There is no single best 3D printer, only the best one for what you want to do. Pick the need that matches you to see our full list, or answer three questions in the printer finder.
How this list was made: picks are based on the manufacturers’ own specifications and public information, checked in October 2026, plus my own experience with the Prusa Core One+, the printer I use myself. More about me. “Check price” links go to the official store and may be affiliate links, which never changes the picks.
Bambu Lab A1
The easiest printers to start with.
See all picks →Bambu Lab A1 mini
Cheap printers that are still worth it.
See all picks →Bambu Lab A1 Combo
Print several colors in one go.
See all picks →Bambu Lab P2S
For ABS, ASA, nylon and carbon fiber.
See all picks →Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
The finest detail for minis and figures.
See all picks →Quick picks
| Need | Our pick | Also consider |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Bambu Lab A1 | Prusa Core One+ |
| Budget | Bambu Lab A1 mini | Creality Ender-3 V3 SE |
| Multicolor | Bambu Lab A1 Combo | Creality K2 Combo |
| Enclosed | Bambu Lab P2S | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 |
| Resin and miniatures | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
How we choose
We look at what the printers are built to do, what they are not good at, and whether a beginner will get good results without a lot of tuning. Read more about me and how the site works.
Frequently asked questions
Bambu Lab, Prusa or Creality: which brand should a beginner pick?
In Reddit threads on this question, most replies point new buyers to Bambu Lab, because the printers need little setup and cost less than a Prusa. Prusa is the usual answer for people who want open-source firmware and spare parts that stay available for years, and owners who chose it often mention long-term support as the reason. The objection raised most often is price: the Prusa Core One+ is €1,049 as a kit and €1,349 assembled.
Creality is mostly suggested for tight budgets and for people who enjoy adjusting their printer. The Ender-3 V3 SE costs €169 in the EU, and owners report more tuning than on a Bambu Lab printer. Two comparisons go into more detail: Bambu Lab vs Creality and Bambu Lab A1 vs Prusa MK4S.
Is the multicolor combo (AMS) worth buying with my first printer?
If you already know you want prints in several colors, owners generally say the combo is worth it. If you mainly want functional parts in one color, you can skip it. The A1 and A1 mini both work with the AMS Lite, so it can be added later.
The downside owners mention most is waste: each color change pushes out a short length of old filament, so multicolor prints use more material and take longer. Owners who print a lot in color suggest keeping the colors you use most, such as black and white, loaded all the time. The multicolor guide compares the systems from Bambu Lab, Anycubic and others.
Sources: Tom’s Hardware.
Should Bambu Lab’s cloud and firmware changes put me off?
In January 2025 Bambu Lab announced a firmware update with an authorization system that limits how third-party software can control its printers. Bambu said the change was for security. After criticism it added a Developer Mode that keeps local network access open, but Bambu does not support it. According to Bambu’s forum announcement, LAN mode through Bambu Connect does not need internet access or a user account.
Some forum users said they would sell their printers over it. If you want firmware you can inspect and change, or a printer that never depends on the manufacturer’s servers, Prusa is the usual answer in these threads. Check the current firmware notes before you buy, because the rules have changed more than once.
Sources: 3Dnatives, Bambu Lab forum.