These are the categories in which you most likely fall:
- Your desk is too crowded with 3D printers of all shapes and sizes. The space is too crowded.
- It’s just a starter printer that you want to get the job done.
- If guitars, soccer, and books have not worked to distract your child, then you hope 3D printing will be the answer.
I wouldn’t worry about it. In our review, we listed the best small 3D printers. No engineering degree is required for any of them.
1. Creality CR-100 Mini
Creality is trying to edge out the competition in the small 3D printer market with the CR-100 Mini. It has been ranked among the best.
With this printer, you can start using it right away. The printer simply plugs into the socket, adds the spool of material and you’re ready to go (in plastic).
Three buttons on the touchpad of the printer allow a user to control the temperature, to start and stop the print. Simple and straightforward.
With the CR-100 Mini, you do not need a heated bed (pleasantly). Printed parts are easy to remove. No heating or cooling of the printer is required, saving both time and energy.
Due to ABS’s need for a heated bed, it cannot be printed properly.
There are parts of the original Mona Lisa that are not present in the replica. During tests, some of the replica warped.
Although minor, it’s important to note that Mona Lisa did not contain exactly the same parts as the original. And only an extremely experienced 3D printing hobbyist would consider them unforgivable.
If you have one, kids will love it. They might think it is a truck if they climb on it!
No machine on the list will produce large prints, including the CR-100. Despite the obvious, smaller 3D printers are not able to replicate life-like objects. Miniatures are the most they can accomplish. However, you will save a great deal of space in your house.
I highly recommend purchasing the CR-100 Mini.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Fits comfortably on your desk
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Warping prone
- Professionals should avoid 3D printers
2. Monoprice Select Mini V2 (Best Budget)
It is based on one of the most affordable printers. The printer outperforms the predecessor actually.
Monoprice makes well-performing mini 3D printers that are affordable and similar to Creality. One example of this is the Mini V2.
With this printer, you get a heated bed rather than one that doesn’t. Additionally, we believe this improves adhesion and reduces warping. BuildTak Mat enables the prints to be easily pulled out after printing.
In addition, the print bed temperature only reaches 60°C, which is not ideal for printing ABS.
It possesses a remarkable ability to produce 3D prints that are near-perfectly accurate. We were able to throw anything at it, metaphorically speaking, and it turned out to be pure gold. With a magnifying glass, it’s easy to spot flaws. The print quality, however, is amazing for the price.
The body of this small 3D printer is made up of a lot of metal. Monoprice remains stable during printing because of this.
Sonic the Hedgehog will not be beaten by the Mini V2’s 55mm/sec print speed. A printer like this will not suit an impatient person.
Monopirice Select Mini V2 owners can connect with each other in Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/MPSelectMiniOwners. It is the perfect place to ask any questions about 3D printing.
A great value for those looking for a high-quality 3D printer that is affordable, this printer is ideal.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- High-quality printing
Cons
- Speedy printing is slow
- ABS prints poorly
3. Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite (Best Value)
Do you feel lost in the world of 3D printing because of its rich yet confusing nature?
It has an eye-catching design, the shape of a cube. This is the safest printer for families with children since it is enclosed. Keeping the space closed also prevents children from inhaling toxic fumes and helps control the temperature (so better printing).
Adventure 3 lite’s sibling is equipped with a camera – an attribute missing from its lite version. If you want to be able to watch your prints remotely, you might also want to consider the latter option.
It has a simple and clean UI.
I find that the prints turn out fine when the settings are dialed in, with the layer lines almost imperceptible.
The machine’s print quality is excellent for those who do not understand 3D printing jargon.
The Adventurer 3 lite isn’t without its problems. Several users have reported loud noises and poor customer service.
The Monoprice Select Mini V2 and the Mini V2 are perfect for ABS, but this compact 3D printer is best for ABS. There is no better choice than the Adventurer 3 lite if you want to print functional parts.
Pros
- Keeping children safe requires enclosed spaces
- User-friendly
- Well-suited for printing ABS
Cons
- Loud printers are possible
4. Prusa Mini + (Best Premium Choice)
3D printing veterans are singing the praises of the Prusa Mini +, a small, high-quality 3D printer.
This printer is ideally suited for classrooms and laboratories, both because of its worldwide status and small size. A unique design makes this machine stand out in a crowd.
