From hulking and expensive behemoths of the past decade that were reserved for industrial applications, 3D printers have in the recent past become smaller, more viable, and affordable devices that can be used by designers, schools, engineers, and even hobbyists. Better yet, today these devices are also available in models for the younger ones. Hence, if you are thinking of getting something cool for your kid, a 3D printer will be a great buy.
The rapid development of technology has resulted in the proliferation of many beginner-friendly 3D printers on the market that can be used easily by kids. But because they are not all made the same and the wide variety of options can make things a little confusing, here we help narrow down your options with reviews of 10 of the best 3D printers for kids out there.
Top 10 Best 3d Printers for Kids Reviews:
Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer V2
- The heated build plate and wide range of extruder temperatures allow this printer to work with any type of filament, from basic filaments, such as ABS and PLA, to more advanced materials
- Compact Desktop Design: Featuring a small footprint and basic, open frame design, this 3D printer is compact enough for any desk.
- Ready to Print: Unlike most other low-cost 3D printers, this printer ships fully assembled and has already been calibrated at the factory.
- We even include a MicroSDTM card with preinstalled models, so you can start printing right out of the box!
- PC and Mac compatible. Compatible with Cura, Repetier, and other software.Max. Extruder Temperature: +482°F (+250°C)
This Monoprice 3D printer offers you sturdiness thanks to a mostly sheet steel structure and a design that does not make any effort to conceal the bolt heads. It also has a full-color screen that is clear enough to make it easy to operate the machine.
Another great component of this printer is that it allows you to use any brand of filament, which means that you can go for something that offers you the best value. Also, it allows the use of third-party applications which is a great advantage as it increases your flexibility in terms of innovation and model preparation.
Conclusion: This is the ideal 3D printer to get for a teenager who has shown interest in design and technology.
Pros
- Closed system
- Easy to use
- Excellent connectivity
- Clear LCD screen
Cons
- Only has a single extruder
da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer
- 【Accuracy & Speed】— XYZprinting Da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer offers scary fast printing speed meanwhile keep a consistent 200 micron printing resolution.
- 【Less Wait Time 】— XYZprinting Da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer only takes about 1min to heat up the nozzle. Suggested setting: 245 degree of nozzle for using PLA/ Tough PLA/ PETG Filament.
- 【Print Dimension is not so mini】— With a printing dimension of 5.9’ x 5.9’ x 5.9’ you can print a wide of array of objects at a great size
- 【No Assembly Required Plug & Play】— XYZprinting Da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer comes with newest UI which makes it so easy to start with your first 3D printing project.
- 【Buying with Confidence】— XYZprinting provides excellent after sale customer service. If you have any question or concern regarding the product you can contact us right away with phone support team.
If you are out for a 3D printer designed for beginners, then you cannot go wrong with this product. It comes fully assembled and calibrated and uses only XYZ printing filaments, which frees you from the need to adjust any material settings.
The machines can be used straight from the box and can be considered the easiest 3D printer to use, which makes it perfect for your kids. Also, it is lightweight and can be moved easily around the house by the kids if whenever they need to work on any projects. The unit also comes with lessons that will develop your kids’ problem-solving skills and collaborative learning.
Conclusion: This is a great 3D printer that is designed specifically for beginners. This is the attribute that makes it ideal for your kids as they explore their creativity and skills. It is a very easy-to-use 3D printer.
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy operation
- Easy installation
- Quiet operation
- Excellent connectivity
Cons
- Limited to just XYZ printing filament
- The nozzle can be clogged
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
- Resume Printing Function: Ender 3 has the ability to resume printing even after a power outage or lapse occurs.
- Easy and Qucik Assembly: It comes with several assembled parts, you only need about 2 hours to assemble 20 nuts well.
- Advanced Extruder Technology: Upgraded extruder greatly reduces plugging risk and bad extrustion; V-shape with POM wheels make it move noiseless, smoothly and durable.
