Top 10 Best 3d Printers For Beginners For 2024

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of 3D printing? Look no further! In this article, we present to you the top 10 best 3D printers for beginners in 2024. These remarkable machines cater to your needs and budget, offering a diverse range of options.

Whether you prefer FDM or resin 3d printers, we’ve got you covered. Imagine a world where you can bring your wildest ideas to life with just the touch of a button. With the R QiDi Technology X-Max, you’ll enjoy a user-friendly interface and a quick-leveling feature that simplifies the printing process. If speed and reliability are your priorities, the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a standout choice, boasting faster printing and precise auto bed leveling.

Budget-conscious? No problem! The Voxelab Aquila S2 offers exceptional value with preconfigured settings and compatibility with various filaments. And that’s just the beginning! We also recommend the Creality Ender 3 V2, Flashforge Finder 3, Anycubic Mega X, and Cubicon Prime.

Before you make your decision, consider factors like a 3d printers size, build volume, compatible materials, ease of use, and additional features such as touchscreen interfaces and print resume functions. Keep in mind that while 3D printing is an exciting hobby, it does come with ongoing costs for materials and potential repairs.

So, get ready to unleash your creativity and join the vibrant community of 3D printing enthusiasts!

Looking For The Best 3D Printer For Beginners

Looking for the best 3D printers for beginners? Look no further! The Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer, Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer, Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila X3 with Auto Leveling, Original Prusa MINI+ Semi-assembled 3D Printer, and Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer are all great options to consider.

These printers offer user-friendly interfaces, auto-leveling features, and high-quality prints, making them perfect for beginners.

Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer

The Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer is a top choice for best 3d printers beginners, with its easy setup and use, and a removable build surface plate that allows for effortless removal of printed models. This printer is perfect for those who are new to 3D printing and want to learn about the construction of a 3D printer, as it comes in a semi-assembled kit.

The product also offers lifetime technical assistance and 24-hour customer service, ensuring that beginners can get the support they need.

However, it is important to note that there have been some reported issues with this printer. One common issue is the Z-Axis motor binding, which is caused by a poorly engineered motor mount and guide nut. This issue can be resolved by investing in a BLTouch. Another reported issue is a warped print bed, which can be corrected with the use of a BLTouch as well. Additionally, some customers have experienced difficulties with Comgrow’s customer service, although many have reported positive experiences with the more experienced customer service representatives.

Overall, the Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer is highly recommended for beginners due to its easy setup and use. It offers a great learning experience and comes with lifetime technical assistance and 24-hour customer service.

Product Specs:

• Product Name: Official Creality Ender 3 Pro
• Removable build surface plate
• Safe power supply with surge protection
• Resume print function after power outages
• Semi-assembled kit for learning about a 3D printers construction
• Lifetime technical assistance and 24-hour customer service

Pros:

• Easy setup and use
• Removable build surface plate for effortless removal of printed models
• Comes with lifetime technical assistance and 24-hour customer service

Cons:

• Z Axis motor binding issue caused by poorly engineered motor mount and guide nut
• Some customers have reported difficulties with customer service
• Warped print bed may require additional investment in a BLTouch for correction

Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer

With its quick-change nozzle, heated and flexible build plate, and easy Wi-Fi connectivity, the Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer offers a user-friendly experience for hobbyists and makers alike. This compact printer provides excellent print quality and is perfect for smaller-sized projects.

Here are some key features that make the Monoprice Voxel stand out:

• Fully enclosed design for enhanced safety and temperature control
• Auto-leveling feature for easy bed calibration
• Auto feeding with filament sensor for simple filament loading and detection of low filament levels
• Easy Wi-Fi connectivity and touch screen interface for convenient operation

The Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer may have a small print area and a low-quality camera, but it compensates with its excellent print quality and ease of use. It’s designed for users who want a reliable and hassle-free 3D printing experience, making it a great choice for beginners in the 3D printing world.

Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila X3 with Auto Leveling

Introducing the Voxelab Aquila X3, a user-friendly 3D printer with auto leveling for a hassle-free printing experience. This printer can detect and adjust the platform height using smart algorithms, ensuring accurate prints every time.

