Finding the best beginner 3D printer can feel overwhelming, especially with the vast number of options available on Amazon. However, with the right information, even novices can navigate this exciting new world of 3D printing. In 2024, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 beginner-friendly 3D printers available, along with essential buying recommendations.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers... | $169.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Fully Assembled Mini 3D Printer for Kids and Beginners - Complete Starter Kit with Auto Leveling 3D... | $199.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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3D Printer for Kids, Beginner 3D Printer with 8 PLA Filament Set, Huge Toy Library & Modify, Wi-Fi &... | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer with Fully Auto Leveling, Max 600mm/s High Speed Printing,... | $379.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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Tina2S 3D Printer with WiFi Cloud Printing, Fully Assembled and Mini 3D Printer for Beginners and... | $199.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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AOSEED X-Maker 3D Printer for Kids and Beginners, Fully Assembled High-Speed 3D Printer with 8 PLA... | $459.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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TINA2 Mini 3D Printer, HEPHI3D FDM 3D Printers for Beginners, Fully Assembled Auto Leveling 3D... | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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TINA2S 3D Printers for Kids and Beginners, WEEDO Mini 3D Printer with WiFi Printing and Auto... | $199.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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ANYCUBIC 3D Printer Kobra 2 Neo, 250mm/s Max Print Speed FDM 3D Printer Auto-Leveling Smart Z-Offset... | $229.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Top 10 Beginner 3D Printers
1. Creality Ender 3 V2
The Creality Ender 3 V2 has become a staple in the world of 3D printing, especially for newcomers. It features a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250mm, making it ideal for various projects. The printer comes with a glass bed that enhances adhesion and allows for an easier print removal process.
One of the most impressive features is the silent stepper motor, which ensures a quieter printing experience. The Ender 3 V2 is semi-assembled, ensuring that beginners can set it up without much hassle. There are numerous online communities and resources available for support, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- 1.Easy Assembly: Compared to Ender 3 V2, this Ender 3 V2 Neo printer is pre-installed, and the assembly requires only 3 steps. Friendly enough to users and beginners in assembly process, which will save much time. It is convenient for customers to install it in a quick way, more efficient
- 2.CR Touch Auto Bed Leveling: Upgraded CR Touch 16-point automatic bed leveling technology saves you in the trouble of manual leveling. Easy to use, the intelligent leveling system can automatically compensate for the printing height of different points of the hot bed. It saves much more time for customers in long-time leveling adjustment, quickly finish the leveling process
- 3.Brand New 4.3 Inch UI User Interface: The upgraded UI adds a model preview function, making it easier to observe the printing shape and progress for customers. Which is convenient for you to know about the model status. Also, it supports nine languages for different customers demand
- 4.PC spring steel magnetic build plate: Different from ender 3, ender 3 pro and ender 3 v2, this new-released 3d printer comes with a removable PC spring steel magnetic build plate. The innovative printing platform is a combination of a PC coating, a spring steel sheet and a magnetic sticker, which sticks to the surface immediately when released. The PC coating brings good adhesion for filament, and the finished models can be easily removed by bending the print sheet
- 5.Silent Motherboard: The mainboard is 4.2.2 version but it is silent mainboard which is different from ender 3 mainboard. This Ender-3 V2 Neo equipped with self-developed silent motherboard, which has stronger anti-interference, faster and more stable motion performance, silent printing and low decibel operation, create a quiet environment.The extruder is upgraded to full-metal extruder, which has greater extrusion force and is more durable, reducing the risk of nozzle blockage
2. Anycubic Kobra Go
The Anycubic Kobra Go is another fantastic option for beginners. It comes with a large build volume of 250 x 250 x 260mm and features a self-leveling mechanism that simplifies the initial setup. Its direct drive extruder ensures consistent material flow, resulting in high-quality prints.
The printer also boasts a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, which is user-friendly and straightforward. Another highlight is its rapid assembly, allowing users to get started quickly. With the Kobra Go, you’ll find the ease of use appealing, especially if this is your first experience with 3D printing.
