Top 5 of 2025

Hey, 3d printing enthusiasts! 2025 is shaping up to be a HUGE year for 3D printing. We've seen the industry evolve at lightning speed, and the past twelve months have been no exception. One trend is crystal clear: multi-material printing is no longer a niche luxury. We're seeing a surge in printers that can handle multiple filaments, opening up a world of color and material combinations previously only dreamed of. Dual and triple extruders are becoming increasingly common, with innovative switching mechanisms that minimize oozing and stringing. If you thought rainbow filament was cool in 2023, then you will be blown away with what has been happening over the past year!

But that's not all! Extruders have received a serious upgrade across the board. We're talking about high-flow hot ends that can handle even the most demanding filaments, improved cooling systems for better bridging and overhang performance, and direct drive systems that offer unparalleled precision and retraction control.

Beyond the hot stuff, we're witnessing a general improvement in core components. Sturdier frames, more precise linear motion systems, and better quality control are leading to more reliable and consistent printing. And guess what? All these advancements aren't just confined to the high-end market. Prices are continuing to fall, making advanced features accessible to a wider range of hobbyists and makers.

So, with all this innovation swirling around, which printers should you be eyeing in 2025? Let's dive into my top 5 picks for the best consumer-grade 3D printers that are truly making waves this year:

1. Prusa MK5: The Refined Workhorse

Prusa Research continues to dominate with the MK5, a refinement of their legendary MK4. The real game-changer here is the new optional 3-color Palette X add-on. The color system integrates with PrusaSlicer to create a seamless multi-material workflow. Print stunning gradients or change colors at will with 3 spools of filament.

Why it's hot:

• Unmatched reliability and print quality.

• Effortless multi-material printing with the Palette X.

• Active community and extensive documentation.

• The best customer support in the industry.

• Upgradable design, preventing it from becoming obsolete.

2. Anycubic Kobra 3 Max: Big Prints, Bigger Value

The Kobra 3 Max, a follow-up to the Kobra 2, is a beast of a printer, boasting a massive 500 x 500 x 500 mm build volume. Anycubic has stepped up its game with a new high-flow hot end that can lay down plastic at impressive speeds without sacrificing quality. Additionally, they added an automatic filament runout sensor so your print is not ruined if you run out of filament mid-print.

Why it's hot:

• Ginormous build volume at an unbeatable price.

• Impressively fast printing speeds.

• Solid construction and improved components.

• Easy setup and user-friendly interface.

• Filament runout sensor.

3. Creality Ender-5 S2: Speed Demon on a Budget

Creality is known for budget-friendly printers, and the Ender-5 S2 is no exception. But don't let the price tag fool you; this printer is FAST. Thanks to a refined CoreXY motion system and a new lightweight direct drive extruder, the Ender-5 S2 can hit speeds previously unheard of in this price range. While it's not without its quirks, it's an excellent choice for those who want to get into high-speed printing.

Why it's hot:

• Blazing fast print speeds.

• CoreXY motion system for improved accuracy at high speeds.

• Direct drive extruder for better filament control.

• Affordable price point.

• Large community for support and upgrades.

4. Bambu Lab X2-Carbon Combo: The Multi-Material Master

Bambu Lab continues to push the envelope with the X2-Carbon Combo, their second generation of multi-material printing with the included AMS unit. This printer can handle up to 4 filaments out of the box, with an option to expand to 16 through daisy-chaining multiple AMS units, allowing for complex multi-color and multi-material prints. With the X2, Bambu Lab added a lidar sensor, improved hotend, and made a ton of small improvements to their already stellar printer. The X2-Carbon boasts impressive speed, accuracy, and a closed-loop control system.

Why it's hot:

• Seamless 4-color printing with the included AMS unit.

• Expandable to 16 filaments!

• Exceptional print quality and speed.

• Sleek design and a user-friendly interface.

• Lidar-assisted first layer inspection for great first layers.

5. Elegoo Neptune 5 Pro: The Budget-Friendly All-Rounder

Elegoo's Neptune line has always been about delivering great value, and the Neptune 5 Pro is no exception. This printer offers a solid set of features, including a dual-gear direct drive extruder, automatic bed leveling, and a silent motherboard, all at a price that won't break the bank. This year, they upgraded the hotend to be a high-flow hotend, allowing for faster print speeds.

Why it's hot:

• Fantastic value for money.

• Dual-gear direct drive extruder for reliable filament feeding.

• High flow hotend for faster print speeds.

• Automatic bed leveling for easy setup.

• Quiet operation.

The Verdict?

2025 is an exciting time to be a 3D printing enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, there's a printer out there that's perfect for you. These top 5 picks represent the cutting edge of consumer-grade 3D printing, offering a blend of performance, features, and value that's hard to beat. So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and print! Let me know in the comments which printer you're most excited about, and what features you think are essential in a modern 3D printer!