Best 3D Printers of 2024
Nowadays, the 3D printer market is growing rapidly, and new models are coming out every few months. These range from consumer-friendly models for hobbyists to professional units for small businesses and even industrial machines made for large-scale production.
Considering the wide range of 3D printers available now, choosing the best option for your needs can be challenging. But you have come to the right place! We’ll present you with the best 3D printers for every need and application.
Best for Beginners: Elegoo Neptune 4
Features
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology
- Auto bed leveling
- 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Layer Resolution from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm
- Printing Speed: 30 to 180 mm per second
- Connection options: SD card and USB
Pros
- High-resolution printing
- User-friendly software suitable for beginners
- Reasonably priced, considering the features
Cons
- Lack of advanced software features
- Relatively noisy
- Needs approximately 1 hour to set up
Elegoo Neptune 4 is a great pick for beginners who want to embark on a journey of 3D printing. It is not the most basic 3D Printer but it provides a high-quality printing experience with standard settings that can turn a beginner into a 3D printer enthusiast.
The price is affordable, and users can benefit from the simple software interface and the touchscreen to control the parameters of their creation. The initial setup takes about 1 hour for beginners and may seem complex at first. However, the product comes with detailed instructions on how to properly assemble the different parts.
Also, despite utilizing TMC2208 silent stepper drivers, the printer can be noisy at times. There are Pro and Max versions of Elegoo Neptune 4 available but these models are less beginner-friendly and the Pro model is quite a bit noisier than the Elegoo Neptune 4.
Best for Low Budget: Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Features
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology
- Enhanced cooling system
- Auto bed leveling
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Layer Resolution from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm
- Printing Speed: Up to 250 mm per second
- Connection options: SD card and USB
Pros
- Affordable price
- User-friendly interface
- Resume printing function
- Great printing speed
Cons
- A few software bugs
- The assembly process can be confusing
- Limited software features
3D printer enthusiasts can access Creality Ender 3 V3 SE for around $200. This model is way ahead of its predecessor, Ender-3 3D, especially in terms of user experience and printing speed. Also, with the help of the resume printing function, users can get back to their projects after a power outage or hardware issues.
Some users have reported a few software bugs where the print is inaccurate. Also, it’s worth mentioning that Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is not suitable for professional users and has limited software features.
Best for Professionals: FlashForge Adventurer 5M
Features
- Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology
- Auto bed leveling
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 220 mm
- Layer Resolution from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm
- Printing Speed: Up to 300 mm per second
- Connection options: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Pros
- Great print speed
- Many filament compatibility options
- Compatible with many slicing software
Cons
- No built-in camera
- Lack of air filtration system
Professional 3D printer users can choose between many options depending on how they’re using the printer. But, the FlashForge Adventurer 5M is one of the best machines that covers the needs and tastes of different professional groups. At around $400, it is rather cheap for what it offers.
With a vast range of supported filaments and many advanced software features, FlashForge Adventurer is a great pick for anyone who wants to try different projects and experiment with different options in a timely manner.
Best for Large-scale Production: Raise3D Pro2 Plus Printer
Features
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Build Volume: 305 x 305 x 605 mm
- Layer Resolution: 0.01 mm
- Printing Speed: 30 to 150 mm per second
- Connection options: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Multi-material printing
Pros
- Large build volume
- Remote monitoring camera
- Highly detailed printing
- Power outage recovery feature
Cons
- Expensive
- Takes high physical space
- Complex and hard-to-understand
If you are willing to spend around $3000 for a 3D printer, Raise3D Pro2 Plus will satisfy your need to create bigger and more complex items. A sturdy and durable metal frame and of course, the high build volume of Raise3D Pro2 Plus make it a beast among 3D printers.
But this model is not something you want to put on your desk or limited living space. If you want to build a lab to create high-quality models with different materials like PLA, ABS, Nylon, or FLEX, this is a good choice for you. It’s worth noting that you need to put enough time into learning many complex features of this machine; otherwise; you won’t be able to get the best result out of it.
