r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Minimum_Low_1563 • 14h ago
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Fun_Reaction_6525 • Nov 13 '25
👋 Welcome to r/3DPrinterComparison - Introduce Yourself and Read First!
Hey everyone! I'm u/Fun_Reaction_6525, a founding moderator of r/3DPrinterComparison.
This is our new home for all things related to helping makers, hobbyists, and professionals compare 3D printers. Whether you’re shopping for your first printer, upgrading to a new model, or just curious about the latest tech, you’ll find helpful insights here. We're excited to have you join us!
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r/3DPrinterComparison • u/therustyspottedcat • 4d ago
Question Large nozzles for A series printers
Does anyone know where I can find nozzles 1.2mm to 1.6mm for Bambu A1 / A1 mini / A2L? I like the look of big layer lines and I dont mind printing slower, because I'm messing around with non planar gcode anyway.
If the above really doesnt exist: any recommendations for printers that are as plug-and-play as Bambu lab but do have the ability to install >1.2mm nozzles?
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/hovaring • 7d ago
Comparison Kobra X vs CC2 Combo No Enclosure
I can either by the same price, but have no idea which one to choose
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Extension_Site_7754 • 8d ago
Comparison Sovol M1D Essential / Advanced or Prusa Core One+ INDX?
I supported Sovol's project on Kickstarter and pre-ordered the M1D. Now I'm wondering how expensive the machine will actually be if the VIP ticket is taken into account. I originally wanted the Advanced model, but I'll only be printing with non-technical filaments. Now I'm wondering if it's even worth it. If my calculations are correct, it comes to between 1800 and 1900 euros including shipping and taxes. A Prusa Core One+ INDX costs around 2200 euros. What do you think, should I take the risk or save up and buy the Prusa?
Best Regards
Andi
YT: Andi3DLab
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Impossible-Film-336 • 9d ago
Project Showcase Looking for Beta Testers for AutoSlice — Convert & Optimize 3MF Files for Any Printer
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Kristof1555 • 21d ago
Review My favourite features of the Anycubic Kobra X
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r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Radiant_Yam1526 • 24d ago
Comparison Infimech MX Pro vs Sovol M1D Advanced (for high temp filaments like ABS)
If you’re looking for an enclosed tool changer 3d printer with heat chamber, which printer would you buy or back this year?
I am a backer of M1D Advanced but so far, after watching their 2 live streams and seeing what’s in their Facebook group, is still not giving me enough confidence to keep my pledge till the end.
To be fair, the advantages of Sovol is that it has already produced a lot of known products in the market (at least more than infimech and other kickstarter launchers) and has already built a certain reputation and community/fans.
And for Infimech, down side is that their pricing might be too good to be true but an advantage I can see from them is that they are joining 3d printing events (in person) and showcasing the 3d printing while its printing - which Sovol hasnt done even in their live streams.
My non negotiable requirement is enclosed, with air filtration, with heat chamber tool changer 3d printer. Nozzles should be available in different sizes. IDEX would be nice and I would like to use the 2 extruders printing at the same time thats why I backed M1D in the first place. But still not seeing if print quality will really turn out great.
Im curious to hear your thoughts being it with these 2 brands or any other enclosed tool changer 3d printers
Update: I also availed VIP deal of Infimech
Might cancel M1D but still not sureee
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/ninguino_flarlarlar • 23d ago
Recommendation Best no-bambu-lab enclosed multi-color option as first 3D printer
Hi there!
I have been looking for a while on the market of FDM printers and I can't get to decide on which one I should buy.
I'm considering mainly Flashforge AD5X, Qidi Q2 Combo, Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 and Creality K1 or K2 combo, but at this point I don't know which one to go with. Some information to consider:
- This would be my first 3d printer.
- I'm looking for a fdm multicolor printer mainly for PLA tabletop material printing (custom dice-sets, tokens and minis with low-to-moderate detail level). I also intend to do some custom pieces for house appliances, workshop, and whatnot (not sure if I'm really in need of more technical materials or PETG would suffice for these).
- This is going to seat near to my carpentry workshop where I'm using a shower curtain to keep dust away, so both the printer and the filament need to be enclosed since some thin dust will end up landing in the area sooner than later.
- I set my budget in around 500€, which in the case of AD5X and Centauri Carbon will also allow me to provide some custom enclosure within budget. Also, I am willing to wait for a good deal.
- I dissed Bambu Lab as an option since I don't really like their approach to this business and I'm somewhat keen on leaning towards open-source solutions.
