Best 3D printers of 2026: our expert has tested over 50 top machines for modeling, miniatures, crafting, prototyping, and more

Original PRUSA CORE One
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

We've tested more than 50 of the best 3D printers on the market, from cheap, beginner-friendly units to highly accurate resin printers for miniatures and prototyping, and just about everything in between.

After extensive benchmarking, the Bambu Lab H2D is our overall pick for most users who prize speed and precision. Our expert reviewer, Alistair Jennings, especially likes the 4-in-1 model that combines a 3D printer with a laser engraver, cutter, and plotter. If you're selling arts and crafts online, it offers an accurate all-in-one package.

For anyone new to 3D printing, the Creality Hi is an exceptionally good cheap 3D printer, while the performance of the Anycubic Kobra X was loved once our reviewer got it into his workshop. It's fast, fun, precise, and one of the best 3D printers for beginners. Whether you're just starting out in the world of 3D printing, or you're looking for a professional-grade update for your business, these are the top machines TechRadar Pro recommends.

Recent updates

In the recent update, we have rejigged the order on this list, adding ain some also recommended alternatives to some of the printers in specific categories. And we've replaced the Creality Hi 3D with the older Bambu Lab A2L as our budget pick, due the the former being discontinued outside of the US and the latter now coming in at an excellent price.

Best 3D printer overall

The top 3D printer for most people

Specifications

Print technology: FFF/FDM
Build Area: 325 x 320 x 325 mm³
Minimum layer resolution: Not specified
Maximum layer resolution: Not specified
Dimensions: 492 x 514 x 626 mm

Reasons to buy

+
Superb print quality
+
Dual nozzle 3D print head
+
Up to 40 watts laser
+
Decent cutting

Reasons to avoid

-
Laser area is small
-
Workflow issues with advanced materials
-
Purges filament when using more than two
Buy it if...

You want a 3D printer and laser cutting unit
You want high-quality prints at speed

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need a single-filament 3D printer
❌ You just want a 3D printer without the extra features (or you just want a laser cutter)

The H2D Full laser Combo is a bit outside of the usual mainstream 3D printing machine, as essentially it features a range of tool heads for different functions, including laser engraving, cutting, and digital cutting. Those tools aside, the 3D printing heart of this machine is still exceptional, and while there are some quirks, the fact that it offers five filament printing out of the box, with the option to print up to 16 with a few additions, makes it stand out.

The H2D comes in two versions, the straight 3D print and the full laser combo which the straight 3D print version can be upgraded to. Both are multi-material print ready and offer a large build volume with a dual nozzle hotend system that helps dramatically speed up dual filament printing and, to a degree, helps to reduce multifilament print times as well. The dual nozzle also dramatically reduces filament waste for multi-colour or multi-material prints, helping you to save money.

One of the big benefits of the H2D is its heated chamber and all-metal hotend, ensuring that it can handle complex models and more demanding filaments such as ABS and ASA. Through the test, the print quality was consistent, with the kind of precision you'd expect from a commercial unit.

Having the option to swap tool heads means that the H2D is packed with creative potential, making it a great choice if you want to experiment across a range of different media and disciplines, all without needing several separate machines.

There are, of course, a few downsides to the H2D, in as far as it does weild a higher price point than many other enthusiast printers, and the various add-ons, such as the laser and AMS units, will require a bit of workspace and organisation. Personally, our reviewer Alistair Jennings found switching between toolheads to be intuitive once "I'd done it a few times, and even storing all the extra modules and build plates when organised was relatively simple."

The H2D earns its place as 'Best Overall' because it combines superb 3D printing with genuine multifunction creativity in a single machine.

Read our full Bambu Lab H2D 4-in-1 3D printer review

Best 3D printer on a budget

The best budget 3D printer

Specifications

Print technology: FFF/FDM
Build Area: 180 x 180 x 180 mm³
Minimum layer resolution: 40 microns
Maximum layer resolution: 100 microns
Dimensions: 347 x 315 x 365 mm

Reasons to buy

+
Compact frame, affordable price
+
Ultra-fast print option
+
Multiple filament printing

Reasons to avoid

-
Less Responsive Touchscreen
-
Time-Consuming Filament Swaps
-
Lightweight but awkward to carry
Buy it if...

You want a cheap and reliable 3D printer
You want a unit that's compact

Don't buy it if...

