Best creality 3d printer 2023

Best 3D Printer for 2022

In the last few years, 3D printing has crossed a rubicon into the mainstream consciousness. Schools and libraries often have 3D printers, and the barrier to entry for hobbyists is lower than ever, with inexpensive machines offering excellent out-of-the-box results.

Because 3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, I've doubled down on being creative and gotten into 3D scanning and laser cutting as well, which lets you sculpt real-world designs from leather and wood. Advanced printers are also using resin machines that create amazingly detailed prints.

Current 3D printers, which range from affordable (under $300) to high-end (over $4,000), are great gifts for a creative person in your life. Even better, they're great for you to craft your own personalized designs if you're looking to open an Etsy shop or something similar.

These models by Fotis Mint are extremely detailed.

James Bricknell/CNET

We've taken a deep dive into many of the best 3D printers available today. This list includes both small and large 3D printers, with attention paid to print speed, the size of the build plate, the cost of PLA filament, the kind of print head included and other important details. And once you've decided to take the plunge into additive manufacturing -- that's what 3D printing essentially is -- there's an FAQ below.

Our top picks

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Creality Ender-3 S1

Best step-up starter printer

I'd avoided Ender-3 printers for a long while, because they came in kit form and required many hours of assembly, setup and fine-tuning to use. For just a little more than the kit versions, the newer Ender-3 S1 comes nearly fully preassembled, and with high-end features like a direct drive extruder and self-leveling bed.

Print quality even out-of-the-box was excellent, although a lot of that comes down to having good models to work from. I'd love it to have a touchscreen and Wi-Fi, but apart form those missing features, this is a great way to get polished results from a $400 3D printer.

Read our Creality Ender-3 S1 review.

$399 at Amazon

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Anycubic Vyper

Best for out-of-the-box printing

The Anycubic Vyper FDM printer attempts to be both an affordable 3D printer and easy to use. It's a tricky needle to thread. Plenty of 3D printers offer automatic bed leveling and calibration to make sure prints come out even and firmly anchored to the print bed. This, however, is the first time I've seen a 3D printer run its bed leveling once, with zero manual input from me, and be totally good to go. I printed a 3D test file from the included SD card within minutes of powering on, and I've never seen a first print from a 3D printer come out so perfectly.

Read our Anycubic Vyper review.

$319 at Anycubic

$490 at Amazon

Anycubic

Anycubic Kobra Max

Best to make big projects easily

The Anycubic Kobra Max earned a 9 out of 10 in our recent review, in large part because it's one of the most enjoyable printers I've used in years. The build area is large enough to print entire helmets for cosplay, and the auto-bed-leveling system makes setting the machine up a breeze. The Kobra Max is the best choice for a large build area printer, bar none. --James Bricknell

Read our Anycubic Kobra review.

$549 at Anycubic

Entry-level 3D printers

Prusa Research

Prusa Mini Plus

Small but mighty

The Mini Plus is one of the best small-footprint printers you can buy. It has everything you would expect from a Prusa machine: Auto bed leveling, crash detection and great print quality, all for under $450. Building it with my son gave us a lot of good insights into how a 3D printer works, and potentially how to fix one.

$429 at Prusa Research

Sarah Tew/CNET

Anycubic Mono

Best inexpensive resin 3D printer

Resin printers are the next step up in rapid prototyping design technology when you want your printing to look as high quality as possible. Just be warned: The liquid resin is harder to work with, and it requires both good ventilation and a portable UV light to properly cure. This model is extremely popular with board game hobbyists who want to print pro-looking miniatures, and sometimes you'll see it fall in price. Note that you can save $20 at Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.

$189 at Anycubic

$250 at Amazon

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Monoprice Mini Delta V2

Best for tiny desks

I had high hopes for this dirt-cheap 3D printer with a tiny footprint. It's usually under $200 and requires no additional assembly. And I do like it, but it's for a specific audience. This is not the great low-cost entry-level printer I was hoping for. It required some tweaking and troubleshooting to get up and running. The included microSD card was so cheap and corrupted it never worked, the built-in Wi-Fi was never able to connect to my network, and the machine's arms got caught on some poorly installed plastic wire covers (I just ripped the paper-thin covers off).

But once I had all the problems ironed out, it was a reliable little machine for quick jobs. It would make a great second 3D printer, or if you need to fit one into a small space. I especially liked the auto-leveling, which worked well, and the color touchscreen, which is a feature that often gets chopped from low-cost models. If you're willing to put a little effort into getting it set up correctly, it's a great printer for the price.

$153 at Amazon

Midrange 3D printers

Anycubic

Anycubic Photon Mono X

Best for mass-produced gaming minis

Standard resin printers are fine if you want to print small items or miniatures. For more oversized cosplay items, practical models or collections of gaming miniatures, you're going to need a bigger build area.

Enter the Anycubic Mono X, a resin printer that solves that issue by having a build plate nearly three times bigger than the standard Anycubic models. For example, I managed to print the entire blade of a Dune Crysknife, something that would have needed to be split into three parts if it wasn't for the extra build volume.

The Mono X also prints at insane speeds. Because resin prints the entire layer in one shot, they tend to be quicker than traditional FDM printers in the first place, but the Mono X takes this to the extreme with layers printing in as little as 1 second. It's incredible to watch. --James Bricknell

It's still cheaper to shop at Anycubic directly, but you can save $110 at Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.

