Looking to level up your 3D printing game? Look no further than the top resin 3D printers of 2023. In this article, we’ll explore the printers with the best print quality, largest build volumes, and most advanced features so that you can create even more unique designs and prototypes.
Reviews of the top resin 3D printers for homes Look through our selections to find the best resin printer for your needs.
3D printers for resin have effectively entered the mainstream. Nowadays, home hobbyists, makers, and experts can purchase a small, high-resolution machine for less than $200 and produce incredibly detailed prints in a matter of seconds.
For the maker on a tight budget, there are many resin 3D printers available, but which are the best? We’ve put together a list of the best resin 3D printers for you after a lot of testing, printing, research, and talking with others.
Here are the top desktop resin 3D printers in various sizes and price points, from small to large and everything in between.
If you’re unsure which resin 3D printer is best for you, see our section on How to Pick a Resin 3D Printer to find out what to look for. Or, scroll down to see our list of highly recommended choices.
BEST BEGINNER RESIN 3D PRINTER
Beginners: Creality Halot-One Pro
PROS
- Extensive print plate
- Very simple interface
- Outstanding cloud service
It’s not the most affordable resin 3D printer you can find, but at under $300, it’s also not the most expensive. The Halot-One Pro is better for beginners than cheaper resin 3D printers because it offers more build volume and quality-of-life features that make using it much more enjoyable.
This machine’s ability to be set up quickly is one of its best features. Resin 3D printers typically require quite a bit of setup before you can start printing, even though they don’t require the occasionally challenging assembly process of FDM systems. You still need to find a model, level the bed and learn how to slice files. With the Halot-One Pro, you can skip this setup and start printing in less than 15 minutes after unboxing. That’s largely due to the printer’s integration with Creality Cloud, the cloud repository service provided by the manufacturer.
Creality Cloud had a difficult beginning and is still divisive over its hosting practices, but the service makes it very simple to start printing immediately. Even without installing a slicer on your computer, the mobile app quickly connects to the Halot-One Pro via QR code. You can easily print pre-sliced models from the repository by selecting them with a single tap, but you can also slice the models manually in the app or online. The process can be started and monitored remotely from the app, and supports are automatically generated.
Compared to your typical resin 3D printer, the Halot-One Pro makes bed leveling easier. The Z-axis zero for the printer is permanently set to the top of the device, eliminating the need for a Z-axis zero setting. Nothing to be concerned about. Simply place a piece of paper over the LCD, remove the screws holding the bed together, and press the “level” button to level. When you’re finished with the leveling process, tighten the screws. Beginners will find it simple and easy.
The Halot-One Pro’s resolution represents a significant trade-off. It produces noticeably less detailed models than many similarly priced resin 3D printers on the market due to its 51 micron resolution. It’s the machine for you if you want an easy start. However, you might want to consider other options if you need extra headroom for quality.
BEST RESIN 3D PRINTER UNDER $200
Under $200: Elegoo Mars 2
PROS:
- Dead cheap
- Large community
- No-fuss printer
The Elegoo Mars 2 is in many ways the ideal low-cost resin printer. Along with the straightforward but understandable functionality that has distinguished Elegoo’s Mars series of printers since day one, you also get a mono LCD that enables quick layer cure times.
The 50-micron resolution is, on paper, outdated because similar-sized machines can now push 28 microns (four times the resolution), but it is still more than sufficient to outperform FDM prints in terms of detail and fidelity completely.
It’s adequate for creating miniatures and terrain for tabletop gaming or other finely detailed work. The 129 x 80 x 150 mm build volume is sufficient to produce a small batch of parts, but it is not as spacious as more recent machines like the Elegoo Mars 3 or Anycubic Photon M3.
The Mars 2 has little to prevent it from being a capable and hassle-free workhorse thanks to native compatibility with ChiTuBox, a free and straightforward slicer, and an easy-level single-bolt print plate system. We found little justification for spending more than the $119 of the Mars 2 at this level after reviewing the Mars 2 Pro and comparable devices. Additionally, it features a clear-craze-worthy green lid and resin vat from the outside in, rocking a transparent green theme (for all you 90s-era Apple fans out there).
BEST RESIN 3D PRINTER UNDER $300
Under $300: Elegoo Mars 3
PROS
- High-resolution prints
- Great bang-for-buck ratio
- Slick design
What more is there to say about the Mars 3 in our top pick category, then?
The Mars 3 wins again if you’re looking for a resin 3D printer that’s big on performance and usability without costing too much.
