Top 3D Printers of 2025 Reviewed for Every Skill Level

Ten years ago, 3D printing was a niche hobby requiring constant tinkering. Today, it has transformed into a powerful tool for creators, artists, and professionals alike. Whether you're making cosplay props, miniatures, or functional prototypes, the right 3D printer can bring your ideas to life with unprecedented ease and quality.

After testing nearly 100 machines, this guide distills the best 3D printers of 2025, focusing on print quality, speed, ease of use, and practical features like build volume and material costs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned maker, these recommendations help you find a printer that fits your needs and budget.

Best Overall 3D Printer: Bambu Lab A1 Combo

The Bambu Lab A1 Combo stands out for its flawless setup, fast printing speeds up to 500 mm/s, and excellent print quality. Its unique four-color printing system under $700 is a game-changer, making multi-color prints accessible to beginners and pros alike. The included Bambu Handy app simplifies monitoring and printing remotely.

While filament waste requires attention, the A1 Combo’s performance and value make it the top choice for anyone entering or expanding their 3D printing journey.

Best for Accuracy: Prusa Core One

Prusa’s Core One impresses with unparalleled precision, advanced cooling, and an optimized enclosed chamber that maintains ideal printing conditions. Its open-source nature and upgrade path make it a favorite for tinkerers and professionals seeking long-term reliability.

Though priced higher and lacking a standard camera, its print quality is unmatched, making it ideal for users prioritizing accuracy over entry-level simplicity.

Best Budget 3D Printer: Anycubic S1

The Anycubic S1 offers a fully enclosed design and large build volume at an affordable price point. It supports multi-color printing with the optional ACE system and handles high-temp filaments well. While its software has some limitations, compatibility with third-party slicers provides flexibility.

This printer is perfect for beginners or those on a budget who want to explore multi-color printing without breaking the bank.

Best Resin Printer: Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra

For ultra-detailed miniatures and jewelry, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra delivers with a large build area and a stunning 12K resolution screen. It prints quickly and produces crisp, clear models that bring intricate designs to life.

However, resin printing requires careful handling due to toxicity and ventilation needs, making it best suited for dedicated workspaces.

Choosing the Right 3D Printer for You

Before purchasing, consider what you want to print: resin printers excel at detailed miniatures, while filament printers offer versatility and larger build volumes for cosplay and prototypes. Build volume, print speed, material compatibility, and ease of use are critical factors.

Deals throughout the year, especially on Prime Day or Black Friday, can help you get high-quality printers at reduced prices.

Expert Testing and Insights

Testing involves evaluating hardware quality, print accuracy, speed, software usability, and repairability. Standardized test prints assess bridging, overhangs, and dimensional precision. Thermal imaging checks build plate temperature stability, ensuring consistent adhesion.

For resin printers, specialized models test UV exposure and fine detail reproduction. Community support and company responsiveness are also key considerations.

Getting Started with 3D Printing

PLA filament is the recommended material for beginners due to its ease of use and safety. Adding a raft layer improves print adhesion, and using glue sticks on the build plate can prevent print failures.

Supports are essential for printing overhangs and can be removed post-print with cutters and files. Online repositories like Thingiverse and Printables provide vast libraries of free 3D models to print or modify.

For creating your own designs, beginner-friendly software like Autodesk’s TinkerCad offers an accessible starting point.