From the time kids are toddlers, they’re fascinated with technology. They love to see how things work and figure out how to make them work better. Unfortunately, when it comes to 3D printers, it is hard to find a good option for them.
If you’ve got a child that’s a tinkerer, or if you’re an engineering teacher who wants to give her students hands-on experience, you might be stuck on which best 3D printer for kids you should purchase. Should you go for one with a glass bed? Or is a PETG one better? How about an ABS printer? Well, we have dug deep to bring you the best models you should consider purchasing. In our 3d printer for kids reviews, we considered factors such as portability, safety, range of applications, and so forth. Based on these, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X gets our Editor’s Choice nomination. Each of the printers we chose is sturdy, reliable, and, most importantly, specifically designed with kids in mind so they may have fun using them.
More features: large LCD screen, large print volume, high precision, high resolution, ultra-fast
First on our list of the best 3d printer for kids is ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X. This gadget is made of metal and comes in yellow color. It weighs 0.5 kilograms, making it more portable and easy to carry over long distances. Mono X is only compatible with resin.
Mono X is the best 3d printer for kids under 500 dollars. It is feature-packed, easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. This printer is equipped with a 9.25inch monochrome screen, 138% larger than a standard 6-inch screen. The monochromatic screen lasts 4X longer than the RGB LCD screen. A unique replaceable scratch-resistant film is added to ensure the screen stays intact and smooth for an extended period. This high-end 3D printer also has a heated print bed that can accommodate 9.6 x 7.8 x 4.8-inch models. It can also print at up to 6K resolution at one layer per second speed. This time is half that of other regular resin printers.
We found that this model is more advanced than the Haosegd K1 3D Printer Mini for Kids covered above. It has a big screen that comes with resistant films to save maintenance costs, for starters. The machine also prints in a higher resolution of 6k and a contrast ratio of over 350. Such print quality can express small details like hair and fingers in your kids’ toys or prototypes. This model carries the day as it is enclosed to prevent burns in terms of safety.
More features: very quiet, fully enclosed, auto-leveling, detachable nozzle design, automatic loading
The best-enclosed 3D printer for kids on our listing is this model. Compatible with both Windows and iOS Operating Systems, the Adventurer 3C can be used alongside any laptop or 3C. It weighs 20 pounds and comes in a single variation. The printer is affordably priced, yet it offers many features absent in high-end models.
The Flashforge 3D Printer Adventurer 3C is a fully enclosed FDM machine designed for beginners and experts. Home users will love the touch screen, easy-to-use interface, and the free leveler that removes any uneven surfaces on your desktop. Students can use the large build volume and removable heated build plate to design projects big and small. The durable design and removable nozzle allow for a long life span and a high level of precision without clogging. Professionals will appreciate the enterprise capabilities, high-speed printing, and maintenance-free metal frame. Whether you’re looking for an affordable home printer, an educational classroom tool, or a professional-grade machine – the Adventurer 3C is for you!
This Flashforge 3D Printer Adventurer 3C is one of the newest additions to the Flashforge family of professional quality 3D printers. Its successor, the Adventurer 3 Lite FDM printer, offers nearly the same printing quality as the former. It is compatible with Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Thermoplastic filaments. Its predecessor only uses PLA and ABS filaments. Both models are designed with an improved user experience in mind. With a fully enclosable design, you can be sure your 3D printout will not be contaminated by dust or other air particles. If you are interested in such printers, check out our guide on enclosed 3D printers.
More features: resume printing function, quick assembly, safety protected power supply, upgraded extruder design
Next up is the Official Creality Ender 3 3D printer. Although its measurements are not massive, this machine can still handle a wide variety of prints. The device is made of high-quality metal frames, making it more durable. It weighs 8 kilograms and is compatible with PLA only.
From our reviews, the Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer is the perfect choice for people looking for a resume-capable printer that is beginner-friendly. It features an easy and quick assembly. Most of the parts come factory assembled. The rest are easy to put together as all the steps are captured in the manual. This printer’s other notable features include high-precision printing, a powerful extruder, a safety-protected power supply, and an adjustable printing bed. This gadget is a must-have for anyone looking to bring their imagination into reality with reliable quality. Using the latest FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology, the Ender 3 can resume printing even after a power outage, making it the most reliable3D printer in the market.
