Well, kids, these days aren’t all about toys and dolls. They are more into technology and gadgets than actual toys or even playing outside. One of the best things you can give your kid right now is a 3D printer.
A 3D printer is an interesting gadget that you can give to your kids. While it’s fun for them, it also helps them learn something that helps them grow. It also helps them in projecting their creative side. And the best part is that they can print their toys themselves.
Now, getting just about any printer won’t cut it out at all. That’s why I am here to help you out with the best 3D printer for kids. These printers are suited towards kids in terms of safety and user experience.
We have reviewed the 10 top-quality 3D printers for kids below. let’s get started with the following:
- Best for build volume – R QIDI TECHNOLOGY 3D Printer
- Best overall resin – ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D Printer
- Best overall filament – Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
Top 10 3D printers for kids
When I set out to find these printers, I prioritized the ease-of-use factor and the safety measures for using the printer. Since kids will be using the printers, it’s important to have those factors. Also, these are some of the best ones, in terms of the quality of print as well.
1. FlashForge Finder 3D Printers with Cloud
This is a printer that takes pride in the ease of usage factor. Even a 6-year-old kid can start printing their favorite 3D models on this one without any trouble. So, if you are looking for a 3D printer you can get your kid, this is undoubtedly worth checking out.
The printer comes with some decent quality and details in the printed models. You can expect the print quality to be more than satisfying enough. Not only will your kids love it, but even you will also love how the prints turn out to be on this.
One of the best features of this printer has been the wi-fi connectivity and the cloud experience. You can use the wi-fi connection without cables or wires to work on the printer. As for the cloud experience, you get to share, edit, and store files. Along with that, you get a huge database of 3D printable models using this printer.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: PLA, Plastic
- Build volume: 140 x 140 x 140mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 16.54 x 16.54 x 16.54 inches
- Weight: 24.25lbs
Pros
- The printer is quiet in operation, which makes it great to use
- It’s super easy to use; even as a beginner, you won’t have any trouble
- The print quality this one provides is impressive as well
- There are wireless connectivity options for convenience
- It comes with an enclosure which makes it safe for use
Cons
- The durability of the printer may be questionable
- It’s not that good for printing larger 3D models
2. FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite FDM 3D Printer
Getting a 3D printer doesn’t always have to be expensive; this one is a prime example of that. While it doesn’t cost that much, it indeed delivers on the print quality aspect for sure. So, let’s check out what it offers besides the affordable price and good print quality.
Along with that value factor, this printer also offers the excellence of easy usage. This is what makes the printer great for kids to use. They don’t need to go through any troublesome process to use the printer. All they have to do is, follow the instruction manual once or twice, and that’s pretty much it.
You will love to get in this printer is the quick and proper operation. The printer gives you good quality print but doesn’t take much time to print them out. So, you end up saving some time without sacrificing the quality at all.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: ABS, Metal, Wood, PLA, Pearl
- Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 15.3 x 15 x 16 inches
- Weight: 19.8lbs
Pros
- The printer is very easy to use, even for kids
- It features a quiet noise level, so you won’t have to worry about that
- There is no need for leveling the build plate
- It provides high-quality prints within a short time
- It’s easy to remove the prints with the removable build plate
Cons
- The build plate can be a bit tight to remove
- It’s not the best for printing larger prints
3. R QIDI TECHNOLOGY Large Size Intelligent Industrial Grade 3D Printer – Best for build volume
If you or your kids want to work with some large 3D model prints, then this is the printer you should check out. The printer comes with some amazing features at a reasonable price and ease of usage.
It offers a removable build plate, so you can go through a lot of trouble when removing the model after the printing is done. It makes the process much easier and less troublesome. You don’t need to worry about damaging or breaking the 3D print in the removal process, at least.
This printer has excellent build volume. It’s pretty large that you can print pretty large 3D models. Even with the large build volume, you don’t need to pay a whole lot of money to get your hands on this one. So, it’s worth checking out for sure.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, Nylon, Carbon Fiber
- Build volume: 300x250x300mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 28 x 28 x 26 inches
- Weight: 61.73lbs
Pros
- The print quality you get from this printer is very impressive
- It’s very easy to use without requiring too much leveling and adjustments
- With the removable plate, it’s very easy to remove the models after printing
- The build volume is pretty large so that you can print larger models without worry
- The customer support is very satisfying
Cons
- The slicer software doesn’t work that well
- It’s not that quick to print on this printer
4. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D Printer – Best overall resin
Well, if you don’t want your kids to go through the hassle of a filament printer, you can always go for a resin one. This is one of the best resin printers that you can find out there with ease of usage and high quality in the prints.