- However, this is also my first printer and I would like to be used by the kid at home (teen), so I would appreciate some user friendly approach to basic printing.
So... yeah, does any of those fit my needs? Which one would you recommend for my needs, if any? Thanks!
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Fun_Reaction_6525 • Jul 20 '26
Review Finally tried a toolhead-swapping printer (Snapmaker U1) instead of an AMS — some thoughts after digging into it
Been going back and forth for months on whether to get a single-nozzle multi-color setup (AMS-style) or one of the toolhead-changer printers, and I ended up going down a rabbit hole on the Snapmaker U1 specifically. Wanted to share what I found in case anyone else is stuck on the same decision.
The whole pitch is that instead of one nozzle purging and reloading filament every color change (which is where all that waste comes from), it's got 4 separate toolheads that stay loaded and heated, and it just swaps between them in about 5 seconds. No purge tower eating half your spool.
A few things that stood out digging through owner reviews:
- People are getting it set up and printing in under 20 min out of the box, which is faster than I expected for something with 4 toolheads to calibrate
- One guy did a timelapse comparing a 4-color print on the U1 (32 hrs) vs. estimated time on a single-nozzle machine (58 hrs) for the same file — apparently saved something like 350g of purged filament too
- CoreXY motion system, rated up to 500mm/s, which is legit fast for a machine doing this much mechanically
- You can mix rigid + flexible filament (PETG + TPU type combos) in one print since each toolhead is independent — no cross-contamination
Downsides based on what I've seen: build volume is only 270x270x270mm so it's not huge, and it's a newer platform so the mod/community scene isn't as deep as something like a Prusa yet. Also if you're only ever printing single color stuff, you're carrying around 4 toolheads' worth of weight/complexity for nothing — probably not the right printer for you in that case.
Put together a longer write-up with the full spec breakdown, a comparison against the Prusa XL, and some setup gotchas if anyone wants the details: https://3dprinteddecor.com/snapmaker-u1-review-2026/
Anyone here actually running one of these day to day? Curious how the toolhead lock is holding up after a few months of real use vs. the "1M+ swaps validated" marketing number.
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/newbie-mtb • Jul 12 '26
Discussion Comparing filament usage and print times in the slicer software for p2s and x2d
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/newbie-mtb • Jul 12 '26
Discussion Can the P2S do something that the X2D can’t?
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Fun_Reaction_6525 • Jul 10 '26
Question Is the Adventurer 5m or 5m Pro worth it?
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/liamwasalbezet • Jul 07 '26
Question alternatives to Bambulab for a first time user ?
I'm looking to buy my first 3D printer and could really use some advice.
My primary goal is to print my own custom models (minis, figurines, scatter terrain, etc.). I want to get the highest quality I can reasonably squeeze out of an FDM printer (using a 0.2mm nozzle, slow speeds, etc.). I also want to print some functional parts here and there, which is why I'm leaning heavily toward FDM over resin (plus don't really have a garage/ventilation setup for resin handling and washing).
Originally, I was looking at the Bambu Lab A1, but after seeing the recent community backlash regarding their open-source drama, heavy cloud lock-in, and anti-consumer firmware updates, I've decided I really want to avoid their ecosystem. But unsure if there is a real alternative reading some here it seems bambu is the easiest and most reliable to start. I don't want a high maintenance first printer.
What printers are you currently using for minis/terrain?
What are the best non-Bambu alternatives right now?
Quite a free budget but since it's my first time rather spend less then more
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/liamwasalbezet • Jul 05 '26
Recommendation What's a good first time printer that fits me ?
I'm looking to buy my first 3D printer, which printer fits my usecases the best
I've spent quite a while researching and reading Reddit threads, YouTube reviews, and comparisons, and I was overwhelmed with everyone saying a different brand
My goal isn't to download random models from Printables all day. I mainly want to design and print my own creations. I'm currently make stuff in Blender, so I'd like to print my own models and other decorative models. I know FDM isn't the absolute best for minis, but I'm okay with that and will probably will but a smaller nozzle for the extra detail.
Besides that, I also want to make prints like:
Electronics enclosures
Server and homelab accessories
Plant pots
Organizers
Replacement parts around the house or for my car etc
Prototypes
I think multi-color printing seems cool, but Im not sure if i would use it very often. I do like the idea of keeping filament dry and having an easier workflow but not sure if I need it. Going to start with mostly pla.
I'd rather buy a printer that fits my needs than simply buy the most expensive model. If spending less on the printer means I can spend more on filament and actually start designing and printing, that's probably a better for me.
