Bambu Lab
Bambu Lab A1
In: The 7 Best 3D Printers
- Print speed up to 500 mm/s
- Full-color 2.4" touchscreen
Category guide
3D Printers: the complete research library
Your starting point for 3D printers: research-backed roundups, honest reviews, and decision guides that cut through the marketing.
- 6 roundups · 4 reviews · 3 comparisons · 2 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
Shop the shortlist
Top 3d printers we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
Best by need
Best 3d printers for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
- The 7 Best 3D Printers of 2026: Our Top PicksSee the picks
- The 5 Best Budget 3D Printers Under $300 (2026)The best cheap 3D printers that don't feel cheap.See the picks
- Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2026, Easy Setup, Great ResultsThese beginner-friendly printers make it easy to get great prints from day one, without a steep learning curve.See the picks
- The 5 Best Resin 3D Printers of 2026, For Miniatures, Jewelry & MoreThe best resin 3D printers for ultra-fine detail.See the picks
- Best 3D Printers for Miniatures in 2026, Tabletop, DnD & WargamingThe best 3D printers for tabletop miniatures in 2026.See the picks
- Best Large Format 3D Printers in 2026, Big Prints,See the picks
Know before you buy
About 3D Printers
3D printers turn digital models into physical objects layer by layer. This library covers FDM machines for functional parts and resin printers for fine detail, with roundups for beginners, budgets, and large-format needs.
Below you'll find every 3D printers article we've published, grouped by format. Roundups give you the shortlist; reviews go deep on single products; comparisons settle either-or decisions; guides teach you how to choose.
How to choose 3D printers
Print technology: FDM vs resin
FDM printers melt plastic filament and suit functional parts, prototypes, and beginners. Resin (SLA/MSLA) printers cure liquid resin for crisp miniatures and jewelry, with more post-processing and ventilation needs.
Build volume
The maximum object size per print. A 220×220×250 mm volume handles the vast majority of hobby projects; go larger only if you regularly print helmets, cosplay parts, or multi-part assemblies.
Ease of use
Auto bed leveling, vibration compensation, and a decent touchscreen remove most beginner frustration. Check what slicer software the printer uses and whether the workflow is documented.
Print speed vs quality
Modern machines advertise 300–600 mm/s, but real-world speed depends on input shaping and cooling. For display pieces, layer resolution and dimensional accuracy matter more than headline speed.
Material compatibility
Open-frame printers handle PLA and PETG well. For ABS, ASA, or nylon you want an enclosure, both for fumes and to prevent warping.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in 3d printers
- FDM printers melt plastic filament and suit functional parts, prototypes, and beginners. Resin (SLA/MSLA) printers cure liquid resin for crisp miniatures and jewelry, with more post-processing and ventilation needs.
- The maximum object size per print. A 220×220×250 mm volume handles the vast majority of hobby projects; go larger only if you regularly print helmets, cosplay parts, or multi-part assemblies.
- Auto bed leveling, vibration compensation, and a decent touchscreen remove most beginner frustration. Check what slicer software the printer uses and whether the workflow is documented.
- Modern machines advertise 300–600 mm/s, but real-world speed depends on input shaping and cooling. For display pieces, layer resolution and dimensional accuracy matter more than headline speed.
- Open-frame printers handle PLA and PETG well. For ABS, ASA, or nylon you want an enclosure, both for fumes and to prevent warping.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
- Bambu Lab A1 Review: The Best 3D Printer for Most PeopleOur in-depth Bambu Lab A1 review after 3 months of testing. We cover print quality, speed, reliability, and whether it lives up to the hype.
- Bambu Lab P1S Review: The Best Enclosed 3D Printer Under $700Our full Bambu Lab P1S review after 4 months of testing.
- Creality Ender-3 V3 Review: The Best Open-Source 3D Printer Under $200Our Creality Ender-3 V3 review after 3 months of testing.
- Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra Review: The Best Resin 3D Printer Under $400Our Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra review after 2 months of testing. The best resin printer for miniatures and jewelry?
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideHow to Choose a 3D Printer: The Complete 2026 Buying GuideNot sure which 3D printer to buy? Our complete buying guide covers every factor, build volume, print speed, materials, and budget, to helpRead
- Buying guide3D Printer Filament Guide: PLA vs PETG vs ABS and More (2026)Which 3D printer filament should you use? Our complete guide covers PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, and Nylon, with print settings, strengths, anRead
Answers
3D Printers: common questions
What is the best 3d printer to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the Bambu Lab A1, a standout in our The 7 Best 3D Printers of 2026 list.
How do I choose the right 3d printers?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: The 7 Best 3D Printers of 2026, The 5 Best Budget 3D Printers Under $300 (2026), Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2026, Easy Setup, Great Results.
What should I look for when buying 3d printers?
FDM printers melt plastic filament and suit functional parts, prototypes, and beginners. Resin (SLA/MSLA) printers cure liquid resin for crisp miniatures and jewelry, with more post-processing and ventilation needs.
What is the best 3D printer for beginners in 2026?
The Bambu Lab A1 is the best 3D printer for beginners. It requires virtually no setup, produces excellent prints out of the box, and has an intuitive touchscreen.
Is FDM or resin better for beginners?
FDM (filament) printers are better for beginners, safer, cheaper to run, and more versatile. Resin printers produce finer detail but require post-processing and careful handling of liquid resin.
What filament should I start with?
It's the easiest to print, doesn't need a heated enclosure, and comes in hundreds of colors. Once comfortable, try PETG for stronger parts or TPU for flexible prints.
How long do 3D printers last?
A well-maintained 3D printer lasts 5–10+ years. Key wear items: nozzle (every 3–6 months with brass), build surface (1–2 years), belts and bearings (3–5 years). Prusa printers are known for longevity and available spare parts.
What is input shaping and why does it matter?
Without it, fast printing causes 'ghosting', wavy artifacts on surfaces. With it, printers like the Bambu Lab A1 reach 500 mm/s while maintaining clean surfaces.