The Voxelab Aquila X3 features a flexible PEI platform that offers strength, heat resistance, and wear resistance, providing a reliable surface for your creations.

It also comes with a multi-nozzle bundle, including options for different nozzle sizes, allowing for versatile printing. You can use PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU materials with this printer’s nozzle itself, giving you the freedom to explore different filaments.

The printer has a resume printing function that prevents failures caused by power outages or running out of filament, saving you time and materials.

With a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support, you can trust in the after-sales support provided by Voxelab.

Original Prusa MINI+ Semi-assembled 3D Printer

Get ready to experience the ultimate 3D printing journey with the Original Prusa MINI+, a semi-assembled printer that offers hassle-free printing and a compact design.

The MINI+ comes with a smooth PEI print sheet, making it easy to remove large prints from.

It has a color LCD screen for easy configuration and model previews, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The flexible print sheets further enhance the ease of print removal, making the process seamless.

The MINI+ also features the SuperPINDA probe for automatic bed leveling, ensuring accurate prints from this 3d printers print bed every time.

With network connectivity options such as an ethernet port and optional Wi-Fi module, you can conveniently control and monitor your prints. Safety features like thermistors and a high-quality power supply ensure a secure printing environment.

The MINI+ boasts a 32-bit Buddy mainboard with silent 2209 Trinamic drivers, providing a quiet printing experience.

The Original Prusa MINI+ offers a compact design, user-friendly features, and high-quality prints, making it an excellent choice for beginners entering the world of 3D printing.

Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer

Now let’s move on to another excellent option for beginners: the Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer. This printer is an upgraded version of its predecessor and offers better value with enhanced durability and ease of use. It features an all-metal frame for extra rigidity, ensuring consistent prints.

The new Meanwell power supply provides stable and reliable power, while the redesigned user interface offers a simple and clear out-of-box experience. With the Creality Ender 3 V2, you have no limits on creativity as it’s compatible with most 3D printer filaments.

Users praise its good print quality, especially with PETg filament, and its large bed size allows for versatile printing options. Although there may be a learning curve involved with leveling and different filament types, the Creality Ender 3 V2 is a popular choice among beginners.

ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer, Saturn S Mono MSLA 3D Printer

Moving on to the next option, we have the ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer, Saturn S Mono MSLA 3D Printer. It offers faster printing, a relatively large build volume, and higher printing accuracy for an enhanced 3D printing experience.

When it comes to resin printers, this is a top notch, very affordable, excellent choice for beginners as well as the hardcore seasoned 3d printer enthusiast. We use this one on a daily basis for all items we require to come off of our resin printers.

The printer features a 9.1-inch 4K HD Monochrome LCD and a printing time per layer shortened to 2s-3s. This results in low energy consumption and heat emission while delivering excellent print quality.

With a printing volume of 7.7×14.80×8.26in³, you can print bigger and more complex models or multiple small and detailed models in one go. The matrix light source of 54 UV LEDs emits an optimal uniform light beam of 405nm wavelength, ensuring a sleek and delicate surface finish with accurate printing size.

The Z-axis has a double linear guide-way shock absorption unit, ensuring stable and accurate moving and reducing the risk of layer shifting. The build plate with a sandblasted surface provides stronger adhesion and long-lasting leveling performance.

To create a pleasant printing experience, the printer has a replaceable activated carbon filter that absorbs and filters resin odor and fumes.

AnkerMake M5 3D Printers

Discover the exceptional AnkerMake M5 3D Printer, a revolutionary choice for unleashing your creativity and bringing your ideas to life. With its upgraded speed powered by PowerBoost 2.0, the AnkerMake M5 doubles the printing speed and acceleration without compromising print quality. The ultra-direct extruder and integrated die-cast aluminum alloy structure ensure precise prints even at high speeds, providing a level of detail as fine as 0.1 mm.

The printer’s error detection system utilizes advanced algorithms and an integrated intelligent camera to detect errors and auto-pause prints, ensuring successful and accurate prints. Additionally, the AnkerMake M5 offers remote control capabilities, allowing you to access and monitor your prints from anywhere via the AnkerMake app, AnkerMake Slicer, or even through Alexa.