- Safety Protected Power Supply: Only needs 5 minutes for hot bed to reach 100 degree.
- Strict Test: Strict testing for key components before delivery and life-time technical supports available.
Ender 3 is an efficient and affordable option to get for your kids as they start on their creative journey. This 3D printer has the ability to offer you performances that can rival even some of the pricier models if you dedicated enough time and care to it. The unit is easy to install as it comes with several assembled parts that you can set up within 2 hours.
It also has an upgraded extruder, which greatly reduces the risk of plugging and bad extrusions. Also, the V-slot that comes with excellent wheels allows the unit to be noiseless and durable. It also includes a safety-protected power supply that will heat up the hotbed to 100 degrees within 5 minutes.
Conclusion: This machine comes with various functionalities that you might not find on pricier models, which makes a quality 3D printer that will serve your kids well on their projects.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Easy installation
- Advanced printing capability
- Extra-large build plate
- Durable
Cons
- Cannot print duplicates
FlashForge Finder 3D Printer
- Slide-in build plate allows printed objects to be easily removed
- 3.5-Inch full color touchscreen with intuitive icons makes for easy operation
- Sturdy, plastic alloy construction ensures stable prints
- Safe, non-heated build plate
- Wi-Fi, usb and flash drive connectivity.Positioning Precision: 0.0001 inch on Z axis, 0.0004 inch on XY plane Resolution: 0.004 inch
This represents one of the best budget 3D printers available on the market. It offers value for money with its semi-enclosed frame that is built of plastic and alloy to give you very stable prints. It also has a full-color screen that comes with intuitive controls, which are easy to use.
It also includes a non-heated print bed, which will protect your kids from burns as they operate the machines. Also, there is a smart leveling function that will allow your kids to level their build plates to get optimal prints. The unit also has an easy process to start printing, which makes it easier for your kids as they do not have to worry about the positioning as they start modeling.
Conclusion: This 3D printer has a simple and easy-to-use design. It also comes at an affordable price, and considering its overall performance, it is one of the most affordable 3D printers.
Pros
- Non-heated print bed
- Comes fully assembled
- Offers excellent print quality
- Easy removal of prints
- Full-color touchscreen
Cons
- Limited to just PLA materials
dikale 3D Pen
- Everything you need to create like a pro: bundle complete with PRO 3D Pen, PLA filament refills and DesignPad mat kit
- PRO 3D Pen: features stepless speed control for enhanced flow regulation, discrete temperature adjustability for upgraded material options and replaceable sealed nozzle design for clog free and long lasting operation
- PLA Filament Refills: Highest quality vacuum sealed PLA in colors blue, green, red, yellow, orange, pink, black, tan, brown and gold
- DesignPad: double sided silicone drawing surface with channels let you design and create perfect geometric shapes
- FreePad: custom formulated transparent drawing surface with ideal adhesion so you can trace your favorite patterns, drawings or create your own designs
Dikale 3D drawing pen will allow your kids to make some nice prints and also enjoy doing it. It is a great device that is compatible with both PLA and ABS filaments, which is a good advantage. It is also safe and easy to use and comes in an attractive design that will appeal to your kids. The drawing pen has an OLED screen that will let you monitor the temperature and speed adjustment of the device.
The lightweight build makes it a manageable 3D drawing pen that your child can even carry to school. It also heats up and cools down easily, which reduces the waiting time before you start printing.
Conclusion: This 3D drawing pen appeals to kids due to its cat face design, but it is functional and comes with everything needed to get the job done without any hassles.
Pros
- High-quality build
- Easy to operate
- Quick heating and cooling
- Compatible with both ABS and PLA filaments
Cons
- Expensive
QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-one2 Single Extruder 3D Printer
- Applicable to families,schools.
- Out of the box,only simple operate to printing.
- QIDI Technology single extruder,greatly reduce the risk of extruder clogged.
