Best 3d printers for 2024

In 2024, there's an increasing array of 3D printer models available on the market. Each year brings updates, with some offering faster speeds and others more affordable prices. If you're in the market for a 3D printer, understanding the differences between various models is crucial. Some are tailored for professionals, while others are ideal for beginners. Drawing on my years of experience testing 3D printers, I'm here to offer tailored recommendations to meet the diverse purchasing needs of 3D printing enthusiasts.

Catalog

1. Best Value: Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
2. Best Portability: Bambu Lab A1 Mini
3. Best Quality: Prusa MK4
4. Best Entry-Level Printer: Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
5. Best Large Format Printing: Anycubic Kobra 2 Max
6. Best Resin Printer: Formlabs Form 3+
7. Best in Speed: Creality K1C
8. Conclusion: Choose According to Your Needs

1. Best Value: Creality Ender 3 V3 KE

Price: $299 USD

Type: FDM

Frame Design: Open

Release Date: September 2023

Product Size: 433*366*490 mm

Build Volume: 220*220*240 mm

Key Features:

• Sturdy frame for stable printing performance.
• User-friendly touchscreen interface.
• Calibration-free printing with multi-end smart interconnection.
• Reliable performance and competitive pricing.

We begin with the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE because this model offers a balance of high quality and affordability. As a new product from Creality, this economically priced printer stands out for its robust features and reliable performance. It's particularly well-suited for 3D printing beginners and enthusiasts. Featuring the all-new Creality OS, this printer elevates 3D printing to new heights with its intuitive operating system, making it as easy to use as a smartphone.

2. Best Portability: Bambu Lab A1 Mini

Price: $459 USD

Type: FDM

Frame Design: Open

Release Date: September 2023

Product Size: 347*315*365 mm

Build Volume: 180*180*180 mm

Key Features:

• Fully equipped with high-speed, low-noise functionality.
• AMS lite color printing.
• Ideal for small projects and prototype designs.
• Ultimate performance in a compact size, space-saving

The A1 Mini is a delightful consumer-grade 3D printer, offering a perfect blend of portability and performance. This compact yet powerful device boasts a stylish design and robust features, making it the ideal companion for busy creators. With its impressive build volume and precise printing capabilities, the A1 Mini serves as a versatile tool, whether you're prototyping on the fly or bringing your ideas to life in real-time.

3. Best Quality: Prusa MK4

Price: $1099 USD

Type: FDM

Frame Design: Open

Release Date: April 2023

Product Size: 500*550*400 mm

Build Volume: 250*210*220 mm

Key Features:

• Advanced features tailored for professional users.
• All components are open source.
• Suitable for various applications from prototyping to production.
• Sets the standard for quality and reliability in professional 3D printing.

Step into the future of 3D printing with the Prusa MK4, where innovation meets reliability. As the latest iteration of the renowned Prusa series, the MK4 raises the bar with its advanced features and unparalleled performance. With features like automatic bed leveling, silent stepper drivers, and modular design, the MK4 ensures worry-free printing and consistently excellent results.

4. Best Entry-Level Printer: Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro

Price: $284.99 USD

Type: FDM

Frame Design: Open

Release Date: June 2023

Product Size: 475*445*515 mm

Build Volume: 225*225*265 mm

Key Features:

• Quick assembly and fast startup.
• Simple operation.
• Excellent speed and quiet operation for efficient printing.
• Smart independent zone hotbed.

The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is a straightforward entry-level 3D printer. With its advanced features and meticulous attention to detail, the Neptune 4 Pro delivers outstanding results across various applications. Easy to operate, it requires minimal learning time to get started.

5. Best Large Format Printing: Anycubic Kobra 2 Max

Price: $519 USD

Type: FDM

Frame Design: Open

Release Date: September 2023

Product Size: 640*735*740 mm

Build Volume: 420*420*500 mm

Key Features:

• Large build plate.
• Excellent print quality.
• High precision and detail.
• Optimized cooling airflow design.

The Kobra 2 Max offers a large build volume, making it the ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to print large models. With high-speed and large-volume printing capabilities, this printer maximizes productivity while offering advanced features for intuitive design.

6. Best Resin Printer: Formlabs Form 3+

Price: $2599 USD

Type: SLA

Frame Design: Closed

Release Date: January 2022

Product Size: 405*375*530 mm

Build Volume: 145*145*193 mm

Key Features:

• SLA technology for high-precision printing with smooth finishes.
• Includes automatic resin dispensing and cartridge system.
• Integrated resin tank with automatic filling and adjustment.
• Remote print monitoring.
• Seamless workflow integration.

For those seeking the pinnacle of professional resin 3D printing, the Formlabs Form 3+ is the top choice. Renowned for its outstanding print quality and reliability, this printer is beloved by professionals and businesses alike. With its advanced Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology, the Formlabs Form 3+ ensures smooth surface finishes and precise details. Its user-friendly interface and efficient resin management system make it the preferred choice for those prioritizing convenience and professionalism.

7. Best in Speed: Creality K1C

Price: $531 USD

Type: FDM

Frame Design: Closed

Release Date: January 2024

Product Size: 355*355*482 mm

Build Volume: 220*220*250 mm

Key Features:

• Sturdy metal frame.
• Advanced temperature control system.
• Intelligent AI-assisted features, including an AI camera.
• All-metal integrated design for nozzle and throat.
• Compatible with various filament materials.

The Creality K1C is a versatile, user-friendly 3D printer designed for both hobbyists and professionals. Part of the renowned K1 series known for its high speed, with 600mm/s velocity and 20000mm/s² acceleration, the K1C takes it a step further by offering more filament options, supporting wear-resistant consumables such as PLA-CF/PA-CF/PET-CF, and ensuring maximum accuracy and consistency with automatic bed leveling. The print recovery function minimizes interruptions caused by power outages. Additionally, its Wi-Fi connectivity provides users with flexibility and convenience.

8. Conclusion: Choose According to Your Needs

Considering price-performance balance, the Ender 3 V3 KE is a solid choice. If you have no additional requirements, this model suits you well, particularly if you're a beginner or an enthusiast. For more professional demands, the Prusa MK4 offers superior features and quality. Whether you're a hobbyist, a professional, or a business, there's a 3D printer on this list to suit your needs.

3Duncle is dedicated to providing the best 3D printing solutions, ensuring that enthusiasts and professionals alike can bring their ideas to life effortlessly.