❌ You want to a responsive touchscreen
❌ You require an enclosure

Due to being discontinued outside of the US and not being in stock in that nation, we've replaced the Creality Hi with the older Bambu Labs A1 Mini as the budget 3D printer of choice on this list.

Now that's it's a little longer in the tooth, the Bambu Labs A1 Mini has come down in price, but it's still a 5 star scoring prointer in our review, offering a compact desing, excellent printing quality and fast performance.

Where this compact printer wins is with the AMS Lite system that lets it handle up to four different filaments. Usually at this price point, such a feature is reserved for higher-end 3D printers. But here it is in a budget printer and in a faily easy-to-use system. So for people who want to experiment with multiple filaments, the Mini is an attractive proposition.

it's easy to set up too, with it being rather accessible for those new to 3D printing, as there's no manual calibration or assembly required, and a doddle for the more experienced.

The printer is perhaps not as quiet as Bambu Labs totes, but it's not super-noisy either, and still delivers on impressive performance and quality for a printer at this price; it only had failed prints when loaded with old brittle filament that was used to test the filament management system.

"The A1 Mini packs quite a punch in terms of performance and quality for its price point and will find wide appeal for both amateur and professional 3D printing enthusiasts," reviewer Alister Jennings concluded. So this printer is well worth a look, even if it's several years old now.

Read our full Bambu Labs A1 Mini review

Best 3D printer for beginners

A great place to start for multi-filament 3D printing

Specifications

Print Technology: FDM
Build Area: 260 × 260 × 260 mm
Minimum Layer Resolution: 0.05 mm
Maximum Layer Resolution: 0.30 mm
Dimensions: Approx. 500 × 500 × 580 mm

Reasons to buy

+
Really easy to use
+
Good price
+
Native 4-color printing
+
Fast and accurate printing

Reasons to avoid

-
Open-frame limits materials
-
Large amount of purge waste
-
Beyond four color increases the cost
Buy it if...

You want beginner-friendly setup and calibration
You want space to print larger projects when you're more experienced

Don't buy it if...

❌ Professional precision is a must
❌ You can't stand filament waste

The Anycubic Kobra X is a remarkably easy 3D printer to use. Its fast, frustration-free setup takes the intimidation out of first-time assembly and calibration. Guided onboarding and clear calibration steps give you confidence from the first print, setting up anyone entering the world of multi-filament 3D printing.

Print quality is a consistent strong suit. Across a range of real-world test files—bridging, overhangs, and especially first-layer accuracy—the Kobra X printed with minimal fuss, even when we swapped between several PLA and PETG brands. The printer’s settings made it hard to go wrong, making it easy for novices to achieve clean, dimensionally accurate prints without the tuning headaches that often plague entry-level models.

With a 260×260×260mm build area, there’s plenty of space for larger projects or multiple small parts in a single go. This roomy platform, paired with a minimum layer height of 0.05mm, means new users aren’t limited by hardware as their ambitions grow. The frame feels substantial on the workbench, and its specs are more than enough for a hobbyist eager to experiment and improve.

It doesn’t match the QIDI Plus4’s ultra-fine detail or the engineering-grade precision needed for professional miniatures or technical prototypes. If you’re seeking that kind of performance or plan to print in challenging materials, this isn’t the tool for you. For home use and hobby-level projects, the straightforward use and reliable operation make the Kobra X hard to beat.

Although for beginners, there is enough flexibility and upgrade potential to support years of hobbyist growth. The included combo package makes it even more cost-effective for those ready to experiment with more than one filament type. A few trade-offs are worth mentioning: expect to deal with some filament waste during color changes, regular bed cleaning is a must to keep prints sticking reliably, and swapping non-Anycubic filaments can be a bit fiddly. These are minor hassles in the context of what the Kobra X delivers overall, but worth factoring in for the detail-oriented or waste-conscious user.

The Kobra X’s combination of price, approachable workflow, and reliable print profiles make it a clear favorite for those starting their 3D printing journey. Compared to pricier, feature-rich options such as the Bambu Lab H2D Full Laser Combo or the Creality Hi, the Kobra X skips advanced extras like hybrid laser and cutting modules, but it jumps ahead in out-of-the-box usability. In our tests, we spent less time troubleshooting and more time printing, a trade-off new users will appreciate when learning the ropes.

