Buying Guide
The Best UltiMaker 3D Printers for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk
We looked at 6 UltiMaker 3D printers side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read6 products evaluated
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Best UltiMaker 3D Printers can differ a lot. That means ultimaker 3d printers, price won't decide it.
Ultimaker 3d printers: we weighed real print-method fit, since FDM and resin solve different jobs.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
QIDI PLUS4 3D Printer
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for QIDI PLUS4 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Bambu Lab P1S Combo (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around | Newest level - 19-color with 4 ace 2 pro | Check price for Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Vivid multi-color printing | Check price for FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it | Multi color printing with all-new cfs | Check price for Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Versatile 3D printer & quiet printing | Check price for FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Large size & high-speed printing | Check price for QIDI PLUS4 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Up to 16 colors | Check price for Bambu Lab P1S Combo (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 6
Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer is our overall pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
Why settle for one color when you can have multicolor? Stop wasting hours and filament on purging!
Against FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Newest level - 19-color with 4 ace 2 pro
- Savings 2x time
- Hardened precision & high speed
Pros
- Newest level - 19-color with 4 ace 2 pro
- Savings 2x time
- Hardened precision & high speed
- Leviq 3.0 and auto bed leveling system uses
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Also Worth Considering2 of 6
FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Bring your creations to life with vibrant, multi-color prints. Enjoy smooth, uninterrupted prints with the advanced 1-click auto leveling feature that automatically calibrates your print bed for optimal results every time.
Against Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
It's worth picking this one if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Vivid multi-color printing
- 1-Click auto leveling
- Ultra-fast 12x printing speed: the ad5x features a core
Pros
- Vivid multi-color printing
- 1-Click auto leveling
- Ultra-fast 12x printing speed: the ad5x features a core
- Exceptional print quality
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Best Premium Pick3 of 6
Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer is the premium option here, positioned above the rest on price.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
K2 plus combo multi-color flagship printing, exciting for you to combine. 600Mm/s high speed printing: creality 3D printer k2 plus combo adopting industry-grade foc step-servo motors for the xyz axis and extrusion, step-servo motor system 30000mm/s2 accelaration, 40mm3/s high-flow and quiet.
Against Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
It's worth picking this one if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Multi color printing with all-new cfs
- Larger size to meet more needs
- 600Mm/s high speed printing: creality 3D printer k2
Pros
- Multi color printing with all-new cfs
- Larger size to meet more needs
- 600Mm/s high speed printing: creality 3D printer k2
- Super master of materials
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Another Strong Option4 of 6
FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Versatile 3D printer & quiet printing: ad5m pro is a versatile tool that can be used for parent-child bonding activities, household repairs, and creative teaching. The ad5m series is equipped with an automatic leveling system that can be activated with just one click.
Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is your health is our concern.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Versatile 3D printer & quiet printing
- Ad5m series is equipped with an automatic leveling system
- Secure printing assured
Pros
- Versatile 3D printer & quiet printing
- Ad5m series is equipped with an automatic leveling system
- Secure printing assured
- Support multi-material applications
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Runner-Up Pick5 of 6
QIDI PLUS4 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
QIDI PLUS4 3D Printer is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
The x-plus4 has a large print size of 12 x 12 x 11in, which allows you to print multiple models at the same time, significantly increasing printing efficiency. Qidi plus4 has upgraded the chamber heating function.
Weighing this against Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer, unbox to print in 10 mins ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.
This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Large size & high-speed printing
- Qidi plus4 has upgraded the chamber heating function
- Higher printing temperature & wide material compatibility
Pros
- Large size & high-speed printing
- Qidi plus4 has upgraded the chamber heating function
- Higher printing temperature & wide material compatibility
- Unbox to print in 10 mins
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Worth a Look6 of 6
Bambu Lab P1S Combo on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Bambu Lab P1S Combo is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Up to 16 colors: bring your designs to life with vibrant multi-color/multi-material printing capabilities, well suited to showcasing your creativity. 500Mm/s and 20000 mm/s2 acceleration true high speed: don't wait around for your masterpieces.
Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer covers similar ground, though set up in 15 minutes: spend more time printing and less time setting up is what tips the choice one way or the other.
Reach for this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Up to 16 colors
- 500Mm/s and 20000 mm/s2 acceleration true high speed: don't wait around for your masterpieces
- Enclosed design
Pros
- Up to 16 colors
- 500Mm/s and 20000 mm/s2 acceleration true high speed: don't wait around for your masterpieces
- Enclosed design
- Set up in 15 minutes
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
How We Chose These UltiMaker 3D Printers
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Check Build Volume Against Your Actual Largest Planned Print, Not the Average
- A 3D printer's stated build volume (length x width x height) is the absolute maximum, real prints need clearance from the edges for reliable adhesion and often shrink slightly during cooling, if you plan to print anything near the printer's maximum dimensions regularly, size up rather than buying to the exact rated volume, a printer that just barely fits your largest planned print leaves no margin for calibration issues..
- An Enclosure Matters More for Certain Filaments and Home Environments Than Others
- Whether an enclosure is worth the extra cost or DIY effort depends on what you're printing and where, if you stick to PLA in a stable room, an open-frame printer performs fine, if you plan to print ABS, nylon, or other warping-prone materials, or your printer sits somewhere drafty, an enclosure meaningfully improves print reliability and reduces fume exposure..
