Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2024

Introduction

3D printing has surged in popularity over the past decade, transforming from a niche hobby to a mainstream tool accessible to hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. For beginners, choosing the right 3D printer can be a daunting task due to the plethora of options available. This article aims to guide newcomers through the process of selecting the best 3D printer in 2024, highlighting the top models suitable for beginners, and answering some of the most frequently asked questions.

How do I choose my first 3D printer?

Choosing your first 3D printer involves considering factors such as budget, ease of use, print quality, and the types of materials it can handle. For beginners, it's crucial to select a printer with user-friendly software, reliable customer support, and a strong online community. Starting with a budget of around $200 to $500 is advisable to get a decent machine without overwhelming features.

What should a beginner know before buying a 3D printer?

Before buying a 3D printer, beginners should understand the basics of 3D printing technology, including how printers work, the different types of filaments, and the importance of bed leveling. It’s also crucial to consider the support and resources available, such as online forums, user groups, and tutorials, to help troubleshoot and learn effectively.

Which 3D printer is the easiest to use?

The Bambu Lab A1 stands out as one of the easiest 3D printers to use due to its AI-assisted features, auto bed leveling, intuitive interface, high-speed printing, modular design, and reliable performance. These features collectively reduce the learning curve and make the 3D printing experience more accessible and enjoyable for beginners. The Bambu Lab A1 has a gantry-style frame that requires assembly before you can start printing. A CoreXY 3D printer with a heated chamber might be easier to use for 3D printing beginners. Its key features include no assembly required and compatibility with any 3D printer filament, making it user-friendly for newcomers.

How much should a beginner spend on a 3D printer?

Beginners should consider spending between $200 and $500 on their first 3D printer. This price range includes models that offer a good balance of quality, ease of use, and essential features without breaking the bank. Investing in a well-reviewed, reliable printer will ensure a positive initial experience and better learning outcomes.

Can you use a 3D printer without knowing how to design?

Yes, beginners can use a 3D printer without knowing how to design. Many online repositories, like Thingiverse, Printables, and MyMiniFactory,  offer thousands of free, pre-designed models that can be downloaded and printed directly. Additionally, user-friendly design software like Tinkercad makes it easy to start creating simple models without extensive design knowledge.

What are the essential features to look for in a beginner 3D printer?

When choosing a 3D printer for beginners, look for features such as easy assembly, user-friendly software, good print quality, and reliable customer support. Automatic bed leveling, a heated bed, and a decent build volume are also important. These features help ensure a smoother learning experience and better print results.

How reliable are budget 3D printers?

Budget 3D printers can be quite reliable, especially models from reputable brands like Creality, Anycubic, and Prusa. While they might lack some advanced features, they often provide good print quality and durability. Proper maintenance and adherence to user guidelines are crucial for ensuring long-term reliability.

What are the common mistakes beginners make with 3D printing?

Common mistakes include improper bed leveling, using incorrect print settings, neglecting printer maintenance, and choosing unsuitable filaments. Beginners should take time to understand their printer’s manual, experiment with settings, and join online communities for advice and troubleshooting tips to avoid these pitfalls.

Top 10 Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2024

1. Creality Ender 3 V2

• Introduction: The Creality Ender 3 V2 is a popular choice among beginners for its affordability and impressive print quality.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 180 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, TPU, PETG
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: Easy to assemble, large online community, and abundant tutorials.
• Price Range: $179-$279
• Pros: Affordable, good print quality, open-source.
• Cons: Requires manual bed leveling, occasional maintenance needed.

2. Anycubic Kobra 2

• Introduction: The Anycubic Kobra 2 is known for its user-friendly design and reliability.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 250 x 220 x 220 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 300 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.3 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: Easy setup, touchscreen interface, automatic bed leveling.
• Price Range: $209-$279
• Pros: Sturdy frame, easy to use, high print quality.
• Cons: Limited build volume compared to some competitors.

