In this age of 3D printers, it’s easy to find a printer in the $100–$200 price range that can help you create small plastic trinkets. But if you’re looking for a more professional tool with a higher price tag, you’ll want to make sure you’re investing in the right platform for your needs. Before spending your hard-earned money, it pays to understand the variety of 3D printers on the market — not only their prices, but also the type of plastic they use, as well as the overall durability of the objects they create.
Here, your shopping list of the best 3D printers according to experts.
Our Editor’s Best 3d Printer Platforms Reviews
- Reliable Printing with Ideal Build Size: ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro offers a standard 225x225x280 mm/8.85x8.85x11 inch build volume, ideal for daily projects. STM32 motherboard and silent stepper motors ensure smooth, accurate movement with noise levels as low as 47dB. Ready to print in minutes with pre-assembled main parts and a full toolkit
- Powerful Direct Drive Extruder: The Neptune 3 Pro features a dual-gear direct drive extruder with a 3:1 gear ratio, built from durable SUS303 stainless steel. It provides consistent filament feeding and fewer clogs, supporting PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS with ease
- Smarter Printing, Less Worry: ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro includes 36-point auto bed leveling, making setup effortless while ensuring a perfect first layer. Filament runout sensor and power-loss resume function give you peace of mind during large or complex prints
- Upgraded Nozzle System, Fewer Clogs: The nozzle system includes a titanium throat tube, brass nozzle, and widened aluminum heat sink. Combined with a front-mounted cooling fan, it enhances heat dissipation and helps prevent clogs during longer or faster jobs
- Precision Z-Axis for Stable Results: Dual lead screws with dual motors ensure steady, accurate Z-axis movement. Durable POM V-guide wheels provide smooth motion and long-term reliability, ensuring consistent performance for every project
- [Fully assembled] Tina2 3D Printer for Beginners and Kids，Mini 3d printers is super easy to use and does not require a complex setup, TF card comes with a model, so you can quickly start enjoying printing.
- [Compact Design] This is lightweight and minimalist desktop 3D printers, the mini 3D printer size is 8.3''x8.3''x11.4'', weight is 3kg. Light weight and portable design make it perfect for home use, classrooms, offices and door rooms. The build volume is 100x105x100mm.
- [Ready to Print] Equipped with 2.4" LCD screen and Wiibulider slicer software makes it easy to conduct offline printing using the MicroSD Card. The 3-d printer supports resume printing after suffering unexpected power outages or your stopping printing.
- [Auto Leveling & Magnetic Platform] The small 3d printer does not need manual leveling, the intelligent leveling system can automatically adjust the uneven bed, thus realizing one-touch leveling and printing. With flexible and removable magnetic build plate, you can remove the models easily.
- [Dual Z-axis Rails] High-precision printing is the most outstanding feature of Tina2. The dual Z-axis design makes the auto leveling 3D printers run more stable, which greatly improving the printing details and precision. Ideal for beginners DIY Kinds of Craft.
- FASTER SPEED: Newly upgraded high-speed 3D printer, 250mm/s printing speed greatly saves printing time, can quickly complete the print design. 10,000 rpm high-power fan can accelerate the heat dissipation, so that the model printing is more stable and the details are more perfect.
- ASSEMBLED 3D PRINTER: Tina2 Plus Mini 3D printer, Friendly enough to users and beginners, the small 3D printer is ready to use right out of the box and you can start printing quickly without complicated setup. Comes with a complete starter kit, SD card with designed print models, slicing software, detailed tutorials for stress-free use.
- SMART 3D PRINTER: compact body, simple design, use with Poloprint Cloud, massive models, novice paradise, wifi printing, make 3d printing more convenient and intelligent, connect APP to realize online slicing and one-click printing,Beginners and kids can also use it quickly.
- FULLY OPEN SOURCE:Can be used with Linux, windows, MAC, chrome book system, new advanced settings to meet the needs of DIY users, change the printer commands at will, Quick release hotend with 40s fast heating, 80° print hot bed, adapted to a wider range of materials, discover more about the world of 3D printing.
- HUMANIZED DESIGN: In order to make it more convenient for different users to use the 3D printer, the printer adopts an auto leveling function, and the design of the dual Z-axis makes the printer run to replace the stable and reduce the error when leveling the bed, and improve the success rate of the printed model.
- Super Convenient: This magnetic sheet has great adhesion, prints can be sticked on the surface firmly. After printing, take off the upper magnetic build plate from the lower one, bend the flexible plate carefully, the prints can be removed easily.
- Excellent Performance: This magnetic bed has strong flexibility and heat resistance up to 70 ℃ without degauss. Wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, hand-sweat resistant, can be used repeatedly.
- Easy to Install: Magnetic bed comes with upper matte magnetic build plate and lower magnetic adhesive build plate. Post the lower adhesive plate on printing platform, make the upper magnetic one match well with it, then you can start print.