Experience the convenience and reliability of the AnkerMake M5 3D Printer for all your creative endeavors.

Toybox 3D 1-Touch Kid-Friendly 3D Printer

Imagine having a 3D printer that’s specifically designed for kids, allowing them to effortlessly create their own toys with just a simple touch of a button – introducing the Toybox 3D 1-Touch Kid-Friendly Printer. This printer is perfect for young creators as it offers a user-friendly experience without the need for adult assistance.

With its easy filament loading and novel print bed design, there’s no need to adjust a removable print bed or use a knife to remove finished prints either.

The Toybox catalog provides an unlimited selection of toys, with thousands of options available and new additions weekly and seasonally. Kids can also upload their own designs or draw their own toys using user-friendly apps and tools.

Additionally, this 3d printers design is compact and can connect to the cloud through Wi-Fi, making it a standalone computer.

With the Toybox 3D 1-Touch Kid-Friendly Printer, kids can explore their creativity and bring their imaginations to life.

Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printers

Introducing the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer – a high-speed, customizable printer perfect for unleashing your creativity and bringing your designs to life. This printer offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an excellent choice for beginners.

Here are four key reasons why the Bambu Lab P1P stands out:

1. High-speed printing: With up to 20,000 mm/s² acceleration, this printer delivers fast and efficient printing, allowing you to bring your ideas to life quickly.
2. Customization options: The P1P 3d printer is upgradeable and customizable, giving you the flexibility to adapt it to your specific needs and preferences.
3. Wide filament compatibility: This printer supports a variety of filaments, including PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, and more. You can experiment with different materials to achieve the desired results.
4. State-of-the-art electronics: Equipped with advanced features like vibration compensation, pressure advance, WiFi connection, and a chamber monitoring camera, the P1P ensures a seamless and user-friendly printing experience.

With its impressive capabilities and user-friendly design, the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the world of 3D printing. Let your imagination run wild and create amazing things with this versatile and reliable printer.

Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D Printer, Ready-to-use FDM 3D Printers

Get ready to unleash your creativity with the user-friendly Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D Printer, a reliable and ready-to-use FDM printer that will take your designs to the next level.

This upgraded version of the award-winning 3D printer offers a range of features that make it a top choice for beginners. The MK3S+ comes equipped with a fully automatic Mesh Bed Leveling process, ensuring precise and consistent prints every time. Its built-in IR filament sensor supports filament auto-loading and will pause the print when the filament runs out, allowing for easy filament changes.

The printer also includes a heatbed with removable PEI spring steel print sheets, making print removal a breeze. With its high-quality components and design tweaks for easier assembly and maintenance, the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a reliable and high-performing option for beginners looking to dive into the world of 3D printing.

Factors to Consider When Buying A 3D Printer

When buying a 3D printer, there are several factors to consider that will greatly impact your printing experience.

First and foremost, the cost is an important factor. 3D printers can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Next, you’ll want to consider the print quality. This is determined by the printer’s resolution and accuracy.

The build volume is also important to consider. It determines the maximum size of models you can create.

Additionally, you should take into account the print speed and material compatibility. These factors will affect the efficiency and versatility of your printer.

Cost

To make the most of your 3D printing journey, it’s important to consider the cost of 3D printers as they can vary significantly depending on the brand, features, and capabilities.

Entry-level 3D printers for beginners can start at a couple of hundred dollars, while more advanced models can cost several thousand dollars.

In addition to the initial purchase price, it’s also crucial to factor in ongoing costs for refill materials and possible replacements or repairs. These costs can vary depending on the type of 3d printer and the materials used.

It’s important to research and compare different options to find a 3d printer that fits your budget and meets your needs. Remember that while cost is an important consideration, it’s also essential to consider other factors such as ease of use, print quality, and additional features when choosing the best 3D printer for beginners.

Print Quality (Quality Prints)

Achieving a high level of print quality is crucial for you as a beginner in the world of 3D printing. When choosing a 3D printer, it’s important to consider the print quality it can deliver.

The top 3D printers for beginners in 2024 offer impressive print quality that will bring your creations to life fast printing them with precision and detail. These printers use advanced technology to ensure smooth and accurate prints, resulting in professional-looking models.

