Best Beginner 3D Printers of 2025
Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide on the best 3D printers of 2025 for beginners:
- The top FDM 3D printer picks for first-time users
- Budget 3D printers for beginners under $500
- Which models offer the best plug-and-play experience
- The easiest machines for setup, multicolor prints, and reliability
- Mid-range options if you’re ready to invest a little more
So…you’ve debated whether 3D printing is worth it or not, and finally decided to take the plunge. The next inevitable question is which 3D printer is the best for beginners in 2025?
In my opinion, the best beginner 3D printers are compact, affordable, and easy-to-use machines, designed to make your entry into 3D printing as smooth as possible. These printers are typically the easiest to assemble and work right out of the box with minimal setup and solid software. Basically, plug and play.
You can’t really go wrong with these picks, and no matter where you are in your 3D printing journey, chances are you’ll be happy with them.
Most printers on this list fall under $500. Once you cross that mark, you’re heading into mid-range territory. All of them are filament 3D printers, which is a system that uses filament to print as opposed to resins or powders. This type of 3D printing is called FDM and is the simplest to use. You can check out my article on FDM 3D printing and Resin 3D printing to learn more.
Top 11 3D Printers of 2025 for Beginners
| # | Printer | Build Volume (mm) | Print Speed (mm/s) | Multicolor Printing? | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 3D Printers | |||||
| 1 | Bambu Lab A1 Mini | 180 × 180 × 180 | Up to 500 | Yes | $299 ($459 AMS Combo) |
| 2 | Bambu Lab A1 | 256 × 256 × 256 | Up to 500 | Yes | $519 ($559 AMS Combo) |
| 3 | Creality Hi | 260 × 260 × 300 | Up to 500 | Yes | $389 ($599 CFS Combo) |
| 4 | Elegoo Centauri | 256 × 256 × 256 | Up to 500 | Yes | $499 ($624.99 enclosed) |
| Budget 3D Printers | |||||
| 5 | Kobra 3 V2 | 255 × 255 × 260 | Up to 600 | Yes | $350 ($499 ACE Combo) |
| 6 | Ender 3 V3 | 220 × 220 × 250 | Up to 600 | No | $389 (get on sale) |
| 7 | Ender 3 V3 SE | 220 × 220 × 250 | Up to 250 | No | $199 |
| 8 | Ender 3 V3 KE | 220 × 220 × 240 | Up to 500 | No | $279 |
| 9 | Ender 3 V2 Neo | 220 × 220 × 250 | Up to 120 | No | $299 |
| Mid-Range Budget 3D Printers | |||||
| 10 | Prusa MK4S | 250 × 210 × 220 | Up to 300 | No | $999 ($729 Kit) |
| 11 | Bambu P1P | 256 × 256 × 256 | Up to 500 | Yes | $699 |
Every printer I recommend has a heated bed, and automatic bed levelling and calibration. These features make your 3D printing experience much smoother, and I recommend them to all beginners, as they eliminate the need for tuning.
How to Choose the “Best” 3D Printer for Beginners?
During my research, I considered many factors, but these are the three that I prioritize:
- Ease-of-use: When you’re 3D printing for the first time, you want a product that works right out of the box. Otherwise, it may be difficult to calibrate or troubleshoot the machine.
- Affordability: 3D printers for beginners also need to be affordable. I would recommend testing out the waters and then figuring out what you need and what you like. The last thing I’d want is for you to purchase an expensive printer that you never use.
- Product size: To use a 3D printer, you need a dedicated space for it. A small desktop 3D printer will fit in your home a lot easier than a huge industrial one. That’s why it’s important to consider the space you’re working with so it doesn’t get forgotten under your bed.
Top 3D Printers for Beginners
If you don’t scroll any further, check out these top picks that I’m confident you’ll be satisfied with.
Bambu A1 Mini
First up is the Bambu A1 Mini. Bambu took the 3D printing world by storm in 2023 and has been behind some of my favorite printers lately. After their highly successful P1S, they decided to break into the budget 3D printer market, and nailed it, giving us the A1 and A1 mini.
