Best 3d Printers for Printing Performance (2024)

1

Raise3D Pro2

Score: 9/10

Raise3D Pro2

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

Ease Of Use

8/10

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

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.
2

Anycubic Vyper

Score: 9/10

Anycubic Vyper

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

Printing Performance

9/10

T

Tech Arena

The Viper also offers an impressive 100-micron resolution, which is quite similar to the Ender 3 S1 in terms of detail.

T

Tech Arena

What sets the Viper apart is its automated leveling system, which ensures a flat surface every time without manual adjustment.

T

Tech Arena

This can improve print accuracy and reduce the likelihood of issues with the first layer.

Ease Of Use

9/10

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

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.
3

Creality Ender 3 V2

Score: 8/10

Creality Ender 3 V2

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

Printing Performance

8/10

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.

Ease Of Use

7/10

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

Quotes from Reviewers

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.

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.

4

Prusa i3 MK3+

Score: 8/10

Prusa i3 MK3+

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

Printing Performance

8/10

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.

Ease Of Use

7/10

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

Quotes from Reviewers

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.

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.

5

Snapmaker 2.0

Score: 8/10

Snapmaker 2.0

High precision and large build volume with versatile 3-in-1 functionality, though bed calibration can be challenging.

Printing Performance

8/10

C

CurrentProductReviews

The Snapmaker 2.0 A350 is a versatile 3-in-1 machine that combines 3D printing, laser engraving, laser cutting, and CNC carving.

C

CurrentProductReviews

The A350T delivers high precision and repeatability, making it ideal for detailed and high-resolution projects.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly interface with easy assembly, but complex bed leveling and high noise levels.

Quotes from Reviewers

C

CurrentProductReviews

The Snapmaker Luben software features a user-friendly 5-inch touchscreen.

C

CurrentProductReviews

The modular design, utilizing CAN bus technology, ensures efficient and stable data transmission while allowing for easy assembly and component changes.

Build Quality

8/10

Robust all-metal frame with high-quality parts, though wiring could be better organized.

Quotes from Reviewers

C

CurrentProductReviews

Built with a robust all-metal frame, the A350T delivers high precision and repeatability.

C

CurrentProductReviews

The Snapmaker 2.0 A350 is a versatile 3-in-1 machine that combines 3D printing, laser engraving, cutting, and CNC carving.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, but wireless stability can be an issue.

Quotes from Reviewers

C

CurrentProductReviews

The modular design, utilizing CAN bus technology, ensures efficient and stable data transmission.

C

CurrentProductReviews

The Snapmaker Luben software features a user-friendly 5-inch touchscreen, power loss recovery, and supports multiple processing and system compatibility options.

Safety Features

7/10

Comprehensive safety features with enclosure and support, but laser operations require caution.

Quotes from Reviewers

C

CurrentProductReviews

Snapmaker offers a comprehensive one-year service for quality issues, along with professional technical support.

C

CurrentProductReviews

Snapmaker offers an international, interactive community to help users get started quickly.

6

NOVA3D Elfin

Score: 8/10

NOVA3D Elfin

Produces high-quality prints with excellent accuracy, though screen durability and limited in-print adjustments are drawbacks.

Printing Performance

8/10

R

Resin Printing God....AkumaMods!

The printing that I did get was amazing; it had far better accuracy than any other printer I've had.

R

Resin Printing God....AkumaMods!

The print quality is absolutely phenomenal. These resin printers don't have any trouble resolving fine details.

R

Resin Printing God....AkumaMods!

One of the great things about Nova 3D printers is that the dimensional accuracy they output is amazing.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly setup with a large touchscreen, but the interface and slicer software could be more intuitive.

Build Quality

8/10

Solid design with quiet operation, but proprietary parts can complicate maintenance.

Connectivity

7/10

Offers versatile connectivity options, though USB port placement and software requirements are less convenient.

Safety Features

6/10

Design minimizes odor but lacks a HEPA filter, raising safety concerns.
7

QIDI Tech X-Smart

Score: 8/10

QIDI Tech X-Smart

Fast printing with high-quality results, though some adjustments are needed for optimal performance.

Printing Performance

8/10

J

Just Print

The printer preheats very quickly, and you will see it here on the nozzle.

J

Just Print

It's not going to take more than 10 minutes to print this cube, which is about four times faster than my cubes normally print.

J

Just Print

Overall, it looks great, but there is a little bit of an issue here. It looks like there is burnt filament and some sagging on this side.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly with pre-assembled design, but requires some manual adjustments.

Quotes from Reviewers

J

Just Print

The print should come off easily just by flexing the build plate.

J

Just Print

If you do have trouble sticking, try cleaning it with alcohol.

J

Just Print

I do need to increase the retraction a little bit, as there is a tiny bit of stringiness.

Build Quality

8/10

Robust and stable with high-quality components, though some parts are non-replaceable.

Quotes from Reviewers

J

Just Print

Everything looks quite robust and substantial in all the parts and connections.

J

Just Print

The frame is plastic, and we do have a flexible magnetic sheet that pops off.

