Best 3D Printers of 2018 - Buyers Guide - Best 3D Printer

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Finding the “Best 3D Printer” can be overwhelming and really depends on your needs and demands. We put together this 3D printer buyers guide to help you find the best 3D printer for you. This guide has 3 categories and each category has its own top 5 best 3D printers.

Best 3D Printers for Professionals
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers
Best 3D Printers for Schools

What is the best 3D printer?

‘What is the best 3D printer’ is one of the most common questions we get here at 3Dprinting.com. It’s a difficult question and it has multiple answers because there are at least seven different 3D printing technologies & processes. Within these processes there are numerous different brands, models, types, etc. In order to keep things simple we’ve decide to focus on FFF / FDM desktop 3D printers.

And so, it really comes down to your personal needs. Looking for a huge build volume? Fast print speed? High resolution? Tensile strength of the 3D printed objects?

We’ve used our own experience and the experience of our network of experts to create this buyers guide. These are the best 3D printers to buy in 2018.

We constantly update this list, so you can always check back to find out what the best 3D printers in each category are.

Best 3D Printers for Professionals

Professional 3D printers can be quite strenuous on a buyer’s budget but their utility should not be under-stated. These devices are for anyone looking for a serious, high-quality, production-grade workhorse. They are much larger and are often made to process a wider range of 3D printing materials, including more obscure, high-strength polymers like Nylon. As the title suggests, these are professional machines for complex printing duties.

Ultimaker S5
With the launch of the Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker enters the industrial side of the desktop 3D printing market.

The Ultimaker S5 is almost fully-enclosed. Glass doors optimize the airflow & temperature inside the build chamber. This model is also the first Ultimaker provided with a 4.7 inch LCD touch screen display.

The S5 has multi-point bed leveling which enables you to create a precise and detailed height map of your print bed. This results in better adhesion when printing specialty materials.

Best price: $5,995.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

330 x 240 x 300 mm

Print size inches:

13.0 x 9.45 x 11.81 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, USB cable, WIFI

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

ABS, CPE, PETG, PLA, PVA

Print bed details:

Heated, Removable, Borosilicate glass
View specs
CEL RoboxPro
CEL RoboxPro features we like:

- Dual extruders

- Built-in HEPA filter

- Three included extruder heads
Best price: $5,395.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

210 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

8.3 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, WIFI

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

ABS, Nylon, PC, PLA, PVA, TPU

Print bed details:

Heated aluminum build plate with magnetic holding
View specs
Modix Big 60 V2
Modix Big 60 V2 features we like:

- 10mm width PU (Polyurethane) timing belt with steel cores. Belt is designed for high speed and acceleration.

- Mic6 cast aluminum print bed, made in USA with fully automatic bed leveling (100 probing points)

- E3D V6 & Titan Print head, made in UK with Hotend max temp: default 300c (400c optional)

- Premium Hiwin motion rails, made in Taiwan

- Optional Dual print head
Best price: $3,500.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

610 x 610 x 610 mm

Print size inches:

24 x 24 x 24 inches

Connectivity:

SD card, USB cable. WIFI is optional

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA , PETG, PVA, ABS, ASA, PC, Nylon, TPU, Woodfil, Carbon composite

Print bed details:

Heated bed, PEI surface
View specs
Raise3D Pro2
Raise3D Pro2 features we like:

- Dual extruders

- Built-in HEPA filter

- Fully constrained filament path
Best price: $3,999.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

305 x 305 x 300 mm

Print size inches:

12 x 12 x 11.8 inches

Connectivity:

WIFI, LAN, USB port

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA, TPU

Print bed details:

Heated aluminum build plate with magnetic holding
View specs
LulzBot Mini 2
LulzBot Mini 2 features we like:

- Fully assembled

- Removable bed

- Aerostruder tool head

- Einsey Rambo controller board
Best price: $1,423.41
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

160 x 160 x 180 mm

Print size inches:

6.30 x 6.30 x 7.09 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA

Print bed details:

Removable heated bed, one side PEI, other side glass
View specs

Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers

Dual extruder 3D printers can print with two materials or colors in one print job. This enables you to 3D print complex objects because you can use soluble support material.