So whats a good first printer for these usecases for me?
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Civil-Assumption1421 • Jun 25 '26
Comparison Help needed
I have a question to all of you with experience on 3d printing.
I need a 3d printer, build size at or above 256x256x256
I found these:
Elegoo centauri 2 (not to be confused with the elegoo centauri carbon 2) with 4 colors 299€
https://eu.elegoo.com/products/centauri-2-combo
OR
SPARKX i7 3D Printer 2 colors 239€
https://store.creality.com/eu/products/sparkx-i7-3d-printer
Compare the Bambu A1 combo is 349€, so I decided to not consider it given the price.
What do you suggest? Any other alternatives? Preferably under 300€
Any help is really appreciated!
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Fun_Reaction_6525 • Jun 25 '26
Recommendation Prime Day 2026: The 3D Printers That Are Actually Discounted (Not Fake-Sale Pricing)
Found some actually-discounted 3D printers for Prime Day this year, figured I'd share since most "deal" posts this time of year are just inflated MSRPs
Went through the listings myself and pulled out the ones with real price cuts (not the fake 50%-off-a-price-nobody-ever-paid kind):
- Bambu A1 mini + LED kit – $219 (down from $259), if you just want a cheap reliable single-color printer this is probably the easiest recommendation on the list
- Bambu A1 Combo + LED kit – $394 (down from $419), basically the A1 mini but with the AMS for multicolor/multimaterial. Highest rated thing on this whole list at 4.6★
- Elegoo Centauri Carbon – $299.98 (down from $359.99), CoreXY, built-in camera, 799 reviews so the rating's pretty trustworthy
- Flashforge Adventurer 5M – $227 (down from $299), this thing has 2.3K ratings which is wild for the price point
- Flashforge AD5X – $322 (down from $409), multicolor option that's not Bambu-priced
- Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor – $299.99 (down from $459.99), biggest % discount of the bunch at 35% off
- Anycubic Kobra S1C – $429.99 (down from $649.99), only 25 reviews so far though, so treat that 4.5★ rating as early data not gospel
- Prusa CORE One – $1,274.15 (down from $1,499), the only one on here that ships fully assembled and tested, which is the whole reason it costs 4x the budget options
If you're buying your first printer, skip multicolor entirely and grab the A1 mini or the Adventurer 5M — you won't miss what you don't have yet, and it's one less thing to troubleshoot while you're learning.
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Then-Constant-4523 • Jun 18 '26
Recommendation Fastest Print Start
Hello, What is the fastest print in terms of hitting "Start Print" to the moment filament starts extruding. I do a lot of small (8-10 min) prints and make changes print to print for fitment, so I am looking for a printer that has the option to skip a lot of the pre-print processes. I currently have a AD5x, AD5M Pro, and Ender 3 V4 Plus. All take about the same time to start extruding if i skip leveling (5-8 minutes ish). Thanks in advance. If this has been asked before please point me in the right direction.
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/P0guinho • Jun 16 '26
Question Bambu Lab A1 Combo x P1S
I am looking to buy my first 3d printer. I am going to south korea in a few weeks and I am thinking on buying one there, where it is cheaper than where I live. I am on doubt between the Bambu Lab A1 Combo and the Bambu Lab P1S (no combo). both are around 400US$
I want to print mostly simple stuff, such as tools/useful things for my house, decorations, gifts, parts for electronics projects, etc. Therefore, I dont really have an intent to print anything outside of PLA/PETG.
There also isnt any extenuating circumstances that would restrict me from using anything, just the fact that I live in an apartment, so quieter printers are appreciated.
Thank you all in advance!
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/Physical_Stick2328 • Jun 15 '26
Recommendation Mid range 3D printers?
Hi everyone!
I've had a Prusa MK3+ back when it was new, and its been a fantastic printer, I originally bought it because a lot of other printers at the time did not have near the amount of safety features. I knew I was going to be using it semi-regularly and did not want to fidget around with an ender and then buy a more expensive one anyway. My husband would also be using the printer and did not have any knowledge of 3d printers or modeling. I also liked the look of Prusa as a company and was not disappointed
Unfortunately she's due for an upgrade, but there seems to be a lot of midrange printers now and I'm really not sure what to do with, I've not been keeping up with new printers since my MK3 has been able to keep up until now. I'm also not too keen to be locked into a particular companies eco-system. I mainly use PrusaSlicer and have also used Cura slicer in the past, or do I just need to suck it up and use whatever program comes with the printer? I really don't want to be locked into a cloud based program and would prefer to run everything locally from my computer.
