September 2021
3D Printers: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of 3D Printer rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2021.
At a glance - September 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | 3D Printer |
CNET
|
Tom's Guide
|
ZD Net
|
Omnicore
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Digital Trends
|
All3DP
|
TechRadar
|
3d Sourced
|
PCMag
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
FormLabs Form 3
|
-
|
2
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
19
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $1600 |
Dremel Digilab 3D45
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
14
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $1850 |
LulzBot Mini 2
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
6
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Original Prusa i3 MK3S
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
|
5
|
- | $400 |
Monoprice MP Voxel
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $190 |
Monoprice Select Mini v2
|
2
|
-
|
12
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
+7 | Check price |
Anycubic Vyper
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $180 |
Monoprice MP Mini Delta
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
9
|
-1 | $279 |
Creality Ender 3 V2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | $298 |
Polaroid PlaySmart
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
11
|
- | Check price |
Peopoly Phenom
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $6355 |
Ultimaker S5
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
5
|
|
13
|
-3 | Check price |
Original Prusa Mini
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
|
14
|
-1 | $236 |
Elegoo Mars 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $4080 |
Ultimaker S3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
18
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Anycubic Photon
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | Check price |
BCN3D Sigma D25
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
-
|
|
18
|
+1 | $3499 |
Raise3D E2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
+5 | $1922 |
MakerBot Replicator+
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
20
|
New * | $649 |
Flashforge Creator Pro 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
21
|
+1 | $700 |
Anycubic Photon Mono X
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
22
|
-4 | Check price |
Original PRUSA SL1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
15
|
-
|
|
23
|
-3 | $1249 |
Snapmaker 2.0 Modular
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
12
|
-
|
We ranked FormLabs Form 3 #1 in September 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked FormLabs Form 3 as #1.
Tom's Guide
A Great Resin 3D Printer
|
Pros
Excellent print quality
Support for a range of Formlabs supplied materials
Supports multiple users and printers
|
Cons
Expensive
Using third-party resins may violate warranty
|
TechRadar
The Best SLA Printer
|
Pros
High-quality printing
Wide material support
|
Cons
SLA prints require cleaning
|
We ranked Dremel Digilab 3D45 #2 in September 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Dremel Digilab 3D45 as #1.
All3DP
Best 3D printers: Education
|
Pros
Easy to set up and use
Excellent print quality when using proprietary materials
Designed to enhance safety and reliability
|
PCMag
Top Overall Value for Serious Users / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Very good print quality.
Easy to use.
User-friendly yet powerful software.
Prints via USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, and from a USB thumb drive.
Safe design.
Relatively quiet.
|
Cons
Limited filament colors compared with competitors.Touch screen is not particularly responsive.
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend 3D Printers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of 3D Printers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2021 ranking
CNET
Tom's Guide
ZD Net
Omnicore
Popular Mechanics
Digital Trends
All3DP
TechRadar
3d Sourced
PCMag
We ranked LulzBot Mini 2 #3 in September 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best intermediate 3D printer
|
Pros
Prints are fast and of high quality
Supports a wide range of materials
Printer is quiet
|
Cons
More expensive than many comparable models
|
TechRadar
Another Great 3D Printer for Beginners
|
Pros
Very easy to use
Open-source
|
Cons
Open frame design
|
PCMag
Premium Model for Hobbyists and Schools
|
Pros
Easy to set up and use.
Powerful software.
Quiet operation.
Supports a variety of filament types.
LCD with SD-card slot.
Self-leveling print bed.
Easy to remove finished objects from print bed.
Works with Windows, macOS X, and Linux.
|
Cons
Print quality inconsistent at times.
No bundled filament.
Open frame increases risk of burns from a hot extruder.
Relatively sparse connectivity options.
|
We ranked Original Prusa i3 MK3S #4 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Original Prusa i3 MK3S as #1.
All3DP
Best 3D Printer
|
Pros
Exceptional print quality
Advanced calibration and print monitoring
Excellent support and involved community
|
Cons
Dated UI
Pricey
|
PCMag
Well Suited for Hobbyists and Schools / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Consistently high-quality prints
No misprints in our testing
Supports multiple filament types
Includes a 1-kilogram PLA spool
Useful, professionally printed user guide
Great support resources
Versatile, user-friendly software
|
Cons
May require monitoring if children or pets are around during printing
|
We ranked Monoprice MP Voxel #5 in September 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Monoprice MP Voxel as #1.
Tom's Guide
Best 3D Printer for Post People
|
Pros
Excellent print quality
Fast print speed
Heated print bed
|
Cons
Lackluster software
Some Wi-Fi connection issues
|
All3DP
Best 3D printers: Budget
|
Pros
Easy to set up
Quiet
Impressive quality of life features
|
We ranked Monoprice Select Mini v2 #6 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Monoprice Select Mini v2 as #1.