The Ender 3 offers many features that make it stand out among other 3D printers in its class. For instance, this model is more developed than the QIDI Technology X-one2 Single Extruder 3D Printer above. The Ender 3 is equipped with an upgraded extruder than the former. This high-quality equipment dramatically reduces the risk of plugging and lousy extrusion. That said, this machine is compatible with PLA filament. QIDI, on the other hand, works with almost all the popular filaments, including PLA, ABS, Metal, Thermoplastic, Plastic, and so forth.
More features: magnetic build plate, easy to use
Tecqeq store manufactures 3D printers for kids, beginners, and experienced users. Their products are affordable and user-friendly. One of such products is the Mini 3D Printer for kids. Just as its name suggests, it is compact. The machine measures 11.81 x 10.24 x 3.54 inches and can print an item of up to 100 x 100 x 100mm.
We love the massive printing models that come with this printer. The models are freely available for download from the manufacturer’s website. If you are a novice who doesn’t know how to design prototypes, you can find designs that match your needs without any hassles. This Tecqeq machine is also easy to operate and assemble. It comes with a detailed manual that captures all the steps you need to follow to attach its three separate parts. After assembly, you only need to power it on, feed it with information, and tap on the ‘Start Printing’ button. Besides being a perfect starter kit for kids interested in learning how to make things from scratch, this machine comes with an excellent printing effect and high accuracy. It is compatible with 1.7mm PLA and TPU filaments.
The Mini 3D printer does not differ much from the Haosegd X1 model covered above. Both printers are compact with 100 x 100 x 100mm build volume. Both are designed for kids and teens. Hence, they have a minimal interface that is easy to operate. In terms of accuracy, Tecqeq’s model offers the best accuracy of 0.01mm while the former, 0.05mm. Hence, it prints smoother and more vivid prototypes than the abovementioned model.
More features: portable, wide application, smooth printing, effective cooling fan
Haosegd K1 3D Printer Mini for Kids X1 is an ideal 3D printer for kids. It features high accuracy, stable printing performance, and a high printing speed. The printer is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. It comes in green color and can be used by children from ages 8 to 12.
We picked the K1 3D printer as it is specifically designed to be more durable, safer, and easier to operate. Once you have bought this machine, you do not have to worry about being damaged by playful children. Its build materials are robust and can withstand high impacts and falls. It is also safe for kids as it does not produce toxic chemicals. It can print toys, art crafts, miniature buildings, aerospace, automotive, and so forth without much fuss. All the kid needs to do is feed the machine with the design, and it will print then model without any complicated settings. Its high-quality printing technology ensures the stability and reliability of your creation, while intuitive buttons make it super easy to use.
Haosegd also has another model designed to meet the increasing demand for innovative toys for children. The X1 model offers much better printing quality, costs a little more, and has an upgraded extruder technology that makes your prints even smoother. It finishes printing more quickly and never disturbs your kids when resting as it does so quietly. Both models are easy to use and come with all the support materials your kid might need. They are also great for educational purposes. If you are interested in more machines like this, read our guide on the best 3D printer for schools.
More features: easy to use, educational STEM toy, micro-USB charger, projects included
3Doodler is the best 3d printer pen for kids in our listing as it combines art and design with the latest technology in a creative and fun way. The pen comes in six different variations depending on your preferences. Each version contains a different set of tools. For instance, the variation covered here comes with a doodle pad/mat, two mixed-color packs of plastics, a micro-USB charger, an activity guide, and certified packaging.
We think this tool is a great gift idea for kids who want to get into the world of 3D printing but lack the funds. The pen is also the ideal gift for kids whose parents are afraid of printers that use it. 3Doodler is entirely safe for kids aged six and above as it does not have any hot parts. Your kid can touch any part of the pen without risking burns. The gadget uses PCL plastic which is child-friendly and does not produce any toxic fumes. We also think the pen is great for STEM learning at home or school. With this gadget, your kid can quickly learn to create different shapes and be creatively inspired to design, plan, and build complex models.
