Modern 3D printers have never been easier to use! But if you're starting out, we don't want you to just grab any random printer off the MicroCenter shelf. When selecting your first 3D printer, you need to consider a few things:
- What's your budget?
- What do you want to make?
- Where are you going to set it up?
3D Printing Doesn't have to Cost a Lot of Money
I'll always recommend a cheap printer first for people who are curious about 3D printing and want to try out the hobby. Yes, there are EXCELLENT and easy to use machines that cost well over a $1000, but if it's just going to collect dust after you print a couple dragons, it's a waste of money.
What about those $99 3D printer deals you've seen advertised at MicroCenter? Those are usually for an older Ender 3 they're trying to clear out of the warehouse. As they say, you get what you pay for.
What will you 3D Print?
If you want to make toys for the kids, decorative models for around the house and cosplay pieces, you'll only need PLA filament. Good news! PLA is pretty cheap and works on any open frame machine, like an Ender 3, Anycubic Kobra, Neptune, Prusa Mini, or Bambu P1P. These are all great machines!
But if you know right away that you'll need sturdy "engineering" grade practical prints, then you need an enclosed machine to tackle ABS, ASA or nylon. My favorite high temp 3D printer is a toss up between the Prusa CORE One or a more budget friendly Anycubic Kobra S1.
Where will You Use Your 3D Printer?
You don't need to dedicate a whole room to 3D printing when you're starting out. If you buy a small portable machine, like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini, you can store the machine in a closet and bring it out for a weekend on the kitchen table when you need it.
I can't fully recommend putting a 3D printer in your bedroom. Some machines are pretty loud! But I do have to admit our teenager has a Prusa Mini+ in his room, it's super quiet and small enough to sit on top of his dresser.
Here's my current favorite 3D printers for beginners in 2025.
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Budget priced at $379
Medium build sized: 256 x 256 x 256 mm (7 x7 x 7 inches)
Elegoo has entered the battle for speed with the Centauri Carbon, with a price point that’s hard to beat. This printer impressed me with its speed, precision, and ease of use. Sure, it's only got one stepper motor and the unheated chamber is as dark as pitch, but for $299 (on the Elegoo website) it's a steal. Why start on a bed slinger when this machine can any material you want, and looks pretty sleek to boot.
Anycubic Kobra 3 V2
Budget priced at $399 with Combo
Medium build sized: 255 x 255 x 260 mm (7 x7 x 7 inches)
Anycubic was the first to clone Bambu's AMS system, and has managed to keep the price pretty low too. The bigger Kobra 3 Max is hands down my favorite bedslinger, but in if you're looking for an easy to use, affordable four color printer, the standard Kobra 3 is impossible to beat.
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
3D Print Bunny’s Safe from the Rain with 3Domsculpts Chibi Totoro.
Budget priced under $219
Medium build sized: 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.6 x 8.6 x 9.8 inches)
The latest Ender 3 has everything a beginner needs to succeed: perfect auto bed leveling, an easy-to-understand control screen and a flex plate that allows finished models to pop right off.
Creality's line of Ender 3 machines have a reputation for being stripped down budget machines, but the V3 SE puts an end to that. This 3D printer is both affordable and a breeze to use. It's a great choice for beginners because, unlike older Ender 3 models, the V3 SE is simple to build, has deluxe features, and is easy to use with step-by-step instructions right on the screen.
It borrowed advanced auto leveling from the more expensive K1 series and the S1’s extremely capable Sprite direct drive. It's faster than previous Enders with a top speed of 250mm/s, and a normal printing speed around 150 mm/s.
It lacks Wi-Fi and can only transfer files with a traditional full size SD card.
Prusa Mini+
Mid-Range Price at $499 semi-assembled & $469 for a kit ($522 on Amazon)
Small build volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7 x 7 x 7 inches)
Tried and true, the Prusa Mini is a compact 3D printer from one of the best manufactures in the business. There's a reason Prusa Research has such a loyal fan base: their printers "just work." Prusa is also known for making upgrades for their machines rather than completely new models. In fact, the Mini was recently given new firmware that includes Input Shaping for faster printing.
The Prusa Mini is a cantilever design with a 7-inch build plate and truly portable -- especially if you print a handle for it. It has everything you need for easy use: auto bed leveling and an easy to navigate control screen.
You can save a few dollars by purchasing the kit, but it's no small task. If you just want to get printing, a pre-built machine is the way to go.
Bambu Mini (with AMS)
$599 with four color material handler or $199 for a stand-alone printer
Small print volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7 x 7 x 7 inches)
Bambu brings color to the masses with a lower price, smaller 3d Printer packed with amazing speed. The machine is super easy to use, with a modern touch screen that's home to a tiny helper to guide you along the way.
It's a fast printer with a top speed of 500mm/s and 10,000 acceleration, though in practice it goes a bit slower, in the 200-300 mm/s range. Still, that's stupid fast.
The main reason for recommending the Bambu Mini is the AMS, which allows you to print in four glorious colors for a fraction of the price of a full sized Bambu -- $950 for a P1S color combo.