MakerGear M3 Independent Dual
Best price: $3,299.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-X-Head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

203 X 254 X 203 mm

Print size inches:

8 x 10 x 8 inches

Connectivity:

LAN, SD, USB cable, WIFI

Extruder type:

Independent Dual

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA

Print bed details:

Borosilicate glass with polyimide film
View specs
Raise3D Pro2 Plus
One of the biggest printers in the category 'large format desktop 3d printers' is Raise3D’s Pro2 Plus. It has a build volume of 12 × 12 × 23.8 inches (305 × 305 × 605 mm), making this one of the tallest commercially available desktop 3D printers on the market.

The Pro2 Plus has two extruders which enables you to print with two materials or colors in one print job. The closed print chamber, heated bed and high temperature extruders give you the ability to print with a wide range of materials. It has a resume feature so even in case of a power outage you can continue printing when the power is back on.

Best price: $5,999.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

305 x 305 x 605 mm

Print size inches:

12 x 12 x 23.8 inches

Connectivity:

WIFI, LAN, USB port

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA, TPU

Print bed details:

Heated aluminum build plate with magnetic holding
View specs
CEL RoboxPro
CEL RoboxPro features we like:

- Dual extruders

- Built-in HEPA filter

- Three included extruder heads
Best price: $5,395.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

210 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

8.3 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, WIFI

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

ABS, Nylon, PC, PLA, PVA, TPU

Print bed details:

Heated aluminum build plate with magnetic holding
View specs
BCN3D Sigmax
BCN3D Sigmax features we like:

- Independent dual extruder system

- Operating sound: 50 dBA

- Large build volume

- Fully constrained filament path
Best price: $4,299.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

420 x 297 x 210 mm

Print size inches:

16.5 x 11.7 x 8.3 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB drive

Extruder type:

Independent Dual

Printable material(s):

CPE, HIPS, PLA, PVA

Print bed details:

Glass, heated, removable
View specs
Sindoh 3DWOX 2X
Sindoh 3DWOX 2X features we like:

- Dual extruders

- Removable / flexible bed

- Built-in HEPA filter
Best price: $3,499.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-X-Head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

228 x 200 x 300 mm

Print size inches:

8.9 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, USB cable, Wi-Fi

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

ABS, PETG, PLA, PVA

Print bed details:

PEI
View specs

Best 3D Printers for Schools

Since 3D printing is becoming more accessible to everyone, there has been a clamour for safe educational printers. Classrooms are already gearing up to use 3D printers as new teaching tools. The market has responded in kind by introducing a new class of 3D printers ideal for in the classroom.

The must-haves for educational printers can vary. However, a good general rule is anything that simplifies the system and makes 3D printing safe. Think of assisted (or fully automatic) bed leveling, a closed print chamber and removable bed. This category primarily judges the printers on ease-of-use, diversity of functions and versatility.

Ultimaker 3
The Ultimaker 3 is an easy to use and reliable 3D printer. Features we like:

- Swappable print core (makes it easy & fast to switch between nozzle sizes / nozzle types)

- Dual extruder
Best price: $3,495.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2016

Print size millimeters:

197 x 215 x 200 mm

Print size inches:

7.8 x 8.5 x 7.9 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, USB cable, WIFI

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

ABS, CPE, PETG, PLA, PVA

Print bed details:

Heated, Removable, Borosilicate glass
View specs
Dremel DigiLab 3D45
This is Dremel's DigiLab 3D45. Features we like:

- Can print a wide range of specialty materials, including nylon

- Remote monitoring with built-in HD camera

- Queue your prints via cloud print management software

- Carbon Filters

- Easy to stack (perfect for schools, maker spaces, print farms)
Best price: $1,439.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

254 x 152 x 170 mm

Print size inches:

10 x 6 x 6.7 inches

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, Nylon, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with removable glass build plate
View specs
Sindoh 3DWOX 1
This is the Sindoh 3DWOX 1. Features we like:

- Flexible, removable, bendable bed

- Remote monitoring via app

- built-in HEPA filter
Best price: $1,499.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-X-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

210 x 200 x 195 mm

Print size inches:

8.2 x 7.9 x 7.7 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, USB cable, Wi-Fi

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated, removable and bendable bed
View specs
Dremel Idea Builder 3D40
Perfect 3D printer for in the classroom. Extruder designed to minimize clogging, assisted bed leveling and the advanced motion control minimizes noise.

