News

Aug 20, 2023

The Best 3D Printers for 2023

In the last decade, one technology has revolutionized the way we conceive, design, and manufacture products: 3D printing. At its core, a 3D printer takes a digital blueprint and brings it to life,

In the last decade, one technology has revolutionized the way we conceive, design, and manufacture products: 3D printing. At its core, a 3D printer takes a digital blueprint and brings it to life, creating tangible, three-dimensional objects right before our eyes. The principle is quite simple: the printer deposits tiny amounts of material, layer by layer, following the instructions in the digital file until the physical object is complete.

The potential applications are endless, from prototyping and manufacturing in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, to being used by hobbyists and makers at home to create unique, personalized items. 3D printers have transformed our ability to innovate and create.

Regardless of your experience level, this technology is accessible to you. Whether you’re just exploring the world of 3D printing for the first time or are a seasoned user looking for a more advanced machine, this guide is here to help. We’ve evaluated a range of 3D printers to find the best options available today based on various user needs and preferences.

In a hurry? Then check out our top three 3D printer quick picks:

When we talk about 3D printers, we are usually referring to one of two main types: filament-based printers and resin-based printers.

Filament 3D printers, or Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers, use a heated nozzle to melt and extrude plastic filament onto a build plate, creating objects layer by layer. These printers are versatile and relatively easy to use, making them a popular choice for beginners, educators, and hobbyists. Their affordability and a wide variety of compatible materials add to their appeal.

Resin 3D printers utilize Stereolithography (SLA) or Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology. Instead of melting plastic, these printers use a light source—usually ultraviolet (UV)—to cure liquid resin into a solid form, layer by layer. Known for their high precision and smooth finishes, resin printers are often used by professionals or serious hobbyists who need fine detail and superior surface quality in their prints.

In compiling this list, we evaluated each 3D printer based on several critical attributes. These were chosen to ensure we provide a diverse range of options suitable for various needs and skill levels.

Print Quality: One of the most crucial factors is how well a 3D printer can reproduce a digital design in the physical world. Superior print quality results in finer details, fewer imperfections, and a more accurate representation of the original design.

Ease of Use: 3D printing can be complex, but the printer itself shouldn’t add unnecessary challenges. We consider factors such as the setup process, user interface, and software compatibility when assessing a printer’s ease of use. That being said, there will always be a learning curve.

Speed: While not always the top priority for everyone, print speed can be important, especially for large prints or batch printing. Faster printers can turn around jobs more quickly, increasing productivity and making your vision come to life sooner rather than later.

Build Volume: This refers to the maximum size of an object that a printer can produce in one go. Larger build volumes allow for larger prints or multiple smaller prints at once, providing greater flexibility. Consider what type of projects you want to pursue when looking at a printer’s build volume.

Reliability: A good 3D printer should be dependable and run smoothly for extended periods without frequent breakdowns or maintenance issues. Sometimes, there are faulty devices or parts, but it’s key to avoid them as much as possible.

These factors, among others, guided our selection of the printers featured in this list. But it’s important to remember that the “best” printer ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances. To make the choice easier, the following list has numerous options, from those suitable to beginners and small builds to those for advanced users or those looking to create something bigger.

The ELEGOO Mars 3 MSLA 3D Printer is a true marvel for those seeking high precision without breaking the bank. Its ultra 4K HD resolution combined with a 37% larger build volume delivers stunningly detailed prints, ensuring your ideas truly come to life. The innovative Release Film 2.0 minimizes tension, which offers remarkable protection for delicate model supports.

The unit’s optimized heat sink is equipped with copper tubes and a top-quality cooling fan. This leads to remarkable heat dissipation performance, extending the life of the UV LED lights significantly. The fantastic light decay rate ensures your prints will always come out at the top quality you expect.

The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M5s is a tour de force in the realm of detailed 3D printing. With an exceptional 12K resolution and 19-micron X accuracy, the intricacies in your prints will be awe-inspiring. The speed of this printer is also a key selling point, boasting an average print speed of 105mm/hour, allowing you to bring your designs to life quickly.

Ease of use isn’t sacrificed for performance. The Photon Mono M5s features auto-leveling using mechanical sensors, eliminating the need for tedious manual calibration. Pair this with the specially designed high-speed resin, and your prints will be finished in record time without sacrificing detail.

The Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro 3D Printer is a fantastic choice for beginners stepping into the world of 3D printing. The versatile brass nozzle can withstand high temperatures up to 300°C, making it compatible with a diverse range of filaments from PLA to ABS and more. The machine also features a user-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreen that supports nine languages, offering an efficient and convenient user experience.

Not to be outdone by more expensive options, this printer comes with the CR Touch Automatic Leveling feature. The 16-point automatic leveling ensures consistent, high-quality prints, saving you from the trial and error of manual leveling. The user-friendly design and the high-temperature nozzle make it a great choice for beginners.