With features like precise auto bed leveling, filament sensors, and adjustable leveling knobs, you can expect consistent and high-quality prints every time. Whether you’re 3d printing small intricate designs or larger models, these printers will produce impressive results that will exceed your expectations.

Build volume and Print Bed Size

The size of the build volume and print bed plays a crucial role in determining the maximum size of the models you can create with a 3D printer. A larger build volume and print beds allows you to print larger and more complex designs, giving you more flexibility in your creations.

It is important to consider your desired print size when choosing a 3d printer, as different models have different build volumes. For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a 3d printer that has a decent print bed size to allow the greatest build volume for experimentation and learning. However, keep in mind that larger build volumes often come with higher price tags and may require more space to accommodate the printer. The larger the print bed and print volume, comes more potential issues with printing errors. So consider the types of prints you plan on making before considering a printer with a larger build plate and larger print volume.

Consider your specific needs and budget when selecting a 3D printer with the right build volume for you. The larger print volume does not always equate to a 3d printer that creates quality prints.

Print speed

Now that you know about the build volume of 3D printers, let’s move on to another important factor: print speed. As a beginner, you want a printer that can efficiently bring your creations to life without taking forever.

Here are three things to consider regarding print speed:

• Faster printing: Look for printers that have a reputation for fast and reliable printing. This way, you can complete your projects in a shorter amount of time.
• Layer height options: Some printers allow you to adjust the layer height, which can affect print speed. Having the flexibility to choose between finer or faster prints can be beneficial.
• Print settings optimization: Certain printers come with preconfigured settings that optimize print speed while maintaining good quality. This can save you time and effort in finding the right settings for each project.

By considering these aspects, you can find a 3D printer that meets your needs for speed and efficiency.

Material compatibility

To ensure your 3D printing projects pop with precision, ponder the plethora of materials compatible with your printer. The best 3D printers for beginners offer compatibility with a wide range of materials, allowing you to explore different options and unleash your creativity.

PLA (polylactic acid) is a popular choice due to its ease of use, affordability, and environmentally friendly nature. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) offers durability and heat resistance, making it suitable for functional prototypes. PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) combines the best of both worlds with its strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture.

For more advanced users, there are even materials like wood fill, copper fill, and steel fill filaments to create unique and textured prints. Consider the materials you plan to work with and ensure your chosen 3D printer is compatible to bring your visions and print objects to life.

Software compatibility

Explore the exciting world of 3D printing by ensuring that the software you choose is compatible with your printer, opening up a world of possibilities for your creative projects. When selecting the best 3D printer for beginners it is important to consider the software compatibility to ensure a smooth and efficient printing experience.

Here are three key factors to consider:

• Supported file formats: Make sure that the software supports the file formats commonly used in 3D printing, such as STL and OBJ. This will allow you to easily import and edit your models.
• Slicing software: Look for a printer that’s compatible with popular slicing software like Cura or Simplify3D. These programs allow you to prepare your models for printing by generating the necessary toolpaths and optimizing the settings.
• Firmware updates: Check if the printer’s firmware can be easily updated. Regular firmware updates can improve the performance and functionality of your printer, ensuring that it stays up to date with the latest features and improvements.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a 3D printer with software compatibility that meets your needs and allows you to unleash your creativity.

Customer support

If you ever encounter any issues or need assistance with your 3D printer, rest assured that customer support is there to guide you through every step, ensuring that you never feel alone on your creative journey.

Another thing to consider when choosing the best 3d printer for beginners is the level of customer support offered by the manufacturer. Look for companies that provide easy access to customer support through multiple channels like phone, email, or live chat. Additionally, check if they have an active online community or forum where you can connect with other users and find solutions to common problems.

A responsive customer support team can help troubleshoot technical issues, provide guidance on setup and maintenance, and offer advice on optimizing print settings. Knowing that help is just a call or message away can give you peace of mind as you explore the world of 3D printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner use a 3D printer?

Everyone that uses 3D printers started as a beginner. If you are the type of person that likes to learn new things, feels the urge to create, or likes making things, beginning in 3D printing is probably for you.