Best price: $1,299.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 4.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2016

Print size millimeters:

254 x 152 x 170 mm

Print size inches:

10 x 6 x 6.7 inches

Connectivity:

Ethernet, USB cable, WIFI

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Non heated, removable
View specs
Monoprice Maker Ultimate
This is the Monoprice Maker Ultimate. Features we like:

- Sturdy metal frame

- Fully assembled / plug & play

- High resolution
Best price: $449.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 4.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2016

Print size millimeters:

200 x 200 x 175 mm

Print size inches:

7.8 x 7.8 x 6.8 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive print surface
View specs

Final Word

Did we forget a 3D printer that we should really add to this list? Let us know in the comments below or contact us.

Comments

Bernie Lobb says

December 17, 2017 at 12:48 pm

A very interesting list which certainly opened my eyes as to the direction and limits that are available.
It might have been interesting to see a section on 3D printers that can 3D print buildings. I am certainly interested to see what is currently available (not that I want to buy one!) And what the future may hold for housing.

Reply
- Peter Strikwerda says
  
  December 7, 2018 at 3:00 pm
  
  Hi Bernie, take a look here or here.
  
  Reply
Akshay says

February 13, 2018 at 9:30 am

This is a great list of 3d printers. I am a beginner and want to get a 3d printer which is easy to use and yes is affordable, maybe under $500. I am on the same side confused which one to get because I don’t want to spoil my first impressions on this kinda printer. Can you help me decide? By the way, Tronxy X5S looks good to me… is it really great for a beginner?
Thanks!

Reply
- Peter Strikwerda says
  
  February 13, 2018 at 10:34 am
  
  Hi Akshay! The Tronxy X5S is not a 3D printer for a beginner.
  
  Reply
Dhruv says

July 25, 2018 at 3:49 pm

I have two requirements:

– Must have a build volume of at least 325 W 325 L 120 H
– Must be under $2000 USD

Any suggestions?

Reply
- Peter Strikwerda says
  
  July 26, 2018 at 2:59 pm
  
  You can use our compare tool to filter 3d printers.
  
  Reply
Bob says

October 16, 2018 at 5:26 pm

How would you rate the Creality CR-10S5 against this list?

The Modix Big 60 V2 would work for what I’m wanting to do but I’m not clear on the added value given it’s 3x the cost.

I’m wanting a good print size as I will be doing large pieces and would prefer not to have to go to 3 or 4 sections to get them to fit together (rough dimensions are 42″ x 36″ by 12″h).

The 42″ section will have to be 3 sections by design so a 20″ printer seems like it will be fine to keep the large middle section (38″) to 2 pieces.

Ultimately I would like to print in aluminum but I can live with outsourcing the printing at that point (once the design is confirmed to work).

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Reply
- Peter Strikwerda says
  
  October 17, 2018 at 10:16 am
  
  First off, the parts that Modix uses are of better quality. Modix also offers an optional closed print chamber which you might need when printing large parts (prevent warping).
  
  Reply

Best 3D Printers of 2018 – Buyers Guide

What is the best 3D printer?

Best 3D Printers for Professionals

Ultimaker S5

CEL RoboxPro

Modix Big 60 V2

Raise3D Pro2

LulzBot Mini 2

Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers

MakerGear M3 Independent Dual

Raise3D Pro2 Plus

CEL RoboxPro

BCN3D Sigmax

Sindoh 3DWOX 2X

Best 3D Printers for Schools

Ultimaker 3

Dremel DigiLab 3D45

Sindoh 3DWOX 1

Dremel Idea Builder 3D40

Monoprice Maker Ultimate

Final Word

Comments

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