- Metal frame,heated bed,support printing with ABS,PLA,TPU filament.
- 3.5-inch full color touchscreen with intuitive icons makes for easy operation.
This is yet another great 3D printer for beginners. It comes fully assembled and calibrated. As such, you can start printing within an hour after unpacking. The printer has a double-layer metal construction that makes it strong and augments the printing process and makes it more stable. Also, it has a CNC-machined aluminum alloy platform that gives you a flat base that cannot be deformed easily.
The unit is equipped with a heating function and is compatible with both PLA and ABS filaments. Also, it comes with touchscreen controls that allow for easy operation for your kids.
Conclusion: This is a high-quality printer that comes with a user-friendly interface that allows even beginners to operate it. It even allows for a change to its settings as the printing continues.
Pros
- Excellent build
- Durable
- Works straight out of the box
- User-friendly interface
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Jamming
Anycubic Full Metal i3 Mega 3D Printer
- Large build volume: 210 x 210 x 205Mm
- Plug and play with user friendly screen: complete the assembling with 8 screws, then start to play through a 3.5-Inch tft touch screen
- Anycubic ultra base: Anycubic patented heat bed, super adhesion, smoothly lattice bottom surface. Easier to take off 3D-171 by hands, so you won't need masking tape and glue stickers any more
- Filament detection: automatic printing pause when filament runs out, resume after filament re-load with just one click
- Anycubic Advantage: We take care of all parts of unartificial quality-related issues with a replacement for 3 months after the purchase date, and provide lifetime technical support
This Anycubic printer is a reliable and affordable 3D printer that arrives almost fully assembled, and you just need to place the screws to get your kids printing. It is a user-friendly printer that has excellent build quality.
The printer has a steel frame, which offers it extra sturdiness and stability. Also, it offers your kids an easy-to-use interface to ease their operation as they print. It is also compatible with a variety of materials, which makes it an ideal printer for your home, as you will be able to pursue any project with your kids.
Conclusion: This is a sturdy and strong 3D printer that will last your kids over a number of projects. Its versatility adds to its convenience as it allows you and your kids to work on more projects and will not limit their creativity.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Easy-to-use interface
- Easy setup
- Great compatibility
- Quiet operation
- Large build volume
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier
- The bed leveling can be difficult to adjust
ANYCUBIC Photon UV LCD 3D Printer
- With large printing volume of 192mmx120mmx245mm / 7.55"x4.72"x9.84", you can print multiple models of the same size at one time, saving your time and improving your productivity.
- ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D printer comes with an 8.9" 4K Monochrome LCD with HD resolution of 3840 x 2400, 4X faster than Photon,3X faster than other resin 3d printers.
- Adopting new upgrade matrix parallel UV light source, achieving ultra-precision printing. The Z-axis utilizes dual linear rails, stepper motor and clearance nut combination to improve stability.
- APP Remote Control and UV Cooling System, New UV cooling system contains exclusive UV heat dissipation channels, efficiently cool down and ensure stable printing performance and longer service life.
- More Function: A. Support Chitu box slicer, B. New UI menu, intuitive and responsive, C. Safe Power Supply, with UL certification.
This is an affordable desktop 3D printer that will offer you reliable and quality prints. It can be considered one of the best printers in its price range with DLP technology. It would not be an exaggeration to consider this resin printer that has a DLP projector as a top product in 3D printing, taking into account its price and quality.
The 3D printer has a small build, which makes a portable unit that you can use in any location you need to. It also offers you great resolution and comes at a very reasonable price.
Conclusion: This is a great 3D printer for beginners and hobbyist enthusiasts. However, you will need to help your kids outs with maintenance, as maintaining a DLP 3D printer can be a challenging task considering using resin can be a messy undertaking.
