
Image: courtesy of Amazon
Have you decided to buy a 3D printer but don't know which one?
Buying a 3D printer can be a complicated task, especially if you're new to this fascinating hobby and aren't familiar with the technical features you have to pay attention to.
But even if you're an experienced user looking for your second (or even third!) 3D printer to undertake more ambitious projects, you may not be up to date with what can be found on the market right now.
So to make a good decision, I've narrowed the criteria based on three questions:
Resin or Filament?
In other words: What do you want the 3D printer for?
They are different technologies using different materials. One or the other will be more suitable depending on your project.
What is your budget?
The higher the investment, the greater the stability during printing and the better quality of the final result.
But nowadays there are options for all budgets, even from 200$
Technical specs?
Do you need to print large parts and/or flexible materials? You want to build it yourself?.
Review the technical specifications and invest in the best one for you.
Resin or filament printer?
This question relates to the use you want to give the printer and the type of project you want to undertake.

Filament/FDM printers
They are the perfect choice when surface accuracy and finish are not crucial, such as in the construction of low-cost models or rapid prototypes.
They are ideal printers for experimentation and teaching.
They faster than 3D resin printers, but generally need some mounting.

RESINE/SLA Printers
Choose it if you are looking for fine, detailed and precise finishes: for jewelry, small toys, molds, miniatures..
They are slower than the 3D filament printers and the materials (resines) are a little more expensive, but they are usually assembled and ready for use.
Best filament 3D printers under 300$
With this budget, you can buy a robust and long-run 3D printer, as it replaces the plastic used in the most economical printers with metal structures.
In terms of volume, speed, resolution, and compatible filaments, the models within this range are very similar. Manufacturers start incorporating useful functions, such as power recovery loss and filament run-out detection.
What can I find in this budget?
- If you'd like a very expandable printer, the best seller Creality Ender 3 Pro would be your perfect fit. It is cheap, open-source, sold in multiple variations, and has a vast community behind it.
- If you don't want things complicated, the Anycubic Mega S would be a fantastic investment, delivering high quality-printings from the first try through an intuitive out-of-the-box process.
- If you are somewhere in between and would prefer to invest in additional functionality, higher printing volume, and a great quality extruder, take a look at the Sovol SV01.
Creality Ender 3 Pro

The most popular
Build Volume
22 x 22 x 25 cm
Connectivity
SD
Assembly required
partially
Filament sensor
No
Best feature
Cheap and allows infinite extensions
Best filament 3D printers under 500$
In this range, you can get a 3D printer that can be used in a small business, or for advanced amateur users who want to undertake the most ambitious projects.
Printers with this budget have in common a much more robust and stable structure and construction, which has an impact on much higher quality finishes and, a significantly higher print volume.
What can I find in this budget?
There is much more variety in terms of the built-in improvements, each manufacturer puts the focus on different aspects.
- For those Creality-lovers, a model with an improved extrusion system and quieter motherboard -the Creality Ender 5 Pro.
- Need to print big prototypes? Creality can accommodate that with the Creality CR-10 V2.
- Do you prefer out-of-the box settings and the most robust design? The Anycubic Mega X, incorporates sensors, robustness and in addition to large printing volumes.
Creality CR-10 V2

For large volumes
Build Volume
30 x 30 x 40 cm
Connectivity
SD, USB
Assembly required
partially
Filament sensor
no
Best feature
Great printing volume
Best filament 3D printers under 1000$
In the range of 500 to 1000$ you can already find 3D printers for very experienced users and which can certainly be used in a professional environment.
Flashforge Creator Pro

Cheapest dual-extruded
Build Volume
22.7 x 14.8 x 15 cm
Connectivity
USB, SD
Assembly required
no
Filament sensor
yes
Best feature
Closed, 2 extruders for different materials
Best resin 3D printers
This technology has long been cost prohibitive, but today, domestic resin 3D printers produce industrial-quality parts at an affordable price and with unmatched versatility, thanks to a wide variety of materials.
Logically, the higher the investment, the more robust the device and the better quality of the result.
Under 500$
QIDI Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro

Build Volume
13 x 7 x 15 cm
Connectivity
USB
Assembly required
no
Screen
LCD 2K, 3.5''
Best feature
Enter your text here...
The best 3D printers: the review
1. Creality Ender 3 Pro - The most popular
The most affordable-expandable-popular in the range of under 300 $, with an unbeatable value for money, it is a perfect printer either for beginners or experienced users with a limited budget.
It is a best-selling 3D printer backed by a community of satisfied users.
The best of the Creality Ender 3 Pro:
- Its power supply, protected against voltage spikes and power outages.
- It includes a function to resume printing from the last layer in case of interruption, reducing waste.
- Introduces a new extruder design that reduces the risk of clogging and uneven extrusion.
- New bed with a completely removable and flexible construction, very useful to remove the pieces easily.
- It has a textured surface that adheres to all types of filaments, improving traditionally used methods such as tape, glue, or lacquer.
- Rapid heating of the print bed, reaching 110 ℃ in just 5 minutes.
- Very easy to assemble as it is partially assembled.
Conclusion: The Creality Ender 3 Pro exceeds all expectations. It is a fantastic 3D printer, being equipped with features that are only found in far more expensive printers.
2- Anycubic Mega S - Sturdy and well equipped
If you're not sure what you want in a 3D printer, with the Anycubic Mega S you can't go wrong. Great value for money in an all-in-one printer.

Technical Specifications
Technology
FDM
Build Volume
8.3 x 8.3 x 8.1 inches
Layer hight
100 – 400 Microns
Nozzle size
0.4 mm
Max. extruder temp.
275 °C
Max. heated bed
100 °C
Print recovery
yes
Filament sensor
yes
Filament diameter
1.75 mm
Assembly required
partial
Connectivity
SD, USB cable
Material
ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU, more
Recommended slicer
Cura
The best of the Anycubic Mega S:
- Smart designed and all-metal frame. This simple and sturdy frame greatly contributes to the consistent print quality.
- The substantial base equipped with a full-color touchscreen.
- The first layer of each print begins upon the renowned Anycubic Ultrabase heated bed, ensuring that the prints stick to the bed and pluck right off after the job is done.
- It comes semi-assembled, a welcoming feature for beginners and makers who don’t feel like building a kit from scratch.
- Power recovery loss and filament run-out detection.
- The manufacturer added a suspended spool holder to the side of the 3D printer, while also changing the placement of the filament sensor to improve usability.
- Compatible with flexible filaments like TPU.
Conclusion: The Anycubic Mega S is an intuitive printer, with a solid construction, and low maintenance.
3- Sovol SV01 - Larger volumes and more ..
Despite a generous printing volume, size is not the only quality of this printer. The Sovol SV01 comes with features not seen in printers on this budget: a Direct Drive Extruder and, a dual Z lead screw.

