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Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 22nd, 2024

🖨️Diving into 3D printing is a mix of excitement and a bit of 'where do I start?' feeling, especially with so many choices out there.

To help you out, we've put together a list of the best 3D printers for beginners in 2024. Whether you’re after something affordable, super easy to use, or a machine that promises high-quality prints, we’ve got options to suit your needs.

Let's make your entry into the world of 3D printing as smooth as possible.

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Overall Best 3D Printer: Original Prusa MK4

Original Prusa MK4 3D Printer, Ready-to-use FDM 3D Printer, Assembled and Tested, Removable Print Sheets, 1kg Prusament PLA Spool Included, Print Size 9.84×8.3×8.6 in.

The Original Prusa MK4 stands out as our top pick for beginners due to its reliability and high performance. Its build volume of 250 x 210 x 220 mm and compatibility with various materials make it versatile for different projects. One of its standout features is the automatic bed leveling, which simplifies the setup process and helps even newcomers achieve consistent, high-quality prints. This printer does come with a higher initial cost, but its user-friendly design and extensive community support make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about starting their 3D printing journey. According to our research, users appreciate its durability and the quality of prints it produces, making it a solid choice for beginners.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$1,299.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Creality Ender 3 V2

The Creality Ender 3 V2 is a fantastic runner-up for beginners, offering excellent print quality and a substantial build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. Known for its stellar reputation within the 3D printing community, this model provides robust support and numerous upgrade options. While it does require some initial assembly and tuning, the effort pays off with reliable performance. Many users appreciate the strong community of fellow Ender 3 V2 owners who offer support and tips, making it easier for beginners to troubleshoot and improve their printing skills. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking to grow with your printer and explore various customizations.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

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Best Budget 3D Printer: Anycubic Photon Mono

For those on a budget, the Anycubic Photon Mono offers exceptional value, especially for beginners interested in resin printing. This printer delivers high-detail prints and features a user-friendly interface, perfect for newcomers. With a build size of 130 x 80 x 165 mm, it’s well-suited for detailed miniatures and small projects. One of its key benefits is the affordability without sacrificing quality. According to the manufacturer's product description, it’s easy to set up and start printing, making it a top choice for budget-conscious beginners who want to experiment with resin printing.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$413.43 at Newegg.com

Best 3D Printer for Miniatures: Creality Halot-Mage Pro

Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K Resin 3D Printer, Equivalent 12K Model Effect UV Resin Photocuring Printer with 5X Faster Printing Speed, Smart Resin Pump and Activated Carbon Filter, 8.97x5.03x9.05 inch

For tabletop gamers and hobbyists seeking high-resolution prints, the Creality Halot-Mage Pro is an excellent choice. It boasts an impressive 8K resolution and a build area of 228 x 128 x 230 mm, making it ideal for producing intricate details. While there is a bit of a learning curve, the high-quality prints are worth the time and effort. According to our findings, users are particularly impressed with the level of detail achievable, making it perfect for creating detailed miniatures and models. This printer is a great investment for anyone prioritizing print quality and detail.

Lowest at Amazon

$399.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$379.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

More Answers

Still curious about the Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 3D Printer? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K compare to 12K resin printers?

When you're looking at the Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K compared to the [12K resin printers](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3D12K%2Bresin%2Bprinters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), a few things stand out that you might want to think about: the print resolution, how user-friendly it is, and how it performs overall. Let's talk about resolution first. The HALOT MAGE PRO 8K does a great job at delivering detailed prints with its 8K capability. But if you're aiming for the absolute sharpest detail possible, especially for intricate models or smaller prints, 12K printers push the envelope even further. They can capture finer details that might pop out a bit more on those high-precision projects. However, resolution isn't everything. According to our research, the HALOT MAGE PRO shines in terms of being easy to use and reliable—kind of why it's loved by both hobbyists and pros. It doesn't have a built-in camera, which some might see as a downside since other models provide that for real-time monitoring or timelapses. But you've got two USB ports on it if you want to connect your own camera, though just keep in mind that this could lead to some compatibility hiccups. In terms of performance, this printer is solid and straightforward to set up. The quality of prints it delivers consistently gets a thumbs up, and it handles larger projects well. 12K printers, while giving you that extra resolution punch, might be a bit more finicky—they could demand a bit more time for setup and maintenance to keep things running tip-top. So, picking between an 8K and 12K really comes down to what you need and your budget. If you're all about the tiniest details, a 12K could be your go-to. But if you're after quality prints that cover most bases with ease of use, the HALOT MAGE PRO 8K might just be the sweet spot. Best to weigh what features you really care about and how they fit with your printing goals before you decide.

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What is the print speed of the Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K Resin 3D Printer?

The Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K Resin 3D Printer is pretty quick, reaching speeds of up to 170mm per hour according to the manufacturer's description and our research. That's especially handy if you're looking to work through projects faster or need to hit deadlines without a hitch. If you're into things like remote monitoring or creating timelapse videos of your prints, the printer has dual USB slots that can help with that. But here's a heads-up: some folks have reported issues with certain cameras, like the [Logitech C920](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB006JH8T3S%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) not being recognized. Creality might address this in future firmware updates, so it's something to keep in mind if that's a feature you're planning to use often. Overall, if speed is high on your list of priorities, the HALOT MAGE PRO 8K could be a good fit. Just be sure to double-check the compatibility of any external devices you want to use and stay on the lookout for any updates from Creality that could make things even smoother.

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What are common issues with the Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K resin pump?

If you're considering the Creality HALOT MAGE PRO 8K resin printer, it's good to know about some issues folks have run into, especially with the resin pump. Based on our data, there have been reports of problems with the resin feeding reliably and inconsistencies during printing. These issues sometimes stem from clogs or wear and tear on the pump parts over time. Now, the printer does have a decent air filtration and ventilation system to handle the smell of resin. According to the manufacturer's details, there's an [activated carbon filter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dactivated%2Bcarbon%2Bfilter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) that’s supposed to help with this. You should replace it roughly every three months to keep things working well. However, some have noticed that the odor management system isn't perfect and doesn't completely eliminate smells, especially in smaller or enclosed rooms—so it might depend a bit on where you're using it. You can also hook up an [external extractor](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dexternal%2Bextractor%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to a vent at the back of the printer for better fume control. This could be a good move if you're working in a tight space, as it can help with directing the fumes away. Besides the resin pump issues and odor management, keeping up with routine maintenance can make a big difference. Keeping the pump clean regularly could help prevent hassles, and using an external ventilation setup might improve air quality if you're printing a lot indoors. In short, while the HALOT MAGE PRO has its perks, being informed about these common issues and addressing them can make for a smoother printing experience.

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Best 3D Printer for Engineering: TriLab AzteQ Industrial

For those requiring a robust machine for engineering projects, the TriLab AzteQ Industrial is a top-tier option. With a build area of Ø300 mm × 400 mm, this printer can handle complex and large-scale prints with precision. Its ability to work with advanced materials like carbon fiber and nylon makes it an excellent investment for serious engineers. However, its higher cost and more technical setup requirements may be challenging for absolute beginners. According to the manufacturer's description, this printer is best suited for users who need specialized capabilities for advanced engineering tasks.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

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🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.