Read our full Anycubic Kobra X review

Save on your next 3D printer with our Anycubic promo codes

Also consider

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

If the Anycubic Kobra X isn't what you're after, then the Bambu Lap A1 and Bambu Lab A2L are both worth considering, with the latter being great at large-format printing. With 5 star and 4.5 star review scores respectively, these are well-priced 3D printers worth your consideration.

Best budget 3D printer for multi-color printing

Low cost with integrated CANVAS multi-color system

Specifications

Print technology: Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Build area: 256 × 256 × 256 mm
Minimum layer resolution: 0.08mm
Maximum layer resolution: 0.48mm
Dimensions: 398× 404× 490mm

Reasons to buy

+
Integrated CANVAS multicolor system
+
Fully enclosed chamber
+
High nozzle temperature

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited to four filaments
-
Filament stored externally
-
Usual issues with the purge waste
Buy it if...

You print engineering materials
You want to print in multi-color on a budget

Don't buy it if...

❌ You mostly print in monochrome single filament
❌ You like to tinker and upgrade your machine, rather than this out-of-the-box 3D printer

The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo might not be the only multi-color 3D printer out there, but considering the low cost, it's easily a stand-out in the market right now.

This CoreXY machine is an upgrade on the original single filament Centauri Carbon, adding in multifilament and an integrated CANVAS system that pushes those colored filaments through a single nozzle head.

"During our my tests, I was immediately impressed with the high quality of the models I printed (see the gallery above for examples). They far surpassed my expectations considering the relatively low cost of the 3D printer. In fact, they were exceptionally good, accurate, and with clean lines to the models," said reviewer Alistair Jennings.

"Another aspect that I really liked is that the Centauri Carbon 2 works with both standard PLA and engineering materials, making it a very versatile budget 3D printer for small businesses."

One word of warning. Because this is a fully enclosed device, filaments are exposed unlike more expensive machines. And in Jenning's review, he spotted very fine filament hairs on the multi-colored prints as a result of the changing temperature and humidity. Once he moved to a more stable environment and replaced the filament, these hairs disappeared. So, be aware if your workshop or studio is prone to these drops and rises. Jenning's advice is to make sure you keep your filament in excellent condition at all times.

Overall, it's a minor issue that's easily rectified and understandable for a reasonably priced multi-color 3D printer that lets you print usable colored parts without breaking the bank.

Read our full Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo review

Also consider

Don't need multi-filament printing? See our Centauri Carbon review, it's an impressive single-filament 3D printer that delivered high-quality prints.

Best 3D printer for business

Effortlessly reliable 3D printing

Specifications

Print technology: FFF/FDM
Build area: 250 x 220 x 270 mm
Minimum layer resolution: 50 micron
Maximum layer resolution: 300 micron
Dimensions: 415 x 444 x 555 mm

Reasons to buy

+
Professional-grade prints
+
Fully enclosed design
+
Temperature-controlled chamber
+
Upgrade and expansion options

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly noisier than some others
-
More expensive than the competition
Buy it if...

You want one of the best 3D printers ever made
You want pro-grade 3D printing results

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're a complete beginner
❌ You're working to a budget

The Original Prusa Core One stands out for businesses for its professional-grade reliability, ease of integration into larger systems, and of course the pure speed and quality of the prints. In our testing experience, it delivers the best print quality you can get from an FDM printer, with excellent mechanical stability, and a workflow that enables you to adapt and add to the printer to suit the needs of your business.

From setup to first layer, the Core One feels different, and its enclosed CoreXY architecture and all-metal build add to the feeling of robustness, making it ideal for prolonged, production-style use with minimal supervision. The integration with PrusaSlicer and Prusa Connect also enables an easy way to centralise management for print jobs, which in our reviewer's case means that they had a Core One and a MK4 and MK4s all running and controlled and monitored from the same system. This makes it a fit for small businesses or prototyping labs.

In terms of print quality, the 3D printer can be summed up as consistent and will produce a similar quality of model from a range of materials; from PLA to engineering components with ASA. As we've seen with the latest advanced printers, the CORE One features automatic bed levelling, filament sensors, and advanced extruder calibration, and while it doesn't have AI cameras and monitoring as standard, from experience it just doesn't seem to need it as the room fault is minimal. Our reviewer has used this model extensively, and it's the one that remains in the office rather than the workshop, always ready to go.

That said, as ever, it's not without limitations. Its build volume (250 × 220 × 270 mm) is smaller than some industrial-grade competitors, potentially requiring staged or split prints for larger items. Maintenance spare parts can be pricey, and the upfront price is higher than entry-level machines, though justified by dependability and ecosystem support and now cheaper than some of the competitors.