$349 at Anycubic

$660 at Amazon

James Bricknell/CNET

Flashforge Adventurer 4

Best 3D printer for ease of use

The Flashforge Adventurer 3 has long been one of CNET's favorite midprice 3D printers. The updated Adventurer 4 brings a handful of iterative improvements that make for a winning evolution. The Adventurer 4 is a fully enclosed unit, which helps control the temperature and block drafts. The build area is 220 by 200 by 250mm, and it has a system for easily swapping out nozzles -- all good features to have in a mid-level to high-end printer.

$849 at Amazon

High-end and professional 3D printers

Creality

Creality CR-30

Best for small biz or pro cosplayers

A word of warning; the CR-30 is not for the beginners out there. It is a complicated machine, and you will need some 3D-printing knowledge to really get the hang of it. It's also a very different beast, and instead of printing on a static-sized build plate, it uses a conveyor belt to create an "endless Z-axis." That lets you print very long things or lots of things over and over again.

If you are a cosplayer looking to make weapons or large armor pieces, the CR-30 gives you a lot of room to create. I've managed to print Squall's Gunblade from Final Fantasy VIII as well as the Whisper of the Worm from Destiny 2 (both were printed in two halves and attached together). It's great for small businesses looking to mass-produce small parts, and with just two CR-30s you could create a small empire on Etsy or Shopify. --James Bricknell

$1,100 at Crealty

$1,100 at Amazon

Sarah Tew/CNET

Glowforge 3D Laser Cutter

Best for woodworkers

I can't begin to tell you how much I love the Glowforge. Laser cutters can create projects from wood, leather, lucite and other materials, making it an interesting creation alternative to filament-based 3D printers. Even better, what would take a 3D printer hours to do takes just minutes in the Glowforge.

With it, I've created laser-etched LED lights, birch wood tool caddies, and even a three-tier box for my Nespresso sleeves. There's a robust community of makers creating and sharing files, but pretty much any line drawing you can create in something like Adobe Illustrator can be turned into a project.

The software is all cloud-based, which adds a layer of complication (you need internet service to use it), but the ability to create amazing gifts and more from simple 0.125-inch or 0.25-inch cheap plywood is pretty empowering.

See some of my laser cutter projects (and download my SVG files) here.

$3,995 at Glowforge (Glowforge Basic)

$4,995 at Glowforge (Glowforge Plus)

3D Scanners

Revopoint

Revopoint Pop 2

Incredible details

While the software has a pretty steep learning curve, the end result is extremely detailed. I've really enjoyed using the handheld version to scan larger models while the included turntable makes scanning smaller objects a breeze. If you are looking for a professional-grade scanner and can spend some time on the software, the Pop 2 is a great choice.

$800 at Amazon

Sarah Tew/CNET

SOL Desktop Laser 3D Scanner

Best 3D scanner for easy replicas

Recreate pretty much anything by putting it on this 3D scanner, where a rotating base and built-in camera create a 360-degree copy, which is then editable in any 3D program and printable on your 3D printer. Simply scan the object, import the scan into your slicing software for cleanup, and print. The included software alerts you of next steps in the printing process with either sound or texts. Scan quality and print resolution are great, and setup is easy, although you might want to clean up your 3D model a bit in a 3D software app after.

$614 at Amazon

3D printing FAQs

What material should I use to print with?

Most home 3D printers use PLA or ABS plastic. Professional printers can use all sorts of materials, from metal to organic filament. Some printers use a liquid resin, which is much more difficult to handle. As a beginner, use PLA. It's nontoxic, made mostly of cornstarch and sugarcane, handles easily and is inexpensive. However, it's more sensitive to heat, so don't leave your 3D prints on the dashboard of a car on a hot day.

Which brand of PLA is best?

Generally speaking, Hatchbox has never let me down and runs about $25 for a full 1kg spool on Amazon. Some of the printers I tested only accommodate narrower 0.5kg spools. In those cases, I sometimes used a larger Hatchbox roll with a separate spool-holder. Other times, I had good luck with AIO Robotics 0.5kg spools, which are a little more expensive, at $14 for 0.5kg. Amazon Basics and Monoprice can also be good, but for any brand, weird colors like metallic or glow-in-the-dark filament can be hit-or-miss. Note that a 1kg roll prints a lot of stuff.

What settings should I use?

Most 3D printers include or link to recommended software, which can handle converting 3D STL or other files into formats supported by the printer. Stick with the suggested presets to start, with one exception. I've started adding a raft, or bottom layer of filament, to nearly everything I print. It has cut down dramatically on prints that don't adhere to the bed properly, which is a common issue. If you continue to have problems, rub a standard glue stick on the print bed right before printing.

What are supports?

Your 3D models probably need some help to print properly, as these printers don't do well with big overhangs -- for example, an arm sticking out from a figure. Your 3D printer software can usually automatically calculate and add supports, meaning little stands that hold up all those sticking-out parts of the model. After the print is done, clip the supports off with micro cutters and file down any nubs or rough edges with hobby files.

Where do I find things to print?

Thingiverse.com is a huge online repository of 3D files for anything and everything you can think of. Pokemon chess set? It's there. Dyson vacuum wall mount? You bet.

When you're ready to create your own designs, there are a ton of software packages to choose from, but it's easiest to start with the browser-based free TinkerCad app from Autodesk.

Crazy things I've made on a 3D printer

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The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2022

While we'd hesitate to call 3D printing a mature technology, you might say it has reached its teenage years. Through their first decade-and-change, 3D printers have come down in price, grown easier to set up and operate, and become more reliable. And you may pay less than you expect: Many once-high-end features have migrated down to inexpensive models.