With a build volume of 143 x 90 x 165 mm, you have plenty of room and, thanks to its 4K mono screen, a clear 35-micron resolution. This makes it our current top pick for standard-sized resin 3D printers. Combine that with user-friendly features like the metal resin vat with tiny feet and neat screws to fix it in place, or its 3.5-inch touchscreen.
Even though a few resin 3D printers are nearly as capable as the Mars 3 and cost less than $300, it is still impossible to find one that is as affordable. Given that it can be purchased for as little as $209, it is a compelling option for even the most frugal tinkerer. Remember that the printer also includes a one-year subscription to ChiTuBox Pro, which is worth $169 on its own and makes the Mars 3 an unbeatable deal.
BEST RESIN 3D PRINTER UNDER $500
Under $500: Creality Halot-One Pro
PROS
- Wi-Fi & remote control
- Air ventilation
- Large touchscreen
With its unconventional (and arguably more useful) near-square build volume, close integration with Wi-Fi capabilities, and an oh-so-slick user interface that feels more like using a tablet than a printer, the Creality Halot-One Pro does this and more when compared to less expensive resin 3D printers. As a result of being so incredibly simple to use, the Halot-One Pro also earns a spot on this list in our beginners category.
It stands out from the rest of the list because it is a cheap resin 3D printer (only $298) with all the bells and whistles, which is unusual.
But let’s start with the fundamentals. The 130 x 122 mm nearly square print plate of the Halot-One Pro is a more useful volume to print in, despite being comparable in size to its competitors. Larger pieces that cut across the plate at an angle can fit there because of its increased size. Finding the ideal angle to print your parts at is the one thing you’ll be doing with your resin 3D printer. The Halot One Pro has a printable Z-axis height of 160 mm.
The Halot-One Pro offers the most contemporary experience even though it doesn’t offer cutting-edge resolution (everything else on this list outperforms it at 51-micron granularity). You receive a Wi-Fi connection and sensible cloud functionality. Using the printer’s gorgeous and responsive 5-inch color touchscreen, you can queue up one of several printable files from the cloud directly on the printer itself. You can also save your models to the printer’s internal storage, forego print preparation entirely, or throw models at the printer without cutting (no computer required) by connecting to the Creality Cloud platform.
Regarding the user interface, it is by far the easiest and most pleasant printer to use. Having said that, the print vat and print plate are difficult to use and fall short of products like Elegoo’s Mars series. Due to ruthless content piracy without owners’ consent, Creality’s implementation of its cloud model library has also left some people with a bad taste. Despite questionable business practices, the Halot One Pro is a unique and innovative option.
BEST RESIN 3D PRINTER UNDER $1,000
Under $1,000: Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K
PROS
- Superb resolution
- Affordable
- Pre-configured resin profiles
Excellent resolution is the one distinguishing feature of the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K. The X/Y size of each pixel is reduced to 22 microns by fitting 7500 x 3240 pixels into a build area that measures 165 x 72 x 180 mm. With higher resolution, there will be less of a “staircase” effect around the X- and Y-axes of a print, which means there may be sharper detail.
Typically, we advise that the level of detail in resin 3D printing is somewhat negligible. Having said that, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is your best option if you’re looking for the highest resolution for your prints, whether professionally or to have peace of mind knowing they’re as good as they can be.
Even though the Mini 8K lacks the comfort features of the Creality Halot-One Pro, the hardware and overall usability are sufficient to ensure that you are not giving up anything essential to the printing process to obtain a higher resolution. It is a balanced resin 3D printer by all standards.
The resin vat is an appropriate improvement over earlier models, and the corner pegs serve double duty as standoffs and alignment pegs for the resin vat when placed on a desk. Although the print plate leveling, held in place by four machine screws, is a little dated, we do like the texture of the print plate surface, which adds a nice decorative touch and serves the practical purpose of making sure prints adhere to the plate.
It’s not the most feature-rich option, but the Sonic Mini 8K provides a comfortable modern resin printing experience with bleeding-edge resolution.