If you want to dive into 3D printing, the Bambu A1 Mini is a great choice. It’s compact, affordable, and delivers consistent, high-quality results at high speeds.
The small build volume can feel limiting, but when you’re just starting, you’re unlikely to need huge prints. If you think you’ll want to go bigger, consider stepping up to the Bambu A1. It’s a bit more of an investment in space and money, but it’ll be worth it.
That said, the Bambu A1 Mini offers such great quality for the price that it’s an easy top recommendation, especially if you can get it on sale, as it often is.
Throw in the AMS in their combo deal for printing up to 4 filements in the same print, and you’ll be printing colorful pieces in no time.
| Feature | Bambu Lab A1 Mini |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 347 × 315 × 365 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | Yes |
| Price (USD) | $299 ($459 AMS Combo) |
Bambu A1
The main difference between the A1 Mini and the A1 (in case the names didn’t already give it away) is the build volume. Having that extra space is incredibly useful, especially if you plan on printing multi-part projects or larger pieces.
Personally, I’d go straight for the larger build volume because you might outgrow the Mini sooner than you think! But whichever one you pick, you’re getting a solid machine.
You can also add a mini AMS system to either printer, letting you connect multiple filament spools for multicolor prints, which is a feature not every entry-level printer offers. Keep that in mind if you want to make multicolored prints.
| Feature | Bambu Lab A1 |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 385 × 410 × 430 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | Yes |
| Price (USD) | $519 ($559 AMS Combo) |
Creality Hi Combo
The Creality Hi goes head-to-head with the Bambu A1 but has the advantages of a bigger build plate, faster toolhead acceleration, and, most importantly, price.
With four CFS systems (one included in the combo), you can print with up to 16 colors at once, compared to the Bambu’s A1’s max of 4 or P1P’s max of 8. That’s a big win if you print in many colours.
It makes sense that they included the ability to print with up to 16 colors at once, since they marketed this product to families with children, who, I’m sure, would love colorful models. Even if you’re not getting this for children, the CFS system will still come in handy, and should print great right out of the box without a doubt, since they prioritized ease of use and convenient features.
This machine is brand-new, and I plan to test it soon, so we’ll have to see how it performs long term, but it’s definitely worth a look. I’d suggest this printer to anyone looking to print with many colors. This could be a great option for kids, cosplayers, miniature makers, or anyone who wants to get into 3D printing.
| Feature | Creality Hi |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 260 × 260 × 300 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 409 × 392 × 477 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | Yes |
| Price (USD) | $389 ($599 CFS Combo) |
Elegoo Centauri
The Elegoo Centauri is built to go head-to-head with Bambu’s P1S (the breakthrough 3D printer I mentioned earlier) but at a fraction of the cost. You may lose out on a bit of the polish, but if you want something similar to the Bambu without sinking as much money, this is a good choice.
This CoreXY printer has an optional enclosure upgrade for printing with engineering-grade materials, which likely isn’t needed for a beginner, but it’s nice for future-proofing in case you want to create functional prints in the future.
It’s a strong option for first-time users who might want to experiment with functional, strong parts. Engineers dipping their toes into 3D printing will find this option particularly appealing.
| Feature | Elegoo Centauri |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 398 × 404 × 490 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | Yes |
| Price (USD) | $499 ($624.99 enclosed) |
Does Print Speed Matter?
Many printers on this list show a high print speed, but that’s not how fast you’re actually going to print. What that number really means is the max speed of the tool head (where the filament comes out). To reach high speeds, you typically need seriously optimized G-code and use high-speed filaments.
For most machines that show 500–600 mm/s max speeds, they typically print around 300 mm/s. This speed ensures you print high-quality models without a highly optimized G-code.
Top 4 Budget 3D Printers for Beginners
Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 Combo
The Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 can be compared to the Creality Hi and the Bambu A1. I find that Bambu printers are generally more polished than Anycubic, but the Kobra 3 V2 combo offers multicolor printing at a great price, especially when on sale.