While this pen is the safest 3D printer on our list, it is no match to any other model covered in this listing. When we factor in its precision and compatibility of materials, 3D printers overpower any object made using a 3D pen. 3D printers are also made of quality materials; hence they are more durable and can hold reasonably well in any environment. While this pen can’t offer much like other machines in the listing, its significant benefits are portability, affordability, and simplicity.
More features: wide application, easy to operate, cooling fan, silent printing
Haosegd X1 mini is one of the most popular 3D printers for kids. It is ideal for those who want to learn about 3D printing. This machine has a compact size and lightweight design. It prints at a speed of 100mm per second. It uses PLA filament. The print resolution is 0.2 mm. It is suitable for children aged between 8 years old and adults.
The Haosegd X1 mini 3D Printer is an excellent choice for 3D printing novices. This gadget can be used by anyone regardless of their level of education. It features a one-key-printing feature that lets you begin building your model with a tap of a button. You only need to insert your USB or TF card into the slots, and the machine will do the rest. You don’t need to worry about anything when using this printer because everything is included. Be it a novice slicing software, a suitable performance nozzle, or a state-of-the-art step motor. You will find every kind of beginner-friendly feature on this machine.
The X1 mini 3D printer is no match compared to the model covered above. For starters, Flashforge 3D Printer Finder Lite has a build volume of 140 x 140 x 140 mm compared to this printer’s 100 x 100 x 100mm. The X1 model comes fully open while the latter is semi-closed. The semi-closed printer offers much quieter and safer printing for children. It also does not require assembling. The HaosegX1mini 3D printer comes half-installed. You should follow its manual or watch YouTube videos to complete assembly. The assembling procedure is straightforward as the machine comes with all the tools you need for the job. It is worth mentioning that both devices can print Legos with PLA. For more of such machines, be sure to check out our best 3d Printer for Legos guide.
More features: semi-enclosed, removable platform, touch screen, designed for kids, quiet operation
Sixth on our list, we have the Flashforge 3D Print Finder Lite. This machine is the best learning 3d printer for kids on the current market. We love the design of this 3D printer as it looks sleek and modern. Its body is made of plastic and metal alloy, which adds durability to the machine. It comes in two variations, blue and light yellow. Finder Lite supports OBJ and STL file formats. It can only print using PLA. When you purchase this machine, you will get a free 50 grams’ filament, an 8GB TF card, screwdriver, solid glue, grease, wrench, Allen wrench, unclogging pin, PTFE tube, and filament guide tube.
The Flashforge 3D printer Finder Lite is designed for teachers to help students learn how to use the 3D printer. Aside from being simple to operate, this machine also boasts a patented nozzle structure. We found that this nozzle has been upgraded to improve the quality of prints and reduce the risks of extruder jams. A slide-in plate allows you to easily remove the finished 3D model and minimize damage to the build plate. This machine uses lower energy to print quietly, providing a quiet environment to colleagues or family.
Compared to the previous models, this one has a smaller build volume of 140 x 140 x 140 mm. On the bright side, it uses less energy, has an out-of-box design, prints more quietly, and has a removable platform. This model is suitable for industrial use, tool design, architecture, mechanical design, and cookie cutters. For more insights on such machines, check out our guide on the best 3d printer for cookie cutters.
More features: removable nozzle, auto-leveling, mute cloud printing, high precision, stainless nozzle
FlashForge 3D printer is one of the most popular 3D printers for kids on the current market. The machine’s popularity is due to its affordability, ease of operation, and compatibility with many filaments. The Adventurer 3 Lite machine can print using PLA, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PTG), Stainless Steel, ABS, and Thermoplastic. It is made of Stainless Steel, a durable yet lightweight material.
