Best 3d Printers for Ease Of Use (2024)

1

Anycubic Vyper

Score: 9/10

Anycubic Vyper

User-friendly with pre-assembly and a large touchscreen interface, ready to use in minutes.

Ease Of Use

9/10

T

Tech Arena

The Viper comes in a mostly pre-assembled state, and it's designed to be ready to go in 10 to 15 minutes.

T

Tech Arena

Its auto-leveling bed and quick assembly make it one of the easiest 3D printers to set up in this price range.

T

Tech Arena

The Viper stands out with its large, responsive touchscreen interface, making it very intuitive to use.

Printing Performance

9/10

The Anycubic Vyper delivers high-quality prints with its 100 Micron resolution and reliable auto-leveling system.

Build Quality

8/10

Feature-rich with a modular design, though the Bowden extruder may challenge flexible filament use.

Connectivity

5/10

No specific pros or cons mentioned for connectivity.

Safety Features

8/10

Auto-leveling system enhances safety by reducing manual adjustments and maintenance.
2

Raise3D Pro2

Score: 8/10

Raise3D Pro2

User-friendly with a helpful screen and software, but not for those who like to tweak settings.

Printing Performance

9/10

Produces professional results with a large build volume, but not ideal for experimentation.

Build Quality

9/10

Exceptional build quality, though the high cost may deter casual users.

Connectivity

8/10

Good connectivity with control from Mac or PC, and on-the-fly settings changes.

Safety Features

5/10

Lacks notable safety features.
3

Bambulab X1 Carbon

Score: 8/10

Bambulab X1 Carbon

Offers plug-and-play functionality with minimal intervention, though software glitches may occur.

Ease Of Use

8/10

H

Hoocho

The goal of all these features is to make the printing process as simple as possible and require as little knowledge and experience from the operator as possible.

H

Hoocho

The printer takes care of everything: it purges and cleans the nozzle, sets the Z height, adjusts flow rates, and checks the first layer for defects.

H

Hoocho

Bamboo Studio is a desktop slicer software. It's a reskinned fork of Prusa Slicer, and it has many of the same controls and options.

Printing Performance

8/10

The printer delivers fast speeds and high-quality prints, though it may face bed adhesion issues and filament waste.

Build Quality

7/10

Robust construction with high-temperature capabilities, but bed flatness issues may arise.

Connectivity

7/10

Features cloud connectivity for remote monitoring, but privacy concerns may arise.

Safety Features

8/10

Includes AI-based failure detection and automatic filament management, though noise levels can be high.
4

Elegoo Neptune 3

Score: 8/10

Elegoo Neptune 3

User-friendly with a mostly assembled design and intuitive touchscreen, though manual bed leveling is initially required.

Ease Of Use

8/10

A

AdvisorReview

This user-friendly device arrives 90% preassembled, ensuring a hassle-free setup.

A

AdvisorReview

The removable touchscreen interface is user-friendly and displays thumbnails.

A

AdvisorReview

I think the on/off switch could be right here in front, just to make it easier to turn on.

Printing Performance

8/10

Produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and handles various filament types well, though limited by temperature and some overhang issues.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

AdvisorReview

The Neptune 3 Pro doesn't compromise on features, despite its attractive price point.

A

AdvisorReview

The detail in the quality came out nice and sharp, especially on the top spikes.

A

AdvisorReview

This is only 225 x 225 x 280, and their previous model is 220 x 220 x 280.

Build Quality

7/10

Sturdy design with a sleek aluminum frame and dual gear direct drive, but slightly limited build volume.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

AdvisorReview

Aesthetically, the Neptune 3 Pro is a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

A

AdvisorReview

I like that it has dual lead screws in the back to keep it just a little bit more level.

A

AdvisorReview

This is only 225 x 225 x 280, and their previous model is 220 x 220 x 280.

Connectivity

6/10

Supports SD card and USB printing but lacks wireless options, with some limitations on included accessories.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

AdvisorReview

The Neptune 3 Pro package includes all the necessary tools for assembly and maintenance.

A

AdvisorReview

The connections are all right here in front, so for the controller, it's just a matter of plugging it in.

A

AdvisorReview

Use a cable if you want to connect this directly to your computer.

Safety Features

6/10

Includes power outage recovery and filament runout sensor, but lacks an enclosure for added safety.

