3D Printer Reviews

Our honest reviews and recommendations for 3D printers across all budgets. Find the perfect printer for your needs and skill level.

Budget Friendly Printers

Great printers under $300 that offer excellent value

Ender 3 S1

Ender 3 S1

$249
4.5/5

The latest evolution of the popular Ender 3 series with direct drive extruder and auto bed leveling.

Pros

  • Auto bed leveling
  • Direct drive extruder
  • Easy assembly
  • Large community support

Cons

  • -Noisy fans
  • -Basic cooling
  • -Limited build volume
Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro

Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro

$279
4.3/5

A feature-packed budget printer with surprising performance and reliability.

Pros

  • Dual Z-axis
  • PEI spring steel bed
  • Touch screen
  • Filament runout sensor

Cons

  • -Limited documentation
  • -Basic slicer profiles
  • -Mediocre cooling

My Current Setup

My 3D Printer Setup

My Printing Workshop

I currently run six printers in my home workshop: a Bambu Labs P1S as my workhorse for reliable prints, an Elegoo Mars 3 for detailed miniatures and jewelry in the garage, and a heavily modified Ender 3 Max and Pro that I use for experimenting with exotic filaments and mods.

My setup includes proper ventilation, and a dedicated workstation for post-processing. I've found this combination gives me the flexibility to handle almost any project that comes my way. I also have printers available at our Makerspace in my city.

Printer Buying Guide

For Beginners
Just getting started with 3D printing

Look for printers with auto bed leveling, easy assembly, and good community support. The Ender 3 S1 and Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro are excellent starting points that won't break the bank.

For Hobbyists
Ready to upgrade your printing game

Consider printers with better reliability, print quality, and additional features like filament sensors. The Prusa MK4 and Bambu Lab X1 Carbon offer excellent performance for dedicated hobbyists.

For Professionals
When reliability and quality are paramount

Invest in printers with enterprise support, network management, and advanced materials compatibility. The Ultimaker S5 and Formlabs Form 3+ deliver professional-grade results for business applications.