It might be hard to pick the best 3D printer for hobbyist because there’re so many options out there. That's why we did some research and found these 6 best ones on the market. Read about each one and find out which machine might work best for you!
Here are the best 3d printers for hobbyist you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Higher-Resolution Prints (SLA 3D Printer): ELEGOO MARS 3
- Best For Miniatures (SLA 3D Printer): ANYCUBIC KBP003
- Budget Option (SLA 3D Printer): Creality UW-01
- Quietest (FDM 3D Printer): Creality 3D US1-Ender3 V2-FBA
- Largest Print Size (FDM 3D Printer): ANYCUBIC Vyper-1
- Best For Closed Printing (FDM 3D Printer): R QIDI TECHNOLOGY MATES3004
| 6 Best 3D Printers For Hobbyist | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Higher-Resolution Prints | ELEGOO MARS 3
| |
Best For Miniatures | ANYCUBIC KBP003
| |
Budget Option | Creality UW-01
| |
Quietest | Creality 3D US1-Ender3 V2-FBA
| |
Largest Print Size | ANYCUBIC Vyper-1
| |
Best For Closed Printing | R QIDI TECHNOLOGY MATES3004
| |
Best For Higher-Resolution Prints: ELEGOO MARS 3
- Provide higher-resolution prints - An ultra 4K HD resolution screen
- Great quality prints - Upgraded heat sink and light source
- The plastic base is a bit difficult to manage
The ELEGOO MARS 3 is an exceptional choice for both professional printing labs and hobbyists - those who are seeking a reliable 3D printer that delivers superior-resolution prints.
Featuring a 6.66-inch ultra 4K HD resolution screen, the machine creates stunning prints with incredible detail and accuracy.
For higher-quality prints, its heat sink and light source are upgraded.
| ELEGOO MARS 3 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Resin |
Print Size | 6.66” |
Highlight Features | An ultra 4K HD resolution screen Upgraded heat sink and light source |
The ELEGOO MARS 3 is our favorite pick for those in need of a reliable 3D printer that provides higher-resolution prints.
Best For Miniatures: ANYCUBIC KBP003
- Superior precision - matrix-paralleled UV light source
- Extra accuracy and stability – upgraded Z-axis
- Productive - 4x faster than other resin 3D printers
- Expensive
- The firmware is buggy
The ANYCUBIC KBP003 is a top-of-the-line 3D printer for its matrix-paralleled UV light source, which ensures high-quality prints with ultra-precision.
For extra accuracy and stability, the Z-axis utilizes a stepper motor and dual linear rails that combine with a clearance nut. Out of a bunch, we find this model to be perfect for miniatures.
It's also a highly productive 3D printer. Compared to other counterparts in the same category, this model is 4x faster.
But that's not all. The added UV cooling system efficiently cools down the machine while it's in use, ensuring stable performance and longer service life.
| ANYCUBIC KBP003 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Resin |
Print Size | 4.53"(L) x 2.56"(W) x 6.1"(H) |
Highlight Features | matrix-paralleled UV light source |
The ANYCUBIC KBP003 presents a superb value. It provides ultra-accuracy and stability, which is perfect for miniatures.
Budget Option: Creality UW-01
- Perfect for cleaning larger models - large-size washing container
- Flexible - self-adjusting bracket, 3 speed settings, and a 2-90 minute timer
- The most affordable
- The buzzer is loud
- The locking tabs on the lid could be sturdier
For hobbyists on a tight budget, the Creality UW-01 is the best choice because it balances price, durability, and printing quality.
This is a 2-in-1 SLA 3D printer that can wash and cure your 3D prints in one go.
It features a double-row UV LED light source for quick, even curing of larger models, as well as a rotating platform that ensures full coverage of the model.
The large-size washing container is perfect for cleaning larger models, and the self-adjusting bracket ensures a perfect fit with most resin printing platforms.
With three speed settings and a 2-90 minute timer, you can easily adjust the machine to get the perfect finish on your models.
| Creality UW-01 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Resin |
Print Size | φ165x200mm |
Highlight Features | large-size washing container self-adjusting bracket, 3 speed settings, and a 2-90 minute timer |
Looking for the best budget option? Don’t hesitate to pick the Creality UW-01
Quietest: Creality 3D US1-Ender3 V2-FBA
- Quiet operation - self-developed silent motherboard
- Convenient - resume printing function
- Ideal for small to medium projects - a build size of 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches
- No complaint
The Creality 3D US1-Ender3 V2-FBA works well in small workshops because it operates extremely quietly.
This 3D printer separates itself from the competition for itself-developed silent motherboard, which ensures faster and more stable motion performance at minimum noise levels.
It also features a carborundum glass platform, a resume printing function, effortless filament feed-in, and a UL-certified MeanWell power supply.
Additionally, the resume printing function allows you to pick up where you left off in the event of a power outage, saving you time and money.
With a build size of 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches, the machine is perfect for small to medium projects and comes at an unbeatable price.
| Creality 3D US1-Ender3 V2-FBA Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Tempered Glass, Aluminum |
Support Materials | Polylactic Acid |
Print Size | 220*220*250mm |
Highlight Features | self-developed silent motherboard resume printing function a build size of 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches |
If you’re seeking the best FDM 3D printer with the quietest operation, then check out the Creality 3D US1-Ender3 V2-FBA
Largest Print Size: ANYCUBIC Vyper-1
- Perfect for all projects - large print size and auto-leveling capabilities
- Fast and accurate printing - Cortex -M3 architecture main control chip and 32-bit motherboard
- Easy to remove the print - PEI spring steel magnetic platform
- Expensive
- There’s a learning curve
If you're looking for an easy-to-use 3D printer that can handle larger projects, you must have this one in your arsenal - the ANYCUBIC Vyper-1.