Since it’s a resin printer, you can expect top-notch details in your print. This offers very good quality that will undoubtedly satisfy your needs even amongst the other resin printers. The build volume on this printer is also quite large for medium-sized printing models.
Along with that, it has got a fully functional touch screen panel with an interactive UI. Almost anyone can start using the printer right out of the box without too much hassle. And you don’t have to go through the troublesome process of bed leveling on this printer either.
Specifications
- Type: Resin
- Compatible material: Resin
- Build volume: 192 x 120 x 250mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 24 x 15.5 x 15 inches
- Weight: 33.5lbs
Pros
- This one provides excellent details in every model you print with this one
- The build volume is good for printing medium to larger models
- You get a very interactive LCD panel on the printer for easy usage
- There is no need to worry about any bed leveling
- The printer comes with good safety features so kids can use it without trouble
Cons
- Keeping up with resin printing can be a bit expensive
- The cover may generate cracks sometimes
5. Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer – Best overall filament
Well, this is one of the best entry-level printers that you can find out there. A lot of beginners tend to love this. Because of that reason, this printer is also suitable for kids, and they can use it to their benefit quite a lot.
The build volume you get on this printer is pretty large in dimension. It’s more than enough for your kids to print different kinds of figurines and items for their science project. They can also print various kinds of toys of different sizes.
This printer is pretty easy to assemble. You don’t need to go through a troublesome assembly process to get the job done. However, it requires a bit of bed leveling, so you may need to go through that yourself to make sure your kids can use the printer.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: PLA
- Build volume: 192 x 120 x 250mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
- Weight: 17.64lbs
Pros
- The print quality is pretty good on this one
- It’s a great option for beginners because of its easy usability
- It’s a value for money printer without any questions at all
- There are several upgradability options you get on this printer
- You don’t have to go through a lot of trouble in the assembly
Cons
- The bed has manual bed leveling, which can be a bit tough
- This isn’t compatible with a lot of materials
6. Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer
If you are worried about the safety of your kids while using a 3D printer, this can be a good pick for you. It has a casing that can ensure safety from all the heated components for your kids. It also offers several handy features to get the best printing experience.
This is an excellent option for kids is the auto bed leveling factor. You don’t need to go through the tiresome process of leveling the printer bed. All you have to do is tap on some buttons in the touch panel, and you are done with the calibration.
On top of that, the printer comes with an auto filament feed feature. This will make your life so much easier with inserting filament on the printer. You just place the filament in the loading port and then tap on the button on the screen to load up the filament. That’s pretty much it.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: Polycarbonate
- Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 19.6 x 16.9 x 20.2 inches
- Weight: 28.4lbs
Pros
- The printer has excellent safety features to ensure safe printing practice
- You get great adhesion coming from the heated print bed
- The print bed is also flexible and removable so getting your prints in one piece is quite easy
- With the automatic features using the printer is a walk in the park
- You can quickly change the nozzle without any tools if you ever need to
Cons
- The price can be a bit extreme for the build volume
- It could have had better print quality considering everything
7. Artillery Sidewinder SWX2 3D Printer
Don’t like to go through the hassle of assembly and bed leveling? Then, this might be the pick for you. It comes almost entirely pre-assembled and features automatic bed leveling as well. So, you don’t have to go through much trouble to get started with this one.
Well, it’s not just about the easy assembly or bed leveling; it’s also the fact that you get a pretty large build volume. With the 300 x 300 x 400mm build volume, you can expect to print larger models than miniatures and small action figures. And alongside that, you won’t have to worry about the print quality either as it’s very impressive in itself.
On top of everything else, you get that quick print feature on this printer as well. So, while printing those larger 3D prints, you can also expect to save up some time in the process. This makes the printer a lot more desirable for everyone.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: PLA, TPU, ABS
- Build volume: 300x300x400mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 26.7 x 20.2 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 35.05lbs
Pros
- The printer is very quiet in operation, which is a great thing to have for kids.
- It’s excellent in usability without too much hassle of assembly and bed leveling.
