Introducing Aurora Tech Channel's highly anticipated 3D printer recommendation list! After countless hours of research, testing, and analysis, we have narrowed down the top contenders in each category. We understand that the 3D printing market can be overwhelming, which is why instead of featuring a long list of 3D printers, we have only included the very best in each category, with only one spot available for each. As experienced 3D printer users, we know that if we had to buy only one machine in that category, it would be the one we choose.
Latest updates:
9/6/2023: The AnyCubic Kobra 2 Pro ($279) has replaced the Kobra 2 as The Best Performance Budget 3D Printer(Regular Size)
9/7/2023: The Creality Ender-3 V3 SE ($199) has replaced the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro as The best-value budget 3D printer(Regular Size)
9/4/2023: The price of the Creality K1 has been changed from $599 to $539. (-$60)
The Most Advanced fully-enclosed High-Speed 3D Printer (Regular Size)
BambuLab X1 Carbon AMS Combo $1449
Final Score: 68/80
Review date: May 29, 2022 / Jun 13, 2022
Features:
- CoreXY, Fully enclosed 250x250x250mm
- Micro-Lidar for auto pressure advance calibration, dual auto leveling
- Carbon rod(X), Linear rods(Y,Z)
- Strong extruder, high-flow hotend
- Optional AMS multi-filament system, Network / Cloud printing
The Best VALUE fully-enclosed High-Speed 3D Printer (Mid size)
Qidi X-MAX 3 $999
Final Score: 63/80
Review date: July 29, 2023
Features:
- CoreXY, Fully enclosed 325x325x315(Z)mm
- BLTouch auto leveling
- 10mm linear rods on X,Y and Z axis
- Strong extruder, high-flow hotend, 350C Max temp
- Actively heated chamber (Max 55C recommended), WiFi / Ethernet printing
The Best Value fully-enclosed High-Speed 3D Printer (Regular Size)
Creality K1 $539
Final Score: 62/80
Review date: July 5, 2023
Features:
- CoreXY, Fully enclosed 220x220x250mm
- 3 strain gauges on the print bed for auto bed leveling and auto Z-offset
- Steel linear rods motion system (X,Y) and 3 lead screws to support the Z-axis
- Strong extruder, high-flow hotend, 300C Max temp
- Max Temp 300C / 100C, Max print speed 600mm/s w/20,000mm/s² acceleration (tested in my review video)
The Best Performance Budget 3D Printer (Regular Size)
AnyCubic Kobra 2 Pro $279
Final Score: 58/80
Review date:
Features:
- 220x220x250 build volume
- 300mm/s print speed, 20,000mm/s² acceleration, print a 3D benchy at 0.2mm layer height with good quality in 29 mins
- Auto Z-offset, steel wheels motion system on X&Y axis.
- Inductive ABL, dual Z, touch screen, belt tensioners, Textured PEI spring steel sheet
- Nema 17 48mm stepper motor on Y-axis and 8mm timing belt
The Best VALUE Budget 3D Printer (Regular Size)
Creality Ender-3 V3 SE $199
Final Score: 55/80
Review date: Sept 6, 2023
Features:
- 220x220x250 build volume
- 250mm/s print speed(max), 180mm/s print speed(normal), 2500mm/s² acceleration, print a 3D benchy with good quality in 54 mins, with acceptable quality in 27 mins
- Auto Z-offset, linear rods on Y-axis, POM wheels on X&Z axis
- CR touch ABL, dual Z lead screw, belt tensioners, PC spring steel sheet, no manual leveling knobs
- Max temp 260C/110C
The Best VALUE Budget 3D Printer (Mid Size)
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus $350
Final Score: 50/80
Review date: Mar 21, 2023
Features:
- 320x320x400 Slighty larger print volume than other machines in the same class
- Inductive sensor auto leveling, Direct drive, dual Z-axis
- touch screen, belt tensioners, Textured PEI spring steel sheet
- Micro SD card printing
- Max temp 260C/100C
The Best VALUE IDEX Printer (Mid Size)
Sovol SV04 IDEX $469
Final Score: 49/80
Review date: Jan 3, 2022
Features:
- 300x300x400 build volume
- IDEX Independent dual extruder
- Creality v5.2.1 32-bit motherboard, silnet stepper drivers, 4.3" touch screen
- Dual filament sensor, dual Z-axis, Auto bed leveling (3D touch)
- Full szie SD card, Max temp 260C / 100C