PC Labs has been reviewing 3D printers since 2013. Today, the state of 3D printing is strong, but that wasn’t always the case. For the first several years, it was often an adventure getting one of these printers up and running, let alone successfully through our testing regimen. Issues with filament-based—aka fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition modeling (FDM)—printers were abundant.

Filament feeders had to be coaxed into delivering filament from the spool to the extruder. Print beds had to be manually aligned. The extruder or hot end had to be positioned just right to minimize the gap between the nozzle and the build plate (the flat surface on which the object is printed). Objects frequently stuck to the build plate, and required careful, sometimes unsuccessful, efforts to pry them off. These and other issues required painstaking effort to resolve, often combined with calls to tech support.

Not so much anymore. While they can still be rebellious at times, 3D printers have grown up a lot, and achieving the 3D printer basics has gotten a lot less likely to end in a shouting match over small things. And they've gotten a lot more affordable, too, for curious DIY-ers and hobbyists to try.

If you're in the market for a beginner or low-cost 3D printer, it's important to know how lower-end models differ. Read on for mini-reviews of the top budget 3D printers we've tested. After that, we go into more detail on understanding the 3D printer specs and tech relevant to beginning buyers. Ready to take the plunge? Read on.

More About Our Picks

Original Prusa Mini

4.5 Outstanding

Best Overall Budget 3D Printer

Bottom Line:

It requires assembly and calibration care (plus shipping from the Czech Republic), but the Original Prusa Mini is a compact, open-frame 3D printer that consistently produces superb-quality output for a great price.

Pros

Top-notch object quality
Supports a variety of filament types
Useful, professionally printed user guide
Great support resources
Versatile, user-friendly software

Cons

First-layer calibration can be tricky
Only includes starter packets of filament
Requires monitoring if young children or pets are around

Read Our Original Prusa Mini Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Schools, Community Centers

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Mini is a consumer-oriented 3D printer that provides a winning combination of low price, ease of setup and use, solid print quality, and smooth, misprint-free operation.

Pros

Very low price.
Reasonably priced filament.
Good print quality.
No misprints in testing.
Easy setup and operation.
Quiet.
Prints over a USB or Wi-Fi connection.

Cons

Occasional problems in trying to launch prints.
Removing printed objects from the print bed is sometimes tricky.

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review

Toybox 3D Printer

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Children

Bottom Line:

The Toybox 3D Printer works well as a model designed for children, offering reliable printing from a browser or mobile device and a few thousand toys to print, plus creative options to output drawings or photos. Just bear in mind the tiny build area.

Pros

Reliable, misprint-free printing
Easy setup
One-touch operation
Well-composed help resources
Access to more than 2,000 printable toys and projects
Lets you create your own printable designs

Cons

Tiny build area
Not ideal for importing 3D files created elsewhere

Read Our Toybox 3D Printer Review

Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer

4. 0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners, Non-Techies

Bottom Line:

3D printing gurus will be intrigued by the Monoprice Mini Delta V2's use of the delta rather than Cartesian coordinate system, but beginners will just enjoy its low price, ease of use, and speedy printing.

Pros

Sub-$200 price
Quick, nearly misprint-free printing
Easy setup and operation
Sturdy steel-and-aluminum frame
Supports multiple filament types

Cons

Tiny build area
So-so print quality
Mere one-year warranty

Read Our Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer Review

Anycubic i3 Mega S

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer With an Open Design, Big Build Area

Bottom Line:

The Anycubic i3 Mega S, an inexpensive open-frame 3D printer, produced decent-quality prints in our testing. To get the most out of it, though, may require precise calibration.

Pros

Modestly priced
Large build area for an inexpensive printer
Supports a variety of filament types
Generally solid print quality
Uses well-known Cura software

Cons

Finicky print-platform alignment
Supported coils of filament are small
Poorly placed spool holder

Read Our Anycubic i3 Mega S Review

Anycubic Vyper

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for the Biggest Build Area Possible

Bottom Line:

Anycubic's modestly priced Vyper whips up large 3D prints on its open-frame design, and provides automatic print-bed leveling. Just know that some minor assembly is required—and printed objects may require a bit of cleanup.

Pros

Relatively large build area
Automatic bed leveling
Simple assembly

Cons

Short (one-year) warranty
Includes only a small starter filament coil
Using Cura software with the Vyper requires tweaking a couple of settings
Test prints showed some "hairy" filament residue

Read Our Anycubic Vyper Review

Creality Ender-3 V2

3. 5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for Tinkerers and DIY Types

Bottom Line:

Hands-on tweaking defines Creality's budget-price Ender-3 V2, an open-frame 3D printer that you build from a kit. It produces generally above-par prints, but its print bed can be tricky to keep leveled.

Pros

Inexpensive
Slightly above-average print quality
Good-size build area for its price
Supports several filament types

Cons

Manual print-bed leveling can be tricky
Setup instructions could be deeper, more legible
Questionable quality control on some parts

Read Our Creality Ender-3 V2 Review

Flashforge Finder 3D Printer

3.5 Good

Best 3D Printer for the Very Tightest Budgets

Bottom Line:

The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is moderately priced and offers good print quality, but it proved tricky to get up and running in our tests.

Pros

Quiet.
Good print quality.
Connects via USB 2.0 cable, USB thumb drive, or Wi-Fi.
Reasonably priced.

Cons

Some objects pulled off the platform during testing.
Poor documentation.
Modest build volume.
Limited to printing with polylactic acid filament (PLA).