The Kobra also has a higher max speed, even though you may never utilize it, but the option is there. If you’re okay giving up a little refinement, this combo with the ACE PRO filament manager is a fantastic deal for anyone wanting multicolor prints on a budget.
Choosing between the Anycubic Kobra 3 V2, Bambu A1, or Creality Hi comes down to personal preference. I think the price of the Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 can’t be beat for value as an entry point to multicolor 3D printing.
| Feature | Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 255 × 255 × 260 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 600 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 453 × 505 × 483 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | Yes |
| Price (USD) | $350 ($499 ACE Combo) |
Creality Ender Series
No beginner 3D printer list is complete without including the Ender 3 line. Creality’s Enders have long been a favorite entry point into 3D printing thanks to their very affordable pricing.
Enders may need some tinkering before they reach their full potential. They don’t always work perfectly out of the box. But many people have fond memories of tinkering and improving their Ender machines over time. You’ll have to decide if you want printing parts or working on the machine to be your hobby.
Ender 3 Comparison Guide
Can I just take a minute to talk about the overwhelming number of Ender 3 printers? KE? SE? V3? It feels just as confusing as comparing phone models.
At first sight, it’s difficult to figure out which Ender is the best value. Each iteration isn’t a straightforward upgrade from the last. Despite the atrocious naming, Creality sells many Enders, which is a testament to the value of their products.
Jokes aside, once you start putting the alphabet soup together, it starts to make sense. Let’s break down the naming behind their models to better understand them.
Here’s a rough timeline of releases:
- Ender 3 → Ender 3 S1 → Ender 3 V2 → Ender 3 V2 Neo → Ender 3 V3 SE & KE → Ender 3 V3
Ender 3 Models Explained:
- V2 / V3: Generation
- Neo: Almost-final version of a generation?
- S: Sprite extruder
- SE: Sprite Edition
- KE: Klipper Edition
- Pro: Better features
- Plus: Bigger
- Max: Biggest
For beginners, I think you’ve got two clear options in 2025:
- Buy a V3 for the newest Creality features
- Or grab a V2 Neo, a time-tested workhorse
Let’s compare the options between the latest models. To learn more, check out Creality’s in-depth article.
UPDATE: Ender 3 V3 — Latest and Greatest Ender
Earlier, I would have recommended the Ender 3 V3 KE to beginners, given the affordable price range. However, since the Ender 3 V3, (the latest release), has been out for a while now, you can usually find it on sale for under $300. Sometimes it’s cheaper than the Ender V3 KE!
If you can wait for a sale and are keen on getting an Ender, I would wait until the Ender 3 V3 goes on sale. This 3D printer came out a year after the SE and KE versions, and comes with improvements to print speed and quality.
Other replacements Creality made are the all-metal frame, the responsive screen, improved software for high-speed printing, and a more aesthetically pleasing design.
| Feature | Ender 3 V3 |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 250 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 358 × 374 × 498 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | No |
| Price (USD) | $389 (get on sale) |
Ender 3 V3 SE — Most Affordable
In my opinion, the Ender 3 V3 SE is one of the best value printers you can snag right now, especially when it’s on sale. A few years ago, this price point would have gotten you a barebones, thrown-together machine, but now you get a sleek printer with modern essential features.
My downside for this machine is the lack of wireless connectivity and touch touchscreen interface. Knobs work fine, but personally, I find them a little clunky compared to touchscreens.
Nonetheless, for $199, I’m not complaining. I think you can get away with this machine just fine if you’re okay with potentially needing to do a bit of tinkering.
| Feature | Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 250 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 420 × 366 × 490 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | No |
| Price (USD) | $199 |
Ender 3 V3 KE — Best Value
The KE is the same as the KE but $80 more expensive. “What justifies the $80 jump?” you ask. Well, you get a touchscreen, online connectivity, a linear X-axis rail, flexible PEI build plate, higher speeds, and higher nozzle temps.
