3D printing has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. It’s a fantastic way to bring ideas to life, whether it’s for fun, education, or prototyping. For beginners, choosing the best 3D printers for beginners can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this post, we’ll provide a list of the best printers to consider in 2023. Whether you’re a hobbyist or just starting out, or even trying to make money with 3D printing, our list of the top 6 picks will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs, budget, and skill level. So, let’s dive in and explore the best options on the market!
How to choose a best 3D printer for me?
When diving into the world of 3D printing for newbies, it’s critical to understand the nuances of different 3D printers. And reading 3D printer reviews can provide information about user experiences and potential problems. But note that choosing a best 3D printer is not just about finding one; it’s about finding the right one for your needs.
To give you all a gist of it, the top factors include the application of the parts you are printing for, the material you will be printing with, the printer’s build volume, material availability and cost considerations, the printer’s resolution, and some additional factors such as colour capabilities and proprietary slicing software. You can learn more about them in our dedicated article on the factors to consider when buying a 3D printer.
As you embark on this journey, consider it as your beginner’s guide to 3D printing.
Best 3D printer for beginners in 2023 – 6 best picks
| 3D Printer | Build Volume | Catchphrase | Price | Where to Buy? |
| Creality Ender 5 Pro | 220 x 220 x 300 mm | Affordable and reliable | $399 | Amazon |
| Anycubic Kobra Plus | 220 x 220 x 300 mm | Perfect for Hobbyists | $499 | Amazon |
| Toybox 3D Printer | 90 x 80 x 100 mm | Printing toys for kids | $419 onwards | Toybox |
| Original Prusa MINI+ | 180 x 180 x 180 mm | Small build volume | $429 onwards | Prusa |
| Bambu Lab P1P printer | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | Superfast 3D printing | $699 | Bambu Lab |
| AnkerMake M5 | 235×235×250 mm | Smart 3D printing experience | $629 onwards | Box Online Store |
The 3D printing technology trends of 2023 have provided enthusiasts with a plethora of options. There are numerous options available, ranging from entry-level 3D printers to more advanced models. Keep an eye out for the latest 3D printing innovations that can improve your printing experience as you explore.
Creality Ender 5 Pro – Affordable and reliable
Among the top 3D printers for starters, the Creality Ender series has always been a frontrunner. Its reliability and affordability make it a favourite among beginners and seasoned printers alike.
We can’t begin a list of the best 3D printers for beginners without mentioning the Creality Ender. If you need a dependable printer, the Creality Ender 5 Pro printer is a good option. If you are already familiar with Ender 5, we believe that the Pro version will not be too dissimilar to it. If you have an older Ender printer, such as an Ender 3, Ender 3 V2, Ender Pro, or something in that range, and are looking to buy a new printer, consider the Ender 5 Pro over the Ender 5.
The Ender 5 Pro is clearly an improved version of the Ender 5, with some additional features such as the notable Capricorn Bowden tube and ultra-quiet operation. This Bowden tube is superior to standard PTFE tubes because it reduces friction, increases durability, and even improves heat resistance, resulting in a longer life and higher print quality, among other advantages.
Specifications
- Technology: FDM/FFF
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 300 mm
- Extruder Type: Bowden Type
- Extruder Temperature: 260℃
- Bed Temperature: 135℃
- Enclosure: No
- Material Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Notable Features: Capricorn Bowden tube, Filament Run-out sensor, Removable print bed platform.
Anycubic Kobra Plus – Perfect for Hobbyists
When it comes to 3D printer brand comparisons, Creality printers are often compared to Anycubic printers as this brand also stands out for its strong commitment towards hobbyists. The Kobra Plus, in particular, is a testament to their commitment to quality and user experience.
The Anycubic Kobra Plus has an obvious stamp of the Kobra series and sits between its two predecessors, the Kobra and the Kobra Max. With nearly 60% more build volume than the Kobra and features similar to the Kobra Max, this printer is sure to deliver.
The Anycubic Kobra Plus, with its superior ability to print at high speeds, serves as a professional product that ensures advanced users get the best printing results quickly compared to other printing platforms, enhanced with easier operation.
You can read our full review of the Anycubic Kobra Plus, which includes unboxing, images of the printer, and even some sample prints.