J

Just Print

The machine runs Klipper.

Connectivity

6/10

Offers basic connectivity with Wi-Fi and USB, but lacks advanced options.

Quotes from Reviewers

J

Just Print

On the right side, we have a USB port where we can plug in our thumb drive.

J

Just Print

The filament is kept at the back.

J

Just Print

The touch screen is also slightly smaller.

Safety Features

7/10

Adequate safety with enclosed design and print recovery, but lacks some advanced features.

Quotes from Reviewers

J

Just Print

Having an enclosure means there is less noise.

J

Just Print

The interesting thing here is the supercapacitor.

J

Just Print

You would need side fans for most things at this speed.

8

LulzBot TAZ Workhorse

Score: 8/10

LulzBot TAZ Workhorse

Offers large build volume and high-quality prints with advanced features, though some components may wear over time.

Printing Performance

8/10

T

The Practical Dad Project

The Workhorse differs from other desktop printers in its class due to its relatively large build volume and professional-grade print quality.

T

The Practical Dad Project

The Workhorse also features backlash compensation, automatic bed leveling, and a self-cleaning nozzle.

T

The Practical Dad Project

The plastic arm used to hold the filament spool can also start to wear where the spool edges rub against the upper surface.

Ease Of Use

7/10

Modular design and intuitive software make it user-friendly, but lacks Wi-Fi and touchscreen.

Quotes from Reviewers

T

The Practical Dad Project

The printing workflow is straightforward when using the open-source slicing software that comes with the Workhorse.

T

The Practical Dad Project

Lot's modularity allows you to easily swap out the print head for another design using their Universal Tool Head Adapter.

T

The Practical Dad Project

Please note that printing via an SD card is not available at this time.

Build Quality

8/10

Sturdy design with improved stability, though some parts may wear over time.

Quotes from Reviewers

T

The Practical Dad Project

The Workhorse has improved its structural stiffness compared to its predecessor, the Taz 6, by increasing the rigidity of the frame.

T

The Practical Dad Project

This increases the overall print accuracy of the system and prevents issues with bent lead screws.

T

The Practical Dad Project

The build glass plate that comes with the Workhorse is excellent, but over time, it can wear down.

Connectivity

6/10

Offers USB and SD card options but lacks Wi-Fi and touchscreen.

Quotes from Reviewers

T

The Practical Dad Project

You can easily import parts, choose your materials and settings, and start the print.

T

The Practical Dad Project

Please note that printing via an SD card is not available at this time.

T

The Practical Dad Project

Periodically use the computer to ensure that your print job does not stop.

Safety Features

8/10

Effective safety features with automatic bed leveling and self-cleaning nozzle.

Quotes from Reviewers

T

The Practical Dad Project

The Workhorse also features backlash compensation, automatic bed leveling, and a self-cleaning nozzle.

T

The Practical Dad Project

Once the printer has cooled, the printhead will raise, and the print bed will slide forward towards you. At this point, it is safe to remove your 3D model.

T

The Practical Dad Project

Begin by carefully removing the safety cover.

9

Creality Ender 3 (V2 and S1)

Score: 8/10

Creality Ender 3 (V2 and S1)

Handles various filaments well and produces detailed prints, but requires careful setup and can be time-consuming.

Printing Performance

8/10

H

Half Chrome

The S1 handled some of the tougher prints pretty well.

H

Half Chrome

3D printing takes a lot of time, so don't think I can just hit a button like when printing a piece of paper from a computer.

H

Half Chrome

The Ender 5 performed a little better, especially when I ran it at 200 percent, or basically 2x speed.

Ease Of Use

7/10

Beginner-friendly with clear instructions, but manual bed leveling and lack of touchscreen can be drawbacks.

Build Quality

8/10

Robust all-metal frame with improved stability, but cooling fans and rubber wheels may wear over time.

Connectivity

6/10

Compatible with popular slicing software but lacks Wi-Fi and some firmware features.

Safety Features

7/10

Enclosed design reduces noise and fumes, but cooling fans can be unexpectedly loud.
10

Epson SureColor F-Series (for 3D printing textiles)

Score: 8/10

Epson SureColor F-Series (for 3D printing textiles)

The printer offers fast and vibrant printing with cost-effective ink usage, but requires additional equipment for best results.

Printing Performance

8/10

I

IT Supplies

Epson's significant improvements to this new DTG printer are all centered around productivity, as they have increased the overall speed and improved the DTF workflow.

I

IT Supplies

The Epson F2270 is about 20% faster than its predecessor, the F2100.

I

IT Supplies

With the DTF transfer, you can apply it to virtually any fabric.

Ease Of Use

7/10

User-friendly with automatic adjustments and compatible software, but requires a learning curve for new users.

Build Quality

8/10

Durable design with modular features, though setup can be complex and may need professional help.

Connectivity

7/10

Versatile connectivity with PC and Mac compatibility, but may need extra software for full functionality.

Safety Features

7/10

Includes a warranty and support services, though the warranty period might be short for some users.