Read Our Flashforge Finder 3D Printer Review

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for Dabbling in Small Objects

Bottom Line:

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer is a compact, stylish 3D printer with above-par overall print quality, but, alas, a tiny build area for the money.

Pros

Small, lightweight for a desktop 3D printer.
Easy to set up and use.
Supports PLA, PETG, and wood composite filaments.
Multiple-color support.
Wi-Fi camera monitors print jobs.
Prints from USB drives, SD cards, or mobile devices.

Cons

High price for its capabilities.
Small build area.
Too-brief warranty.

Read Our Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer With Closed Design, Roomy Build Area

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro is a moderately priced closed-frame 3D printer with a large build volume and overall good performance, but a potentially balky filament-feeding system.

Pros

Spacious build area
Works with third-party filaments
Self-leveling print bed

Cons

Build plate is not heated
Limited to PLA- and PETG-based filaments
Guide tube is prone to detaching

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro Review

Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer

3. 0 Average

Best Budget 3D Printer for Cheap Filament

Bottom Line:

The Monoprice Voxel is an under-$400 3D printer that's easy to set up and use. It exhibits generally good print quality, but it was unable to print two of our test objects.

Pros

Easy to set up and use.
Budget price for printer and filament spools.
Supports PLA, ABS, and several composite filament types.
Versatile software.
Prints over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, or from a USB thumb drive.

Cons

Frequent misprints on certain test objects.
Slightly balky touch screen.

Read Our Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer Review

How to Buy a Cheap 3D Printer

The biggest changes to 3D printers over the last few years have come to the cheaper models. Nowadays, many of those classic, ornery 3D-printing issues have been resolved (most of the time, anyway), even for consumer and bargain-priced 3D printers. Automatic print-bed leveling is the norm, and you can usually remove 3D-printed objects from heated and/or flexible build plates with a minimum of coaxing. And most 3D printer manufacturers have either developed and refined their own software, or have adapted an open-source printing platform such as Cura(Opens in a new window).

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

What separates more expensive 3D printers from cheap ones ("cheap" defined as $500 or less, for the purposes of this article) is often a select group of features. These include the build volume, the type of frame, the varieties of supported filament, the software, and the connectivity mix. Let's run through those in turn.

What's the Right Build Volume for a 3D Printer?

A 3D printer’s build volume is the maximum dimensions (HWD) of a part that it can print. (We say “a part” because a 3D-printed object can consist of multiple parts that are printed, then glued or otherwise pieced together. ) While the smallest build volume of any 3D printer we have tested is 3.9 by 3.9 by 4.9 inches, we consider any build volume smaller than 6 by 6 by 6 inches to be small, any between that and 10 by 10 by 10 inches as medium, and any printer with at least one build dimension of more than 10 inches as having a large build volume.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

As a general rule, inexpensive 3D printers have small build volumes, while more expensive ones have larger build volumes. This depends in part on the type of printer. Closed-frame 3D printers—and most semi-open models, which have a rigid top, base, and sides but are open in front and, often, back—tend to have small build volumes, while open-frame printers, lacking as rigid a physical structure, often have relatively large build volumes for the price. You'll want to weigh the build volume against the kinds of objects you will print.

Should I Get an Open-Frame or Closed-Frame 3D Printer?

Which brings us to the frame "form factor" question: open-frame versus closed-frame. Closed-frame 3D printers are boxlike devices, with a rigid base, walls (with a see-through door in front), and top. Among their advantages? They muffle the operating noise, as well as reduce the odor from melted filament (which is potentially an issue with ABS plastic), and they provide some protection for people or pets who might inadvertently touch the hot extruder. A downside: They tend to have smaller build volumes than open-frame 3D printers, which have fewer (often, no) walls to constrict them.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Low-cost 3D printers include both open-frame and closed-frame models, as well as a few stereolithography printers. If a relatively large build volume is a priority, you’re likely to get more bang for the buck with an open-frame model. Open-frames do have some clear downsides by definition: They tend to be noisy, emit odors when certain plastics are melted, and provide little protection for someone who might touch the hot extruder.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Also, recognize some potential negatives of open frames, depending on the model. Some require assembly, being essentially kits, and most require more setup care than a closed-frame printer, plus more maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Still, these very traits should not deter—and may even appeal to—hobbyists and DIY folks.

What Should I Look for in 3D Printer Software and Connectivity?

Gone are the days when tinkerers had to cobble together several different programs to get a 3D printer to run. Manufacturers either include their own 3D printing program or modify an existing platform such as the open-source Cura.

3D printing software performs three main functions: processing an object file (resizing, moving, rotating, and in some cases duplicating it), slicing it (into virtual layers, based on your chosen resolution), and printing it. These are almost universally combined into a seamless process. Some high-end printers have software that supports a wider range of settings you can tweak, but even the basic suites work at least reasonably well.

More likely to vary among the cheaper set is the array of connection options from model to model. Nearly all have a USB Type-A port to fit a thumb drive for printing from document files. Most also have a USB Type-B port for connecting directly to a computer, and some offer Wi-Fi, too (or as an alternative), while a handful let you connect via Ethernet to share the printer across a local network.

Some printers support storing 3D files on an SD or microSD card (which may also contain the printer’s system files). Most 3D printer manufacturers (even the discount ones) have a mobile app to launch and monitor print jobs, and a few provide access to cloud services from which you can print.

While high-end 3D printers tend to have an abundance of connection choices, discount models vary widely in their choices. Some are generous and some are basic, so it pays to assess what a given model offers.

What Should I Look for in Filament Support?