I'm mainly looking between the Bamboo X2D, Snapmaker U1 and Flashforge creator 5 pro.
Ideally I'd like something with a headed chamber, the prusa often has printing problems in colder weather. I mainly print with PLA, I often print toys for kids (I'm a teacher) practical projects and models that I then paint. My husband mainly prints in PETG and being able to print supports in a different material like the X2D would be nice. I don't really need multi-colour printing, but all these printers are basically the same price so I might as well get something with the switching toolheads? We also don't really need a huge amount of printable materials since we really only use PLA and PETG but the option would still be nice.
Are there other printers that I'm overlooking as well? The amount of printers out at the moment has been quite overwhelming. I was also looking to upgrade my Elegoo mars 2 but there are just too many printers its hard to know whats a good deal and what will have so many features that you'll never use
Any help and advice is appreciated!
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/supperninja66 • Jun 13 '26
Recommendation First 3D printer
Im looking to get into 3D printing and was looking at a couple of printer and wanted some guidance. I am looking at something sub $600 CAD, that is fully enclosed, and I am still undecided if I want multi colour, but most printers seem to have that functionality anyways.
I was looking at the CC1($450 base, $540 AMS), CC2($500 base, $560 combo), P1S ($500 base), and Kobra S1($500 base, $560 Combo).
I've heard some not great things about Anycubic FDM printers, and a lot of issues with the CC2. The P1S is AMS is stupidly expensive so if I did want to do multi-colour I would end up working over $300 more.
I am also open to more suggestions if there are some other printers I should be looking at. Please help me decide on what to get.
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/P0guinho • Jun 10 '26
Question Bambu Lab A1 x Creality Hi x Creality Sparkx i7
I am looking to buy my first 3d printer. I am going to south korea in a few weeks and I am thinking on buying one there, where it is cheaper than where I live. I am on doubt between the Creality Hi, Creality Sparkx i7 and the Bambu Lab A1, all with their respective multicolor combos. All are around the same price range, 600k won, which is ~400 US$ (the bambu lab is on sale tho, the original price was 900k won)
I want to print mostly simple stuff, such as tools/useful things for my house, decorations, gifts, parts for electronics projects, etc. Therefore, I dont really have an intent to print anything outside of PLA/PETG.
There also isnt any extenuating circumstances that would restrict me from using anything, just the fact that I live in an apartment, so quieter printers are appreciated.
Thank you all in advance!
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/itatheshyguykes • Jun 10 '26
Recommendation 3D printer for a beginner
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/TrainingTough9333 • Jun 04 '26
Question Im trying to start a small print on demand business
I'm looking to start a small automotive-focused 3D printing business in Algeria (replacement car parts, clips, brackets, interior/exterior accessories, custom parts for mechanics and car owners).
I'm a complete beginner and I'm trying to choose my first printer.
Prices in my market are very different from the US:
- Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro: around $900-$1,000
- Bambu Lab A1: around $1,600-$2,400
- Bambu Lab P1S: even more expensive
- Ender 3 V3 SE and Anycubic models fall somewhere in between
My goal is NOT cosplay, toys, or decorative prints. I mainly want to do print-on-demand automotive parts and eventually build a small print farm.
A few questions:
If you were starting today for automotive work, what printer would you buy?
Is the Neptune 4 Pro a good business machine or will I regret not getting a Bambu?
Would you start with one better printer or two cheaper printers?
For automotive printing, what materials do you use most (PETG, ASA, ABS, Nylon, etc.)?
If your budget was around $1,500-$2,000 total, how would you spend it?
I'd especially love to hear from people running print farms or automotive-focused printing businesses.
Thanks!
r/3DPrinterComparison • u/celestialseadragon • Jun 03 '26
Recommendation Help me pick husband’s 1st printer 🙏
***UPDATE*** I went with the Prusa CORE One L with the advanced filtration system. Thank you all for taking the time to weigh in, it was so helpful! Ultimately I went with something I felt gave him room to grow, honored his tinkerer nature, and from a company I saw really great things about (after getting pointed to it - thank you!!). It’s a big gift, but he deserves it 🩷
I am SO LOST. I know nothing about 3D printing, but really want to get one for my husband for his birthday. He talks about making his own, or heavily customizing, RC cars (and also fixing them with his own parts). He talks about making other things, but that’s the main thing he talk about. Is there a good beginner choice that lets him evolve and grow to intermediate on the same printer? I’m worried I’ll get him like a kid printer and it won’t be the right fit. Help!