BEST RESIN 3D PRINTER
Best: Elegoo Mars 3
PROS
- High-resolution prints
- Great bang-for-buck ratio
- Slick design
The Mars 3 is the sixth iteration of Elegoo’s well-liked low-cost printer. It combines all the best features of earlier Mars printers into a well-rounded package while maintaining the dependable character we’ve always appreciated. Simple and fuss-free, it works. The printer looks sleeker than previous Mars models and improves performance and usability. It has a relatively large build volume for a smaller resin 3D printer—143 x 90 x 165 mm—and can print at an excellent resolution of 35 microns thanks to its 4098 x 2560 pixel capacity. The powerful COB (Chip On Board) light source used by the Mars 3 comprises 36 LEDs hidden beneath the monochrome LCD, and together they produce high light uniformity throughout the build area. Fast cure times of up to 1.5 seconds per layer are the result.
The Mars 3 is loaded with convenient little details. The resin vat is made of metal, has tidy screws to hold it in place, and has feet on the bottom to prevent the delicate FEP from making contact with your workbench. Its 3.5-inch color touchscreen is stylishly flush with the front of the machine. Elegoo also claims that its FEP film is now thinner than ever, which will improve print adhesion when combined with the print plate’s sandblasted surface. During testing, we didn’t encounter delamination or print plate failures.
With a price tag that is currently hovering around $209, its features, appearance, and the fact that it includes a one-year subscription to ChiTuBox Pro, which is worth $169 on its own, the Mars 3 has a strong case for being the best affordable 3D printer available right now.
The Mars 3 should be at the top of your list if you want high-detail prints with little work and without breaking the bank.
BEST LARGE RESIN 3D PRINTER
Large Pick: Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K
PROS
- High-definition 8K resolution
- Enormous build volume
- Standardized resin profiles
A remarkable feat is accomplished by the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K in that it offers a massive 330 x 185 x 400 mm build volume without significantly lowering the print resolution.
Its enormous 15-inch panel houses 7680 x 4320 pixels, which translates to an impressive 43-micron X/Y resolution. This is nearly twice as much detail as is possible on many other printers in this size class. It was one of the original examples of having both build volume and print resolution, and it continues to be the best example today. There is no longer an either/or situation.
It is a large printer with two outward-swinging doors. A perforated print plate for improved adhesion and lessen stress on the print and motion system as it racks up the layers is one of the conveniences for handling such a printer and its prints. Furthermore, Phrozen levels the Sonic Mega 8K print plate before shipping. That eliminates the need for any manual calibration for your initial prints. Right out of the box, it is ready to rock.
Although we adore the perforated build plate, the fact that the plate is flat and lets resin collect during printing is a glaring oversight for a printer of this size. Even with its holes, the Mega 8K still needs more cleanup after printing than some other machines when compared to angled build plates.
But when it comes to printing, that big plate is solidly supported by two linear rails, so no matter how big you make your parts, there won’t be any wobble. The flat composition is a negligible trade-off for a printer that otherwise excels at providing excellent print quality with a sizable build volume, which is what we’re after.
It is not only one of the most accessible large-format resin printers to use but also perhaps one of the most accessible resin printers to handle when the Sonic Mega 8K’s features are combined with Phrozen’s generous print and resin profiles for the slicer.
BEST MID-SIZED RESIN 3D PRINTER
Mid-Sized Pick: Elegoo Saturn 2
PROS
- Extraordinary print quality
- A large build volume
- Improvements to usability
You have to hand it to Elegoo, it does make exceptionally nice-to-use 3D printers. The Saturn 2 is a prime example of this, taking the generally messy experience of resin 3D printing and elevating it to a whole new level.
The bucket-style lid of the Saturn 2 has rigidity thanks to a stylish creased design. The build volume is substantial at 219 x 123 x 250 mm, and the resolution is even more significant at 28.5 microns. To have that much detail spread across such a large build volume is absurd.
Everything about the Saturn 2 feels premium. It’s got a complete set of quality-of-life features that make working with the machine easy. The oversized print plate release knob is easy to handle when wearing gloves, and it’s set up with air filtration to help stave off some of the stench of resin 3D printing. It’s also possible to hook up to a separate, heavier ventilation system, maybe ticking a box for professional users.
But the premium features don’t stop at quality of life. The Saturn 2 has an improved light engine paired with a Fresnel lens with COB, giving greater light uniformity across the plate — unlocking that impressive resolution in its size. The wholesale focus on improving the Saturn 2’s status as a resin workhorse also sees a 9H hardness screen protector landing on the LCD, saving you from untimely LCD replacements should your scraper slip.
We conclude our review that the Saturn 2 is outstanding. For a fair price of $550, you get superb detail in a sizable build volume. Unbeatable.
Which one is your best?
Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page to let us know your ideas, and we would appreciate seeing pictures of your works of art!