Technical Specifications
Technology
FDM
Build Volume
24 x 28 x 30 cm
Nozzle size
0.4 mm
Max. extruder temp
250 °C
Max. heated bed
110 °C
Bed leveling
manual
Connectivity
SD card
Filament diameter
1.75 mm
Filament materials
PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Assembly required
partially
Recommended slicer
Cura, Simplify3D
File types
STL, OBJ, AMF
The best of the Sovol SV01:
- Larger printing volume for the group in this budget (24 x 28 x 30 cm).
- Direct Drive Extruder and dual Z lead screw: increasing its printing stability and maintaining great printing quality even under high-speed printing.
- Meanwell Power Supply. Built-in branded Meanwell power supply ensures stable and sufficient power, heat up the hotbed and nozzle fast.
- It can support multiple filaments, such as PLA, TPU, ABS and etc.
- Removable Glass Plate: This 3D printer comes with a flat glass plate on the regular heated bed, resolving warped bed issues.
- No matter for small or large model, it can ensure you to get perfect layer lines every time.
- It is shipped partially assembled in 3 parts, taking approximately 20 minutes to assemble.
Conclusion: It is a fantastic alternative to the Creality 3D printers. It manages to pack in the essentials and adds some (very!) nice-to-haves.
4- Anycubic Mega X - Robust and reliable
Its all-metal frame and compact chassis not only give it a sleek look, but also dramatically reduce unwanted printer movements, improving the overall quality of your projects.
The best of the Anycubic Mega X:
- After the printer is installed, it is ready. There is no need to readjust every time you touch it.
- It has a very simple leveling system , with large wheels for adjustment.
- Its platform is of strong adhesion , and it is easy to remove the pieces.
- The machine offers something rarely seen in the Mega X price segment: dual Z-axis bumpers .
- This functionality compensates for any unbalance that may occur in the X axis - the Mega X re-levels the X axis each time it returns to the home position.
- Unlike the X-axis mechanical stops, Anycubic has used a non-contact sensor for the top of the print bed (Y-axis). Sensor causes stop when mechanical slider approaches.
Conclusion: The Anycubic Mega X is an excellent investment for both newbies and experienced users. All the materials in its manufacture are of high quality, reflected in the result of the work.
5- Creality Ender 5 Pro - Best value for money
Following in the wake of its predecessors, the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro , the Ender 5 Pro comes with some very interesting improvements.
Technical Specifications
Technology
FDM
Build volume
22*22*30 cm
Nozzle diameter
0.4 mm
Layer thickness
0.1-0.4 mm
Print speed
60 mm/s
Filament
ABS, PLA
Filament diameter
1.75 mm
File format
AMF, OBJ, STL
Software
Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify3D
Connectivity
TF card, USB
Printer Size
55.20 x 48.50 x 51.00 cm
The best of the Creality Ender 5 Pro:
- Upgraded Motherboard : Quiet V1.15 model with TMC2208 drivers, enabling quieter and more accurate printing performance. This motherboard has both Marlin 1.1.8 and Bootloader installed and also has the board's thermal protection feature enabled, which provides additional protection in case the printer has a temperature spike.
- Very Durable Metal Extruder Frame - This feature provides stronger pressure while pushing the filament through the extruder, which, according to the manufacturer, will boost overall printing performance. This upgraded metal extruder kit comes equipped with an adjustable bolt so that users can adjust the pressure of the extruder gear to better fit the selected filament.
- New and Improved Filament Duct - This is the Capricorn Bowden Duct . It has an inner diameter of 1.9mm ± 0.05mm, which prevents the filament from bending inside the tube. This makes the printer more suitable for printing with flexible filaments and other exotic materials.
Conclusion: The Ender 5 Pro is a very solid 3D machine and a very good investment, since its manufacturer has built on good experience with the Ender 3 and 5 models, incorporating additional premium features.
6- Creality CR10 V2 - For large projects
The highlight of the CR-10 V2 is the large print volume. The surface measures 12 "x 12" and can print objects up to 16" high.
Technical Specifications
Technology
FDM
Building Volume
30*30*40 cm
Printing speed (rec)
30-60 mm/s
Printing Precision
± 0.1mm
Layer Height
0.1-0.4mm
Nozzle
standard 0.4mm
Bed Temperature
≤100 ℃
Connectivity
USB, SD
File Format
STL, OBJ, AMF
Software
Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify 3D
Filament
PLA / ABS / PETG / TPU 1.75m
The best of the CR10 V2:
- Since high-volume printing requires stiffer frames to prevent "wobble" of the printer during printing, this version has a cross brace that supports the z-axis . Creality calls this the 'golden triangle', although it comes in matte black. Below this frame is the ceramic coated glass print surface .
- The control board and the power supply are in an external unit .
- The connecting cables are grouped into three groups and are sufficiently well protected .
- It has a frame-mounted filament failure sensor .
Conclusion: The Creality CR-10 V2 is a high-quality, affordable , large-format printer.
7- QIDI Tech X-Plus - For all type of filaments
The QIDI Tech X-Plus is aimed at semi-professional users , since it allows working with more delicate materials, such as nylon or PC, which can only be processed at high temperatures and in a closed chamber.
Technical Specifications
Technology
FDM
Building Volumen
27*20*20 cm
Max. bed temperature
100 ℃
Leveling
manual (assisted)
Connectivity
USB, WiFi, LAN
Print Recovery
yes
Filament diameter
1.75 mm
Filaments
PLA, ABS, PETG, Flexible
Software
Cura , Simplify3D
Filament sensor
yes
File Types
STL, OBJ, AMF
The best of the QIDI Tech X-plus:
- It comes equipped with two interchangeable extruder configurations.
- The default has a maximum temperature of 260 ° C to process consumable materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG or TPU.
- The second extruder has a printing temperature of up to 300 ° C and can handle more delicate materials such as nylon, carbon fiber or PC.
- The print bed is double-sided . Each side works best with flexible, low-temperature materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, or is designed to adhere better to high-temperature materials.
- It has two filament holders , offering two different spool seat capacities.
It comes fully assembled and the only steps to get started include loading the filament and leveling the bed (just press a button). - When closed it protects the environment from potentially harmful vapors .
- For the same reason, the noise level is low, only 40 dB.
- It comes with an improved cooling system.
Conclusion: The QIDI Tech X-Plus is a safe investment for professionals and semi-professionals of multiple branches. The many functionalities, the simplicity in its use and the quality of the prints make this printer one of the best value for money.
8- Flashforge Creator Pro
It is one of the most affordable and capable dual extrusion 3D printers in the market.
The robust construction, a fully enclosed build chamber allows for printing of multiple materials, including temperature sensitive ones, that would otherwise warp.