- FDM and Resin Printers Solve Different Printing Needs
- The core technology choice matters more than any other spec, FDM is simpler to operate, cheaper to run, and produces sturdier functional parts with visible layer texture, resin delivers dramatically finer detail and smoother finishes at the cost of a messier, more hands-on post-processing workflow involving toxic uncured resin, choose based on what you're actually printing, not which produces prettier marketing photos..
- Stepper Motor and Fan Noise Vary Significantly Between Printer Designs
- A 3D printer's audible noise during printing comes mainly from stepper motors and cooling fans, some printers use quieter TMC stepper drivers and better-isolated fans for meaningfully lower noise, while budget models can run loud enough to be disruptive in a shared living space, check reviews specifically for noise level if the printer will run in a bedroom or shared workspace rather than a garage..
- High Advertised Print Speeds Often Trade Off Against Surface Quality at Max Setting
- A 3D printer's advertised maximum print speed (measured in mm/s) is usually achievable, but running at that top speed generally introduces visible ringing, ghosting, or reduced dimensional accuracy compared to a moderate speed setting, most users get their best quality-to-speed balance somewhat below the printer's advertised maximum, check reviews for real quality comparisons at different speed settings rather than assuming max speed is the default best setting..
What to Look for in an UltiMaker 3D Printer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check Build Volume Against Your Actual Largest Planned Print, Not the Average
A 3D printer's stated build volume (length x width x height) is the absolute maximum, real prints need clearance from the edges for reliable adhesion and often shrink slightly during cooling, if you plan to print anything near the printer's maximum dimensions regularly, size up rather than buying to the exact rated volume, a printer that just barely fits your largest planned print leaves no margin for calibration issues.
An Enclosure Matters More for Certain Filaments and Home Environments Than Others
Whether an enclosure is worth the extra cost or DIY effort depends on what you're printing and where, if you stick to PLA in a stable room, an open-frame printer performs fine, if you plan to print ABS, nylon, or other warping-prone materials, or your printer sits somewhere drafty, an enclosure meaningfully improves print reliability and reduces fume exposure.
FDM and Resin Printers Solve Different Printing Needs
The core technology choice matters more than any other spec, FDM is simpler to operate, cheaper to run, and produces sturdier functional parts with visible layer texture, resin delivers dramatically finer detail and smoother finishes at the cost of a messier, more hands-on post-processing workflow involving toxic uncured resin, choose based on what you're actually printing, not which produces prettier marketing photos.
Stepper Motor and Fan Noise Vary Significantly Between Printer Designs
A 3D printer's audible noise during printing comes mainly from stepper motors and cooling fans, some printers use quieter TMC stepper drivers and better-isolated fans for meaningfully lower noise, while budget models can run loud enough to be disruptive in a shared living space, check reviews specifically for noise level if the printer will run in a bedroom or shared workspace rather than a garage.
High Advertised Print Speeds Often Trade Off Against Surface Quality at Max Setting
A 3D printer's advertised maximum print speed (measured in mm/s) is usually achievable, but running at that top speed generally introduces visible ringing, ghosting, or reduced dimensional accuracy compared to a moderate speed setting, most users get their best quality-to-speed balance somewhat below the printer's advertised maximum, check reviews for real quality comparisons at different speed settings rather than assuming max speed is the default best setting.
How to Choose an UltiMaker 3D Printer
| FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer | |
| Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer | |
| Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer |
| Lowest price in this lineup | FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer |
|---|---|
| FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision | |
| Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer |
- FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer)
- Sturdier functional parts at lower cost, visible layer lines.
- Far finer detail and smoother finish, messier post-processing with toxic uncured resin.
Match this to your actual setup and priorities.
| Standard PLA in a stable room | Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer |
|---|---|
| FLASHFORGE AD5M Pro 3D Printer 600mm/s High Speed & Precision |
For Long Unattended Prints Specifically
- A genuine filament run-out sensor so a multi-hour print doesn't silently fail and waste material.
- Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer is worth checking against its specific spec sheet before assuming any pick here covers your exact need.
- You need the strongest real-world performance and sturdiest build, where Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer justifies the extra cost.
- You want straightforward everyday use without paying for headroom you won't need, where FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies significantly by model, quieter stepper drivers and fan designs make a real difference, check specific noise-level reviews if the printer will run somewhere you spend time like a bedroom or office.
Do I need an enclosed 3D printer?
Only if you plan to print warping-prone materials like ABS or nylon, or your room is drafty, PLA in a stable room works fine on an open-frame printer.
Will any nozzle work with any filament?
No, abrasive filaments like carbon-fiber-infused or metal-infused wear down a standard brass nozzle quickly, a hardened steel or ruby-tipped nozzle holds up much longer with those materials.
Is a multi-material system worth it?
Only if you regularly print multi-color or multi-material objects, each filament switch wastes purge material and adds print time, single-color prints get no benefit from the feature.
Should I get an FDM or resin 3D printer?
FDM produces sturdier functional parts at lower cost with visible layer lines, resin produces far finer detail and smoother surfaces but requires ventilation and messier post-processing with isopropyl alcohol, match to what you're actually printing.
How do I know what build volume I actually need?
Check it against your largest realistically planned print with margin, the stated volume is a hard maximum and real prints need edge clearance, don't buy sized exactly to your biggest project.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all ultimaker 3d printers on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.