If there’s one machine that’s capable of making a person feel like a one-man factory in his own home, it’s a strong and powerful 3D printer.
But getting the right 3D printer for you is a difficult task. So many options, so many prices rangers, so many styles. Whether it’s a massive machine (relatively) that can work non stop and create big prints, or something more homey or for the office, we’ve considered all of that to put together the top 5 3D printers worth buying.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walyou's Rank | #1 MakerBot Replicator+ | #2 LulzBot Taz 6 3D Printer | #3 FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro | #4 XYZprinting da Vinci mini 3D Printer | #5 Borlee Mini01 Compact 3D Printer |
| Weight | 40.4 pounds | 43 pounds | 24.25 pounds | 22.7 pounds | 9.26 pounds |
| Amazon Rating |  | | | | |
| Price | $2,499 | $2,500 | $899 | $268.95 | $299 |
| Link to Buy | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
#1 Best 3D Printer: MakerBot Replicator+ 3D Printer
Why is it in the top 5? When it comes to quality, speed and reliability, it’s very difficult to beat the MakerBot Replicator+, the 6th generation of MakerBot 3D printers, and it’s easily the best of them.
At $2499, it should be this good, and it is. For those who know the MakerBot 5th generation, the Replicator+ comes with increased capabilities: It’s print speed is 30% faster, it can build models up to 25% bigger than the previous generation and it comes after 380,000 of testing to ensure consistent performance. The gantry and z-stage were redesigned for improved precision, and there’s a much better grip, not to mention no need for blue tape. To make it short: It’s expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re planning on creating big, complex models while working the MakerBot Replicator+ like there’s no tomorrow. Buy it on Amazon.
#2: LulzBot TAZ 6 3D Printer
Why is it in the top 5? It’s just as good as the MakerBot generation 6. Frankly, I had a hard time deciding which one is better. It should be 1A and 1b, because the LulzBot Taz 6 3D printer is just that good.
Just like the Replicator, it comes at a price of $2500, so it’s not for someone who just messes about: This is a real workhorse, that also has a mini version, costing half. The big TAZ 6 is one of those machines that simply makes 3D printing easy with its self cleaning and integrated power supply. It has a build volume of 280 mm x 280 mm x 250 mm, which enables large prints or making many small ones at once. As mentioned a couple of sentences prior to this one, if there was one 3D printer I’d choose to describe as a workhorse, it’s this one. Buy it on Amazon.
#3: FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro
Why is it in the top 5? You’re not going to find anything better in it’s price range ($899). The FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro is heavy, but it’s one of the more optimal machines you’ll come across in the field of 3D printers.
The original Creator had a wooden frame. Now there’s a sturdy metal frame, and aluminum plate that is aviation grade ensures a completely flat surface that won’t warp when things get hotter. It has a build envelope of 225 x 145 x 150 mm and build volume of about 5 liters. It has excellent software (Flashprint), so there’s no more need for aftermarket software purchase. It’s not the TAZ 6 or the Replicator+, but at under $1000, it’s the best 3D printer you can get. Buy it on Amazon.
#4: XYZprinting da Vinci mini 3D Printer
Why is it in the top 5? Just like the Borlee Mini 01 that comes after it, for those looking for smaller size of 3D printing and spending a little less, it’s hard to beat the quality of the da Vinci mini 3D printer.
At just under $270, it’s the least-expensive item on our list, but it doesn’t make it inferior. It simply fits specific needs that don’t call for a massive 3D printer. It’s connectivity to your local network is terrific, it has an excellent auto-intuitive auto calibration system and despite being “small” it’s anything but fragile, with a robust aluminum print bed, building in the size of 5.9×5.9×5.9 inch. It’s extremely precise, and can withstand pretty much anything you throw at it, making it the ideal mini 3D printer. Buy it on Amazon.
#5: Borlee Mini01 Compact 3D Printer
Why is it in the top 5? Just like the previous 3D printer, the Borlee Mini01 Desktop compact 3D printer offers a much easier price to cope with for those who don’t need the best and biggest, but something that is simply a good fit to their needs.
When it comes to entry level printers, the Mini01 is the ideal 3D printer. It’s easy to tune, calibrate and use. It gives you the freedom to use 3D printing software like Cura/Repeitor-hostfor for simple customization of 3D models. If you’re a noob or beginner at 3D printer, this is the way to start off right. Buy it on Amazon.
First Runner Up: FlashForge Dreamer 3D Printer
A terrific FlashForge creation, the Dreamer 3D printer probably has the best look out of the bunch. It works on the FlashPrint software, which is compatible both with Skeinforge and Slic3r slicing. It has a sleek look, but what’s important are the performances, which thanks to to the enclosed body produces insulated and protected prints. At its price range (a tad over $1000) it’s the best on the market right now. Buy it on Amazon.
Second Runner Up: Qidi Tech Dual Extruder 3D Printer
My favorite thing about the Qidi Tech 3D printer is the easy to use software, enabling simple customization of 3D models. It’s fully metal, with an aluminum plate so the surface remains flat and doesn’t warp during the heating process. At the $500-$1000 price range, it’s inferior only to the FlashForge Creator Pro, Plus, Qidi have excellent customer support, maybe the best in the business. Buy it on Amazon.
Famous Last Words
When carefully choosing the 3D printers to recommend you, we considered performance, price and value. There are two printers here that are a cut above the rest: The TAZ 6 and MakerBot Replicator+, but they also cost considerably more than the rest. There are printers with greater capabilities than the da Vinci mini or the Borlee Mini01, but people will less grandiose needs count. For those, the mini 3D printers presented here are the ideal choice, and obviously won’t set you back as the cream of the crop.
