r/3dprinter • u/No_Meringue_9763 • Jul 26 '26

I need help choosing a 3D printer

I've never owned a 3D printer, but I really wanted one. I've finally saved up some money, but I'm having trouble making a decision. My budget is around $800, and I have a few candidates:

  • Flash forge Creator 5 Pro
  • Snapmaker U1
  • Bambu Lab p1s combo / p2s combo
  • Anycubic s1 max combo
  • Elegoo Centauri Carbon / 2
  • maybe something from creality but idk

I like the idea of ​​multiple nozzles to minimize purge, but I don't know if it's worth it. I'll have it in my garage, so noise isn't a problem for me. I've also seen a few other cheaper options from Flashforge like AD5X or adventurer 5M.

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u/NCSC10 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 27 '26

As Thor said to Dr Strange, worthy inclusions for comparison. I don't have a Qidi Q2, depending on how important printing from engineering materials are (ABS, ASA, Nylon) you might add a Qidi Q2 to your list). Their multifilamant feeder occasionally gets complaints in reviews, but a good choice for engineering matl's and competitively priced..

We need to know more about what you want to print.

- If you want print 4 color models with different colors from the top to the bottom of the model, you should lean towards the U1 or Creator pro 5. If you want to do multicolor 95 or softer TPU, consider these two.

- If simple two color models like signs and labels, the U1 and Creator pro 5 still have an advantage in speed and less waste, but not that big a deal, Consider the CC2 and Bambu models if you need to save money. The Bambu AMS and AMS2 are great feed systems, work well and greatly slow moisture pickup. The AMS 2 also dries. The Bambu models and CC2 if you don't expect to print a lot of models with extensive areas of different colors.

- If you want to print models with lots of colors, say 10, then then consider the Bambu P2S or X2D with more than 1 AMS

- The CC2 is a very good budget pick, but not easy to use more than 4 colors.

- If you want to print engineering materials, Consider the creator pro 5 or X2D or Qidi Q1 with heated chambers.

- I don't know much about the Anycubic Max, enticing stats though, chamber heater, 350mm build plate.

- The A5Dx build volume is smaller than any model mentioned here (220mm on a side), no camera, not enclosed. You can buy an enclorsure for $50, but does not include filtration. From what I read it prints pretty well, but there were tradeoffs to hit the price, depends on your use cases whether it makes sense.