Filament support tends to be a key area that separates the cheaper models from the higher-end ones. (See our guide to understanding 3D printing filaments for more particulars.) Inexpensive 3D printers tend to support a limited number of plastic filament types, some of them only PLA and/or ABS.

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3D Printing: What You Need to Know

3D Printer Filaments Explained

(Credit: Molly Flores)

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable, plant-based polymer, while ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the same tough plastic that Legos are made from. Objects printed from ABS are durable and nontoxic, though the material can be tricky to work with. ABS can emit an acrid, unpleasant odor during printing, and the bottom corners of objects being printed with it have a tendency to curl upward a bit, especially if you are using a non-heated print bed. This can lead to unsightly prints, and/or prints prematurely pulling off the build plate, ruining them.

Many entry-level and low-price 3D printers stick exclusively to PLA. If you want to experiment with a larger variety of filaments—which include water-soluble filament, wood- and metal-laced composites, and both tough and flexible varieties—you may have to pay more, although a few discount models support a wide range of materials.

Should I Consider a 3D Printing Pen Instead?

Although they aren’t printers per se, inexpensive 3D pens are close kin to 3D printers—using the same filament types and a similar extrusion system—and we include them in the 3D printing category. Rather than tracing out a programmed pattern, you use the 3D pen much like a normal pen, except that you draw with molten plastic. You can trace a pattern or draw freehand, and even draw in three dimensions as the plastic quickly solidifies and hardens once extruded.

(Credit: 3Doodler)

Most 3D pens cost less than $100, and some cost $50 or less. At a glance, 3D pens may appear to be toys, but some artists and craftspeople have taken to them, as it is possible to make quite complicated and beautiful objects with them. If your aim in 3D printing is something closer to freehand design and free expression than computer-centric, structured, and repeatable output, you might give one a try.

So, What Is the Best Cheap 3D Printer to Buy?

Buying a budget 3D printer needn’t mean a world of sacrifice. Plenty of capable and reliable models sell at less than $500, and while they may not be as feature-rich as their more expensive cousins, there's no sense in paying for things you don’t need.

Many casual 3D-printing experimenters will be fine with printing over a USB cable or from a thumb drive, and sticking to PLA may be the best choice for a starter 3D printer. If you focus just on the features you want, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Below, check out a spec breakdown of the best under-$500 3D printers we have reviewed, paralleling our picks above. Also, for a look at the broader market, see our guide to our favorite 3D printers overall.

90,000 selection, review and comparison of models

Content

Review of the best budget 3D printer for home
Wanhao Duplicator i3 Mini
Crealy Ender-3
XYZPRICIC DA VINCICI JUNCIA Junci
Geetech A10M
FlyingBear Ghost 4S
Anycubic I3 Mega
Tevo Tarantula Pro
Top of the Best SMBs
Zortrax M200

Review of the best budget 3D printers for the home

These are inexpensive models with a minimum set of options. Create elements from different materials using different technologies.

Wanhao Duplicator i3 mini

Compact device with small print area. Can be used immediately after unpacking. To do this, just install the device, perform calibration. Compatible with various operating systems. Quickly creates the given element. Monochrome screen for easy parameter setting. The display shows information about the current process - nozzle temperature, percent complete, etc. Good cooling system.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw material - PLA;
- connection - USB, SD;
- speed - 70 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
- dimensions - 325x380x240 mm;
- weight - 7 kg;
- price - from 14900 rubles.
Advantages:
- is completely ready for operation;
- easily connects to the operating system;
- securely holds the model;
- Glue stick included.
Disadvantages:
- freezes periodically;
- poor quality table screw levelers;
- there is no Russian menu.
Creality Ender-3

Device with convenient control, high speed of model creation. Sturdy platform with even heating. Allows you to work without an adhesive coating. Printing can be paused with saving the settings, then resuming the process. Power supply with active cooling.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw material - ABS, PLA, Wood;
- connection - USB, micro SD;
- speed - 180 mm/s;
- dimensions - 440x465x420 mm;
- weight - 6.9 kg;
- price - from 16900 rubles.
Advantages:
- prints well;
- ease of use;
- wear parts;
- compact.
Disadvantages:
- noisy;
- is obsolete and needs to be upgraded.
TEVO Tornado

Repairable and upgradeable model. Suitable for use by beginners. Easy control, simple settings. Can be used daily. Creates smooth elements of different dimensions. Large print volume. The titanium extruder ensures the high performance of the printer. Installed on any surface. Well implemented cooling system.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw materials - ABS, Flex, PLA, PVA, Wood, PETG;
- connection - USB, SD;
- speed - 150 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
- dimensions - 560x620x600 mm;
- weight - 11 kg;
- price - from 31700 rubles.
Advantages:
- quick assembly;
- easy to set up;
- strong, stable frame;
- can create large items;
- is easy to reflash.
Disadvantages:
- airflow is poorly implemented;
- some accessories are made of plastic;
- The work table has a bad adhesive coating.
XYZPrinting da Vinci Junior Pro

A simple but functional device. Supplied with a memory card containing the software. If there is no suitable output on the computer, the software can be downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer. The backlight of the camera allows you to see the internal components. Ready for use immediately after unpacking. No manual calibration required. The cooling system works well, so the device does not overheat during operation.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw material - PLA;
- connection - USB, Card Reader;
- speed - 40 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC;
- dimensions - 420x430x380 mm;
- weight - 12 kg;
- price - from 38400 rubles.
Benefits:
- Easy cartridge replacement;
- security;
- easy operation;
- compact;
- no assembly required.
Disadvantages:
- limited type, material manufacturers;
- small screen.
Prusa i3 Steel