Best for Resin 3D Printing: UniFormation GKtwo
Features
- Masked Stereolithography Apparatus (MSLA) technology
- 8K monochrome LCD
- Built-in PTC heater
- 5-inch touchscreen
- Build Volume: 320 x 225 x 200 mm
- Connection options: USB, Wi-Fi
Pros
- high-detail prints
- Resin heater for low-temperature environments
- Air filtration system
- Robust metal frame
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Lacks software compatibility options
- The price is high for beginners
Out of all the best resin 3D printers, UniFormation GKtwo captured our attention. It’s a fantastic MSLA printer that can create models with the highest details. It’s a blast to use because the user interface is so simple. Also, the resin heater helps a lot when creating in a cold environment.
Although we recommend it for professionals and newcomers alike, the price isn’t beginner-friendly. You can have a HunFormation GKtwo for a little less than a thousand dollars but if you really need those advanced options of this 3D printer, it is absolutely worth it.
Best for High Speed: FLSUN S1
Features
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology
- Build Volume: 320 x 320 x 430 mm
- Dimensions: 550 x 595 x 1030 mm
- Print speed: Up to 1200 mm per second
- CPAP turbofan cooling system
Pros
- One of the fastest 3D printers
- High build volume
- Advanced cooling system
- Simple user interface
Cons
- Large dimensions
- Heavy
- Quite pricey
If you have a thing for speed and can’t wait to complete your printing projects, FLSUN S1 is one of the fastest machines ever made. With a printing speed of up to 1200 mm/s, it is shocking to see a simple model completely printed in less than 10 minutes.
However, this is not the only positive aspect of FLSUN S1. Users are able to print large and detailed models with this machine. It may not be for everyone because it takes up a lot of space and it’s costly (around $1500) but overall, FLSUN S1 is a fascinating 3D printer to have.
Best for details: Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks
Features
- Masked Stereolithography Apparatus (MSLA) technology
- Build Volume: 195 x 122 x 200 mm
- Print Resolution: 5760 x 3600 pixels (6K)
- Print speed: Up to 80 mm/h
- 3.5-inch touchscreen
- Connection options: USB, Ethernet
Pros
- Highly detailed printing – 6K
- High-quality screen
- Powerful light transmittance
Cons
- Slow speed for big prints
- May require multiple resin refills while printing
Considering the mid-range price of less than $700, Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks provides high-resolution printing with great details. This is a great option for miniature-focused printing because it can be considered a slow printer for large models.
We recommend this 3D Printer to professionals who can handle high-detailed settings and advanced features. Beginners may find it a little hard to manage.
Best for Children: ToyBox 3D Printer
Features
- Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology
- Build Volume: 70 x 80 x 90 mm
- LCD touchscreen
- Dimensions: 190 x 190 x 270 mm
- Connection options: Wi-Fi
Pros
- Very easy to use for children
- Takes small space
- Extra safety measures for kids
Cons
- Build volume is limited
- Only compatible with PLA filament
ToyBox 3D printer is a dream come true for creative children. It is not comparable to high-end printers, but it is more than enough for small projects and the imaginations of young minds.
Don’t worry about the safety because this tiny machine is designed specifically for young children and can be placed in your kid’s room. Also, it’s worth mentioning that some features of the 3D printer require subscribing to the Toybox Plus Membership.
Best for Miniatures: Elegoo Mars 3
Features
- Masked Stereolithography Apparatus (MSLA) technology
- Build Volume: 143 x 90 x 175 mm
- Print Resolution: 4098 x 2560 pixels (4K)
- Print speed: 1.5 to 3 seconds per layer
- Pixel Size: 35 microns
- Connection options: USB
Pros
- Very detailed output
- Fast speed
- Small size
Cons
- Plastic frame
- Limited software compatibility options
Miniature creation is more than anything about precision and Elegoo Mars 3 performs tremendously with 4k detailed printing and rather fast speed. Though taking into account the plastic frame of the unit, the durability of it can be questionable.