In daily use, the Core One has rarely faltered, switching between materials, managing print queues, and handling repeated stress without issue. Its predictable performance and integration-friendly software make it a great solution in the long run. The one other aspect to consider is that the MMU3, which is the multifilament attachment, is yet to be released, but once it arrives, there will be few other printers that will be able to match the Core One, making it our choice for business-use.

Read our full Prusa Core One 3D printer review

Best 3D printer for education

Ideal for schools, classrooms, and academia

Specifications

Print technology: FDM
Build area: 256 x 256 x 260mm³
Minimum layer resolution: 50 microns
Maximum layer resolution: 800 microns
Dimensions: 392 x 406 x 478 mm

Reasons to buy

+
250 hours, zero failures
+
Remarkably simple to use
+
Dual nozzle system
+
Abrasive materials are ready out of the box

Reasons to avoid

-
Bowden hotend speed limited
-
Filament assignment still confusing
-
No filament recycling option
Buy it if...

You want speed, quality, and consistency in the workplace or school
You want reliability and ease of use

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're worried about filament waste - there's still no recycling option here
❌ You want the fastest speeds and you won't settle for 200mm/s of the printer's Bowden auxiliary hotend

The Bambu Lab X2D is a top choice for those working in education: this enclosed dual-nozzle 3D printer is a successor to my previous pick, the X1C, and we find it to be just an incredibly impressive machine.

For one thing, during testing, our reviewer made print after print for 250 hours and experienced zero failures. It didn't matter whether he was printing with PLA, PETG, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, TPU, or dual and multi-material models. Everything printed precisely and consistently, with smooth surfaces and minimal layer lines.

As someone who works with students, safety is why our reviewer always recommend a fully enclosed 3D printer. However, there are a few extra design choices here that make this unit suitable for educational use: it's really simple to use.

That simplicity runs right through the design of the X2D, from the 5-inch touchscreen control and easy AMS loading to switching between nozzles using the gear-and-trigger mechanism. Everything about the operation here feels very straightforward.

Alongside that is the machine's three-stage air filtration system. If you've ever used a 3D printer in a classroom before, you'll appreciate how well the printer handles safely operating in an enclosed workshop, studio, or office without smells or fumes or even much sound even during ABS tests. On that score alone, the X2D feels like a true professional engineering machine.

Where that simplicity doesn't hold true is when assigning filaments for dual-nozzle printing. There's the usual learning curve here, we found it helped being familiar with Bambu Lab's set-up. The only other real negative I found was the speed of the Bowden auxiliary hotend, which is limited to 200mm/s, so it's not the fastest 3D printer in the world.

These are minor issues, really, for an otherwise exceptional and well-priced engineering-minded 3D printer.

Read our full Bambu Lab X2D review

Best 3D printer for miniatures

Idea for miniatures and model-making

Specifications

Print technology: Resin (MSLA)
Build area: 218mm x 123mm x 230mm
Minimum layer resolution: 20 microns
Maximum layer resolution: 90 microns
Dimensions: 325mm x 295mm x 640mm

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely precise
+
Solid build quality
+
Excellent reliability
+
Keeps things nice and simple

Reasons to avoid

-
No auto-fill resin tank
-
Still requires plenty of maintenance
Buy it if...

You want a 3D printer for miniatures and making models
You have limited desk space

Don't buy it if...

❌ You don't like the mess of resin printers
❌ You don't need the fine detail offered by resin printers

Through the test of the Creality Harlot-Mage S 14K, as with the 8K version before it, impressed. Setup and use were easy enough despite the usual mess that comes with using a resin print. Although with the flip lid design and quick-release build platform and resin tank, it goes some way to making life a little easier. While the basics of using the machine is straightforward, there is, as ever, the usual clean-up process that requires both wash and cure. While Creality has paired back this machine, so there's no auto-fill feature, the refinements to the resin tank have made the overall use that much easier.

This machine really excels in terms of the quality of the prints, and at 14K, it's one of the highest-resolution printers out there. Sure enough, as the prints emerged, it was possible to see the detail, and after washing, breaking away the support structures and then curing, our tester saw some of the highest quality prints from this level of 3D printer.

Along with the print quality, we liked the platform size, which is about mid-range sized for this type of printer and essentially makes the quantity of resin in the tank manageable when it comes to the clean-up. Our reviewer found the quality of the prints from this relatively inexpensive resin printer exceptional, which makes it my choice as the best 3D printer for miniatures.

