The 10 best 3D printers for beginners

There’s never been a better time to get into 3D printing. There are tons of models to choose from, countless 3D designs available online, and (most importantly) prices that keep dropping.

SEE ALSO: It took around 45 hours of 3D printing to build this 1,076 square-foot house

Buying your first 3D printer can be a little intimidating. There’s a lot to consider, from price to compatibility to safety concerns. To help you make the leap, we looked into which 3D printers have are best suited for those just starting out. Here are 10 great 3D printers for beginners, in order from cheapest to most expensive.

3Doodler Create 3D Pen ($68)

Credit: 3Doodler

It’s not exactly a 3D printer, but this 3D pen is a great way to test the waters. The 3Doodler essentially lets you draw in three-dimensional space in a wide range of colors. There’s no setup either. Just open box, insert some filament into the pen, and start creating.

The one big drawback is that this product needs a special type of 3-millimeter filament that’s expensive to replace ($20 a bundle). The 3Doodler comes with enough printing material (in a wide variety of colors) to get your started. Once you run out, however, buying more can be a pain.

XYZprinting da Vinci Nano ($180)

Credit: Xyzprinting

This small, cheap 3D printer from XYZprinting is perfect for beginners. It features a futuristic design that’s fully enclosed so your kids won’t accidentally reach in while it’s running and hurt themselves. Opening the door doesn’t stop the printing process, though, so injury is still possible. You’re also limited to using the company’s filament, but there’s enough included in the box to get you started.

For the most part, the da Vinci Nano is a great little printer. It works right out of the box with no assembly required and comes with simple software that runs on Mac and Windows. It also prints quietly (and slowly), which is great if you’re just starting out and don’t want a noisy machine.

XYZprinting da Vinci miniMaker ($180)

Credit: XYZprinting

Here’s another affordable option from XYZprinting. This lightweight 3D printer comes in bright primary colors clearly meant for children, though it’s a good option for anyone starting out. Like the da Vinci Nano, it comes pre-assembled, works with both Mac and Windows computers, and requires a special type of filament.

The only real drawback is that this 3D printer is only partially enclosed. So if you’re worried someone might stick their hands in while it’s running this isn’t the model for you.

Monoprice Select Mini ($220)

Credit: Monoprice

For just a little extra cash, the Monoprice Select Mini offers a more advanced experience that’s still simple enough for beginners to handle. It comes ready to use right out of the box with a sample package of filament, and it supports a wide variety of other printing materials.

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The Select Mini also works with both Mac and Windows computers. There’s no enclosure around this printer, though, so it’s not the best option if you’re worried about safety. But if you’re buying a 3D printer just for yourself this is a good place to start.

5) Anycubic i3 Mega ($369)

Credit: Anycubic

The Anycubic i3 Mega is a more advanced (and more expensive) 3D printer with some standout features. If you accidentally unplug the printer (or the power goes out) it will auto-pause and remember where it left off so printing can pick right back up again. It also features a sturdy metal frame, and works with both Mac and Windows computers.

When it comes to safety this printer isn’t great — there’s no sort of enclosure at all. It also only comes partially assembled, though you only need eight screws to put it together.

6) FlashForge Finder ($399)

Credit: FlashForge

The FlashForge Finder offers a great mix of advanced tech and safety features. It’s enclosed to avoid injuries and features a slide-out tray that won’t heat up for easily removing your printed objects. It also features a sturdy plastic design and comes pre-assembled with a spool of filament in the box.

The FlashForge Finder works with both Windows and Mac computers. It also prints very quietly, making it a great option for classrooms or any other situation where noise might be a concern.

7) Tiertime Up Mini 2 ($569)

Credit: Tiertime

$569 may sound like a lot for a 3D printer, but the Tiertime Up Mini 2 packs in enough high-tech features (plus a sleek, polished design) to make it worth the price. The fact that it was picked by Wirecutter as the best choice for beginnersdoesn’t hurt either.

The Tiertime Up Mini 2 has an all-metal frame, touchscreen controls, and a built in HEPA filter to reduce emissions. It also features an enclosed design for safety, works with Mac and Windows machines, and comes pre-assembled and ready to print right right out of the box.

8) Reality CR 10S ($600)

Credit: Reality

The Reality CR 10S is a large printer designed to hold up to stress. It features a simple design with no enclosure and an industrial aluminum-alloy tray bed that will stay flat after repeated use.

This printer does require some assembly, but according to the company it should only take about ten minutes to put together. It also works with Mac and Windows computers and comes with some free filament to get you started.

9) LulzBot Mini ($1,250)

Credit: LulzBot

We’re crossing the $1,000 threshold here, but if you’re willing to spend the extra cash the LulzBot Mini is worth it. This 3D printer ships pre-assembled and fully calibrated. It features a self-cleaning nozzle and a self-leveling tray so you’re always ready to print with no prep required. The heated glass bed also ensures your printed objects won’t stick to the surface.

For an advanced 3D printer, the LulzBot Mini is easy to use and designed to last. It doesn’t offer any sort of enclosure, but at this price you’re probably not buying it for your kids anyway so safety shouldn’t be as much of an issue.

10) MakerBot Replicator+ Mini ($1,286)

Credit: Makerbot

The latest compact 3D printer from MakerBot packs in a ton of useful features, making it a solid option for beginners despite its high price. That includes cloud storage for your 3D designs and a built-in camera so you can watch your objects get printed remotely from the company’s smartphone app.

There is some assembly required with this model, but the MakerBot app will guide you through the process. The printing tray is also pre-leveled to speed up the process, and each printer comes with a spool of filament to get you started. This 3D printer is only partially enclosed, so keep it away from small children.

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