- OVERVIEW OF NEPTUNE 3 PRO: 225x225x280mm/8.85x8.85x11 inch printing size can meet the needs of most users. With an STM32 motherboard, all axes of ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro are driven by silent stepper motors for quieter and more precise movement during printing, which reduces the noise as low as 47-48dB. The easy-to-setup printer comes with the main components pre-assembled, as well as a complete tool kit for quick installation
- DUAL-GEAR DIRECT EXTRUDER: The new direct drive extruder is made of SUS303 high-quality stainless steel with a 3:1 reduction ratio and stronger extrusion force for smoother filament feeding and more stable & accurate printing, which greatly reduces nozzle clogging and under-extrusion issues, printing effect is better than Bowden extruder. Compatible with multiple filaments such as PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS
- NOZZLE KIT FOR BETTER PRINTING: The nozzle kit contains a TC4 titanium alloy throat pipe, an aluminum alloy flat heat sink structure, and a brass nozzle.The widened aluminum heat sink paired with the front close-fitting efficient cooling fan for a better heat dissipation effect and lower the temperature of the throat pipe, thereby reducing the possibility of nozzle clogging
- SMARTER PRINTING EXPERIENCE: Auto bed leveling adopts a high precision sensor to automatically scan 36 (6x6) points of the hotbed and collect data in real-time, and then adjust the Z-axis height to compensate for any irregularities and unevenness of the printing platform(Only applicable to metal printing platforms). The printer will auto-pause when the filament runs out or breaks, and you can resume printing after a power outage
- MORE STABLE PRINTING: The Z-axis with dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive for more stable movement of the print head and higher printing accuracy, avoiding the printing deviation driven by a single Z-axis lead screw motor. The 4-wheel V-guide rail pulley is made of POM with more stable movement, low noise, wear resistance, and longer service life
3. Prusa Mini+
The Prusa Mini+, though pricier than some other beginner models, offers an exceptional blend of quality and user-friendliness. It features a build area of 180 x 180 x 180mm and comes fully assembled. This printer is known for its sturdy design and excellent print quality.
Equipped with smart features such as power recovery and filament sensors, the Mini+ is built for ease of use. Furthermore, the immense online community surrounding Prusa printers provides a wealth of resources and tutorials for beginners.
- With a 7" x 7" x 7" (18 x 18 x 18 cm), the MINI plus is a 3D printer with full functionality. From sensorless homing, automatic mesh bed calibration, interchangeable nozzles, network connections, USB printing, full color LCD screen, MINI plus has a large printer on a small body.
- It’s packed with many of the features you can find in its larger siblings - super-fast printing thanks to Input Shaper and Pressure Advance, remote print management via Prusa Connect, OTA firmware updates, advanced safety features, and support for advanced materials - even PA-11 (280 °C nozzle and 100 °C heatbed). It’s open-source, easy to maintain, and open to mods, tweaking and tinkering.
- The packaging includes a free sample of Prusament PLA ~ 2x25 g.
4. Monoprice Select Mini V2
The Monoprice Select Mini V2 is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. Compact in size, it features a build volume of 120 x 120 x 120mm and comes fully assembled. This printer is perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes into 3D printing without a hefty investment.
Despite its lower price point, the Select Mini V2 provides excellent print quality, thanks to its aluminum frame and heated build plate. The integrated touchscreen makes navigation easy, and the inclusion of Wi-Fi connectivity adds convenience.
- Upgrade Replacement FlexPlate for 3d printing project Monprice Select Mini v2 hotbed: Cut corner to fit well, flexible, removable.If need PC sticker build platform, please search Asin:B07TSMW3CL at our store.
- Complete FlexPlate build surface System: a FlexPlate with pei on one side to print on and a sticker mounting base. At some batches the pre-applied pei sheet on the build plate a bit diagonal, please don't worry, it doesn't affect the print volume. And we pre-applied pei sheet on both sides as a compensation, then both sides can be used. Note: this is a closeout item.
- This Specially-coated FlexPlate is resistant to rust and work on both heated and non-heated print bed. The FlexPlate is designed to maintain shape over time, fit bed 125mm x 160mm.
- Please peel off the back glue on the sticker base and stick it to your hot bed, then align the steel plate on it. The side with pei is upside. If needs, please perform a one-time z-height adjustment to level it. Before printing, please remove the protective film on the pei surface. After long time printings, lightly scour the surface of the PEI with some mild steel wool with 400 grit, have great adhesion.
- Kind Tips: We have sticked PEI on the steel plate by machine, so you no more need to worry about bubbles. If you receive package but find the air bubbles or Scratches, please don't worry, they are the surface layer, PEI will not be affected.
5. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
If you are interested in resin printing, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a superb option. Though slightly different from FDM printers, it’s beginner-friendly thanks to its simple interface and speedy setup. This printer offers a build volume of 129 x 80 x 160mm and a monochrome LCD, allowing for faster exposure times and longer lifespan.
The Mars 2 Pro delivers incredibly detailed prints, suitable for miniatures and intricate designs. For those interested in learning about resin printing, this model is a worthy investment.
- 【Higher resolution and output】Mars 3 is ELEGOO's first desktop mSLA 3D printer with super-high precision. It adopts a 6.66 inches mono LCD with Ultra 4K HD resolution, which has a 30% higher XY resolution at 35μm and 37% higher build volume than Mars 2, delivering amazing 3D prints.
- 【The release film 2.0】With less release tension, the small and thin supports added to your model will be well-protected. Mars 3 has a greatly improved success rate when printing 3D models with lots of details.