Read our full Creality Harlot-Mage S 14K review

Also consider

We found the Anycubic Photo P1 (read the review) is an excellent next-step alternative for miniature painters, jewellery designers, and prototypers.

Best large-format 3D printer for engineering

Precision engineering at its finest

Specifications

Print technology: FFF/FDM
Build area: 360 x 360 x 360
Minimum layer resolution: 50 microns
Maximum layer resolution: 550 microns
Dimensions: 800×800×900mm

Reasons to buy

+
Large scale printing
+
Up to five materials
+
Less mess than competitors

Reasons to avoid

-
No enclosure (yet)
-
Time-consuming set-up process
Buy it if...

You want one of the fastest multifilament printers out there
You need to print large scale models quickly

Don't buy it if...

❌ You have limited space - this unit is a beast
❌ You're new to 3D printing or you budget is limited

The Original Prusa XL takes 3D printing to another level both in features and scale. This is one of the largest 3D printers that we have looked at and uses the latest COREXY mechanics that have been coupled with Prusa's latest innovations.

This machine has been designed as a modular and can adapt and change as you and your business need, from a single filament machine to a multifilament with four tool heads. However, where it differs from everything else is that it features a multi-tool changer head, which cuts out the need for filaments to be loaded and unloaded during printing. Instead, the head quickly swaps automatically, dramatically cutting down print times when multifilament printing.

In use, the XL impressed from the outset with the speed of the changes, enabling the printing of prototype interaction in multiple different materials quickly. This machine is rarely out of action in the workshop and compliments the smaller MK4S which is utilised for speed and single filament prints. In use, the design feels far more akin to professional workshop machinery than a desktop printer, making it an ideal option for all precision engineering.

Read our full Original Prusa XL review

Also consider

As you'll see in our Bambu Lab A2L review, this machine is an excellent large-format 3D printer, with reviewer Alistair Jennings noting: "The Bambu Lab A2L is a solid upgrade over the highly popular A1, offering a larger print bed and should prove to be a popular choice for cosplayers. As a business machine, it’s also a good option and extremely cheap for a compact print farm, but with a machine that can print at sizes that only premium printers could feasibly produce in the past."

So if you can't get the Original Prusa XL, then the Bambu Lab A2L is well worth your consideration.

Best 3D printers: Also tested

The 3D printing landscape is constantly changing, and I've reviewed many more. Some of our favorite top-rated 3D printers include...

Best 3D printers: FAQs

What is a 3D printer?

Where office-style printers print ink onto paper, you can use 3D printers to build real-world objects made from plastic, metal, and wood digital models for straight-to-market products, spare parts, or prototyping. FDM printers now come in all shapes and sizes and are well-suited to prototyping and crafting larger objects. At the same time, resin-based (SLA, MSLA, and DLP) printers allow for much greater detail, typically at a smaller scale, making them a fantastic buy for anyone looking to design jewelry or create tabletop miniatures.

Whether you are a hobbyist looking to get started in the world of 3D printing or if your business relies on it, 3D printing is a method of creating physical products, unlike any other way we have seen. Printing in 3D is an easy way to create products through additive measures, meaning there is little to no waste. Additionally, the limits are near endless because you can theoretically 3D print just about anything.

What kind of materials does a 3D printer use to print?

3D printers utilize a range of materials to print.

Entry-level FFF 3D printers remain the most popular, as they're usually cheap and easy to use. Good for prototyping and general use, these filament printers use Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), PETG, TPU, Nylon, and Polycarbonate. Of these, PLA and ABS are the most popular at the moment.

A resin 3D printer or stereolithography (SLA) printer offers higher quality and more precision for intricate modeling - but they cost more. These printers use a photosensitive resin exposed layer by layer to create the final model. This lets you print more complex and detailed designs, but takes more time to set up and it’s a bit messier.

Beyond plastics, some of the best 3D printers we've seen are using concretes and metals. You won't see many of these on a desktop. But it's a possible path towards more efficient and sustainable house-building and other large-scale construction work.

What's the difference between FFF vs FDM 3D printers?

While effectively employing the same printing process and using the same materials, there are some differences between a fused filament fabrication (FFF), fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer.

Firstly, FDM is a name trademarked by Stratasys - although other companies can use the name. But it's not the only difference.