Quotes from Reviewers

A

AdvisorReview

It comes with standard features such as power outage recovery, print resume, and a filament run-out sensor.

A

AdvisorReview

This also has the option to recover from where you left off in the event of a power loss.

A

AdvisorReview

I think this runout sensor could be improved slightly.

5

Artillery Sidewinder X1

Score: 8/10

Artillery Sidewinder X1

User-friendly with easy assembly, a color touch screen, and assisted bed leveling, though manual leveling and spool holder adjustments can be inconvenient.

Ease Of Use

8/10

M

Made with Layers (Thomas Sanladerer)

And don't worry; it is very easy to assemble. You receive it in two parts.

M

Made with Layers (Thomas Sanladerer)

The menu is not that bad in terms of printing methods and connections.

M

Made with Layers (Thomas Sanladerer)

Assembly is quick and easy, and the manual is well illustrated.

Printing Performance

7/10

The printer delivers decent print quality with reliable performance across various materials, though it may encounter some issues like curling and first layer skips.

Build Quality

7/10

Solid metal frame with a clean design and large build volume, but potential issues with flex cables and some give in the sheet metal panel.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers multiple connectivity options, but may require USB reformatting and lacks automatic mesh bed leveling.

Safety Features

6/10

Includes essential safety features like filament run-out sensor and power loss recovery, but high AC voltage and sharp edges pose risks.
6

Monoprice Select Mini V2

Score: 8/10

Monoprice Select Mini V2

Easy to set up and use with a user-friendly interface, but requires some calibration and adjustments for optimal performance.

Printing Performance

7/10

Delivers reliable and consistent prints with good handling of overhangs and bridging, but limited by small build size and issues with high-speed prints.

Build Quality

7/10

Sturdy all-metal construction with a sleek design, though some components may feel flimsy and prone to wear.

Connectivity

6/10

Offers multiple connectivity options but has limitations with wireless features and SD card access.

Safety Features

5/10

Includes basic safety features like a power switch and cooling fan, but lacks advanced features such as auto-leveling.
7

MakerBot Replicator+

Score: 8/10

MakerBot Replicator+

User-friendly design with resources for educators, though beginners may face a learning curve.

Ease Of Use

8/10

S

Sublimation focus

Its easy-to-use features make this printer ideal for both beginners and experts alike.

S

Sublimation focus

The MakerBot Replicator+ features a suite of intelligent technology, including an LCD on-board camera and USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connections, making it easy and accessible for anyone to use.

Printing Performance

8/10

The MakerBot Replicator+ offers faster printing speeds and a larger build volume, providing dependable performance with MakerBot PLA material.

Build Quality

7/10

Features a factory-leveled build plate with a new grip surface, though occasional recalibration may be needed.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers multiple connectivity options, but may require a stable internet connection.

Safety Features

7/10

Equipped with a smart extruder and an educators guidebook, though maintenance may be needed.
8

Zortrax M200 Plus

Score: 8/10

Zortrax M200 Plus

User-friendly with easy setup and operation, but requires a US power cable.

Printing Performance

7/10

Produces high-quality prints with smooth surfaces and sharp edges, but limited by single extruder speed.

Build Quality

8/10

Sleek design with enclosed build area, but requires extra space.

Connectivity

5/10

Basic connectivity with SD card slot, lacks WiFi and remote monitoring.

Safety Features

6/10

Enclosed build area with basic safety gear, lacks advanced features.
9

Creality Ender 3 V2

Score: 7/10

Creality Ender 3 V2

User-friendly setup with a smart interface, but manual bed leveling is required.

Ease Of Use

7/10

M

Maxy Meanderings

Loading and feeding filament is easy with the Ender 3 V2, thanks to its rotary knob on the extruder.

M

Maxy Meanderings

The brand new operating UI system and 4.3-inch smart color screen offer a fantastic user experience.

M

Maxy Meanderings

Flashing and compiling custom firmware are likely the most technically daunting tasks you will face.

Printing Performance

8/10

Produces high-quality prints with precision, though requires careful calibration for some materials.

Quotes from Reviewers

M

Maxy Meanderings

The best 3D printers deliver precision, speed, and detail.

M

Maxy Meanderings

The official Creality Ender 3 V2 upgraded 3D printer features a self-developed silent motherboard, which offers faster and more stable motion performance.

