benefits:

• Quick heating bed for faster print initiation
• Resume printing function in case of power outage
• Open-source firmware allows for customization

Pros:

1. Affordable price point
2. User-friendly assembly and operation
3. Upgradable components for future enhancements

2. Monoprice Select Mini V2

Maker: Monoprice
Features:

• Heated build plate for improved adhesion
• Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing
• Fully assembled out of the box

Benefits:

• Compact design ideal for small spaces
• Compatible with a wide range of filaments
• Onboard controls for easy navigation

Pros:

1. Affordable price tag
2. Plug-and-play setup for hassle-free operation
3. Reliable performance with minimal calibration required

3. Anycubic i3 Mega

Maker: Anycubic
Features:

• Ultrabase heated bed for excellent adhesion
• Filament sensor for automatic pause and resume
• Touchscreen display for intuitive control

Benefits:

• Sturdy metal frame ensures stability during printing
• Fast and precise printing with minimal noise
• Easy bed leveling for hassle-free setup

Pros:

1. High-quality prints with fine details
2. Reliable performance with minimal maintenance
3. Great value for money considering its features

4. FlashForge Finder

Maker: FlashForge
Features:

• Assisted bed leveling for easy setup
• Built-in camera for remote monitoring
• Quiet operation suitable for home environments

Benefits:

• Intuitive touchscreen interface for effortless navigation
• Slide-in build plate for hassle-free print removal
• Compatible with FlashPrint slicing software for seamless workflow

Pros:

1. Kid-friendly design with enclosed build chamber
2. User-friendly interface for easy operation
3. Reliable performance with minimal maintenance required

5. QIDI Technology X-one2

Maker: QIDI Technology
Features:

• Dual extruder system for multi-color printing
• Aviation-grade aluminum build platform for stability
• Built-in filament holder for convenient storage

Benefits:

• High-quality prints with smooth and detailed surfaces
• Easy-to-use touchscreen interface for intuitive control
• Removable build platform for hassle-free print removal

Pros:

1. Dual extruder system for versatile printing options
2. Sturdy construction ensures long-term durability
3. Excellent customer support from QIDI Technology

6. XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

Maker: XYZprinting
Features:

• Auto-calibration for hassle-free setup
• Enclosed build area for added safety
• Compatible with XYZprinting’s proprietary slicing software

Benefits:

• Compact design suitable for small spaces
• Quiet operation for use in home or office environments
• Easy-to-navigate interface for seamless printing

Pros:

1. Affordable price point for budget-conscious users
2. Simple setup and operation make it beginner-friendly
3. Reliable performance with consistent print quality

7. Artillery Sidewinder X3 Pro 3D Printer

Maker: Artillery
Features:

• Direct drive extruder for precise filament control
• AC heated bed with glass-ceramic surface
• Filament runout sensor for uninterrupted printing

Benefits:

• High-quality prints with fine details and smooth surfaces
• Easy assembly with minimal calibration required
• Open-source firmware allows for customization and upgrades

Pros:

1. Large build volume accommodates big projects
2. Solid construction ensures stability during printing
3. Silent stepper motor drivers for quiet operation

8. ELEGOO Mars 4 Ultra MSLA 3D

Maker: ELEGOO
Features:

• 2K monochrome LCD for faster curing times
• Dual linear rail Z-axis for stability and precision
• ChituBox slicing software for easy file preparation

Benefits:

• High-resolution prints with smooth surfaces and intricate details
• Easy leveling and calibration for hassle-free setup
• Compatible with a wide range of third-party resins

Pros:

1. Affordable resin printer option for beginners
2. Fast curing times for quicker print turnaround
3. Minimal maintenance required for consistent performance

9. Longer Orange 30

Maker: Longer
Features:

• 2K LCD screen for detailed prints
• Air filtration system for odor reduction
• Offline printing capability with USB connectivity

Benefits:

• Exceptional print quality with smooth surfaces and fine details
• Easy-to-use touchscreen interface for intuitive control
• Resin saving mode for efficient material usage