Specifications
- Technology: FDM/FFF
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 300 mm
- Extruder Type: Bowden Type
- Extruder Temperature: 260℃
- Bed Temperature: 100℃
- Enclosure: No
- Material Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Notable Features: Carborundum glass print bed, Filament Run-out sensor, Removable print bed platform.
Toybox 3D Printer – Best 3D Printer for Children
Toybox, as the name implies, is a 3D printer designed primarily for the production of toys for children. The entire theme and communications are explicitly kid-centric, and the product is marketed as a toybox for children over the age of five. It is available in a variety of bundles, each of which includes one or more printing materials (referred to as printer food).
This is most likely the first 3D printer designed specifically for children. It is designed in such a way that children are safe when using it; however, it is recommended that a parent be present with the child at all times.
It provides dependable one-touch printing of simple objects from an iOS or Android device or a web browser, with consistent print quality and little to no misprints. It also includes a catalogue of over 7000 digital toys to choose from.
With all of its benefits, some of its drawbacks include its small print area, inability to fully support files imported from other sites, and inability to serve users who are not children and require much more than print toys.
Specifications
- Technology: FDM/FFF
- Build Volume: 90 x 80 x 100 mm
- Extruder Type: Bowden Type
- Extruder Temperature: NA
- Bed Temperature: NA
- Enclosure: Yes
- Material Compatibility: PLA
- Notable Features: 7000+ Digital Toy Catalogue, Instant one-click printing, ability to design own toys in Toybox app.
Original Prusa MINI+ – Favourite MINI of Hobbyists
The Original Prusa MINI+ is a smart, affordable, dependable, and small 3D printer that has long been a favourite of hobbyists around the world. It is available as a kit (MINI+ Kit) or semi-assembled (MINI+). The MINI+ is based on the previous generation simply known as ‘MINI’. The upgrade comes in the form of a Y-bracket, which simplifies printer assembly.
The printer fits in nicely with the low-cost range of small desktop printers. Though Creality printers are less expensive for a comparable or slightly larger print bed, the allure of the Prusa MINI+ remains. The printer’s humble open-source origins, the tried and tested reliability and performance that remains unaffected, and brand loyalty are the primary reasons for this.
The printer looks great, fits easily on any desk, is simple to set up and assemble, and produces excellent first results.
MINI+ has a temperature-independent SuperPINDA probe that eliminates temperature drift and keeps the first layer consistent. It has flexible print sheets, a colour LCD screen, one-click printing, is well integrated with PrusaSlicer, and is built with open-source hardware and firmware.
Specifications
- Technology: FDM/FFF
- Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
- Extruder Type: Bowden Type
- Extruder Temperature: 280 °C
- Bed Temperature: 100 °C
- Enclosure: No
- Material Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, Flexibles and Polycarbonate
- Notable Features: Removable magnetic steel sheets, 3 Thermistors, 1 fan sensor, comes with a 2-years warranty with premium 24/7 support via chat and email.
Bambu Lab P1P – Super fast 3D Printing
The Bambu Lab P1P 3D printer is a smart desktop 3D printer that has sparked widespread interest. This printer’s main selling points are its super-fast printing speed of 500mm/s, automatic material system, advanced bed levelling, and ease of use.
The printer is definitely expensive, and most beginners may not want to invest in a costly printer right away. However, if you have a larger budget, this is one printer to consider purchasing. The printer is also compatible with the automatic material system (AMS), allowing users to print in multiple colours.
DIY printers are inexpensive, but they are also difficult to use and have a steep learning curve. Plug-and-play printers, such as the Bambu Lab P1P, can get you up and running in under 15 minutes.
It has a PEI-coated flexible build plate, auto-bed levelling, input shaping, pressure advance calibration, multi-colour capability, and a unique side panel customization option called Modplate, which comes with four options. The Pegboard and Pixel Modplate were particularly appealing to us.
Some of the printer’s drawbacks include the use of proprietary components, faulty default print profiles, high cost, AMS unit is inefficient with material usage and wastes some material, enclosure is not available at its high price point, and it does not print ABS well.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
- Extruder Type: Bowden
- Maximum Print Temperature: 300℃
- Bed Temperature: 100℃
- Enclosure: Enclosed frame
- Material Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, ASA, PVA, PET, PETG, TPU, Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer
- Notable Features: Super-fast printing, Multi-colour capability, unique Modplates.