Technical Specifications
Build Volume
227 × 148 × 150 mm
Layer height
100 microns
Extruder type
Dual
Max. extruder temp
260°C
Max. heated bed temp
120°C
Positioning accuracy (microns)
XY: 11; Z: 2.5
Printing Speed
100 mm/s
Bed leveling
manual
Connectivity
SD card, USB
Filament diameter
1.75 mm
Third-party filament
Yes
Filament materials
ABS, PETG, PLA, PVA
Recommended Slicer
Replicator G, FlashPrint
File types
STL, OBJ
- The best of Flashforge Creator Pro:
- Unlike other systems, where the nozzles move independently of each other on the x-axis, this printer uses two aligned print heads .
- With the dual extruder and closed (and sealed) chamber, it allows you to print a wide range of materials , including ABS, PLA, HIPS, Flex, T-glass, and composites such as Woodfill, CopperFill, Brass Fill (and more).
- It also prevents ingress of dust and particles , adds an extra safety precaution, helps muffle operating sound , and retains fumes when printing ABS.
- It has a sturdy metal frame , which makes vertical movement more stable.
- It is equipped with a three-point metal leveling system that allows for a finer and more stable adjustment.
- It is an open source 3D printer and therefore compatible with multiple cutting programs.
Additionally, there are many upgrades and upgrades available for the printer.
Conclusion: The Flashforge Creator Pro 3D Printer is a fantastic choice for hobbyists, consumers, and small and medium businesses looking for a 3D printer for rapid prototyping.
It has a very active user community, and the value for money for a dual extruder 3D device is unbeatable.
9. Creality CR-10 S5
It is Creality's largest 3D printer and also one of the most competitively priced large format consumer printers on the market. With a build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm , it offers endless possibilities.

Technical Specifications
Technology
FDM
Build volume
50 x 50 x 50 cm
Recommended speed
30-60 cmm/s
Printing precision
± 0.1mm
Layer height
0.1-0.4mm
Nozzle
standard 0.4mm
Bed temperature
≤60 ℃
Connectivity
USB, SD
File format
STL, OBJ, AMF
Software
Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify 3D
Filaments
PLA / ABS / PETG / TPU 1.75m
The best about the Creality CR10-S5 :
- It introduces a second rail to move the build plate , which, being 50x50cm, provides greater stability and smoother movements.
- It is equipped with double lead screws and two Z axis stepper motor drivers . Combined with the printer's aluminum frame, this feature reduces vibrations and therefore minimizes Z-oscillation, resulting in a smoother finish on prints.
- It includes a new bearing system , which makes the printer run smoother and less noisy.
- New paint recently improved . This should allow the printer to print stably for up to 200 hours without a hitch.
- Print resume function , for both unexpected power outages or filament exhaustion.
- When printing very large projects , the end of filament sensor avoids getting caught in the middle.
Conclusion: For printing big on a budget, there are few options quite like the Creality CR-10 S5 .
It is simple and does enough for the price, but allows extensions in case you want to add improvements.
10- ELEGOO Mars Pro
Like its predecessor ELEGOO Mars, the ELEGOO Mars Pro is the best-selling SLA printer at the moment.
Technical Specifications
Technology
MSLA
Built volume
12 x 68 x 15.5 cm
Layer high
0.1 mm
XY Resolution
0.047 mm (2560 x 1440 px)
Z Axis resolution
0.00125 mm
Printing speed
24 mm/h
Bed leveling
manual (assisted)
Screen
3.5 ″ color touchscree
Connectivity
USB
Third party materials
yes
Materials
UV 405 NM resin
Recommended Software
ChiTu Box
The best of the ELEGOO Mars Pro :
- It offers a compact but very acceptable build space for the price of 120 x 68 x 155mm.
Its 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution and 3.5-inch full-color touch screen puts it at the level of the most expensive printers in terms of print quality. - It incorporates a carbon filter in the base unit of the printer. Designed to filter volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air inside the build chamber, improving air quality during use.
- They have changed the location of the USB port from the back to the front , making it easier to handle the printer when setting up prints.
- The addition of a more powerful LED system allows the Mars Pro to print a regular layer in six seconds (depending on resin), putting it on a par with more expensive competitors.
- The adhesion of the printing plate is excellent .
- The resin tank has been redesigned with respect to the previous version, it allows to store more resin in the same space.
- The manufacturer includes certain protective equipment, including masks with a built-in filter.
Conclusion: The ELEGOO Mars Pro is a great choice to get started in the world of resin 3D printers.
The manufacturer has taken into account the observations and opinions of the users in the previous model until it becomes a better product at an affordable price to start experimenting with this technology.
11- QIDI Tech Shadow Pro
Of industrial design and quality in its construction , the QIDI Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro is an improved version of the previous model, in which the manufacturer has made sure to incorporate the opinion of its users.

