The best 3D printers for beginners and budget creators

Like virtual reality, 3D printing is one of those things that always seems just on the cusp of going mainstream, without ever really crossing over. Even though we've seen the concept play out in movies and on TV for years (what do you think a Star Trek replicator is doing?), having a 3D printer at home is still considered wildly exotic outside of a small enthusiast audience.

I started playing around with 3D printers last year, mostly to satisfy my own curiosity, with an unexpected result. I'm now completely addicted to 3D printing. Over the past several months, I've tested several models, from rock-bottom Monoprice printers to step-up resin printers that produce truly professional-level prints.

Below are the lower-cost printers we tested in the CNET Labs, and close-ups of one of our comparison test prints, a bust of Abraham Lincoln. All 3D prints require a little smoothing and filing with a hobby file to look their best (you can also prime and paint them, fill gaps with filler compound and so on) -- but the Abes presented below are right off the print bed, no touch-ups.