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 3D Printers For Beginners 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

FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer, CoreXY 600mm/s High-Speed, 1-Click Auto Leveling, 300°C Direct Drive Extruder, 220x220x220mm Build Volume, Ideal for Precision and Efficiency

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,424
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Filament Compatibility

Most important from
79 reviews

Print Resolution
Print quality is consistently good, offering a great balance between speed and detail.
Print Speed
The printer's speed is remarkable, delivering much faster prints compared to similarly priced models.
Filament Compatibility
The filament storage integrated into the printer keeps the workspace tidy, though it only fits smaller 500g spools by default.
Ease of Use
Setup is impressively quick and straightforward, allowing first prints within ten minutes.
Community and Support
The software experience is mixed: the default FlashPrint can be buggy and unstable, especially on certain Mac OS versions, with issues like invisible STL files and problematic tree supports.

The Flashforge AD5X is a beginner-friendly 3D printer that offers a decent build volume of 220x220x220mm, which is suitable for most small to medium projects. It stands out with its ability to print in up to four colors at once, adding creativity and vibrancy to your prints. The print resolution is supported well by interchangeable nozzles ranging from fine details (0.25mm) to faster, larger prints (0.8mm), making it versatile depending on your needs.

One of the biggest strengths is its impressive print speed, reaching up to 600mm/s thanks to the CoreXY design, which is quite fast for a beginner-level machine. This means you can get your models done quicker without sacrificing too much quality, helped by features like a vibration compensation system and advanced cooling. The printer supports a variety of filaments and has a 300°C direct-drive extruder, which means it can handle more types of materials than many basic printers. Ease of use is a strong point here with 1-click auto leveling, automatic filament feeding, and the ability to resume printing after power outages, all of which reduce common frustrations for beginners.

You can also control and monitor your prints remotely via a mobile app, which adds convenience. However, at around 24 pounds and with metal construction, it’s a bit heavier and less portable than some simpler models. The higher speed and multi-color printing features might take some time to master for absolute beginners. This printer is a great option for those who want to grow their skills and experiment with more advanced features without jumping to professional-grade machines.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,424
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Filament Compatibility

Most important from
79 reviews

Print Resolution
Print quality is consistently good, offering a great balance between speed and detail.
Print Speed
The printer's speed is remarkable, delivering much faster prints compared to similarly priced models.
Filament Compatibility
The filament storage integrated into the printer keeps the workspace tidy, though it only fits smaller 500g spools by default.
Ease of Use
Setup is impressively quick and straightforward, allowing first prints within ten minutes.
Community and Support
The software experience is mixed: the default FlashPrint can be buggy and unstable, especially on certain Mac OS versions, with issues like invisible STL files and problematic tree supports.
#2

FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer with Fully Auto Leveling, Max 600mm/s High Speed Printing, 280°C Direct Extruder with 3S Detachable Nozzle, CoreXY All Metal Structure, Print Size 220x220x220mm

Rating
10.0
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Filament Compatibility

Most important from
2809 reviews

Print Resolution
The printer is incredibly fast and easy to use with a direct drive extruder delivering excellent detail.
Print Speed
The printer is incredibly fast and easy to use with a direct drive extruder delivering excellent detail.
Filament Compatibility
The included filament sample can cause issues if not handled properly, potentially damaging the machine.
Ease of Use
Setting up the unit was straightforward, although the software setup on a PC was a bit challenging.

The FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer is a promising option for beginners looking to dive into 3D printing. Its standout features include a decent build volume of 220x220x220mm, which is ample for most beginner projects. The printer boasts a high-speed printing capability of up to 600mm/s, significantly reducing waiting times, especially useful for rapid prototyping. The print resolution and precision are commendable, driven by its Core XY structure and dual-fan nozzles, ensuring consistent quality.

It supports various filament types like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, making it versatile for different types of projects. For materials such as PC and ASA, an enclosed enclosure is required, which might be an additional consideration for some users. One of its biggest strengths is its user-friendly features like fully automatic leveling and one-click printing, which can save beginners a lot of hassle and time. The quick nozzle change and warm-up times further enhance the ease of use. Additionally, the dual-sided PEI platform aids in the easy removal of prints, reducing the risk of damage.

Real-time monitoring through a mobile app adds a layer of convenience, allowing users to manage and adjust print settings remotely. However, there are some drawbacks. At 23.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which may limit portability. While it offers a lot of advanced features, the initial setup and learning curve may still be challenging for absolute beginners. The community and support for FLASHFORGE products are generally robust, but the experience can vary. For those seeking a balance between advanced features and ease of use, the Adventurer 5M is a solid choice, but be prepared for some trial and error as you familiarize yourself with its capabilities.