- 【Upgraded light source】 36 highly integrated LED lights with a brand new COB lens that has a organic surface can deliver over 90% uniformity of UV light illumination , making the printing accuracy upgraded to another level.
- 【Optimized heat sink unit】ELEGOO Mars 3 adopts copper tubes in the heat sink unit working with a high-quality cooling fan, which significantly improves the heat dissipation performance and brings down the light decay to less than 5% after 6000hours printing, extending the longevity of the UV LED lights.
- 【Chitubox Pro free trial】Mars 3 comes with a 1-year trial of Chitubox Por slicer that worths 169USD. Chitubox Pro has loads of great upgrades from automatic supports to model repair tools, which helps both professional 3d printing labs and novices to maximize your output.Lychee Slicer is now also compatible with Mars 3.
6. Artillery Sidewinder X1
The Artillery Sidewinder X1 stands out with its large build volume of 300 x 300 x 400mm, catering to larger prints. It features a direct drive extruder, silent stepper motors, and a touchscreen interface for easy navigation.
Setup is straightforward, with most users having it up and running quickly. It’s particularly noted for its high-quality prints and versatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to tackle diverse projects.
- 1.Original artillery sidewinder x1 extruder parts for Artillery Sidewinder X1 ( V2, V3, V4 but not for V1) 3D printer
- 2.The artillery sidewinder x1 extruder parts is easy to exchange: Just pull out the ribbon cable, undo 3 bolts, remove one head, replace it with another, 3 bolts back on, ribbon cable back in it's slot, re-level
- 3 It is a complete upgraded hot end for the Artillery Sidewinder X1, it's all there with a quilting motor, thermistor, heater cartridge, circuit board, LED circuit board, complete hotend and heating sock
- 4.Direct drive artillery x1 extruder, great support for flexible filament
- 5 The PCB on the Artillery sidewinder x1 V1 is a little bit different, so it does not compatible with that version, V2, V3, V4 all are OK, please feel free to purchase
7. Anycubic Mega S
The Anycubic Mega S is a crowd favorite for beginners due to its affordability and ease of use. With a build volume of 210 x 210 x 205mm, it allows for medium-sized prints. The Mega S features a sturdy frame and a heated build plate, which is significant for improving print adhesion.
The printer is semi-assembled, allowing beginners to learn the basics of 3D printing assembly. With a vibrant community and extensive online resources, the Mega S supports first-time users effectively.
- 【90% Pre-installed Make It Easy】 Anycubic Kobra Neo is a 90% Pre-installed 3D Printer, which make it possible to set up within 10 minutes. It can print perfectly right out of the box and this would make any beginner to be a great printer enthusiast, which is more suitable for beginners than other DIY 3D Printers.
- 【Direct Drive Extruder Make It Precise Control】 The Direct Drive Extruder realizes smooth feeding and discharging of flaments and compatible with more flexible filament such as TPU/PLA/ABS/PETG. It is more lighter, features less inertia and more precise printing, can restore the form of the model to the greatest extent.
- 【PEI Spring Steel Platform Make It Easy Removal & Cost Saving】 Compared with other FDM 3d printers, double-sided magnetic PEI spring steel platform is more durable and lasts longer, saving a lot of maintenance costs. You can remove the model easily.
- 【25-Point Auto Leveling Make It Smart】 Simple operation brings precise detection and fast leveling, helps you from the tedious manual leveling greatly.
- 【34.4% Larger Creation Dimension Make It Large】 Compared to the last generation Anycubic Mega S, the printing volume of Anycubic Kobra Neo has increased by 34.4% to reach 12.1 liters. The printing dimension is 250x 220x 220mm, equivalent to the size of a standard Size 5 soccer ball
8. Monoprice Mini Delta V2
The Monoprice Mini Delta V2 is a compact delta-style printer that’s great for beginners, especially those with limited space. With a build volume of 110 x 110 x 120mm, this printer is designed for smaller projects.
The Mini Delta V2 features an auto-leveling bed, which simplifies setup and helps ensure print quality. Its touchscreen interface is intuitive, making it perfect for novices. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to relocate if necessary.
【Special Design】: Excellent double-sided PEI spring steel build plate design. Compared with smooth PEI, the matte texture makes it easier for the printing material to adhere to the surface of PEI. Both sides can be used is more cost-effective.
【Proven Solution】：No glue, No tape, PEI sheet with authentic 3M has strong adhesion; No scraping, easy to remove the printed matter from the platform by bending. Through hundreds of experimental tests, repeated use is still as new.
【Good Quality】: Flexible, removable, high strength and heat resistance, Four-Layer design, thicker and more durable. Easily handle temperatures up to 130°C. And perfect for PLA, PEEK, ABS.