The Adventurer 3 Lite is ideal for people who do not have much space on their hard disk to save memory-hungry designs. With this machine, you can save as many designs as you have on the manufacturer’s cloud for free. The 3D printer is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Beginners will appreciate its simplicity and low price. Advanced users will enjoy the fact that it can produce items of up to 150 x 150 x 150mm prints. You will print small toys, gadgets, and other relatively large designs with this size. Another good thing about this 3D printer is that it works with almost all kinds of popular filaments. It is fully enclosed, so you don’t have to worry about your kid getting burns or inhaling dangerous fumes from toxic filaments.
FlashForge has been making 3D printers for over a decade. Their range includes beginner kits like the FlashForge Explorer 3D printer, Flashforge 3D Printer Adventurer 3C, and so on. The Adventurer 3 Lite is a stripped-down version of Adventurer 3. However, the main functions remain, making it super cost-effective for home, school, and kids.
More features: metal frame, easy to use, full-color touchscreen, heated bed
QIDI is the best out-of-the-box easy printer 3d for kids in our listing. This machine is made of plastic and comes in blue/red. It is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7,8,9,10, 11, and Mac OS X. X-one2 can print using PLA, Plastic, ABS, Metal, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane.
We think QIDI Technology X-one2 Single Extruder 3D Printer is a perfect 3D printer for families or schools looking for a device that is easy to use, maintain and keep operating. Its extruder head is designed to have no clogging, which significantly decreases the risk of downtime. This printer has a metal frame that ensures it is sturdy and high-impact resistant. Its heated bed makes it easy to produce high-quality prints with any material. A 3.5-inch full-color screen is available on this printer for easy operation.
This model performs equally better compared to the Flashforge 3D Printer Adventurer 3C covered above. It is compatible with more filaments than the former. It can also be used with many operating systems than the Flashforge 3D printer. Whether you have an old version of Windows or a newer one, you can be sure that this printer will accommodate your PC. However, the QIDI printer lacks Wi-Fi connectivity. Therefore, you need a USB cable for printing. It also lacks a cloud storage feature; hence you need a lot of hard disk space to save your designs.
When purchasing a 3D printer for kids, there are certain things you need to consider before buying one. You don’t just buy a machine because it looks cool or big. Here is a detailed buying guide that will help you choose a suitable device.
Does a 3D printer have any benefits to kids? Why should you even consider purchasing one for your young one? Here are the top advantages your kid will accrue by owning a 3D printer:
Kids love making stuff. They enjoy building toys, designing games, creating their characters, and so on. A 3D printer allows them to become creators. By simply downloading some free designs online, your kid can make his creations. They can print out the objects they designed and play around with them. In short, a 3D printer helps kids unleash their creativity.
They can print out objects and see what happens when they put different filaments together. They can also learn about other manufacturing processes.
With a 3D printer, your kids can create something unique. They can take their imagination to another level. What’s more, they can make anything they want, provided they have enough filaments.
Some of the things your kids can build include toys, gadgets, vehicles, weapons, furniture, buildings, and so on. All these items are fun to play around with for kids.
Your kid may encounter problems while working with a 3D printer. This machine offers them an opportunity to solve those issues. If they encounter a problem while printing, they can ask someone for assistance.
If your kid has a 3D printer at home, chances are they will get to know people who share similar interests? They can invite their friends over and show them how to use the machine. They might even form a group of friends who share the same interests with time.
You do not need to purchase toys or dolls for your kids. They can print them at home, saving you the money you would have used to buy car toys, and so on.
Most 3D filaments are made from recycled materials. By buying the filaments, you help make use of more trash that has been recycled.
Before deciding which 3D printer for kids you should buy, here are some essential features you should look into.
It would be best to go for an extensive age range printer. Such a machine will serve your kid for an extended period as they continue to age. However, if your kid is below eight years, you do not have many options on the market. The best printer for such a kid would be a 3D pen.
In our case, this is the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set for Kids covered above. This gadget does not have any hot parts. Hence, you can rest assured your child won’t suffer any burns from using it. If this gadget limits your kid’s creativity, you could even get them other pens that can print complex printouts with other materials such as metal.
When looking for a 3D printer for kids, you should check its printing technology. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography) is today’s leading technologies. FDM printers are top-rated because they produce high-quality prints. These machines use plastic filament to print models. As a result, they are easy to clean and maintain. However, they cannot produce intricate details.