Easy to set up model. Small size allows you to install it on the desktop. The steel frame ensures accurate printing. Possibility of modernization. A clear step-by-step guide helps to quickly assemble the device. High quality cooling system. The medium print area allows you to make souvenirs, small toys, etc.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM;
- raw materials - ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS;
- connection - USB, SD;
- speed - 200 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux;
- dimensions - 410x480x450 mm;
- weight - 11 kg;
- price - from 44800 rubles.
Advantages:
- low vibration;
- creates smooth models with a homogeneous structure;
- rich equipment;
- clear instructions;
- ease of use;
- rigid stable frame;
- good airflow.
Disadvantages:
- difficult to fix bar, SD card;
- The work surface takes a long time to heat up.
Geetech A10M

Multicolour maker. The mixer allows you to mix material of different shades to simulate elements with gradients. Can be used by beginners at home. Firmware update via internet. High print speed. The finished part fully complies with the specified parameters. Convenient control panel with source open source. System for resuming an interrupted process.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF;
- raw materials - ABS, HIPS, PETG, PLA, PVA, Rubber;
- connection - USB, SD;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux;
- dimensions - 530x470x230 mm;
- weight - 8.8 kg;
- price - from 27000.
Advantages:
- wide platform;
- print precision;
- ease of use;
- large touch display;
- forms products from different materials.
Disadvantages:
- components fail quickly;
- slow operation.
FlyingBear Ghost 4S

High performance device. Uninterrupted supply of plastic. Connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi. In the event of a power outage, the settings are saved. The process is resumed with the given parameters. Automatically deactivated after completion of work. Forms elements with complex geometry. Smooth surface details. Wear resistant components. The all-metal frame provides stability on the basis.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM;
- raw materials - PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood, HIPS;
- connection - Wi-Fi, USB, SD;
- speed - 150 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC;
- dimensions - 392x342x420 mm;
- weight - 15 kg;
- price - from 35000.
Advantages:
- ease of operation;
- large touch screen;
- many functions;
- simple setting.
Drawbacks:
- mediocre assembly;
- Poor blower system.
Anycubic I3 Mega

Compact device suitable for creating flexible elements. The heated work surface allows you to easily remove finished products after cooling. The material feeds smoothly for accurate printing. Can be used immediately after unpacking. Solid, secure platform. Rigid metal frame guarantees stability. Good adhesion of the first layers ensures a clear creation of figures. The touch display displays the set parameters. The screen provides access to settings, real-time operation control. Power failure protection system.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM/FFF/PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw materials - ABS, PLA, Wood, HIPS;
- connection - USB, SD;
- speed - 100 mm/s;
- dimensions - 405x453x410 mm;
- weight - 11 kg;
- price - from 23800 rubles.
Advantages:
- fine printing;
- works out of the box;
- color screen;
- updated table;
- good adhesion to the substrate;
- ease of use;
- easy setting.
Disadvantages:
- squeak at startup;
- smell of plastic;
- noisy.
Tevo Tarantula Pro

Budget model that works with different materials, including soft ones. Quickly forms an element. Smooth uninterrupted supply of plastic. Wide opportunities for modernization. Original design. Small dimensions, so the installation of the device does not require a lot of space. Suitable for creating large figures. The frame is not strong enough. This suggests that problems may arise during operation. To avoid their appearance, you need to securely fix the device on the countertop.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw material - ABS, Flex, Nylon, PLA, PVA, Wood, ASA, HIPS, PETG, PP, SBS, POM;
- connection - USB, USB Type A, SD;
- speed - 150 l/h;
- compatible with OS - Windows, Linux, Unix;
- dimensions - 434x504x333 mm;
- weight - 8. 5 kg;
- price - from 18900 rubles.
Benefits:
- large print area;
- compact;
- powerful power supply;
- quick work;
- uniform platform heating;
- well implemented cooling system.
Drawbacks:
- cheap parts;
- requires installation on a hard surface.
Top Best Models for SMBs

These devices help organizations increase productivity, increase revenue. High speed, advanced functionality.

Zortrax M200

Semi-professional instrument with open housing. Platform with auto-calibration, uniform heating. The built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to connect devices without the use of wires. Large print area. Additional features to improve the product forming process. Automatic deactivation of the device when the material runs out.

Advanced cooling system. The built-in camera allows you to watch the creation of figures from a computer. You can use immediately after unpacking. No assembly or calibration required. Automatic firmware update via Wi-Fi allows you to improve the interface.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- raw materials - ABS, PLA, Nylon, PC;
- speed - 100 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows;
- dimensions - 345x360x430 mm;
- weight - 13 kg;
- price - from 138200 rubles.
Advantages:
- is completely ready for operation;
- accurate, fast printing;
- silent operation;
- well implemented cooling system.
Disadvantages:
- problems with the creation of large products;
- poor quality components.
Ultimaker 3

Professional, reliable device. Choice of preset, program settings. Automatic material feed. Suitable for creating elements with complex geometry. Built-in camera for monitoring work remotely. Uniform platform heating. You can work with different materials. Allows you to make shapes with two colors. Automation of the process eliminates the occurrence of errors during operation. Consumables recognition system, selection of suitable settings. No manual calibration required.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- raw materials - ABS, PLA, PVA, NEYLON, HIPS, Flex, CPE;
- connection - Wi-Fi, Ethernet;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC;
- dimensions - 357x338x338 mm;
- weight - 13 kg;
- price - from 330,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- customizable;
- the presence of a second switchable nozzle;
- variety of materials;
- white built-in lighting;
- high volume printing;
- fast product forming.
Disadvantages:
- motors get very hot;
- balancing complexity;
- noisy work.
Picaso Designer X Pro