M

Maxy Meanderings

The single Z motor and lead screw are cost-saving measures to reduce the overall price of the printer, not performance enhancers.

Build Quality

8/10

Robust frame and quick heating platform, but stock springs may need frequent adjustments.

Quotes from Reviewers

M

Maxy Meanderings

The Ender 3 V2's carborundum glass platform enables the hot bed to heat quickly, allowing prints to adhere better without warping.

M

Maxy Meanderings

Stiffer bed springs, silicone pegs, and a rigid mount improve consistency.

M

Maxy Meanderings

Rigidly mounting the bed requires either a manually generated mesh or auto meshing.

Connectivity

6/10

Standard connectivity options but lacks Wi-Fi and requires technical setup for advanced features.

Quotes from Reviewers

M

Maxy Meanderings

Can I leave this printer set up and print to it remotely from my computer using Octoprint?

M

Maxy Meanderings

The professional firmware provides an extensive list of additional features that are simply absent in the stock firmware.

M

Maxy Meanderings

Flashing and compiling custom firmware can be technically daunting.

Safety Features

7/10

Reliable safety features with some requiring firmware updates for full functionality.

Quotes from Reviewers

M

Maxy Meanderings

The printer is also UL certified, thanks to its Mean Well power supply, which ensures fast heating and long printing times.

M

Maxy Meanderings

The resume printing function saves time and reduces waste by allowing you to continue printing from the last recorded extruder position after a power outage.

M

Maxy Meanderings

The default Creality firmware is like wearing floaties in the kiddie pool.

10

Prusa i3 MK3+

Score: 7/10

Prusa i3 MK3+

User-friendly with easy upgrades, though assembly and cable management can be challenging.

Ease Of Use

7/10

B

Buildy Bryce

This kit will make it twice as fast with some fancy new electronics and will also add a touchscreen and support for cloud file transfer.

B

Buildy Bryce

The cable situation has to be the worst part of this upgrade, maybe because it's an upgrade rather than a whole new device.

B

Buildy Bryce

If the instructions aren't making sense or you feel like they're missing something, just make sure you take a look at the comments.

Printing Performance

8/10

Reliable machine with good print quality and innovative features, though it requires upgrades for modern performance.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Buildy Bryce

The print quality is pretty good. They have a complete ecosystem with the Prusa slicer and their filament, and it just turns out a decent 3D print.

B

Buildy Bryce

The 3.5 upgrade allows you to access the next level of Prusia's firmware and their newest ecosystem, meaning you will be able to take advantage of all the firmware updates.

B

Buildy Bryce

The 3.5 is a great choice. It's 250 bucks, which is cheaper than getting a new machine.

Build Quality

8/10

Sturdy and reliable construction with high-quality components, though some parts may need replacement.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Buildy Bryce

The Prusia Mark III is still relevant, and if you pick up a secondhand one, it still works perfectly.

B

Buildy Bryce

If you look over here at the machine, you can see that it is all cracked open. Unfortunately, it looks like the courier company handled it very badly.

B

Buildy Bryce

In the 3D printed machine, all the parts, or at least the plastic parts, are 3D printed, and that just makes so much sense.

Connectivity

6/10

Offers advanced network functionality with upgrades, but base model lacks built-in connectivity.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Buildy Bryce

It also comes with a Wi-Fi module that you can attach to the back to enable connectivity, and it has Ethernet access as well.

B

Buildy Bryce

You can connect to the network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, collect your IP address, and use it all right from here. Then, integrate it with Prusia Link and Prusia Connect.

B

Buildy Bryce

They've moved from the old-school SD card to a USB drive, which can be a handy feature if you're not into the whole connectivity thing.

Safety Features

7/10

Enhanced safety with power loss recovery and innovative features, though initial firmware bugs affected performance.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Buildy Bryce

The printer will be able to move much faster with the upgrade, as the existing reinforcement probably just wasn't up to the job.

B

Buildy Bryce

The entire DIY heat bed cable connector setup is a bit suspicious, especially at a time when heat bed cable connectors are under close scrutiny.

B

Buildy Bryce

You also need to consider features like power loss recovery if you are using a Raspberry Pi with OctoPrint or even Prusa Link and Prusa Connect.