The 5 best 3D printers for beginners in 2023

From TECHBOOK | Jul 24, 2023 at 6:52 p.m

3D printers have been in use for more than 30 years and are particularly popular in industry due to the wide range of possible applications. In the meantime there are also qualitative and yet affordable 3D printers for private use. You can find out which devices are particularly suitable as entry-level devices in our guide.

A 3D printer for beginners should be able to do this

Depending on which technology is used with the respective 3D printer, you have to be prepared for different printing processes: The products from printers that print with filament are manufactured quickly and are relatively stable. Since individual print layers are visible with them, they usually require post-processing. SLA and resin printers work with resin, their prints look as if they were cast. On average, less post-processing is necessary here, but a subsequent treatment with a solvent and some cleaning up work. In addition, the results show a high level of detail, but are relatively unstable.

When it comes to handling, the 3D printers differ with various connection options and displays. Whether with a practical LCD touchscreen, control using end devices connected via WLAN or navigation via the folder structure on a USB stick – saving and retrieving print samples should work perfectly.

The print quality, on the other hand, depends on several factors. So it is important when buying to pay attention to the layer height specified. The lower the height of each layer, the more even the print will be at the end. As a guideline: Individual layers below 0.1 millimeters in height can no longer be seen with the naked eye. Printing speed is also important. Filament printers are usually quite fast for individual objects and can now easily reach 50 mm/s (millimeters per second) or more. The advantage of resin printers is that several individual parts can be printed at the same time, since each layer has a fixed exposure time. Another important factor is the positioning accuracy – the higher, the better the print result in the end.

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The best models in comparison

In our list we have collected five 3D printers that do not fall short in any of the important factors and are particularly suitable for beginners. But even advanced users can’t go wrong with the devices mentioned.

Creality Ender-3 S1 3D Printer

This 3D printer can offer flexibility with its compatibility with multiple filament categories. TPU, ABS, PLA or PETG can be printed. Users praise the high level of accuracy that can be achieved with the automatic CR-Touch bed leveling. The precision of the model printing is increased by double Z-axis lead screws. The device is easy to use thanks to a brand new U1 interface.

Advantages

• Interface is preset
• a variety of consumables are supported
• works very quietly
• Pressure platform is made of PC spring steel

Disadvantages

• Defects recognizable in the pre-assembled printing table and drive
• less suitable for professional use.

Weedo Tina2S

The Weedo mini 3D printer is particularly suitable for children and beginners with little space. In addition, it is also an investment in terms of price, which is just about suitable as a Christmas or birthday present. The print quality is solid – if you make some adjustments here and there, you will get good results. On the other hand, the Weedo Tina2S is comparatively small and, at 40 millimeters per second, also rather slow. It is not suitable for larger and very ambitious projects – for starters, however, it is a good choice.

Advantages

• easily replaceable nozzle
• magnetic, heated pressure plate
• simple step-by-step instructions

Disadvantages

• rather small print area

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Qidi Tech X Plus II

3D printing with the Qidi Tech X-Plus II is guaranteed to work, even if you have never operated a 3D printer. Handling is particularly easy, but the results are all the more impressive. The printed products made of filament hardly need any post-processing, if at all. Even with the standard setting, no plastic threads and hardly any layers can be seen. The device also allows manual fine tuning for even more delicate results. The design has been thought through down to the smallest detail: the housing is robust and durable. In addition, the pressure board is made of coated, magnetic material, offers optimal support and can be removed for cleaning. The printed products are simply peeled off after cooling. Rear fans ensure that the printer does not overheat even during prolonged operation.

Advantages

• Fully assembled, ready to use
• very good equipment
• impressive print quality
• quiet operating noise
• safe closed pressure room

Disadvantages

• relatively heavy case

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Elegoo Saturn 2

Manufacturer Elegoo is a bit taciturn when it comes to the technical details of its 3D printer: printing materials, connections, nozzle diameter – buyers therefore need a little trust in the device. In customer reviews, however, the Saturn 2 comes off very well. The precise 8K print result is particularly convincing. The medium-sized pressure range, the manageable setup and the integrated air filter are particularly suitable for beginners. It filters bad odors and potentially unhealthy substances during printing.

Advantages

• particularly precise pressure
• with air purifier against odors

Disadvantages

• slightly smaller print volume

Anycubic Kobra 3D printer

The Anycubic Kobra 3D printer stands out from its competitors with its proprietary LeviQ feature. Unevenness of the heated print bed can be automatically compensated by the feature. Due to the improved success rate when printing, the device can also be recommended for beginners. The printing speed of 180 mm/s is also well above the industry average. The models adhere reliably to a magnetic spring steel print bed. The installation of the device should be completed in ten minutes.

Advantages

• automatic detection of bumps with 25 instead of 16 points
• operates at a printing speed of 180 mm/s
• up to 167 percent faster than competing products
• Precise infeed possible thanks to integrated extruder with direct drive
• excellent adhesion of the print bed

Disadvantages

• Sensor for auto leveling needs to be readjusted

Conclusion on the best 3D printers for beginners

Unfortunately, 3D printers are a rather expensive affair – but they can also be a great hobby that brings a lot of fun for years. If you look around a bit, you will also find very solid models for well under 500 euros – such as the 3D printer from Anycubic or the absolute entry-level model from Weedo. It is particularly high-quality and rather expensive with high-quality printers such as the Qidi Tech X-Plus II and the Elegoo Saturn 2. Those interested will find the golden mean with models such as the Creality Ender-3 S1 3D printer.