Pros:

1. Compact and sturdy design suitable for home use
2. Minimal setup required for quick printing
3. Great value for money considering its features and performance

10. Sovol SV01

Maker: Sovol
Features:

• Direct drive extruder for precise filament control
• AC heated bed with glass surface for excellent adhesion
• Resume printing function in case of power loss

Benefits:

• High-quality prints with smooth surfaces and fine details
• Easy assembly with clear instructions included
• Dual Z-axis design for stable and accurate printing

Pros:

1. Large build volume accommodates big projects
2. Solid construction ensures durability and stability
3. Compatible with a wide range of filaments for versatility

Detailed reviews of the 10 3D printers mentioned

1. Creality Ender 3 V2

The Creality Ender 3 V2 is a budget-friendly 3D printer that offers impressive features for beginners. With its sturdy frame and easy assembly, it’s an excellent choice for those new to 3D printing. The large build volume of 220 x 220 x 250mm provides ample space for printing various projects. The Carborundum glass platform ensures excellent adhesion and easy print removal. One notable feature is its silent motherboard, which reduces noise during operation. However, some users may find that additional upgrades are necessary for optimal performance.

2. Monoprice Select Mini V2

The Monoprice Select Mini V2 is a compact and affordable 3D printer suitable for beginners. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive print quality and versatility. The heated build plate ensures better adhesion, while Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing. The printer comes fully assembled out of the box, making it easy to start printing right away. However, its small build volume may limit the size of projects that can be printed.

3. Anycubic i3 Mega

The Anycubic i3 Mega is a user-friendly 3D printer with advanced features suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. Its ultrabase heated bed provides excellent adhesion, while the filament sensor ensures automatic pause and resume. The touchscreen display allows for intuitive control, making it easy to navigate through settings and parameters. Its sturdy metal frame ensures stability during printing, resulting in high-quality prints with minimal noise.

4. FlashForge Finder

The FlashForge Finder is a beginner-friendly 3D printer with a kid-friendly design and easy-to-use interface. Its assisted bed leveling feature simplifies setup, while the built-in camera allows for remote monitoring of prints. The enclosed build chamber and quiet operation make it suitable for use in home environments. The FlashPrint slicing software provides a seamless workflow, making it easy to prepare and print models. However, some users may find its build volume limiting for larger projects.

5. QIDI Technology X-one2

The QIDI Technology X-one2 is a versatile 3D printer equipped with advanced features for precise and reliable printing. Its dual extruder system allows for multi-color printing, while the aviation-grade aluminum build platform ensures stability. The touchscreen interface provides an intuitive user experience, allowing for easy navigation through settings and options. Its removable build platform simplifies print removal, while the filament holder provides convenient storage. Overall, the X-one2 offers excellent value for money with its robust features and reliable performance.

6. XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

The XYZprinting da Vinci Mini is a compact and affordable 3D printer designed for beginners. Its auto-calibration feature simplifies setup, while the enclosed build area ensures added safety. The printer comes fully assembled out of the box, making it easy to start printing right away. While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end models, it offers reliable performance and decent print quality at an affordable price point.

7. Artillery Sidewinder X1

The Artillery Sidewinder X1 is a feature-rich 3D printer known for its large build volume and advanced features. Its direct drive extruder provides precise filament control, while the AC heated bed ensures optimal adhesion. The printer offers a hassle-free assembly process with minimal calibration required. Its open-source firmware allows for customization and upgrades, making it suitable for users looking to experiment and enhance their printing experience. Overall, the Sidewinder X1 offers exceptional value for money with its robust features and reliable performance.

8. ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro

The ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro is a resin-based 3D printer that excels in print quality and detail. Its 2K monochrome LCD screen allows for faster curing times and smoother prints. The dual linear rail Z-axis ensures stability and precision, resulting in high-resolution prints with fine details. The ChituBox slicing software provides an easy-to-use interface for preparing print files. While resin printing may require additional precautions and post-processing compared to FDM printing, the Mars 2 Pro offers exceptional print quality and value for money.