Expanding on its predecessor’s success, the ELEGOO Saturn 2 8K 3D Printer offers a generous 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87-inch build volume, catering to those needing more room for their projects. Its high-resolution masking LCD combined with a swift 2.5-second per-layer cure time makes it a highly productive device, handling larger projects effortlessly.

ELEGOO has refined the Saturn 2 with an easy-to-use bed leveling solution and native integration with the Chitubox slicer app, which means both beginners and seasoned users can enjoy a painless setup process.

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is a fantastic choice for those keen on creating intricate models. Thanks to its 4K mono LCD screen, the printer can output high-resolution models with a brisk per-layer cure time of just over 2 seconds. This translates into both great detail and speed, making it an asset for tabletop gaming enthusiasts and miniature sculptors.

Despite its steeper price compared to similar MSLA printers, the Sonic Mini 4K delivers as promised, especially when it comes to producing fine details. Be prepared to spend some time calibrating the build platform, as it can be a tad tricky for first-time users.

We recommend the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer as an excellent starting point for 3D printing novices. Unlike complex unassembled kits, the Neptune 3 Pro is quick to assemble, easy to level, and delivers stunning prints right out of the box. You’ll appreciate the convenience of the 36-point auto bed leveling system and the flexibility of the PEI steel sheet, which simplifies print removal.

This 3D printer can handle a variety of materials from PLA to PETG, delivering high-quality, detailed prints consistently. Even flexible filament printing is made easy with its 260-degree hotend, a feature that often challenges printers in the same price range.

The Creality Ender 2 Pro 3D Printer makes an excellent choice for first-time users looking for an affordable yet reliable device. Despite its modest price tag, the Ender 2 Pro is far from a cheap novelty, boasting sturdy construction and high-quality print output. It may be a smaller member of the Ender family, but it’s as hardworking as its larger siblings, delivering impressive results with decent filament and a slicer.

Its compact size and top-mounted handle make it easy to move around and store when not in use, ideal for hobbyists who need a space-saving solution. The printer is nearly assembled upon arrival, requiring only a few screws to get started. Despite its low build volume and lack of assisted leveling, its silent operation, flexible bed, and upgrade possibilities make it a worthwhile investment.

The Adventurer 4 Pro by FLASHFORGE brings a new level of efficiency to 3D printing, with automatic bed leveling, rapid nozzle replacement, and high-speed printing of up to 300mm/s. Its fully enclosed design helps maintain optimal temperature control, reducing the risk of failed prints due to drafts, while the sizable build area accommodates larger projects.

Its standout features include three extruder fans for optimal cooling, a flexible PEI platform for easy print removal, and a HEPA13 air filtration system to keep your workspace air clean. Despite minor drawbacks, such as lackluster support and a steep learning curve for beginners, the Adventurer 4 Pro’s upgraded filament detection and print-resume capabilities make it a dependable choice for both hobbyists and professionals.

The Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer is designed for speed without compromising on precision. This filament printer’s refined motion system allows for a remarkable acceleration of up to 2500mm/s², making it an excellent choice for those requiring quick turnarounds. With a maximum print speed of 250mm/s and a recommended speed of 150mm/s, the Kobra 2 considerably saves on printing time.

This printer emphasizes user-friendly operation, boasting a streamlined assembly process that can be completed in just 10 minutes. However, some users might find it challenging to put together. Its dual-geared extrusion structure accurately controls material delivery, and its upgraded extruder power ensures quick and efficient filament melting. The double-threaded rod structure in the Z-axis also guarantees excellent printing results, even at high speeds.

Anycubic’s Photon Mono 2 3D Printer is a commendable choice for beginners venturing into the realm of resin 3D printing. Its 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen with a 4096*2560 resolution displays minute model details with impressive clarity. The upgraded LighTurbo Matrix provides a more stable and uniform parallel light source, reducing layer lines and eliminating grid lines for a smoother model surface.

The Photon Mono 2 offers a larger build volume than comparable models, accommodating sizable prints while saving workspace. Its laser-engraved platform ensures excellent flatness for increased model adhesion and improved printing success rates. However, the printer may seem a bit flimsy to some users and does not have a very steady base, which could affect print quality.

Choosing the right 3D printer can feel like navigating a maze, with myriad options and considerations. But with a little research and an understanding of what’s important to you, finding the right printer becomes a much more manageable task.

For beginners, a printer that’s easy to set up and use, with a solid community for support, might be a top priority. For these users, reliability and affordability might trump raw print speed or the ability to use a wide array of materials.

On the other hand, more experienced users or professionals might prioritize print quality and versatility, looking for a printer that can deliver highly detailed prints and handle a wide variety of materials. For these users, an investment in a more advanced printer can pay dividends in the quality of the final prints.

Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a 3D printer is that the technology is a tool. It’s a means to an end, and the “best” printer for you is the one that allows you to achieve your creative or professional goals most effectively.

This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services that we believe will add value to our readers.

Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.