Its large print size and auto-leveling capabilities make it a great choice for any project, while its Cortex -M3 architecture main control chip and 32-bit motherboard deliver fast and accurate printing.
The PEI spring steel magnetic platform is also a great feature, as it allows you to easily remove models without worrying about scratches or deformities.
| ANYCUBIC Vyper-1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Metal |
Support Materials | PLA, TPU, ABS, PETG, Wood |
Print Size | 9.6" x 9.6" x 10.2" |
Highlight Features | large print size and auto-leveling capabilities Cortex -M3 architecture main control chip and 32-bit motherboard PEI spring steel magnetic platform |
The ANYCUBIC Vyper-1 is one of the rare FDM 3D printers that are suitable for any project. It can meet the largest print size that you need.
Best For Closed Printing: R QIDI TECHNOLOGY MATES3004
- Built for closed printing
- Meet all printing needs - a self-developed slicing software & an extruder system
- Easy to use – clear UI interface & pre-assembly
- The spool holder isn’t optimal
This versatile FDM 3D printer from R QIDI TECHNOLOGY allows you to make both closed prints and ventilated prints at great quality.
It features a unique extruder system that allows for 0.4 mm and 0.2 mm nozzle switching, as well as a self-developed slicing software with two modes: normal and expert.
The printer also has an all-metal frame and a fully closed structure for stability and accuracy during printing, as well as an easy-to-use UI interface.
We appreciate that the product comes fully assembled and ready to use right out of the box.
| R QIDI TECHNOLOGY MATES3004 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Support Materials | PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, etc. |
Print Size | 10.24''(L) X7.87''(W) X7.87'(H) |
Highlight Features | Built for closed printing a self-developed slicing software & an extruder system clear UI interface & pre-assembly |
The R QIDI TECHNOLOGY MATES3004 is our pick for closed printing.
How To Choose The Best 3D Printer For Hobbyist?
Types Of 3D Printers
When it comes to choosing the best 3D printer for hobbyists, there are two main types to choose from: SLA 3D printers and FDM 3D printers.
Both have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to know which one is right for your needs before making a purchase.
SLA 3D printers
This type uses laser technology to cure resin, creating highly detailed prints with smooth surfaces. However, they can be more expensive than FDM 3D printers and require more maintenance.
FDM 3D printers
They melt plastic filament and extrude it onto a build plate to create your desired object. They are typically more affordable than SLA 3D printers and easier to maintain.
However, FDM 3D prints can have rougher surfaces and are less detailed than those created with an SLA 3D printer.
So, which type of 3D printer is right for you?
If you're looking for high-quality, detailed prints, then an SLA 3D printer is the way to go.
Conversely, if you're on a budget or don't mind sacrificing some print quality for affordability and ease of use, then an FDM 3D printer is a better option.
Print Size
The size of a 3D printer is an important consideration for any hobbyist.
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on the best size for your needs:
Think about the objects you want to print.
When it comes to choosing a 3D printer, bigger is not always better.
The size of the build volume will be determined by the size of the objects you want to print.
If you only want to print small objects, then you don’t need a large build volume. However, if you want to be able to print larger objects, then you will need a 3D printer with a bigger build volume.
Consider the space you have available for your 3D printer.
If you have limited space, then a compact or desktop 3D printer might be the best option for you. However, if you have more space available, then a larger format 3D printer might be a better choice.
Think about your budget.
Larger 3D printers generally cost more than smaller ones, so if you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider a smaller model.
On the contrary, if budget isn't as much of a concern, then you can go with a bigger printer.
Support Materials
The type of materials that a 3D printer can use is also an important factor to consider.
Most consumer-grade 3D printers can only print with PLA or ABS plastic. However, there are some higher-end 3D printers that can also print with other materials such as metal or wood.
If you have specific material requirements, then you will need to make sure that the 3D printer you select can accommodate those requirements.
Resolution
The resolution is measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI) and it refers to the smallest detail that a 3D printer can print. The higher the DPI, the higher the level of detail that can be printed.
Which Brands Make The Best 3D Printer For Hobbyist?
ELEGOO
ELEGOO is a company that specializes in providing 3D printer-related products like FDM 3D Printers, MSLA 3D Printers, and more. They are highly regarded within the 3D printing industry due to their high quality and practical product designs.
ANYCUBIC
Considered one of the most popular 3D printer brands in the market, this 2015-founded company offers professional technology solutions and services, such as rental of 3D printers, 3D printing system operation services, etc. They stand out for their high-quality service and advanced product portfolio.
FAQs
How much does a hobbyist 3D printer cost?
Most hobbyist 3D printers cost from $300 to $600.
Can you use any filament in a 3D printer?
No, you can’t. Your 3D printer must match your filament.
How long will a 3D printed house last?
A high-quality 3D printed house will last at least 100 years up to 300 years.
Can you 3D print diamonds?
Yes, you can. There’s a unique process developed by Sandvik that can 3D print diamonds.
Can you 3D print wood?
Yes, you can. Utilizing wood powder with binders and 3D printers can 3D print wood-based complex structures.
What do I do if the printed models may have rough surfaces or imperfections?
Sandpaper can be used to sand down rough surfaces or layer lines that may be present on the printed object. By sanding the surface with progressively finer grits of sandpaper, you can gradually remove the imperfections and achieve a smoother finish.
Conclusion
We hope that this review list has helped you find the best 3D printer for hobbyist. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end machine, there's sure to be a printer on this list that's perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Start shopping for your new 3D printer today!
