3D printing, like virtual reality, is one of those technology things that always seems to be on the cusp of going mainstream – without ever quite crossing over. Even though we’ve seen the concept play out for years on TV and in movies (what do you think a Star Trek replicator is doing?), having a 3D printer at home or office is still considered wildly exotic outside a small enthusiast audience.
There’s something on our best 3D printers list for everyone, whether you’re a beginner 3D artist, a hobbyist or a business owner looking for an enterprise-quality 3D printer for commercial purposes.
All 3D prints require a little smoothing and filing with a hobby file to look their best (you can also prime and paint each print, fill gaps with filler compound and so on) — but ours are right off the print bed, no touch-ups after the printing. For what to print and how to start printing, including materials (e.g., polylactic acid vs. ABS plastic), printing technology and software, see my latest tips and advice for 3D printing.
Despite the low prices, they are pretty damn full-featured 3D printer, and a favorite affordable first step for testing the 3D print maker waters. Monoprice also sells a slightly less expensive, affordable entry-level design, called the Mini Delta (and the Monoprice Maker, which offers more volume), but this is superior for printing in just about every way.
We not only scoured the market to find the best of the best for you, but we also found a variety of printers covering a wide range of sizes, prices and functionalities. This list has something to fit your desk, match the needs of hobbyists, meet the high-quality demands of a business and even handle production in large volumes. You’ll also find the best 3D printers for a wide range of budgets, from affordable 3D printers, to high-end 3D printers that may have high price tags, but offer unrivalled quality.
There are many 3D printers out there to choose from, and there are a few factors to consider when picking the best 3D printer for you, which means spending quite a bit of time doing research. Worry not, though; our list of the best 3D printers should get you started.
Our list of the best 3D printers contains clear and concise information on all kinds of 3D printers, so you can find the best 3D printer no matter what your needs are. And, we’ve included our exclusive price comparison tool, so you can be sure you’re finding the best deal on the 3D printer of your dream.