3. Prusa i3 MK3S+

• Introduction: The Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a top-tier printer known for its reliability and print quality.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 210 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 200 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.35 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC, PVB, HIPS, etc
  
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: Excellent support, automatic bed leveling, high-quality components.
• Price Range: $750-$1000
• Pros: Outstanding print quality, robust community support, reliable.
• Cons: Higher price than same level printer.

4. Bambu Lab A1 mini

• Introduction: The Bambu Lab mini is a mini printer with advanced features used in Bambu Lab P1P.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.35 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, TPU, PC, PA
  
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: No need assemble, compact design, high precision.
• Price Range: $249-$399
• Pros: Great for small spaces, easy to use, high speed.
• Cons: Limited to smaller prints.

5. Artillery Sidewinder x2

• Introduction: The Artillery Sidewinder X1 is known for its large build volume and silent operation.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 400 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 150 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.35 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: Large build area, quiet printing, touchscreen interface.
• Price: $199
• Pros: Large build volume, silent operation, direct drive extruder.
• Cons: Requires more space, heavier.

6. Kingroon KP3S Pro V2

• Introduction: The Artillery Sidewinder X1 is known for its large build volume and silent operation.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 200 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.3mm
  
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PC, PA, etc
• Why it’s suitable for beginners:Direct drive extruder, auto bed leveling, compact design, WiFi module.
• Price: Approximately $240
• Pros: Affordable, compact, easy to assemble.
• Cons: low print precision at high speed print

7. Flashforge 5M

• Introduction: The Flashforge 5M is a affordable high speed core xy 3D printer.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 220 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 600 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA/*PETG,TPU /PLA-CF/PETG-CF
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: Klipper Firmware, vibration compensation, stability.
• Price Range: $299-$399
• Pros: FlashCloud management, affordable
  
• Cons: Not aesthetically pleasing, small build volume
  

8. Sovol SV08

• Introduction: The Sovol SV08 is a large build volume 3D printer base on Voron 2.4.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 350 x 350 x 345 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 700 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.08-0.36 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, PETG-CF, ABS
• Why it’s suitable for beginners:  DIY, large build volume, open source.
• Price: Approximately $599
• Pros: High print speeds, Independent Z Motors.
• Cons: Heavier, high power consume

9. Bambu Lab P1P

• Introduction: The Bambu Lab P1P is a famous high speed corexy 3d printer with high print quality.
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.36 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, PC, ABS, ASA, etc
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: High-speed printing, AI-assisted features, super stability.
• Price: Approximately $599
• Pros: Fast printing, intuitive interface.
• Cons: High price.

10. Creality K1C

• Introduction: The Creality K1C is .
• Key Features and Specifications:
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 600 mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.35 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, PC, ABS, ASA, etc
• Why it’s suitable for beginners: Fully enclosed design, air filter, reliable.
• Price: Approximately $499
• Pros: Open source, good for a wide range of materials.
• Cons: High price, small built volume than same level printer.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 3D printer for beginners in 2024 involves balancing ease of use, reliability, and affordability. The 3D printers highlighted in this article, from the versatile Creality Ender 3 V2 to the user-friendly Kingroon Kp3s Pro, offer a range of options that cater to different needs and budgets. Each of these models has been chosen for its ability to provide a positive and educational experience for newcomers to 3D printing.

When choosing your first 3D printer, consider factors such as build volume, print speed, filament compatibility, and additional features like automatic bed leveling and touchscreen interfaces. Equally important is the availability of customer support and a strong online community to assist you as you learn.

Starting your journey with a reliable and easy-to-use 3D printer can make a significant difference in your learning curve and overall enjoyment of 3D printing. Whether you're looking to prototype your ideas, create custom objects, or simply explore a new hobby, the right 3D printer can open up a world of possibilities.

In summary, invest in a well-reviewed and reliable machine that fits your budget and needs, and leverage the wealth of online resources and communities to enhance your 3D printing experience. Happy printing!