We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best 3 D Printers For Beginners With Detailed Guides 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Anycubic Kobra S1 3D Printer Only, Support Multi Color Printing Needs ACE Pro, Max 600mm/s High Speed High Precision Anycubic App One-Click Printing Ultra-Quiet Printing 250 * 250 * 250mm

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,197
Print Technology
Filament Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
1277 reviews

Print Technology
Its closed ecosystem for WiFi functionality limits compatibility with other slicing software, a point of frustration for users wanting more flexibility.
Filament Compatibility
The printer excels with PLA but struggles with ABS, highlighting the importance of selecting the right filament for optimal results.
Ease of Use
The Anycubic Kobra S1 is easy to assemble and gets you printing in under an hour, making it perfect for beginners.
Community and Support
The support from Anycubic is commendable, quickly addressing issues like faulty LCD screens with efficient replacements.

The Anycubic Kobra S1 is a 3D printer designed with beginners in mind, offering features that make the printing process accessible and efficient. One of its standout qualities is the high-speed printing capability with a travel speed of 600mm/s, which, along with the CoreXY construction, ensures fast and precise output. This is particularly beneficial for users looking to produce detailed models quickly.

With a build volume of 250 x 250 x 250mm, the Kobra S1 offers a decent workspace for a variety of projects, making it suitable for most entry-level tasks while providing room for creativity. Its layer resolution and compatibility with a wide range of filaments, including PLA, TPU, and PETG, make it versatile and adaptable to different printing needs, which is critical for beginners exploring different materials.

The printer's ease of use is boosted by Anycubic's app, which supports one-click printing, simplifying the process for those new to 3D printing. The access to a vast model library further assists beginners by offering a range of ready-to-print designs. However, users must note that the printer requires firmware updates to unlock additional features, which could be slightly daunting for absolute beginners.

In terms of community and support, Anycubic provides a robust network of users and resources, though the Kobra S1's recent release means user-generated content and support might still be growing. One downside is the incompatibility with accessories like the ACE Pro for Kobra 3 without an upgrade pack, adding a potential extra cost.

For those prioritizing quiet operation, the Kobra S1's ultra-quiet printing is a plus, making it suitable for home use without causing disturbance. Ultimately, this printer offers a blend of speed, precision, and ease of use, making it a strong candidate for beginners, provided they are comfortable with occasional updates and the evolving accessory ecosystem.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,197
Print Technology
Filament Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
1277 reviews

Print Technology
Its closed ecosystem for WiFi functionality limits compatibility with other slicing software, a point of frustration for users wanting more flexibility.
Filament Compatibility
The printer excels with PLA but struggles with ABS, highlighting the importance of selecting the right filament for optimal results.
Ease of Use
The Anycubic Kobra S1 is easy to assemble and gets you printing in under an hour, making it perfect for beginners.
Community and Support
The support from Anycubic is commendable, quickly addressing issues like faulty LCD screens with efficient replacements.
#2

ELEGOO Mars 4 Ultra MSLA 3D Printer with 7" 9K LCD, Wi-Fi, ACF Release Liner Film - 6.5 x 6.04 x 3.06 inches Printing Size

Rating
9.6
Print Technology
Ease of Use

Most important from
1740 reviews

Print Technology
Print quality is fantastic, with intricate details thanks to the high-resolution 9K mono LCD.
Ease of Use
The printer is largely stress-free with no adjustment screws for the print head or bed, making setup simpler.

The ELEGOO Mars 4 Ultra MSLA 3D Printer stands out with its high-resolution 7-inch 9K mono LCD, offering intricate detail with an impressive 8520x4320 resolution. This means you can print complex models with high precision. The printer's build volume of 6.5 x 6.04 x 3.06 inches is somewhat limited, which may restrict the size of your projects but is ample for many hobbyist needs. It uses MSLA technology, known for its accuracy and detail, but it can be a bit more complex than other types like FDM printers.

The printer supports standard 405nm UV resin, making it compatible with a wide range of resins available in the market. Setting up the printer is straightforward thanks to its 4-point leveling system and user-friendly 4-inch HD IPS touch screen, which supports 12 languages. This touch screen makes navigation and operation simple, even for beginners. The built-in Wi-Fi connection is a convenient feature, allowing easy file transfers without the need for cables. However, the transfer speed of 6-10Mbps may not be the fastest.

The use of ACF release liner film enhances the success rate of prints, reducing adhesion issues and print failures. The printer's robustness is enhanced by the 9H hardness tempered glass protecting the LCD, and the overall build quality using ABS, aluminum, and polycarbonate materials. However, the printer is relatively heavy at 18 pounds, which might be a consideration if you need to move it frequently. The Mars 4 Ultra is ideal for beginners who want detailed prints and are willing to work within a smaller build volume. Its ease of use and detailed guides make it a solid choice for those new to 3D printing.