As is typical for small 3D printers, the printer requires assembly. However, serious hobbyists will enjoy being introduced to the machine while it’s being set up, while beginners may object.
The machine installation takes about one and a half hours. Follow the instructions carefully.
The touchscreen on the MK3S is a welcome upgrade. A newcomer will find it intuitive, and it shows the progress of prints, the materials being used, etc.
The Prusa, just like most human families, is noisier than its elder brother MK3S (yes, printers have problems too).
Prusa machines produce freakishly good prints. It almost meets the standards set by the MK3S (which is incredible considering the MK3S costs twice as much as this model).
There are support options for ABS, PLA, PETG, ASA, and Flex. With 275°C temperatures, it can be a very versatile filament.
With 180x180x180mm, the MK3S’s build volume is 250 x 210 x 210mm, while the MK3 comes with 180x180x180mm.
From a company called 3D Systems comes this great little 3D printer
Pros
- High-quality printing
- Interface that is easy to use
- Multi-filament capability
- Compact and sleek
Cons
- Irritating
5. Monoprice Mini Delta (Fastest Small 3D Printer)
The Mini Delta 3D printer offers yet another mini 3D printer from Monoprice. By defeating the Mini V2, it outshines its brothers.
The Delta is more reliable thanks to its better components. This printer’s print bed also heats up more quickly and keeps its heat longer. Additionally, the V2 has faster printing speeds and a higher layer resolution.
3D printers look amazing. Their high quality construction makes them durable. You can start printing immediately after the printer is unpacked: just connect the magnetic arms, level the bed automatically, and you’re ready to go.
There is a speed difference between Delta and HP printers. Although, I advise against setting the speed too high because it may result in poor print quality.
Next, we come to the quality of print, which was excellent (especially at low speeds). The layers were barely discernible. The print quality here is quite impressive when compared to some of the bigger printers.
This is only a small 3D printer, but there are no safety features, so it is not safe for children.
Although its open nature might seem to create more noise, fortunately this 3D printer whispered quietly away, never bothering anyone.
It is compact, so you can place it anywhere in your office easily (leading your colleagues to envy you).
The low price and excellent print quality make it a highly recommended product.
Pros
- The quality of print is excellent
- Fast printing capability
- Looks amazing
Cons
- Children should not use this product
6. Qidi X-One2 (Alternative Choice – Best Value)
It should not bother you that the name sounds strange. You’ll find it superior to most of the other compact 3D printers on this list.
A lot of the mini 3D printers on this list have the appearance of toy boxes. Although 3D printers may not seem very powerful, they’re really very powerful.
With the Qidi X-One2 printer, you do not have to worry about trying to set up a printer to the point of breaking your brain. This metal printer is as sturdy as a rock since it is made of metal.
Both ABS and PLA can be printed on the printer. With the X-One2, you can resume printing after a power outage thanks to a print recovery feature.
The noise of this printer is comparable to others on this list of introverted 3D printers. Thankfully, the paneling that covers the printer helps to reduce some noise,
BuildTak®-like surfaces on the metal bed allow temperatures of 110 degrees Celsius.
There are big 3D printers in the market that print better than mini 3D printers. Manufacturers design these printers with beginners in mind. The Qidi X-one2 does however produce excellent prints.
One of the reasons to love this 3D printer is the fact that it has a larger build volume (dimensions of 150x150x150mm) than many of those on this list. Those put off by the size of other printers might be tempted by the size of this printer.
This 3D printer is one of the best choices in the small 3D printer category of this list.
Pros
- Printed decently
- Volume of builds is slightly larger
- Durable
Cons
- Loudness may occur
7. Flashforge Finder (Best For Beginners)
Beginners here with 3D printers? Look no further than the Flashforge Finder because it’s the best printer you can get.
Its compact dimensions and simple cube shape make it a portable device. You will be happy to know that you can carry this around easily if you are a tech exhibitionist who loves to show off his tech wares.
Getting your 3D printer set up on your own can be difficult for a beginner. First-timers may also find the process daunting. It doesn’t take long to get started with this 3D printer, because it’s ready to use from the moment you open the box.
Easy use is another feature of the touchscreen. Moreover, it shows you an image of the model before printing, so you can verify whether the print came out as you planned.
This machine works best with PLA. This 3D printer lacks a heated bed, therefore it is unsuitable for ABS. My PLA prints were of adequate quality, and I was pleased with the results. I did find, however, that many prints did not print as smoothly as I would have liked.
