3-D printing has gone from a niche tech hobby to a mainstream pursuit that practically anybody can do — and the printers themselves have gotten easy enough to use that anyone can be a maker. I still get kidlike joy every time I press a couple of buttons and a few hours later have a toy, a replacement part, or some random item for my wall. It’s what makes 3-D printing so appealing, along with the fact that it opens the door to not just custom toys, but all kinds of useful objects like spare parts, accessories, and mounts for the things you already own.
The best 3-D printers I tested for this article took less than an hour to unbox, set up, and finish their first prints — all from my iPhone, and with no advanced knowledge required. Heck, the Snapmaker U1 printed a four-color object directly after setup in just under three hours with practically zero waste. Truly impressive stuff.
Best overall
Best less-expensive
Best for kids