Rating
10.0
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Filament Compatibility

Most important from
2809 reviews

Print Resolution
The printer is incredibly fast and easy to use with a direct drive extruder delivering excellent detail.
Print Speed
The printer is incredibly fast and easy to use with a direct drive extruder delivering excellent detail.
Filament Compatibility
The included filament sample can cause issues if not handled properly, potentially damaging the machine.
Ease of Use
Setting up the unit was straightforward, although the software setup on a PC was a bit challenging.
#3

ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 3D Printer, CoreXY 500mm/s High Speed Printing with Auto Calibration, 320°C Nozzle and Built-in Camera, Ready to Print Out of The Box, 256x256x256mm Printing Size

Rating
9.9
Print Speed
Ease of Use
Print Resolution

Most important from
34 reviews

Print Speed
Delivers impressive print speed and quieter operation compared to previous printers.
Ease of Use
Requires minimal manual adjustments thanks to effective self-setup and calibration routines.
Print Resolution
Consistently produces clean, high-quality prints with reliable performance over extended use.
Community and Support
Rare glitches are easily resolved with a quick reboot, maintaining smooth operation.

The ELEGOO Centauri Carbon is a beginner-friendly 3D printer that comes fully assembled and pre-calibrated, making it easy to start printing right away. Its build volume of 256x256x256 mm is quite generous, allowing you to create medium to large-sized projects. Thanks to the advanced CoreXY structure, it offers very fast print speeds up to 500 mm/s, which is impressive for this category and means quicker print completion compared to typical beginner models. The printer supports high-performance filaments, including carbon fiber reinforced materials, due to its 320°C nozzle and enclosed chamber, so it’s great if you want to experiment beyond basic PLA or ABS. The sturdy die-cast aluminum frame minimizes vibrations, which helps ensure your prints come out with good detail and quality.

Features like auto bed leveling and an intuitive touchscreen make the setup and daily use straightforward, reducing common beginner frustrations. Additionally, the built-in camera and lighting let you monitor your prints remotely, a nice convenience. The printer is somewhat heavy and has a larger footprint than simpler models, which might require more dedicated space. While it’s easy to use for beginners, the advanced filament options and high speed could be more appreciated by users looking to grow their skills over time. The strong community and support around ELEGOO products provide helpful resources for troubleshooting and learning, making this printer suitable for beginners who want a capable machine that won’t limit their printing ambitions as they gain experience.

Rating
9.9
Print Speed
Ease of Use
Print Resolution

Most important from
34 reviews

Print Speed
Delivers impressive print speed and quieter operation compared to previous printers.
Ease of Use
Requires minimal manual adjustments thanks to effective self-setup and calibration routines.
Print Resolution
Consistently produces clean, high-quality prints with reliable performance over extended use.
Community and Support
Rare glitches are easily resolved with a quick reboot, maintaining smooth operation.

Buying Guide for the Best 3D Printers For Beginners

Choosing a 3D printer as a beginner can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The key is to understand the essential specifications and how they align with your needs. By focusing on the right features, you can find a 3D printer that is easy to use, reliable, and capable of producing the types of objects you want to create. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting a 3D printer for beginners.
Build VolumeBuild volume refers to the maximum size of the object that the 3D printer can produce. It is measured in three dimensions: width, depth, and height. This spec is important because it determines the size of the projects you can undertake. For beginners, a moderate build volume is often sufficient, as it allows for a variety of small to medium-sized prints without being too cumbersome. If you plan to create larger objects, look for a printer with a larger build volume, but keep in mind that larger printers can be more complex to operate.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution indicates the level of detail that the 3D printer can achieve, measured in microns. A lower micron value means higher resolution and finer details. For beginners, a resolution of around 100 microns is typically adequate, providing a good balance between detail and ease of use. Higher resolutions (lower micron values) can produce more detailed prints but may require more advanced knowledge and longer print times. Consider what types of objects you want to print and how much detail is necessary for your projects.
Print SpeedPrint speed measures how quickly the 3D printer can produce an object, usually in millimeters per second (mm/s). Faster print speeds can save time, but they may also compromise print quality. For beginners, a moderate print speed is often best, as it provides a good balance between speed and quality. If you are new to 3D printing, starting with a slower speed can help you learn the process and achieve better results. As you gain experience, you can experiment with faster speeds.
Filament CompatibilityFilament compatibility refers to the types of materials that the 3D printer can use to create objects. Common filaments include PLA, ABS, and PETG, each with its own properties and uses. PLA is a popular choice for beginners due to its ease of use and low printing temperature. ABS is more durable but requires higher temperatures and better ventilation. PETG offers a balance between PLA and ABS, being both strong and easy to print. Consider what materials you want to work with and ensure the printer supports them.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses features that make the 3D printer user-friendly, such as a simple setup process, intuitive controls, and reliable performance. For beginners, it's important to choose a printer that is easy to assemble and operate, with clear instructions and good customer support. Look for features like automatic bed leveling, touchscreen interfaces, and pre-configured settings that can simplify the printing process. A user-friendly printer can make your introduction to 3D printing more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Community and SupportCommunity and support refer to the availability of resources, such as online forums, tutorials, and customer service, that can help you troubleshoot issues and learn more about 3D printing. A strong community can provide valuable advice, share tips, and offer solutions to common problems. For beginners, having access to a supportive community and reliable customer service can make a significant difference in your 3D printing experience. Look for printers with active user groups and good manufacturer support.

FAQ