Monoprice Mini Delta is louder than the Flashforge Finder. If you sleep in the bedroom, you will not experience any noise disturbances.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- User-friendly
- Peaceful
Cons
- The printer prints only PLA
- There is a lack of quality in the prints
8. Labists Mini X1
Compared to other compact 3D printers we have evaluated, the Labists is an average mini 3D printer. Although this is one of the smallest 3D printers you’ll find on this list, it’s worth adding anyway since it’s the smallest on this list.
Small 3D printers such as this one are extremely affordable. The printer can serve as a great gateway drug for those interested in 3D printing.
It is easy to assemble the printer. You can get started quickly with your first print as it comes in three pieces.
Would you rather not wake your family up when printing at night? Printed in stealth mode, this 3D printer won’t be noticed by anyone.
Start your 3D printing career with the Labists Mini X1.
While its light frame makes it more mobile, stability suffers as a result. Vibrations in 3D printers can damage them over time.
if you’re interested in similar products, you might like this compact printer. This is another affordable model that’s nearly identical. Feel free to choose which printer fits your needs best, as both are similar to the Mini X.
In the beginning I mentioned that these 3D printers don’t come with many bells and whistles, but if you’re on a budget then these are great options.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stillness
Cons
- The printer isn’t the strongest
9. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro (Best 3D Printer For Detailed Prints)
All of the above printers were suitable for ABS or PLA only. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, however, is the best resin printer for you.
A monochrome LCD measuring 6.08 in diagonally has a resolution of 2K HD on the Mars 2 Pro. While this may sound like a lot of technical mumbo-jumbo, it actually just means the printer is faster and more efficient than regular RGB LCD resin printers.
The CNC-machined aluminum body provides solid build quality. The resulting print is accurate because the movements in the machine are steady.
The Elegoo Mars 2 produces prints with excellent detail and high resolution. None of the other printers compare. Though resin 3D printers have better accuracy and resolution than standard FDM machines, they may seem haughty and proud to Elegoo Mars 2. They also produce prints that are more smooth and feel premium.
When looking for your future partner, is speed an important quality? I’m sorry, um..printer? The Mars 2 Pro is extremely fast, once again outperforming those machines listed above.
A mini 3D printer like the Qidi X-One2 is quiet.
Resin 3D printing, which produces toxic fumes, must be approached with caution. The room must be properly ventilated. A person’s skin and lungs may become irritated by the fumes.
With the Mars 2 Pro, you can protect yourself from some fumes generated during 3D printing by using the carbon filter. Even so, you should still take appropriate precautions to protect yourself from harmful fumes.
It is easy to build miniatures and action figures with this printer, which is popular with tabletop gamers and comic book fans.
In this list, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is one of the best machines because it is high-quality and popular worldwide.
Pros
- A great action figure and miniature printer
- High-quality printing
- Printing times are fast
Cons
- Fumes from resins are toxic
10. WZTO Mini 3D Printer (Cheapest Compact 3D Printer)
The Creality CR-100 for kids has already been recommended here, but if you want to experience the best kid printer, then read on about the WZTO Mini 3D Printer.
If you ignore the printer’s ridiculously low price and toylike appearance, you won’t be disappointed in its performance.
We are pleased to introduce the WZTO mini 3D printer, one of the smallest 3D printers on the market. This machine is easy to operate for kids, and the settings are simple.
Its small size and low noise level allow it to be installed in libraries, schools, or in your house without disturbing anyone. Who needs another source of migraines?
A temp of 180°C is achieved by the printer nozzle, so PLA plastic is suitable. The nozzle can be heated up in just five minutes. You’ll be grateful for this if your children are impatient.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Easily operated
- Quiet
Cons
- Quite a basic 3D printer
Conclusion:
Reviewing top five compact 3D printers, we concluded that the brands mentioned above are the best mini 3D printers. In addition to their affordability, they offer high performance. There are, however, some downsides to portable 3D printers, including price and performance. No matter what your needs are, you can get started with 3D printing with any of these small 3D printers.
The Lulzbot Mini, XYZprinting Da Vinci Mini, Monoprice Mini Delta 3D printer, Formlabs Form 2 (resin), UP Mini 2, Lulzbot Mini 2, and Monoprice Select Mini 3D printer are some of the other great options you can try out. However, they tend to be more expensive than these small printers.