The model is made of reliable, durable, wear-resistant materials. Platform with uniform heating. Creates elements of different thicknesses. Convenient control, setting. Solves problems of any complexity. The process control system allows you to monitor the supply of plastic, the uniformity of the applied layers. The display reports the status of the current job. The device is suitable for the production of industrial parts. Automatic calibration sets up the platform in seconds.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM;
- raw materials - PLA, ABS, PLA Flexible, PVA, PC, Hips, Nylon, Laywood, FilaFlex, Filamentarno;
- connection - USB, Ethernet, USB Flash;
- speed - 30 cm3/hour;
- compatible with OS - Windows;
- dimensions - 492x390x430 mm;
- weight - 22 kg;
- price - from 149000 rubles.
Advantages:
- printing precision;
- easy calibration;
- easily removable magnetic table;
- directional material feed;
- fast work.
Disadvantages:
- constantly clogged nozzle;
- when a new layer is formed, a void is formed.
Tevo Nereus

Low cost, easy to use device. Suitable for personal use, custom printing. Wi-Fi module for wireless synchronization with devices. The process can be controlled remotely from a smartphone. Large touch screen for easy setup. Built-in uninterruptible power supply in case of a power outage. Durable aluminum frame provides stability. Open source.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM;
- raw materials - ABS, HIPS, Nylon, PETG, PLA, PVA, Rubber;
- connection - Wi-Fi;
- speed - 150 mm/s;
- weight - 13 kg;
- price - from 30900 rubles.
Advantages:
- color touch display;
- surface heats up quickly;
- wide print area;
- backlash-free assembly;
- option to restart the process after a power outage.
Weaknesses:
- loud power supply fan;
- "raw" firmware.
Artillery Sidewinder X1

A model that can be used right out of the box. Wide work surface. Almost instant heating of the platform. High positioning accuracy. Wear-resistant materials of increased strength. The table cover is perforated glass with good adhesion to all types of plastics used. After the process is completed, the figures are easily removed from the surface. Powerful, directional material flow.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM, FFF, PJP;
- design - open chamber;
- raw material - ABS, Flex, Nylon, PLA, Wood, HIPS, PETG, PC;
- connection - USB, SD;
- speed - 150 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
- dimensions - 780x250x540 mm;
- weight - 16.5 kg;
- price - 36900 rubles.
Advantages:
- high print speed;
- process control system;
- easy setting;
- touch control.
Disadvantages:
- short USB cable;
- inconvenient port layout;
- noisy fans.
Two Trees Sapphire S

Device with stable aluminum frame. Option to resume operation after a sudden power outage. Fast uniform heating of the platform with three leveling points.

Features:
- technology - FDM;
- raw materials - PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood;
- connection - USB;
- speed - 180 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows;
- dimensions - 450x450x320 mm;
- weight - 12 kg.
Advantages:
- easy assembly;
- Russian language menu;
- user friendly touch screen;
- forms elements quickly;
- creates parts with complex geometries.
Disadvantages:
- few settings;
- incomprehensible interface;
- inconvenient way of fastening straps;
- Firmware failed.
Elegoo Mars

Compact model with no backlash assembly. Accurate, clear printing at high speed. High resolution color touch screen. Wide plotting area along the XY axis. Compatible with many materials. The smoothing function reduces the effect of stairs on the product.

Features:
- technology - DLP;
- design - closed case;
- raw material - 405NM UV resin;
- connection - USB;
- weight - 6.8 kg;
- price - from 31500 rubles.
Advantages:
- easy calibration;
- ease of use;
- high speed;
- original slicer;
- consumable savings.
Faults:
- noisy fan;
- Inconvenient port layout.
The best SLA models for small and medium businesses

Laser stereolithography printing - the formation of elements with high resolution, accuracy, the smallest deviation of parts from the specified parameters. Wide working area. SLA 3D printers are suitable for use at home, in small workshops, and in large-scale production.

WANHAO DUPLICATOR 8

Model with simple, user-friendly controls. The print speed can be adjusted. Material - photopolymer resin. It allows you to create complex geometric shapes with a smooth surface. Cures quickly with LED light. There is a viewing window on the side of the table to monitor the process.

Characteristics:
- design - closed chamber;
- raw material - photopolymer;
- connection - USB, Wi-Fi;
- speed - 30 mm/hour;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
- price - from 92000 rubles.
- Advantages:
- compact dimensions;
- light weight;
- works fast;
- forms several products at the same time;
- high performance;
- automatic leveling mechanism;
- high capacity resin tank;
- convenient touch screen for operation;
- no special conditions for installation, operation.
Disadvantages:
- there is no on/off button on the front panel;
- custom design.
Formlabs Form 2

Intuitive instrument. Forms elements with a smooth surface. Stable operation with uniform material feed. Suitable for forming large products. Good cleaning system - foreign particles are regularly removed from the construction, mixing area to create parts with a uniform structure. The platform heats up evenly.