- Universal: With 235mm x 235mm size, this 3d printer kit is suitable for all FDM printer models, and all heated and non-heated 3D printer beds. Applicable materials: PLA, TPU, nylon etc, not for PLA +, not recommended for printing ABS filaments.
- Note: If the two parts of the magnetic bed fail to adsorb, please rotate it 90 degrees and try again. Do NOT use acetone to wipe off thin layers left from prints. Please feel free to contact us if you have any problem, we will try our best to help you.
- Packaging upgrade: In order to more reflect the sense of design, have optimized and upgraded the appearance of the product. The outer packaging of the product purchased may be blue. promise that the quality of the products be the same as before, but with Upgraded packaging.
- Safe and long-lasting: these 3D printer glue sticks are made of quality PVP material, non-toxic and acid-free, will not hurt people's body, they come with high viscosity formula and have nice adhesion to hot plate or hot bed, easy to remove the printing models, suitable for the first layer before printing; 1 piece of glue stick can last for more than 100 average prints, practical to help 3D print parts adhere to the build plate during printing
- Easy to use and clean: these PVP solid glue sticks can be easily applied with flat or straight objects, such as ruler, ID card, glass plate and so on, just lightly apply glue to the area of the printing bed being applied, only in the effective printing area, no need to cover the entire surface; The 3D printer build plate is easily cleaned with water after cooling down
- Compatibility: these 3D printer glue sticks are compatible with all 3D printer heated bed, including build surface sheet plate, aluminum and glass plate and so on, bring a nice using experience. suitable for project crafts, school projects, art crafts and so on, it is recommended that put the lid on after each use to prevent glue drying out
- Package contents: you will receive sufficient quantity of 3D printer glue sticks, can satisfy your daily needs, easy to carry and store, ensuring you a long-term use; Each glue stick measures approx. 98 x 24 mm/ 3.8 x 0.94 inches, lightweight and portable
- One-Click Automatic Printing: Experience hassle-free 3D printing with the Adventurer 5M Series. Enjoy automatic bed leveling for flawless first layers, ensuring consistent adhesion and saving time with no manual adjustments required.
- 12X Ultra Fast Printing: Featuring a CoreXY structure with 600mm/s travel speed and 20000mm/s² acceleration, the AD5M maximizes efficiency, reduces production cycles, and ensures high precision, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and mass production.
- Smart and Efficient Design: Quick 3-second nozzle changes, a high-flow 32mm³/s nozzle, and fast 35-second warm-up to 200°C deliver stable high-speed printing. Its dual-sided PEI platform and versatile options provide easy removal and adaptability for various creative projects.
- Superior Print Quality and Remote Monitoring: With dual-fan nozzles, vibration compensation, multiple nozzle sizes (0.25-0.8mm), and a 280°C direct extruder, the AD5M ensures top-tier print quality. Use the Flash Maker mobile app for real-time monitoring and intelligent operation, making your printing experience seamless.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: For optimal performance, regularly maintain your printer by cleaning the nozzle and platform. If you encounter any issues, please refer to the A+ FAQ section for troubleshooting tips and solutions.
- ①【Parameters & Suggestions for Use】- The size of SUNLU magnetic 3D printer platform is 310*310mm (12.20*12.20 inches) and the thickness is 1mm (±0.1mm). When pasting side A and side B, you need to find the corresponding north and south poles. If the two magnetic platform fall off easily after sticking, you need to adjust the angle and re-paste them.
- ②【Super Easy to Transfer & Fast Heat Conduction】- SUNLU magnetic 3D printer platforms are flexible and magnetic, easy to move out of the platform and take down the printed model. The printed content can be easily removed after printing is completed. The magnetic platform conducts heat better than the glass base plate and heats up faster, which can improve your printing efficiency.
- ③【Stronger Magnetic Adhesion & Improved Printing Effect】- SUNLU 3D Printer Magnetic Build Surface adheres firmly to ensure the model can be firmly attached to the surface of the printing platform. Good printing effect. Reduce printing failures such as layer shift and improve printing efficiency.
- ④【High Compatibility & Easy to Use】- SUNLU magnetic 3D printer platform is compatible with 99% of FDM 3D printer. Print without warpage. No glue is needed. The model is easy to paste, easy to take, and does not deform.
- ⑤【Caution】- The item must be re-leveled after installation to avoid damage to the surface. When leveling the platform, please leave 0.1-0.2mm gap.
- 【Highly Cost Effective】The tempered glass bed comes with 4pcs clips. They can help to fix the glass plate on the hot bed more easily.
- 【No Edge Curling】Using the coated tempered glass bed, molds could be stuck on the bed firmly without glue, which can avoid the issue of print edges curling. It is a necessary 3D printer upgraded platform.
- 【Super Convenient】The models can be easy to taken off by hands without any tools. This tempered glass bed could be cleaned with alcohol or acetone at room temperature.