SLA printers are better than FDM printers because they can produce intricate details. They work by melting resin layers together one after the other until the model is complete. Because of this, they require less filament to print. In addition, they are generally more expensive than FDM printers.
Another thing to consider when purchasing a 3D printer for children is what kind of material they can use to create their designs. Some materials are compatible only with certain types of 3D printers. For example, ABS plastic is compatible with most 3D printers, but PLA plastic is compatible with just a few.
Different kinds of plastics can be used to print objects. These include ABS, PLA, HIPS, Nylon, PETG, TPU, etc. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, ABS plastic is solid and durable. It is ideal for making toys. On the downside, it tends to melt quickly. It also produces toxic fumes when printing. On the other hand, PLA is flexible and soft. It is suitable for creating small items like jewelry. However, it is brittle and hard to remove from the printer once printed.
We recommend going for a model compatible with a lot of filaments. This way, you can get the advantages of each material and create a lot of prints from one machine. For this, you should purchase the Flashforge 3D Printer Finder Lite covered above. It is compatible with PLA, T PU, copper PLA, etc.
However, we recommend choosing a machine with an enormous build volume even if you intend to print smaller objects. You never know if one day you will need a big model. For this, we recommend the Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer covered above. It has a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, which is more than enough for most kids.
The next factor to consider when selecting a 3D printer for your child is the printing speed. The faster the printer, the better. Most 3D printers have a maximum printing speed of about 0.1mm/s per second. That means that you will have to wait at least 10 seconds to make an object 1mm long.
If you intend to print larger objects, you will have to choose a fast printer. But if you’re planning to make smaller toys, having a slower model won’t hurt. The machine with the best printing speed on our list is the QIDI Technology X-one2 Single Extruder 3D Printer. The gadget can print up to 150mm per second.
When designing models, you should always keep in mind the layer thickness of the material used. Layers can vary between 0.05mm and 2mm. The smaller the Layer Thickness, the higher quality the print will be. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a minimum of 0.3mm.
If you plan to buy a 3D printer for kids, you should also invest in a model that comes with a high-resolution setting. Resolution refers to the number of points that define an object’s surface. The higher the resolution, the smoother the object will look. A printer with a high resolution can have thicker layers without losing its quality. The best printer that has the lowest layer thickness is the Mini 3D Printer for Kids by Tecqeq Store. This device can print with an accuracy of up to 0.01mm.
The last important thing you should check before purchasing a 3D printer for children is the working temperature. The higher the working temperature of the machine, the more the risk of your kid getting burned. We recommend purchasing the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set for Kids reviewed above for the best safety. This gadget does not have any hot surfaces and requires minimal working temperatures.
According to research done by Society for Risk Analysis virtual Annual Meeting in 2020, printers release small particles while working. These particles can affect the air quality and the health of your kid. To avoid inhaling toxic fumes, we recommend using the printer in a well-ventilated room. You should also keep your children away from the machine’s exhaust valve while it is printing.
If your kit came with no filament, we recommend going for PLA. This material is straightforward to work with and safe for kids. The filament doesn’t require a lot of operating temperature. What’s more, it produces less toxic fumes compared to other materials.
If you’ve got a kid who’s into toys, and you’re tired of buying them all the stuff they want, then the above 3D printer machines will come in to rescue you. Not only are they suitable for building toys, but the majority of them can also be used for educational purposes. Our Editor’s Pick, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X, is suitable for teens and older kids. It features a large printing area, high precision, large LCD, and ultrafast printing speeds. However, this machine can only print using resin.
The machine that offers you the Best Value is the Flashforge 3D Printer Adventurer 3C. It is arguably the best 3d printer for kids in our listing. Some of the features that make it stand out from the crowd include silent printing, auto-leveling, fully enclosed for safety, and much more.
Next, you’ll find the true Creality Ender 3 which has the Best Resume-Printing Feature.his model uses the most advanced technologies to ensure your prototype resumes printing when after blackouts or other distractions.
We hope you were able to find your perfect option in our compilation of the best 3D printers for kids.
