Best 3D printer

Best 3d Printer
(Image credit: Future / James Bricknell)

Welcome to our pick of the best 3D printers money can buy. On this page, you'll find the best devices for 3D printing, for both home and commercial use.

That means we've packed this list of the best 3D printers with devices of all shapes and for all budgets. So, you've got the best 3D printers that can fit on a desk or table, and are ideal for home use for hobbyists and beginners who are just getting started.

We've also got the best 3D printers for enterprise and commercial uses. These 3D printers can handle large volumes while keeping quality to the highest possible level.

You'll 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.

It's important to note that because the devices in our best 3D printers list are all so diverse - and are aimed at different use cases - we've not listed them in any particular order.

So, read our roundup carefully to see which 3D printer is best for your needs. No one wants to spend all their time researching all the best 3D printers – not to mention spending a ton of cash – so 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.

Best overall

Creality ender 3 pro

(Image credit: Amazon)

Creality Official Ender 3 Pro

The Ender 3 is the people's favourite

When it comes to choosing your first 3D printer the cost and the quality need to find a balance. While the Ender 3 can need some fine-tuning out of the box, the long term use and the excellent price point cannot be ignored.

Many a hobbyist has started a 3D printing business off the back of the Ender 3, and they are excellent to use in tandem. Buy loads of them and start an empire!

Best resin printer

Elegoo Mars 2

(Image credit: Amazon)

ELEGOO Mars 2

The printer I bought for myself

Resin printing is fast becoming a huge part of 3d printing from home, and for good reason. The level of detail that a printer like the Mars 2 can produce is mind blowing, and the price is within easy reach.

Resin printing is a little more difficult than standard 3d printing but the results will be well worth it. The Mars 2 is the printer I paid for myself and it is a great choice for anyone.

Dual extrusions

Flashforge Pro 2

(Image credit: Amazon)

FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro 2

A fully enclosed system

Dual extrusion offers a variety of extra awesome opportunities. Not only does the FlashForge allow you to print with two different colors, or two different materials, it also lets you use "mirror printing." This lets you print two of the exact same model at the same time. effectively doubling your output. Very cool. The enclosed build area also means you can print more exotic filaments that require a constant temperature.

Go big or go home

Anycubic Mega X

(Image credit: Amazon)

ANYCUBIC 3D Printer Photon Mono X

Large scale resin printing

Anycubic make some of my favorite printers and the Mono X is now added to that list. unlike a lot of other resin printers, this offers a sizable build plate and a high-speed mono screen. This means you can print 200% bigger, and 33% faster than your average resin 3d printer. If you are looking to get more from your printing, this is the place to go.

Great quality

Artillery Sidewinder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Artillery Sidewinder X1

A tidy big printer

The artillery Sidewinder is both a compact, and yet huge machine. The look is very compact, with all the wires out of the way and everything neat and tidy. The build volume though is nice and large. With a 300mm x 300mm x 400mm print area, you should able to print a full size cosplay helmet with ease. 

Best resin accessory

Elegoo Mercury

(Image credit: Amazon)

ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2 in 1 Wash and Curing Machine

A must have machine for resin printing

Resin printing requires a lot more post processing than standard printing and you will need a few more tools to get it right. You can make the entire process much easier with a Mercury from Elegoo as it allows you to wash and cure your prints in the same compact machine. I have one at home and makes every resin print consistently awesome.

Make your dreams come true

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If you are looking to have a 3d printer for the first time then the list of choices can be daunting. Hopefully, this list has given you a lot of ideas where you can start and the Ender 3 Pro from Creality is likely your best bet.  The community at large loves this machine and you will always have a massive support community if you buy one.

If you are looking to get into resin 3d printing for miniatures or detailed sculptures then the combination of the Elegoo Mars 2 and the Elegoo Mercury won't steer you wrong. It's the perfect set up to start you off the right way.

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