There are tons of online resources to learn from, including youtube and many websites dedicated to providing information for newbies and experienced 3D printers.

What is the first 3D printer I should buy?

When looking at the best 3d printers for starting out, consider print volume, type of extruder (direct drive extruder or boden tube), fused deposition modelling (FDM printers), or resin printing, along with how much you are willing to spend and how much assembly do you want to do to save on overall cost.

FDM (fused deposition modelling) printers are great for beginners, and you can print almost anything you need, along with a large selection of materials available. You do have to consider overhangs (parts of the model that hang in mid-air and have nothing supporting it from the bed), along with some striations in layers. But suitable 3d printers will help alleviate these types of issues.

Resin printers have excellent print quality. But there are fewer material choices although the list of new materials is growing every day.

The smell of the 3D printing resin is a significant consideration, and you will want to have a place to keep your printer vented properly so that the smells and fumes will not affect the rest of the family. While fumes are not typically dangerous, they can cause issues with people who have sensitive noses and lungs.

3D resin prints also require some post-processing by putting the print under a UV light or direct sunlight to finish the curing process and also not to mention the rinsing of the model after printing. Some resins require a rinse with isopropyl alcohol which is also another potentially dangerous fume so you will need proper venting.

Our personal recommendation – if you are doing mainly character models and figurines or items that require really high resolution, then a resin printer will probably keep you happy, but for basic everyday printing in both hobby and engineering, a good FDM printer may be the right choice for a beginner.

How much does a 3D printer for beginners typically cost?

The price of an an entry level printer next-level 3d printer can range greatly, depending on if you do your own assembly or purchase a fully assembled and ready to print right out of the box option. Other options such as build plate size, auto leveling, other special features, type of print head, printing materials it is capable of, along with the quality of components can affect pricing.

In general, a good range for 3D printers for beginners can range from roughly $200 – $1000. In this range, there are some really affordable price models to choose from that can run a range of printing materials, have decent build size, and has great print quality.

What types of materials can be used with 3D printers?

3D printers can use a variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, carbon fiber mixes, and TPU. Each material has its own properties and is suitable for different applications. It is important to choose the right material for your desired print quality and functionality.

Note, that most basic model 3D printers are probably setup to run primarily PLA, it is such an easy material to print with. If the 3D printers has a heated bed, then it should be able to print other materials such as ABS.

If you are looking to print some really tough material such as polycarbonate or some of the different carbon fiber fill, you will need to look for printers with higher printing temperatures and heavy-duty nozzles. These types of materials tend to require higher printing temperatures so look for 3D printers that have higher temp hot ends.

Are there any safety considerations when using a 3D printer?

When using a 3D printer, safety considerations include proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes, using protective equipment like gloves and goggles and keeping the printer away from flammable materials. It’s also important to follow manufacturer guidelines and maintain a clean workspace.

Can 3D printers be used to print functional objects?

Yes, 3D printers can be used to print functional objects. For example, people have printed tools, prosthetic limbs, and even fully functional firearms. The possibilities are endless, and with the right design and materials, you can create useful items.

What level of technical expertise is required to operate a 3D printer?

To operate a 3D printer, you need a basic level of technical expertise. While some beginner-friendly printers have user-friendly interfaces, you still need to understand the setup process, controls, and troubleshooting.

3D printers learning resources and online communities can help you along the way with plenty of online 3d model repositories to download all types of models to use in your printing process.

Youtube is another excellent source of great information on 3D printers. There are literally hundreds of videos that share information on model specific issues or 3D printing in general.

Reddit also has some great online communities to browse through, a lot of people sharing their journey with 3D printers and showing off some incredible work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, searching for the best 3D printer for beginners in 2024 can be a daunting task. However, you can make an informed decision by considering factors such as printer size, build volume, compatible materials, ease of use, and additional features over other models.

The top 10 options mentioned, like the R QiDi Technology X-Max and Original Prusa i3 MK3S+, offer a range of advantages to suit different needs and budgets.

Just remember, diving into the world of 3D printing can be an exhilarating and rewarding journey, but it’s important to be prepared for ongoing costs and potential repairs.

We hope you enjoyed our best 3d printer for beginners guide and happy printing!