There are not many software options to choose from, but working with this 3D printer is not hard at all. Anyone can make it work and learn the technical aspects of it in a very limited time. This makes it one of the best beginner 3D printers for printing miniatures.
Best 3D Printer Overall: QIDI X-Max 3
Features
- Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology
- Build Volume: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
- Print speed: 600 mm per second
- Wide range of filament compatibility
- Advanced cooling system
- Fully metal frame
- Connection options: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
Pros
- High-quality printing
- Fast
- Full metal frame
- Advanced software options
- Many filaments to choose from
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
If you are looking for a machine that can bring together all of the positive aspects of 3D Printing, QIDI X-Max 3 will definitely satisfy your needs. It’s precise, swift, sturdy, and advanced. This puts it among the best 3D printers ever created.
Being jam-packed with many advanced features, it can be a little hard for newcomers to learn how to work with it, but other than that, it’s very hard to find another fault in this almost-perfect 3D printer. If users are willing to put in the time to learn how to use the printer, it is one of the top options in terms of overall ___. It’s well worth your money, especially when it’s on sale, and you can get it for less than $1000.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 3D Printer
The best 3D printer could be very different for every individual. However, there are general qualities that should be present to guarantee a standard printing experience. To choose the best 3D printer for your projects, make sure these conditions are met:
- Safety: 3D printing is a relatively new hobby/business, and there are always risks of hurting yourself or your surroundings. Make sure the printer you plan to buy has enough safety measures in place, and always try to read the guidelines to become familiar with the product.
- Assembling process: Always be aware of what you’re getting into. The assembling process for some 3D printers can take hours of effort. If you don’t have much technical knowledge, stick to those printers that are mostly ready to go.
- Quality: Of course, this is true for any product, but you may find false information about some models and their quality. So, research these products carefully before buying them. Every printer in this article is one of the best in its category.
- Support: Before buying any 3D printers, try to contact the manufacturer’s technical support. If they are fast and helpful, they will probably be there for you after your purchase.
How We Chose the Best 3D Printers
We have compared all of the best 3D printers released in 2024 and researched each one with a special focus on the needs of different consumers. We chose the best printers for different uses based on these qualifications:
- Quality tests: Quality tests allow you to compare the results of one 3D printer to the next. Quality testing is the main reason we chose one product over another. There are many tests available to compare the results of a printer or you could even do the test yourself to ensure a printer’s quality.
- Logical pricing: If there were 2 two similar products with the same quality results, then we chose the one that was more affordable for users.
- Feedback from users: Every user’s experience is different from the others. There is a chance that someone catches a bug in the system or points out a pro or a con that many people ignore. That’s why we deeply care about the feedback online from real users.
FAQ
What material does a 3D printer use?
The material for the 3D printing process depends on the technology the 3D Printers put into action. FDM printers usually utilize ABS and PLA thermoplastics. Also, in some cases, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) are used as support materials. SLA 3D printers employ a wide range of resins. Moreover, some metal printers operate with stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum.
What is the best brand for 3D printers?
We introduced impressive products from some of the best brands in the 3D printing space, like Creality, FlashForge, Raise3D, QIDI Tech, and more. However, the quality of printers can vary within a brand, so try to choose a printer based on its performance, not the brand.
Are 3D printers worth it?
Considering the release of many low-budget 3D printers in recent years, getting into the thrills of 3D printers is worth it. We recommend trying out one of the budget printers and seeing for yourself if you want to pursue 3D printing as a hobby or even a serious business.
What is the best 3D printer for under $1000?
Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks, FlashForge Adventurer 5M, and UniFormation GKtwo are some of the best 3D printers for less than $1000. Even our overall best 3D printer, QIDI X-Max 3, is occasionally available for less than $1000 when on sale.