- The build volume on this one is quite large for printing larger models
- This offers a quick printing speed so you can get faster print results
- It’s a value for money printer if you want quality and features
Cons
- The printer is pretty open, which can be risky at times
- Durability on this one can be a concern for you
8. Kingroon 3D Printers, Premium Titan Extruder
When you are on a limited budget, you will find this one to be one of the best choices for a 3D printer. It comes at a very affordable price, but it doesn’t compromise on the print quality or the build quality. So, you end up with a good quality printer within a budget.
The printer is very easy to assemble and get started with. It’s almost pre-assembled, so you don’t need to spend hours setting this one up for usage. You can pretty much start printing within minutes after getting it out of the box.
Coming to the print quality, it will surprise you for sure. Considering the price, this one exceeds any expectations you may have from the printer. The print quality is very much detailed and provides sturdiness at the same time. So, you can expect your 3D printed models out of this to last long.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: Wood, TPU
- Build volume: 180x180x180mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 16 x 15.25 x 7.25 inches
- Weight: 16.17lbs
Pros
- This is an absolute value for money unit
- You get good print quality from the printer
- The printer is very easy to assemble and use
- This offers a decent size in the build volume
- The printing process is pretty quiet and doesn’t make any annoying noises
Cons
- It’s not the safest of printers for kids
- The printer doesn’t support many filaments
9. Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer
Simply put, if you have explored the options like Ender 3 V2 but found it to be a bit expensive, then this is the perfect alternative to that. It’s pretty similar to an Ender 3 V2, but the price is much lower than that. So, this is a great option for anyone who likes Ender 3 V2.
Starting with the print quality, you won’t be disappointed with what you get from this printer. It gives you some fantastic print results that come with good details and stability in them.
This printer comes with a silent mainboard, which makes it a great option. Usually, you would need to upgrade your printer with a silent mainboard, but that’s not the case with this one. And at the price you are getting this printer, this feature is undoubtedly worth praising.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: PETG, PLA, ABS, TPU
- Build volume: 220x220x250mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 22.1 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches
- Weight: 21.8lbs
Pros
- This is a great printer for any beginner because of its easy usage
- The printer is compatible with all the common filament materials
- You get a decent build volume on this printer
- It’s great to work with the silent mainboard on this printer
- This is a very affordable printer and worth every penny
Cons
- It doesn’t have any enclosure to ensure safety for kids
- You will need to go through a complete assembly process
10. Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX 3D Printer – Best in performance
If you don’t mind spending money on a 3D printer and thriving to get the best performance, you can’t get better than this. It’s the perfect printer if you search for professional-quality printing and performance from a printer. It’s suitable for both beginners and intermediate 3D printer users.
You will have to keep this one at the top for the precise printing operation. It offers excellent accuracy in different printing models. Pair that up with the flexible build plate, and you end up with some high-quality 3D printed models without any flaws at all.
Now, something that makes this printer suitable for kids is the enclosure. While it keeps the noise to a minimum level, it also makes sure the heated components are secured in a place. So, kids won’t risk getting hurt or burning their hands while using this printer.
Specifications
- Type: FDM
- Compatible material: Polycarbonate
- Build volume: 254 x 152 x 152mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Dimension: 23.5 x 22.5 x 19.25 inches
- Weight: 2.2lbs
Pros
- It has a very durable build quality
- The printing operation is very accurate and provides excellent prints
- With the enclosure, the printer stays quiet and safe for usage
- It comes with lesson plans and complete instructions for everyone to use
- There are several networking features that you get on the printer
Cons
- The printer is quite expensive
- Connecting with the official website can be a bit of a hassle
Buying guide for the best 3D printer for kids
Now that you have some limited options choosing one shouldn’t be that difficult. However, if you want to get the best one that suits your needs the most, then there are some things that you have to consider. Considering these factors will help you narrow down the choices even further; you may even end up with the perfect one for your preferences.
Here, I will go through several factors that you should consider before getting a 3D printer for your kid. Let’s get going with it.
Printer type
The first thing to consider in your 3D printer is whether you want a resin printer or a filament printer. Usually, they both have their advantages and drawbacks, so you have to choose one based on what they offer.
The maintenance is a bit cheaper for filament printers than resin printers. Meaning you don’t have to spend too much money on filaments as they are much more affordable than resin. The prices of the printers are pretty close to each other, so you won’t have to worry about that.