Characteristics:
- technology - SLA;
- design - closed chamber;
- raw material - photopolymer;
- connection - USB, WI-FI, Ethernet;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC;
- dimensions - 350x330x520 mm;
- weight - 13 kg;
- price - from 259000.
Advantages:
- convenient touch screen;
- smooth surface of figures;
- automatic material volume control;
- clear print;
- ease of use;
- You can create multiple elements at the same time.
Disadvantages:
- defects in the formation of small parts;
- expensive consumables.
B9 Creator

Precision printed model. Wide working area. Suitable for creating products with complex geometry. A high resolution. You can make figures in a thin layer. Flat, smooth surface. Application of material without voids. Suitable for jewelry production. Works with cured epoxy.

Characteristics:
- raw material - liquid photopolymer;
- connection - USB, SD;
- speed - 12-20 mm/hour;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC;
- dimensions - 790x470x305 mm;
- weight - 13.5 kg;
- price - from 337250 rubles.
Benefits:
- fast printing;
- finished elements correspond to the given parameters;
- simple design;
- maintainability;
- can make complex parts.
Disadvantages:
- fine tuning required;
- Resin reservoir builds up solid particles preventing uniform material flow;
- firmware problems.
Premium 3D printers

High performance expensive models. Extended functionality. Suitable for professional use.

Formlabs Form 3

Low Power Laser 3D Printer. Quickly creates features with complex geometry. Reproduces the smallest details. Built-in sensors control the process, support printing conditions, notify about changes in the state of the device. Can be used immediately after unpacking. Does not require complex assembly.

Characteristics:
- technology - SLA;
- design - open chamber;
- raw material - liquid photopolymer;
- connection - Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB;
- dimensions - 405x375x530;
- weight - 17.5 kg;
- price - from 336600 rubles.
Advantages:
- ease of replacement of consumables;
- ease of use;
- automated work;
- free software included in the kit;
- X, Y accuracy;
- layer thickness can be adjusted;
- wide range of materials;
- maintainability.
Disadvantages:
- print speed dependent on resin viscosity;
- risk of product deformation;
- high price.
Raise3D Pro2

Closed case model for low volume production. Sturdy aluminum frame provides stability. Large print area. Suitable for simultaneous creation of several products at once. Allows you to form complex shapes with fine details. Works at high speed. Convenient touch panel for process settings. Intuitive interface with a wide range of features. Complies with environmental safety standards, therefore suitable for the home. A silicone coating is applied to the surface of the working area, which allows you to remove the finished product without damaging it.

Characteristics:
- technology - FDM;
- design - closed chamber;
- raw materials - ABS, HIPS, Nylon, PETG, PLA, PVA, Rubber;
- connection - LAN, USB, Wi-Fi;
- speed - 30-150 mm/s;
- compatible with OS - Windows, MAC, Linux;
- dimensions - 620x520x760;
- weight - 44 kg;
- price - from 371000.
Advantages:
- evenly heated platform;
- elements are not deformed;
- when power is cut off, printing resumes with the specified parameters;
- is suitable for different operating systems;
- wireless control;
- ease of use;
- many additional functions.
Disadvantages:
- expensive consumables;
- high price.
When choosing the best 3D printer in 2022, price, dimensions, design, and characteristics are taken into account. For the home, they purchase an inexpensive compact device that can be repaired in the event of a malfunction. In the professional field, productive models with high printing speeds are used. The review shows the devices from which you can choose the right unit.

News about 3D printers and 3D printing

The most interesting news about additive technologies from all over the world. Stay up to date!

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German company 4D Concepts GmbH has been providing 3D printing services for over twenty-five years, and recently acquired an Intamsys Funmat Pro 610HT high-temperature industrial 3D printer to meet the demand for functional prototypes from modern high-performance structural thermoplastics.

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The project is experimental and symbolic: the structure was erected by 3D4Art to celebrate a cooperation agreement with an Indian construction company interested in 3D concrete printing technologies.

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The author of the best feature article will receive a new system for 3D printing with photopolymer resins from the administration of the portal and tons of admiration from colleagues.

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Even the simplest FDM 3D printer can print color products with a smooth gradation of shades, if you have a special multi-color filament at hand. Unfortunately, the choice of such materials is limited, but they can be made independently. We'll tell you how it's done.

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The World Nuclear Association (WNA) has published a report on the application of advanced manufacturing technologies in the nuclear industry. One of the key places in the document is given to additive manufacturing processes and the development of various regulatory documents and industry standards. The report presents the achievements of RusAT LLC in introducing additive manufacturing in the nuclear industry, as well as an expert position on the development and implementation of standards and regulatory documents in the field of...

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Plasmics, an Austrian developer of additive equipment, is running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, offering unusual hot ends with induction heating. The developers promise faster and more accurate temperature control with a consequent increase in the quality of FDM / FFF 3D printing.

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Visitors to the museum-festival will be able to get acquainted with eighty-five robots from around the world, previously demonstrated at exhibitions in Las Vegas, Beijing, Berlin, Milan and Tokyo, see the performance of flying pixels and 3D printed models, as well as create new works of art using a neural network.

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Rostec State Corporation presented a vacuum cathode-beam 3D printer based on a multi-axis robot at the Weldex-2022 exhibition. The system allows growing parts of complex shape from steel, titanium and aluminum alloys for aerospace engineering.

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New systems are initially tailored for the extended functionality of the Klipper firmware and equipped with 32-bit electronics with additional computing power in the form of a quad-core single-board computer.

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By the end of 2023, Samara State Medical University plans to create a bioink for printing human cartilage tissue on a 3D printer. The development is carried out by the Competence Center of the National Technology Initiative (NTI) "Bionic Engineering in Medicine" on the basis of Samara State Medical University.
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