【Practical Features】:Size 120mm/4.7inch Diameter Spring Steel Flexible Magnetic Build Plate PEI sheet is suitable for Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer and similar size 3D printers. Authentic 3M magnetic bottom with adhesive could be cut into any size as needed.
【Quality Promise】: All products have UNDERGONE QUALITY INSPECTION before delivery. If you have any questions about product quality and suggestions, please feel free to contact us and we will reply within 24 hours.
9. FlashForge Adventurer 3
The FlashForge Adventurer 3 is an excellent enclosed 3D printer for beginners who want a safe printing environment. It features a build volume of 150 x 150 x 150mm and comes fully assembled. The enclosed design mitigates temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for various filament types.
Furthermore, the Adventurer 3 offers easy operation through its touchscreen interface, and its filament-loading mechanism is particularly beginner-friendly. The printer allows for wireless printing and comes with a removable build plate, enhancing user experience.
- No Leveling Require & Quick Removable Nozzle: Excellent industrial design, Build plate is well leveled in the factory. The leveling-free bed guarantees a proper distance between the nozzle and the printing surface, resulting in consistent and high-quality prints. Remove the nozzle from extruder just in one push, Nozzle fast heated to 240°C in 50s
- Super Quiet & Small Device Size: Adventurer 3 3D Printer equips with full color touch screen and the build volume 150x150x150mm. Adventurer 3 operates at less than 45dB, providing a virtually silent printing session, even during long print jobs. With an enclosed design, harmful fumes and emissions are isolated. The printer's enclosure protects your children and won't accidentally touch any hot or moving parts during operation
- Filament Detection&On-line Monitor Printing Process: Built in camera, records 3d printing process in real-time, allows you to monitor 3d printing status through FlashCloud or PolarCloud anytime. When filament runs out, the sensor pauses prints and sets off an alarm which saves materials and improves printing success rate
- Removable Flexible Platform: Quick release memory material platform plate is heated evenly, is resistant to bending and is not easily deformed. Platform can be heated up to 100°C in 5 minutes and easy to removed model with lightly press
- Effortless 3D Printing & After-Sales Support: Flashforge Adventurer 3 is fully assembled and requires no complex setup, or manual equipment calibration before you start printing. It support various 3d printer filament PLA, ABS, PETG filament etc. If you need to print high-temperature filaments, you could purchase additional a 0.3, 0.4, 0.6mm 265℃ nozzle. Flashforge 3D printer provides lifetime technical support and 12-month warranty. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
10. LulzBot Mini 2
The LulzBot Mini 2 is recognized for its robustness and reliability, making it an excellent choice for beginners who intend to scale their 3D printing journey. It has a build volume of 160 x 160 x 180mm and offers automatic bed leveling, which is a significant advantage for new users.
The Mini 2 comes fully assembled and is built with high-quality materials. Its ease of use is further enhanced by the variety of compatible filaments, allowing new users to experiment with different materials without hassle.
- Fits: LulzBot TAZ 5, LulzBot Mini, Hexagon hotend
- Nozzle size: .5mm
- For 3mm filament diameter
- Plated with TwinClad XT Coating HIGH LUBRICITY WEAR RESISTANT
- Made in USA by Micro Swiss
Buying Guide for the Best Beginner 3D Printer
Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best beginner 3D printer suited to your needs.
Budget
Your budget will dictate your options significantly. Printers can range from under $200 to several thousand dollars. Beginners often find good machines in the $200-$600 range that offer a balance of affordability and quality.
Print Technology
Most beginner printers use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), which works well with a variety of materials and is generally easier to set up and maintain. Alternatively, resin printers like the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro offer different capabilities but often require more care and safety precautions.
Build Volume
Consider the size of the items you plan to print. Smaller printers with a build volume of around 120mm might be sufficient for miniatures, while larger printers allow for bigger projects.
Ease of Use
Features like auto bed leveling and touchscreens can enhance the user experience, making setup and operation simpler for newcomers. Look for printers that are labeled "user-friendly" or "beginner-friendly" in their descriptions.
Community and Support
An active user community is invaluable for beginners. Brands with dedicated online forums and ample tutorials will provide you with ample support as you embark on your 3D printing journey.
Versatility
Some printers can handle multiple filament types, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and specialty filaments. If you wish to explore various printing materials, choose a versatile printer.
Conclusion
Choosing the best beginner 3D printer involves understanding your needs, budget, and willingness to learn. Each of the printers listed above offers unique features and capabilities suitable for those new to this innovative technology.
Whether you opt for the versatile Creality Ender 3 V2, the budget-friendly Monoprice Select Mini V2, or the specialized Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, these options will guide you on your journey into 3D printing. Happy printing!
Make an informed decision and find the machine that excites you the most. The world of 3D printing awaits!
Last update on 2024-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.