In terms of quality, they are pretty similar as well. But resin has the edge by a little bit because they tend to provide better details in print than filament printers. So, if you want your 3D printed models to have the best details, you can go with a resin printer.
Although, resin printers tend to be limited in the build volume. You can’t indeed print larger models on a resin printer. On the other hand, filament printers offer higher build volume, making them capable of printing larger print models.
So, if you are thinking of printing larger models and don’t want to spend too much money on print material, filament printers will work out the best for you.
Ease of assembly and use
Since you are getting a printer for kids, it’s essential to consider the ease of usage factor before anything else. You have to make sure you get a printer that almost everyone, including the kids, can use.
Typically, a requirement for that is using an LCD panel on the printer. Having a display helps in configuring the printer very easily. Also, aside from the ease of usage, you have to go for a printer that is easy to assemble.
You can find a lot of printers that come almost fully pre-assembled. Some printers don’t even need any bed leveling on them either. These are great choices for kids to have and use. So, try getting such printers as they can get the most out of them.
Safety features
Even though 3D printers aren’t that dangerous in usage, they still pose a little bit of a threat. Threats like the heated component burning the hands of your kids accidentally. You surely don’t want that to happen, right?
That’s why try going for printers that have proper safety measures. One of the key things you can do is, look for printers with enclosures.
With these printers, you won’t have to worry about any exposed heated parts that can cause any kind of damage to your kids. These printers also tend to have a pretty quiet operation so that it won’t affect your kids’ hearing either.
And if you are getting an open 3D printer for a larger build volume, make sure to supervise your kids while using the printer. Also, try to look out for different safety measures in these printers.
Material compatibility
This is something that you have to consider whether it’s a printer for kids or yourself. If you choose a resin printer, then there is not much to go through in terms of materials, as they only use resin. But if you are selecting a filament printer, then there are several types of filament materials out there that you need to be wary of.
The most important and common materials you need to work with are PLA and ABS. These come in various colors, and they are readily available in almost any hardware store for 3D printers. It would help if you got a printer compatible with PLA and ABS because then you get to work on many different 3D printable projects.
Other than that, you can also look for printers that are compatible with TPU or Nylon if you are looking to print flexible objects. As these materials are better suited for flexibility purposes, you should try getting a compatible printer.
However, the best suggestion I can provide you is to look for the PLA and ABS base. Along with that, try getting a printer that supports as many filaments as possible.
Build volume
Well, the decision with this factor is pretty straightforward. Whether your kids will print larger models or they only want to stick with smaller ones will dictate this decision. Typically, getting a printer with a larger build volume would work well, as you can print both large and small models on them.
However, there is a catch here. You have to consider that printers with larger build volumes tend to be large as well. So, if there is a concern about spacing, then you might want to avoid a larger build volume. Another factor is the weight of the printer will be much heavier as the build volume increases.
The best way to decide on this is based on your needs. Whether you can make space for a larger printer or have the budget for such a printer will always be a personal concern.
Print quality
Print quality is also essential, but it’s not the most important factor if you get a printer for your kids. I mean, they aren’t those professionals who will nitpick every flaw in the printed models and won’t be happy with the results.
Still, if you want them to pursue this passion or hobby of 3D printing, then I recommend getting a printer with good print quality. I mean, who doesn’t like to have a better quality in the printed 3D models.
Considering these factors help you immensely in choosing a printer for your particular needs. Go through all of them, and you will indeed find the one that meets your needs the most.
Related: Toybox 3d printer review
Final thoughts
To sum up, getting the best 3D printer for kids will always come down to the needs of your kids. What kind of projects do they want to work on, and what things do they like making make a huge impact on choosing a printer for them.
Now, the choices I gave you are there to assure the quality. You won’t have to worry or think twice about the quality of these printers as they all are top-notch in that. Still, to help you choose one and meet some particular preferences, I have some suggestions.
If you are looking for the best build volume in a printer, then R QIDI TECHNOLOGY Large Size Intelligent Industrial Grade 3D Printer is the best pick for you. But if you are after the best performance and print quality, then Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX 3D Printer should be your first choice.
As for the balance of price and quality, I suggest the Anycubic Photon Mono X 3D Printer for resin printing and the Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer for filament printing. Other than these options, you can pick anyone from the list and end up satisfied.
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