Pros
- Offers great resolution
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- User-friendly
- High-quality prints
Cons
- Smaller printing capacity
- Requires supervision for kids
- Messy operation
Monoprice Mini Delta 3D Printer
- Touchscreen Control, Updated Firmware and UI: You spoke and we listened. Larger icons, clear and concise instructions, and overall quality of life improvements make this 3D printer ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
- Fully assembled: the mp mini delta 3D printer comes fully assembled, ready to print out of the box
- PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi Connection: Connect to the printer over Wi Fi using the updated PoloPrint Pro app for iOS or Android.
- Open Source Friendly Cura Compatibility: The industry standard firmware is great for people who want to tinker. The printer is compatible with Cura and many other open source 3D printing slicing software packages.
- Quiet Driver Motors: Thanks to quieter driver motors, the Mini Delta V2 operates at a whisper quiet 30dBA, which is considerably quieter than the previous model.
It is an affordable desktop 3D printer that comes in a simple setup that will suit your kids. It comes out of the box fully assembled and has a compact and lightweight design that will make it easy for even your kids to move it around the house.
The printer has a rigid metal frame, which is not a normal attribute for such small 3D printers. Also, it comes in an aesthetically pleasing black finish that will make it cool to your kids. It also provides excellent connectivity that allows your kids to access a broader selection of models as they connect the printer to other devices to download them.
Conclusion: This is a great 3D printer to get your kids without having to worry about hurting your finances. It is an affordable machine with a stable frame that will get your kids decent prints.
Pros
- Produces decent quality prints
- Auto-leveling system
- Works right out of the box
- More affordable
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Seems to have connectivity issues
da Vinci miniMaker 3D Printer
- 【Large Build Size】 ANYCUBIC KOBRA MAX 3D Printer comes with a large build volume of 17.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in. / 450 x 400 x 400mm, which is enough for daily and household using, providing you larger printing space and more choices of creation.
- 【Self-developed Anycubic LeviQ Leveling Function】 Anycubic upgrade auto leveling function with a 25-point smart and precise calibration. It can compensate the heated bed unevenness automatically. Leveling and printing can be completed with one button, simple operation and brings you greater printing experience.
- 【Needless to wait】The maximum printing speed is 180mm/s (Average speed is 80mm/s, 167% faster than industry standard). Faster speed enables you to enjoy more joy of 3d printing.
- 【Stronger Construction & Higher Precision】 ANYCUBIC KOBRA MAX 3D Printer is equipped with double thread Z-axis moving construction. It can minimize the shaking, does not lose steps and more model details can be restored. The modular design allows the printer to be assembled only in 10 minutes.
- 【Filament Runout Detection】 Equipped with a filament runout sensor, it can monitor the supply of filament intelligently. If your printer runs out of filament, it will stop automatically without losing your printing progress.
This is also a desktop 3D printer, and it has a compact and lightweight build that is perfect for kids. Also, it comes out of the box already fully assembled, which will get your kids printed as soon as you set up the printer. It is also calibrated, which means there is no need for any adjustments to the material setting. And it comes with an auto-leveling bed as well as an auto-calibrating extruder, which makes it more suitable for beginners such as your kids.
The printer is programmed to print only from material that will not be harmful to your family. Its compact design allows it to fit into tight places, which makes it a very convenient device to work with.
Conclusion: This 3D printer offers your kids a hassle-free 3D printing experience, with its auto-leveling and auto-calibrating capability that makes it ideal for kids and beginners. The user-friendly user interface will help guide your kids from modeling to printing.
Pros
- Auto-leveling bed
- Fully-assembled
- Auto-calibration
- Compact build
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited material compatibility
Final Conclusion
Sometimes it is nice to break away from the norm and surprise your kids with something they least expect, and a 3D printer is one fantastic idea that you can be certain they will love. Besides encouraging them to get more creative a 3D printer will allow them to make things they can actually use. And if you are on the market for a good 3D printer for kids finding one should now be sure easy as you only need to choose from the 10 top quality models above.