Best 3D Printers to Buy in 2025: The world of 3D printing continues to evolve rapidly, and 2025 is shaping up to be an impressive year for makers, designers, educators, and home hobbyists alike. With faster print speeds, more reliable auto-bed leveling, and the expansion of multi-material capabilities, today’s 3D printers are more powerful and accessible than ever.
Whether you’re printing cosplay props, prototyping mechanical parts, or teaching STEM in the classroom, there’s a printer built for your needs—and your budget. This guide explores the top 3D printers to buy in 2025 across categories like affordability, versatility, speed, and ease of use.
Key 3D Printing Trends in 2025
Before diving into specific models, here are some key industry trends shaping this year’s best printers:
- Klipper Firmware Support: More printers now include Klipper out-of-the-box for faster, smoother prints.
- Input Shaping and Pressure Advance: These features reduce ringing and artifacts, producing higher-quality results at higher speeds.
- All-Metal Hotends: Even entry-level printers are moving to all-metal designs for higher-temp filament compatibility.
- Multi-Material Printing: Budget options now support multi-color or multi-material printing via AMS or direct systems.
- CoreXY and Enclosed Builds: Increased adoption of CoreXY systems for speed and precision; enclosed printers for better temperature control.
Top 3D Printers to Buy in 2025
1. Bambu Lab P1S – Best Overall Value
Price: ~$699
Type: FDM
Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
Best For: Makers, tinkerers, small business prototyping
Bambu Lab’s P1S builds on the success of the P1P, adding an enclosure for printing high-temp materials like ABS and ASA. With blazing fast speeds, auto-bed leveling, a direct drive extruder, and exceptional print quality, it’s the perfect mid-tier printer that punches well above its price tag.
Pros:
- Klipper firmware for advanced tuning
- Optional AMS for multi-color printing
- Silent and fast
- Rock-solid out-of-box performance
Cons:
- Limited tinkering (closed ecosystem)
- No touch screen UI
2. Creality K1 Max – Best for Speed and Large Prints
Price: ~$999
Type: FDM
Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 300 mm
Speed: Up to 600 mm/s
Best For: Speed-focused large prints
Creality’s flagship K1 Max combines insane print speeds with a generous build volume, AI camera monitoring, and cloud integration. It’s designed for users who want fast, reliable prints without the tinker-time of DIY kits.
Pros:
- Enclosed chamber
- AI camera detects print issues
- High-temperature capabilities
- Fast setup and auto-calibration
Cons:
- Cloud features require Creality Cloud
- Louder than average
3. Prusa MK4 – Best for Reliability and Ecosystem
Price: ~$1,099
Type: FDM
Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 220 mm
Speed: ~200 mm/s (with Input Shaper)
Best For: Professionals and educators
The MK4 brings Prusa into the modern Klipper-compatible world, offering excellent reliability, safety, and a huge support community. Built with high-quality components, it’s ideal for educational use and professional prototyping.
Pros:
- Near-silent operation
- Exceptional support and open-source software
- Smooth calibration and filament sensing
- Backward-compatible upgrades
Cons:
- Slower than Bambu or K1
- More expensive for similar specs
4. Anycubic Photon Mono M5s – Best Budget Resin Printer
Price: ~$379
Type: MSLA (Resin)
Resolution: 12K
Build Volume: 218 x 123 x 200 mm
Best For: Miniatures, jewelry, fine detail
Anycubic’s M5s is shaking up the resin market with ultra-high resolution at an affordable price. The auto-bed leveling, improved resin detection, and hands-free leveling make it beginner-friendly yet pro-capable.
Pros:
- 12K resolution
- Resin detection and smart functions
- Compact and affordable
- Great for hobbyists and designers
Cons:
- Odor (like all resin printers)
- Limited print volume
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5. Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus – Best Budget Large-Format FDM
Price: ~$299
Type: FDM
Build Volume: 320 x 320 x 385 mm
Speed: 500 mm/s (with Klipper)
Best For: Big prints on a budget
With Klipper pre-installed, dual gear direct drive, and a massive build area, the Neptune 4 Plus is unbeatable in its price range. While it may need minor tuning, it’s a dream for DIYers who want print volume and speed without the price tag.
Pros:
- Excellent print area
- Great speed and features for the price
- Touchscreen and Klipper UI
- Good community support
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Occasional bed leveling issues
6. Snapmaker J1s – Best IDEX Printer
Price: ~$1,299
Type: FDM (IDEX)
Build Volume: 300 x 200 x 200 mm
Best For: Multi-material printing
IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) printers are rare in this price bracket. The Snapmaker J1s is a robust CoreXY machine that prints two materials (like support or color) simultaneously without contamination or wipe towers.
Pros:
- Seamless dual-extrusion
- Fast and strong CoreXY motion
- Enclosed and sturdy
- Great software support
Cons:
- Requires setup and learning curve
- Large footprint
7. AnkerMake M5C – Best for Beginners
Price: ~$399
Type: FDM
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Speed: 500 mm/s
Best For: First-time users and simple setups
Anker’s M5C is stripped down from the M5 to be budget-friendly but keeps the blazing speed and auto-calibration features. A perfect entry point for beginners who want smart features without a huge investment.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable prints
- Excellent app and Wi-Fi control
- Quick setup
- Compact and stylish design
Cons:
- Single-button interface
- No touchscreen or screen
FAQs
What’s the difference between FDM and Resin 3D printing?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) uses melted plastic filament and is ideal for larger prints and durable parts. Resin (MSLA/SLA) printing uses light-cured liquid resin and excels at high-detail miniatures, models, and dental applications.
How fast can modern 3D printers print?
Thanks to Klipper firmware and CoreXY designs, top-tier printers like the Bambu Lab P1S and Creality K1 Max can print up to 500–600 mm/s with impressive quality—much faster than traditional 3D printers.
What should I look for in a beginner-friendly printer?
- Auto-bed leveling
- Pre-assembled or semi-assembled setup
- Intuitive software (like PrusaSlicer or Cura)
- Active support community
- Print quality out of the box
Are enclosed printers better?
Yes especially for printing temperature-sensitive materials like ABS, ASA, or Nylon. Enclosures maintain consistent temps and help with noise and fumes.
Can I print in multiple colors or materials?
Yes. Printers like the Bambu P1S with AMS or Snapmaker J1s allow for multi-material or multi-color prints. IDEX systems even allow two different filaments at the same time without blending.
How much maintenance do 3D printers require?
Regular tasks include:
- Keeping the bed level
- Cleaning the nozzle
- Lubricating moving parts
- Updating firmware
- Replacing nozzles occasionally
Is resin printing safe?
Yes but it requires safety precautions:
- Use gloves and eye protection
- Print in well-ventilated areas
- Properly cure and dispose of resin
- Avoid skin contact
What software do most printers use?
Most printers are compatible with:
- Cura (open-source, customizable)
- PrusaSlicer (great for supports and multi-material)
- Bambu Studio (for Bambu printers)
- Lychee or Chitubox (for resin)
Can I use third-party filaments?
Most open printers allow it. Some (like Bambu Lab) recommend proprietary spools but still accept third-party filament with or without adapters.
What’s the best 3D printer under $500 in 2025?
- AnkerMake M5C for easy, fast FDM
- Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus for large format DIY
- Anycubic Photon M5s for high-resolution resin