Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2025
In 2025, there are more off the shelf 3D printer offerings than ever before. Thanks to constant improvements in the tools we use to slice models and control our printers, it's also never been a better time to be a beginner looking to get into 3D printing. In this article, we'll discuss what features to look for if you're in the market for your first 3D printer.
Criteria
What does it mean for a 3D printer to be "beginner friendly"? We'll be looking at printers that satisfy several criteria:
Auto-Calibration
Calibration used to be the most frustrating part of operating a 3D printer. To generate consistent, high-quality prints, users had to tune things like the flow rate, printhead acceleration, and even bed level by hand. Modern 3D printers automatically take care of a lot of these, which can make it easier for beginners to get printing with fewer frustrations.
Software Support
While it's certainly possible to use any slicer for any 3D printer, this is usually an advanced topic that involves manually setting up your printer's physical specifications in a slicer. For people who are just getting into 3D printing, having a piece of software provided by the manufacturer of the printer massively simplifies the printing process.
Low Cost
There are plenty of 3D printers that are well worth the money, but it can be a lot to ask of a hobbyist to spend upwards of a thousand dollars on a new tool. Many of us have taken the route of starting out with an inexpensive printer, then upgrading to a more expensive printer as our needs change. Low cost printers allow beginners to test the waters of 3D printing without breaking the bank.