Rating
9.6
Print Technology
Ease of Use

Most important from
1740 reviews

Print Technology
Print quality is fantastic, with intricate details thanks to the high-resolution 9K mono LCD.
Ease of Use
The printer is largely stress-free with no adjustment screws for the print head or bed, making setup simpler.
#3

ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85x8.85x11in Large Printing Size

Rating
9.3
Print Technology
Filament Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
1708 reviews

Print Technology
The auto bed leveling feature is a game-changer, simplifying the setup process and ensuring consistent print quality.
Filament Compatibility
Consistent performance with various filaments, including Amolen silk shiny PLA which produces great definition and is easy to remove from the plate.
Ease of Use
Setting up the machine is straightforward with the help of YouTube videos, making it suitable even for those with zero prior experience in 3D printing.

The ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro is an attractive choice for beginners in 3D printing, offering a blend of user-friendly features and advanced capabilities. It uses FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, which is common and widely understood, making it a good starting point for newcomers. The build volume of 8.85x8.85x11 inches is quite generous, allowing users to create larger models without needing to upgrade quickly. This model shines with its dual-gear direct extruder, which ensures smooth filament feeding and minimizes common issues like nozzle clogging and under-extrusion. It's compatible with a variety of filaments including PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS, giving users flexibility in their projects.

The printer’s auto bed leveling feature is a significant plus, as it simplifies the setup process and enhances print accuracy by adjusting for any irregularities on the print bed. The dual lead screw drive and dual-motor system provide added stability and precision during printing, which is particularly beneficial for beginners who may struggle with manual adjustments. The removable capacitive screen is intuitive and user-friendly, streamlining the printing process.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the setup is relatively straightforward with pre-assembled main components, beginners might still find the initial assembly and calibration process somewhat daunting without prior experience. Additionally, though the printer operates at a relatively quiet 47-48dB, it may still be noticeable in very quiet environments. Lastly, community and support are crucial for beginners; while ELEGOO has a decent presence, some users may find it lacking in comparison to more established brands in terms of available tutorials and user community engagement. In summary, the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro offers a robust set of features that cater well to beginners, particularly those willing to invest a bit of time in learning the ropes and leveraging its advanced functionalities.

Rating
9.3
Print Technology
Filament Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
1708 reviews

Print Technology
The auto bed leveling feature is a game-changer, simplifying the setup process and ensuring consistent print quality.
Filament Compatibility
Consistent performance with various filaments, including Amolen silk shiny PLA which produces great definition and is easy to remove from the plate.
Ease of Use
Setting up the machine is straightforward with the help of YouTube videos, making it suitable even for those with zero prior experience in 3D printing.

Buying Guide for the Best 3 D Printers For Beginners With Detailed Guides

Choosing the right 3D printer can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. It's important to understand the key specifications and features that will best suit your needs. This guide will help you navigate through the essential specs and make an informed decision. Remember, the best 3D printer for you will depend on what you plan to print, your level of expertise, and how much time you're willing to invest in learning and maintaining the printer.
Print TechnologyPrint technology refers to the method the 3D printer uses to create objects. The most common types are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). FDM printers are generally easier to use and more affordable, making them ideal for beginners. SLA printers offer higher resolution and smoother finishes but are more complex and require more maintenance. If you're just starting, an FDM printer is likely the best choice.
Build VolumeBuild volume is the maximum size of the object that the printer can create. It is measured in three dimensions: width, depth, and height. Larger build volumes allow you to print bigger objects or multiple smaller objects at once. For beginners, a moderate build volume is usually sufficient, as it provides a good balance between size and ease of use. Consider what you plan to print and choose a build volume that accommodates those needs.
Layer ResolutionLayer resolution determines the thickness of each layer of material that the printer deposits. It is measured in microns, with lower numbers indicating finer detail. Higher resolution (lower micron value) results in smoother and more detailed prints but can take longer to print. For beginners, a resolution of around 100-200 microns is typically adequate, offering a good balance between print quality and speed.
Filament CompatibilityFilament compatibility refers to the types of materials that the printer can use. Common filaments include PLA, ABS, and PETG. PLA is the most beginner-friendly, as it is easy to print with and produces good-quality prints. ABS is more durable but requires higher temperatures and better ventilation. PETG offers a balance between PLA and ABS. As a beginner, starting with a printer that supports PLA is recommended, and you can explore other materials as you gain experience.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses several factors, including the user interface, setup process, and maintenance requirements. Look for printers with intuitive interfaces, clear instructions, and features like auto-bed leveling, which can simplify the printing process. As a beginner, choosing a printer that is easy to set up and maintain will help you get started more quickly and reduce frustration.
Community and SupportHaving access to a supportive community and good customer support can be invaluable, especially for beginners. Look for printers from manufacturers with active user communities, comprehensive guides, and responsive customer service. This support can help you troubleshoot issues, learn new techniques, and get the most out of your 3D printing experience.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now