We ranked Anycubic Vyper #7 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Anycubic Vyper as #1.
TechRadar
The best beginner friendly FDM 3D printer
|
Pros
Built-in accessories drawer
Reliable automatic bed-leveling
Great value
|
Cons
Excessive initial stringing
Questionable assembly
Cura profile needs fine-tuning
|
We ranked Monoprice MP Mini Delta #8 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best 3D printer under $200
|
Pros
Prints PLA, ABS, PETG, and other materials
Excellent print quality for the price
Costs less than $200
|
Cons
Smaller build volume than other low-cost printers
Software has some rough edges
|
PCMag
Good Starter Model for Beginners, Non-Techies
|
Pros
Sub-$200 price
Quick, nearly misprint-free printing
Easy setup and operation
Sturdy steel-and-aluminum frame
Supports multiple filament types
|
Cons
Tiny build area
So-so print quality
Mere one-year warranty
|
We ranked Creality Ender 3 V2 #9 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
All3DP
Best 3D printers: Budget
|
Pros
High-quality prints
Excellent price-to-performance
32-bit board with TMC2208 drivers (read: it’s quiet)
|
We ranked Polaroid PlaySmart #10 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Fast,High-Quality 3D Prints
|
Pros
High-quality prints
Good print speed
|
Cons
Smaller print area than similar models
Software is not very flexible
|
PCMag
A Budget Pick Suited to Small Objects
|
Pros
Small, lightweight for a desktop 3D printer.
Easy to set up and use.
Supports PLA, PETG, and wood composite filaments.
Multiple-color support.
Wi-Fi camera monitors print jobs.
Prints from USB drives, SD cards, or mobile devices.
|
Cons
High price for its capabilities.
Small build area.
Too-brief warranty.
|
We ranked Peopoly Phenom #11 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A Capable SLA Printer For Less
|
Pros
Big print area
Supports a wide variety of resins
Costs less than rival SLA printers
|
Cons
Noisy
Interface can be confusing
|
All3DP
Editor's Pick
|
Pros
Massive build volume
Easy print plate leveling
Responsive UI
|
We ranked Ultimaker S5 #12 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
PCMag
Pro-Grade Printing of Large Objects
|
Pros
Dual extruders.
Large build volume.
Quiet.
Good print quality.
Easy setup and operation.
Touch screen.
|
Cons
Pricey.
Relatively slow printing at default resolution.
|
We ranked Original Prusa Mini #13 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Original Prusa Mini as #1.
TechRadar
Small,affordable and remarkable 3D printer
|
Pros
Great value
Easy to use
|
Cons
Reel sits separately
Imperfect print quality
|
PCMag
Ideal for Price-Conscious Tinkerers
|
Pros
Top-notch object quality
Supports a variety of filament types
Useful, professionally printed user guide
Great support resources
Versatile, user-friendly software
|
Cons
First-layer calibration can be tricky
Only includes starter packets of filament
Requires monitoring if young children or pets are around
|
We ranked Elegoo Mars 2 #14 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Elegoo Mars 2 as #1.
All3DP
Best 3D printers: Budget
|
Pros
Vibrant design
Reliable, great print quality
Easy to use
|
We ranked Ultimaker S3 #15 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
TechRadar
The Best 3D Printer for College Education
|
Pros
Class-leading print quality
Easy to network
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked Anycubic Photon #16 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
We ranked BCN3D Sigma D25 #17 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
We ranked Raise3D E2 #18 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
TechRadar
The Best Workhorse 3D Printer
|
Pros
High resolution
Touch screen interface
|
Cons
Huge and heavy
|
We ranked MakerBot Replicator+ #19 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
PCMag
Best for Product Designers,Engineers,Serious Hobbyists
|
Pros
Easy to use.
Very good print quality.
User-friendly yet powerful software.
Prints via USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, and from a USB thumb drive.
Safe design for an open-frame printer.
Relatively quiet.
|
Cons
Printer setup through MakerBot Mobile app can be tricky.
Somewhat pricey filament.
|
We ranked Flashforge Creator Pro 2 #20 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
We ranked Anycubic Photon Mono X #21 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
All3DP
Best 3D printers: Budget
|
Pros
Large build volume
Fast and high-detailed prints
Minimal setup
|
We ranked Original PRUSA SL1 #22 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
TechRadar
The Best MSLA Printer
|
Pros
High Quality printing
Wide material support
|
Cons
SLA prints require cleaning.
|
We ranked Snapmaker 2.0 Modular #23 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best 3D Printers” rankings.
TechRadar
Best 3-in-1 3D Printer
|
Pros
3D printer, CNC, and Laser cutter in one
Solid design
|
Cons
Switching between uses takes time
|