You'll find variations in print quality. Working with more materials than FFF 3D printers, true industrial-grade FDM printers offer larger build platforms, fusing use layers closer together for a stronger bond.

On the other hand, this makes them more expensive to buy and run compared to FFF printers, which are popular especially among beginners.

Do 3D printers use a lot of electricity?

It depends on the size of your 3D printer, what materials are being used and how long you're using the machine. In our experience, FDM printers use the least amount of power compared to other 3D printers.

What is the most profitable thing to make with a 3D printer?

There are a wide range of profitable items that can be made with a 3D printer. These range from personalized items such as phone cases an others, to replacements parts, prototypes, and teaching tools. Any of those areas, if marketed correctly, has the potential to be profitable.

Is 3D printing worth investing in?

It depends on how you intend to use your 3D printer and how often (like most things, really). If you're going to get joy out of modeling and printing - whether it's for personal or professional use, then 3D printing is absolutely worth the investment - especially since costs for entry-level 3D printers are coming down.

How to choose the best 3D printer for you

To select the best 3D printer, you'll need to consider what you're going to do with it. If you're going to be printing small objects, then a small-size printer is apt, but a large printer is naturally the best option for bigger creations.

For printing high-quality objects with fine details, you'll need a high resolution printer, but these prints will cost more and take more time to get ready. For additional savings, watch out for Prime Day 3D printer deals and Black Friday 3D printer deals for once the sales are live.

Look out for the printer's interface and the overall ease of use, along with other aspects like the kind of software it uses, the type of filament, build platform, and pricing.

Find our more in our guide How to get started in 3D printing.

How we test the best 3D printers

TechRadar Pro has tested, reviewed, and rated a whole range of printing tools, tech, and services, from the best home printers to the best 3D printers for miniatures. And the team applies the same rigorous testing process to every model so you can make an informed choice.

My testing of the best 3D printers use a collection of bespoke benchmarks that help show the strengths and weaknesses of each model that, after time, can be compared against other products. These will differ depending on printer type, but a filament printer will be tested for stringing, bridging, and speed, as well as additional commentary on detail, achieved, and noise levels.

This will be done fairly, with dues given to different materials and printer types, with resin printers being subject to smaller, more detailed models to replace the stringing test. Design, price, and performance will also be explored as sections within the reviews.

In my 3D print workshop, every 3D printer undergoes a comprehensive testing process, regardless of whether it's budget-friendly or eye-wateringly expensive. Our testing procedures are designed to put these printers through rigorous evaluations to ensure we identify the best options available for you.

The testing journey begins with the initial build, set-up and calibration, assessing the ease of the process. While some printers can be up and running within minutes, others may require far more time and effort.

Next, I examine the first layer print quality, dimensional accuracy, bridging, overhangs, stringing, layer adhesion, and surface finish. Speed is another important factor, as I analyse the time it takes the printer to produce a model without compromising print quality. Noise levels are also a consideration; some printers are far from quiet, especially when the speed picks up - OK for short prints but incredibly annoying if a print duration is hours or days long.

My comprehensive testing includes thoroughly examining features, such as connectivity options, user interface intuitiveness, software compatibility, and any additional functionalities offered. I also explore material compatibility, testing the printer with various filaments or resins to assess versatility.

Finally, I consider the price against the printer's overall performance and features, ensuring it aligns with our expectations. I carefully evaluate the intended market for the printer, considering specific user needs and suitability for various applications. Additionally, I analyse the design and aesthetics, recognising the importance of a well-designed and visually appealing product.

By subjecting each printer to these tests and assessments, I can confidently provide you with an informed recommendation as to which is the best 3D printer for your specific needs.

All of my tests are conducted from the perspective of the printers target market where possible, so expect to see a lot of tabletop miniatures and figurines alongside the usual 'benches' (test models that are also dubbed as 'torture tests' to see where a printer needs to be better optimized for future prints).


For more crafting tools, we've tested and reviewed the best laser engravers.

James Capell
B2B Editor, Web Hosting

James is a tech journalist and Buying Guide Editor at TechRadar, where he manages B2B buying guides to help businesses find the right tools, services, and solutions. With a background spanning editorial leadership, enterprise technology, and building his own ventures, he brings a commercially minded perspective to evaluating the products and platforms businesses rely on. He has covered the technology industry at senior levels across both editorial and operational roles, working closely with some of the world's leading tech companies.

With contributions from