3D printers / Guide
Selecting the Right 3D Printer
A short guide

Selecting the Right 3D Printer

Updated at 2026-09-13

Finding a machine depends on what you plan to make and where you plan to keep it. This guide explains the different categories found in our listings.

Our method

How we organize these listings

We track 116 brands to keep this set of data current and useful for builders and hobbyists.

Print technology

We group machines by their mechanical style, including FDM filament printers for functional parts and LCD or SLA resin printers for high-detail work.

Speed and volume

This catalog identifies machines capable of 500mm/s performance and those with large build volumes for oversized industrial prototypes.

User readiness

We separate DIY kits that are fun to assemble from pre-assembled machines that are ready to print out of the box.

Filament versus resin

FDM machines use PLA, PETG, or ABS filaments and are popular for home and school use because the materials are easy to handle. Resin printers, including LCD and DLP types, use liquid tanks to achieve much higher precision for professional or artistic models.

Speed and motion systems

High-speed printers and CoreXY systems are built for rapid production, often reaching speeds of 500mm/s. These are ideal for users who need to iterate on designs quickly without waiting all day for a single part.

Workspace considerations

Mini 3D printers fit well on small desks, while enclosed 3D printers help manage the environment around the print. For those working in shared spaces, silent 3D printers use specific motor drivers to reduce noise during operation.

This range

Open a collection

Pick a set that matches how you will use it

Glossary

Key terms inside the catalog

Resin 3D printers

Liquid photopolymer machines for high-detail miniatures and jewelry

LCD 3D printers

Resin hardware using LCD screens to mask UV light for each layer

Budget

The lower-priced listings in this catalog

FDM 3D printers

Filament-based machines for functional parts and hobbyist projects