It may seem like an easy choice since one printer has 4x the build space of the other, but we don’t think the answer is that simple. Today’s Monoprice Select Mini vs Monoprice Maker Select v2 comparison looks beyond build size to find a clear winner.
Monoprice has caught your attention with two of the most affordable 3D printers on the market. Now it’s just time to choose which one you want to take home.
Monoprice Select Mini VS Monoprice Maker Select v2 In Depth 3D Printer Comparison
Monoprice Select Mini Basics
Essentially a miniaturized version of the MP Maker Select v2, the MP Select Mini features a tiny 4.7cm³ build space. Its footprint is equally small, taking up just 13.5″ x 11.3” x 7.5″ on your desk.
The included build plate is heated and this printer can be pushed up to 260°C. Since the Monoprice Select Minis now ship with all-metal hot endFs you can print with high-temp exotics without needing to upgrade.
Print resolution and speed aren’t the greatest, but we’re talking about a low cost 3D printer. Print at resolutions between 100-400 microns at a snail-like 55mm/s. Connect via USB, microSD, or (spotty) WiFi using any software or OS, the Monoprice Select Mini is nothing if not versatile.
See the full Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer Review.
Monoprice Maker Select v2 Basics
The most important difference between these two 3D printers is the build space. The Monoprice Maker Select v2 has almost four times the total print volume of the Mini with a build space measuring 7.9” x 7.9” x 7”. That 7” Y-axis makes all the difference, allowing you to print diagonal objects up to 11”.
As with the MP Select Mini, the MP Maker Select v2 includes a heated print bed but requires a hot end upgrade to exceed 230°C.
This 3D printer is also known for it’s slow prints, maxing out at 100mm/s. Unless quality isn’t an issue, more realistic printing speeds are ~50mm/s. Print resolutions also range from 100-400 microns, and as you would expect print quality between these two 3D printers is indistinguishable.
See the full Monoprice Maker Select v2 3D Printer Review.
Monoprice Select Mini VS Monoprice Maker Select v2: Print Quality and Construction
The choice between these two 3D printers is difficult because they’re so similar. Both the MP Select Mini and MP Maker Select v2 feature durable all-steel frames and solid construction, which is hard to find in their price point.
Adding to their value, both 3D printers come with a heated print bed and capable extruders that can print in a range of filaments.
For beginners, both of these 3D printers come almost fully assembled and can be printing in well under an hour. For more advanced users, they are both easy to mod and upgrade for truly impressive prints. To that point, we suggest some immediate upgrades for both of these machines.
Monoprice cut some corners with both of these printers and it shows in components like fans, power supplies, and nozzles.
Monoprice Select Mini VS Monoprice Maker Select v2: User Experience
Along with its small print envelope, the MP Select Mini weighs under 10lbs and can fit almost anywhere as one of the smallest 3D printers we’ve ever tested. It also has a sleek, modern design with a full-color integrated display. Blink and you might miss it, this 3D printer should fit seamlessly in any office or garage space.
The MP Maker Select v2 is another story. Between the bulky frame and blocky power supply/control box, this printer looks like it belongs on the set of the original Star Trek.
The printer measures about 16.1” x 15.3” x 15.3” and the power supply measures 4.7” x 13.7” x 4.7”. Together they weigh well over 20lbs, and as you would expect, this printer is a bit louder than the MP Select Mini.
Beyond aesthetics, the MP Select Mini is also more reliable out of the box. Fewer of its parts are known to fail and be unstable, and you could feasibly never replace a single component. The MP Maker Select v2, however, needs a little more love for reliable, high-quality prints.
As mentioned, the MP Select Mini also comes with an all metal hot end, meaning you can experiment with more filament without upgrading like you must with the MP Maker Select v2.
Monoprice Select Mini VS Monoprice Maker Select v2 Verdict
So, is the Monoprice Maker Select v2 worth the extra cash for all that extra build space? For some people, the answer will be a resounding ‘Yes!’. Since the both printers have the same fair-to-good print quality without modification, it seems like a no-brainer to choose the largest build space so you can print the biggest models.
For most people, however, we recommend the MP Select Mini instead. This miniature 3D printer is the perfect machine for beginners who want to experiment and learn more before making a big investment.
You can do a surprising amount in the MP Select Mini’s 4.7”³ build space, meanwhile the endless filament options and modding potential should keep you busy well into the future.
If you absolutely must have the larger build space, we suggest saving for a closed-frame printer like the QIDI TECH I.