9. Longer Orange 30

The Longer Orange 30 is a resin-based 3D printer known for its high precision and reliability. Its 2K LCD screen delivers detailed prints with smooth surfaces and intricate details. The printer features an air filtration system for odor reduction, making it suitable for indoor use. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore resin printing. While resin printing may require additional precautions and post-processing compared to FDM printing, the Orange 30 offers exceptional print quality and value for money.

10. Sovol SV01

The Sovol SV01 is a versatile and affordable 3D printer with a large build volume and robust features. Its direct drive extruder provides precise filament control, while the AC heated bed ensures optimal adhesion. The printer offers a hassle-free assembly process with clear instructions included. Its dual Z-axis design ensures stable and accurate printing, resulting in high-quality prints with smooth surfaces. The SV01 is compatible with a wide range of filaments, making it suitable for a variety of printing projects. Overall, it offers exceptional value for money with its solid construction and reliable performance.

Comparison table of this 10 3d printer

Feature	Creality Ender 3 V2	Monoprice Select Mini V2	Anycubic i3 Mega	FlashForge Finder	QIDI Technology X-one2	XYZprinting da Vinci Mini	Artillery Sidewinder X1	ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro	Longer Orange 30	Sovol SV01
Build Volume	220 x 220 x 250mm	120 x 120 x 120mm	210 x 210 x 205mm	140 x 140 x 140mm	150 x 150 x 150mm	150 x 150 x 150mm	300 x 300 x 400mm	129 x 80 x 160mm	120 x 68 x 155mm	280 x 240 x 300mm
Build Platform	Carborundum glass	Heated	Ultrabase heated bed	Non-heated	Aviation-grade aluminum	Enclosed	AC heated bed with glass	2K LCD screen	2K LCD screen	AC heated bed
Connectivity	USB, SD card	Wi-Fi, USB	USB, SD card	Wi-Fi, USB	USB, SD card	USB, SD card	USB, SD card	USB	USB, SD card	USB, TF card
Filament Compatibility	PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, etc.	PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, etc.	PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG	PLA, ABS	PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, etc.	PLA	PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG	Resin	Resin	PLA, ABS, TPU
Printing Technology	FDM	FDM	FDM	FDM	FDM	FDM	FDM	Resin	Resin	FDM
Additional Features	Silent motherboard, Resume printing function	Fully assembled, Wi-Fi connectivity	Filament sensor, Touchscreen display	Built-in camera, Assisted bed leveling	Dual extruder system, Touchscreen interface	Auto-calibration, Enclosed build area	Direct drive extruder, AC heated bed	2K monochrome LCD, Dual linear rail Z-axis	2K LCD screen, Air filtration system	Direct drive extruder, Dual Z-axis design
Price (as of March 2024)	$249.99	$199.99	$299.99	$349.99	$399.99	$199.99	$449.99	$279.99	$269.99	$349.99

This comparison table provides an overview of the key features, connectivity options, filament compatibility, printing technology, additional features, and prices of the 10 3D printers. It can help users easily identify the differences and similarities between each model, aiding them in making an informed decision based on their specific requirements and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can beginners use a 3D printer without prior experience?

A1: Absolutely! Many 3D printers on the market are designed with beginners in mind, offering user-friendly features and intuitive interfaces to simplify the printing process.

Q2: What materials can I use with a 3D printer?

A2: Most 3D printers support a wide range of filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and more. Be sure to check the specifications of your chosen printer for compatibility.

Q3: How long does it take to learn 3D printing?

A3: Learning the basics of 3D printing can vary from person to person, but with practice and patience, beginners can become proficient in no time.

Conclusion

Choosing the best 3D printer for beginners doesn’t have to be daunting. By considering factors like price, features, and user-friendliness, you can find the perfect printer to kickstart your 3D printing journey. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Monoprice Select Mini V2 or the feature-packed QIDI Technology X-one2, you’re sure to enjoy the endless possibilities that 3D printing has to offer. Happy printing!