AnkerMake M5 – Smart 3D Printing Experience
Despite being a relatively new player in the field of 3D printing, AnkerMake has released the AnkerMake M5, a stylish and feature-packed 3D printer. It is one of the few FDM 3D printers with a contemporary design, which distinguishes it from its competitors. The printer is fast, with a build volume of 235 x 235 x 250 mm and a top speed of 250 mm/s and an acceleration of 2500 mm/s2.
The high speeds and acceleration are the result of the use of an ultra-direct extruder, which has a higher multi-stage gear ratio, a larger heating block for faster material melting, and a larger air input volume for faster cooling. PowerBoost™, which optimises energy with its Y-axis transmission system to push out loads of extra power for high-speed printing, drives the system.
One of the AnkerMake M5’s standout features is its built-in AI camera monitoring. The camera can detect failures, alert users to printing errors, create timelapse videos, and easily share those videos via the AnkerMake app. The printer also includes auto-bed levelling, a filament sensor, and a print resume function, all of which are useful features for any 3D printer.
One disadvantage of this printer is its underdeveloped slicer, lack of an SD card slot, use of proprietary nozzles, and high price.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 235×235×250 mm
- Extruder Type: Ultra Direct Drive
- Maximum Print Temperature: 260℃
- Bed Temperature: 100℃
- Enclosure: No
- Material Compatibility: PLA/PETG/TPU/ABS
- Notable Features: Ultra-direct extruder and PowerBoost™, Ai-camera for print monitoring.
FAQs
Can a 3D printer print in more than one colour?
Yes, some FDM 3D printers can print in multiple colours. When you want to print in at least two colours, a dual extruder comes in handy, or you can use external devices like Mosaic’s Palette 3 Proto to print in a wide range of colours.
What software do you need for a 3D printer?
A 3D printer employs a variety of software programmes, including u003ca href=u0022https://manufactur3dmag.com/best-free-cad-software-3d-printing/u0022u003eCAD designing softwareu003c/au003e such as Catia and Fusion 360, slicing software such as u003ca href=u0022https://manufactur3dmag.com/what-is-cura-software-and-who-should-use-it/u0022u003eCurau003c/au003e and PrusaSlicer, and host software such as u003ca href=u0022https://manufactur3dmag.com/what-is-octoprint-software-and-how-to-set-it/u0022u003eOctoPrintu003c/au003e and AstroPrint.
Can we use 3D printer in our home?
Yes, you can use a 3D printer at home, but you should make sure that the room where it is used is well ventilated and that you take proper precautions when printing with toxic materials like ABS.
Can we Edit and Repair STL files?
Yes, we can u003ca href=u0022https://manufactur3dmag.com/software-to-edit-and-repair-stl-files-beginner/u0022u003eedit and repair STL filesu003c/au003e with software suites such as Tinkercad, Blender, Meshmixer, and others.
Buying 3D Printers in India
As an Indian media company, we assist Indian consumers in finding the best 3D printers in India without the need to import them.
From the above list of 3D printers for beginners, only two 3D printers are available in India.
Creality Ender 5 Pro – Buy from Amazon
Anycubic Kobra Plus – Buy from Amazon
The remaining printers are only available in a few countries, and users should check the official website to see if shipping is available in their country.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 3D printer for a beginner can be difficult. You can, however, make an informed decision with the right resources, such as this guide and other 3D printer reviews. Keep an eye out for the latest 3D printing innovations as 3D printing technology trends continue to evolve. The world of 3D printing has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for entry-level 3D printers or something more advanced.
Along with the Anycubic Kobra Plus, the Creality Ender 5 Pro is an excellent entry-level option that provides impressive print quality and versatility. If you want a printer with a small footprint that is also reliable, the Original Prusa MINI+ is an excellent choice. However, all of these are basic options with limited premium features, and if you have some extra cash and prefer smart features and aesthetics over tedious workhorses like other printers, you should consider the Bambu Lab P1P and AnkerMake M5 printers.
Finally, if you’re looking for a printer specifically for your children and only want to print toys with it, the Toybox 3D printer is the way to go. It was created with only children and toys in mind, so you can’t go wrong with this one.
Overall, regardless of which 3D printer you select, investing in a high-quality machine is critical for achieving excellent results and making the most of your 3D printing experience. We hope that our recommendations have helped you find the best 3D printer for your needs, and we wish you the best of luck on your 3D printing journey.