Almost every part of the experience is better, and for only $80, I almost wonder if the KE was a fake product to make the KE look like an even better deal than it already is.
I’d highly recommend paying a little more upfront and getting the KE over the SE. It’ll pay off in the long run because you’ll have a much smoother experience.
| Feature | Ender 3 V3 KE |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 240 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 433 × 366 × 490 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | No |
| Price (USD) | $279 |
Honorable Mention: Ender 3 V2 Neo
The V2 Neo is still a strong contender in 2025. Think of it as a fully upgraded Ender 3, plus it’s been market-tested over time and backed by a large community.
The upgrades mean you won’t have to do as much tinkering as you would with other Ender models. If you do run into any hiccups, the large user base will be able to help you out.
While this machine is slower and based on older tech, it’s still a solid option in 2025.
| Feature | Ender 3 V2 Neo |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 120 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 438 × 424 × 472 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | No |
| Price (USD) | $299 |
A Note on 3D Printer Features
Almost all the best 3D printers today come with features like power-loss resume, automatic levelling, and filament runout detection. However, double-check if the 3D printer has these convenient features before you buy – if you want them!
SLA vs FDM for Beginners
SLA printing is messy, hazardous, and full of beginner pitfalls. FDM printing is much easier to learn when you’re just starting, with fewer rules around model setup and slicing.
Mid-Range Budget 3D Printers for Beginners
If you’re shopping in the mid-range, here are two great options:
Prusa MK4S — Best for Reliability and High Quality Prints
Most first-time users want a 3D printer that requires little to no tinkering and works out of the box for years.
Prusa has an incredible reputation for reliability and precision. They’re constantly innovating and responsible for a lot of technology across all 3D printers today.
Because their machines are open-source, they’re super customizable and upgradable. Prusa occasionally releases upgrade kits, so your MK4S will still be up to date years from now.
That said, they are pricey. Partially because they’re made in the EU, and shipping from there can be more costly than from China, for example. They’re also slower and follow a more “classic” design that hasn’t changed much over time. However, Prusas are known as reliable workhorses, and their customer support is top-notch.
Overall, the MK4S is still one of the best 3D printers for high-quality prints and reliability.
| Feature | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 300 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 500 × 550 × 400 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | No |
| Price (USD) | $999 ($729 Kit) |
Bambu P1P
Bambu’s back on the list with the P1P, a fully enclosed machine built for speed and ease of use. If you want something you can plug in and print with right away, and never touch again for years, this is a great pick.
This is the brother of the breakthrough printer from 2023 that I keep mentioning. The P1P is basically the same as the P1S, but not enclosed. This makes it cheaper; however, you don’t have a heated chamber for greater material variety. Again, this is probably okay for a beginner.
Compared to the Prusa MK4S, it’s harder to repair, not open-source, and less upgradeable, but it’s extremely beginner-friendly.
This machine will work right out of the box, and you’ll rarely have to touch it, other than to collect your prints. You can also add up to two AMS systems for easy switching between up to 8 filament spools.
| Feature | Bambu P1P |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Product Dimensions | 386 × 389 × 458 mm |
| Multi-filament prints? | Yes |
| Price (USD) | $699 |
Recap
If you made it to the end, I hope this list helps you find your starter 3D printer! At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all 3D printer for beginners, as it truly depends on what you’re looking for.
Do you want something plug-and-play, hassle-free, and beginner-friendly? Bambu’s got you covered. Want to tinker, upgrade, and learn the nuts and bolts? Creality’s Ender line is still a classic choice. Want something versatile that can grow with you and handle more advanced materials down the line? Machines like the Elegoo Centauri are worth a look.
No matter which one you go for, the most important thing is to just dive in and start printing. You’ll learn as you go, you’ll make mistakes (trust me, we all do), and you’ll get better with each print. So pick the machine that feels right for you, and have fun bringing your ideas to life!
Have questions? Or, did I miss any good 3D printer recommendations for beginners? Let me and the Maker Freedom community know in the comments.