Technical Specifications
Technology
MSLA
Built volume
13 x 7 x 15 mm
Screen
3.5 inch touch
LCD
2560x1440 6.0” 2K
Printing speed
Up to 20 mm/h
Material
405 nm UV resin
Connectivity
USB
Software
ChiTuBox
Assembly required
No
Layer height
0.1 mm
Best feature
Enter your text here...
The best of the QIDI Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro:
- Its LCD screen size 2K, 6.0 ″.
- Its aluminum construction and acrylic cover.
- Its enhanced matrix UV modulus , providing higher intensity resulting in shorter cure times of just 5-6 seconds.
- Large capacity of the resin bucket.
- Function 8x Anti Aliasing : it reduces the surface texture of the model and as a result, improves the smoothness of the surface.
- Double Z axis linear guide , smoothing the movement during the printing process.
- Dual ventilation system , along with activated carbon air filtration , to minimize the smell of resin during 3D printing jobs.
Conclusion: If you’re looking for a mid-price resin 3D printer that can match or even outperform some of the best out there, this is definitely a choice you’ll want to go with.
Right out of the box, the QIDI Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro print quality is brilliant and doesn’t require the usual tinkering of other types of 3D printers to get going. Assembly is simple, operation is simple, print quality is great.
12. Anycubic Photon Mono X
The Anycubic Photon Mono X is a cutting edge MSLA 3D printer. With its large build volume, 4K screen, and monochrome display, it hits all the marks of current resin 3D printing trends.

Technical Specifications
Build Volume
92 x 120 x 245 mm
Layer height
10+ microns
XY Resolution
50 microns (3840 x 2400 px)
Z-axis pos. accuracy
0.01 mm
Printing speed
60 mm/h
Bed leveling
Semi-automatic
Display
3.5-inch touchscreen
Third-Party Materials
yes
Materials
405 nm UV resin
Recommended Slicer
Photon Workshop
File types
STL
Connectivity
USB, WiFi
The best of the Anycubic Photon Mono X:
- Bigger Build Size: 7.55" (L)*9.65" (H)*4.72"(W), more choice for your creation
- 8.9" 4K Monochrome LCD: The resolution is 3840*2400 pixels, which able to greatly restore print details to the original state.
- Upgraded LED Array: Uses UV matrix of Leds which provide much more even light distribution across your whole prints
- UV Cooling System: Double effetive cooling device specially designed for stable printing permance and longer service life
- With Dual Z-Axis: No worry about Z wobble issue; The dual Z axis rail eliminates Z-wobble while producing higher print quality
- With Wifi Function: Able to control the print operations remotely
- Quality Power Supply: With UL Certification, CE marking and ETL Certification
- Sanded Aluminum Platform: Enhances the adhesion between platform and prints
- Marks in Resin Vat: Accurately view how much resin is left with the marks in the resin vat
- Functional Touch Screen: As responsive as operating on the mobile phone
- Safe Design: Printer will be shut off if the top cover has been removed when you turn on the function
Conclusion: The Anycubic Mono X is capable of producing high-quality prints with little effort to obtain them.
Where can I buy a 3D printer?
If you prefer the convenience of shopping online and getting it to your home quickly, my recommendation is that you do it through Amazon, the leading e-commerce website. They usually have the best prices on 3D printers and offer the maximum guarantees of delivery and return, as well as very good customer service.