- 【Excellent Flatness】The improved 3D printer glass bed provides more flat and more smooth build surface than magnetic mat or PEI spring steel, ensuring higher flatness for the bottom of model. The thickness deviation is between 0.2mm (generally 0.1mm)
- 【Compatibility】It is applicable with Anet A8 / Wanhao Duplicator i3 and other same sized machines (Please measure your hot bed and make sure it is the right size for you). Note：Not suitable Ender 3 (Ender 3 should buy the size 235x235mm.)
- 【Fully Assembled】Out of the box, the user-friendly beginner 3D printer is easy to operate with 2.4" LCD Display. Come with a sample PLA filament roll and a Micro SD card that has multiple model files, you can instantly enjoy the world of 3D printing. (TINA2 Basic is not featured with WiFi Function)
- 【Auto Bed Leveling】WEEFUN mini 3D printers don't need manual adjustments, one-touch auto-leveling for more simple and more precise printing. It's a good choice for beginners and children.
- 【Pause & Resume Printing】WEEFUN 3D printers with sensor detection can resume printing after suffering power outage or any other unexpected stoppage. Just one click to easily resume from the memorized position.
- 【High-Precision Printing】 Dual Z-axis and Dual Y-axis Rails design and auto-leveling make the 3D printing more stable and precise, greatly improving the printing quality. Compatible with PLA, PLA Pro, TPU.
- 【Compact Design】 This desktop 3D printer is lightweight and compact for space-saving. The removable magnetic build plate has great adhesion as well is bendable removing models from the bed easily. It's perfect for home use, schoolrooms and offices.
- Original Spare Part - ELEGOO flexible magnetic build plate with sprayed one-sided PEI coating, size 235x235mm/9.25“x9.25”
- Excellent Adhesion - The powder-coated PEI plate is heat-resistant. It ensures great bed adhesion when printing and make prints not easy to warp
- Easy to Install - only need to put the magnetic bottom sheet onto your heated bed. The steel platform with PEI surface is on the top. No more mess
- Easy to Remove Prints - ELEGOO build plate is flexible enough to remove your prints simply by bending the plate without losing durability
- High Compatibility - Not only compatible with ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro, but also fit most FDM 3D printers with 235x235mm bed
Best 3d Printer Platforms Buying Guide
Before choosing the best 3D printer you should consider following options:
1. Materials used: One of the biggest differences between 3D printers is the materials they use to create objects.
Some models can use more than one kind of material, allowing you to combine materials during the 3D printing process.
Most 3D printers use ABS or PLA plastic to produce finished products. ABS plastic is a good choice for creating objects that need to be durable and waterproof.
PLA plastic creates objects that are more matte and looks better when printed in full color.
Some 3D printers can produce objects with ceramic, metal, wood, or latex ink.
2. Supported materials specifications: Make sure the 3D printer you are considering supports materials your intended use requires.
Not all 3D printers support the same materials. For example, some may only support ABS plastic, while others may support several kinds of materials.
3. Print resolution: All 3D printers use the same process of melting and extruding a material to create 3D printed objects.
The parts created depend on the resolution of the 3D printer. For example, a high resolution printer can create a very detailed figurine, while a low resolution printer can create smooth and larger objects.
4. Print speed: Some 3D printers print very quickly, while others print very slowly. If you need to create many different objects quickly, you may not want to use a 3D printer with a slow print speed.
5. Cost: Prices of 3D printers vary greatly, depending on the features and materials supported.
Some models are much more expensive than others, but may create objects faster. Other 3D printers can be very affordable, but may take longer to create finished products.
You should carefully consider which features are most important to you and how you will use the 3D printer, then compare prices and make your selection.
What else you should know about 3d printer platforms
1. What are the different types of 3D printer platforms?
There are many different types of printer platforms, including:
1. Inkjet Printers
2. Laser Printers
3. LED Printers
4. Dye-Sublimation Printers
5. Solid Ink Printers
6. Thermal Printers
7. Dot Matrix Printers
2. What are the benefits of using a 3D printer platform?
The benefits of using a printer platform include the ability to connect to a variety of devices, the ability to print from anywhere, and the ability to manage print jobs remotely.
3. What are the limitations of 3D printer platforms?
Some printer platforms have limitations in terms of the types of files that they can print, and the resolution that they can print at. Additionally, some printer platforms may not be able to print certain types of media, such as transparencies or cardstock.
4. How do I choose the right 3D printer platform for my needs?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best printer platform for your needs will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of printing you need to do, the volume of printing you need to do, the speed of printing you need, the quality of printing you need, and your budget. However, some tips on choosing the right printer platform for your needs include doing your research to find the best fit for your specific needs, and talking to a printer expert to get advice on which platform would be best for you.
5. What are some common 3D printer platform problems?
Some common printer platform problems are:
-Windows 10 not recognizing the printer
-The printer not being able to connect to the computer
-The printer not being able to print
-The printer not being able to scan
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best 3d printer platforms. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best 3d printer platforms will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.