Monoprice Voxel vs. Flashforge Finder Comparison Review
Monoprice Voxel Basics
If the Voxel seems oddly reminiscent of a Flashforge machine, that’s because it is one! The Monoprice Voxel is actually a rebranded version of the Flashforge Adventurer 3. The two machines share almost identical specs, so this comparison can be used for either machine.
That said, let’s get to the basics. The Monoprice Voxel sports a 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9-inch build volume and prints models in either ABS or PLA filament. The heated build plate and enclosed print area help make this affordable printer better for printing in ABS than most of the competition in this price range. Print at speeds up to 60mm/s, in layers as small as 50 microns. That’s really impressive to see in such an inexpensive printer.
Interfacing with the Voxel is easy. In addition to having a fairly large touch screen, the Monoprice Voxel also has three connectivity options to suit your lifestyle. Use WiFi, USB, or Ethernet to connect to this 3D printer and start printing. There’s even 8GB of onboard memory which saves files for offline printing. Read our full Voxel review here.
Flashforge Finder Basics
The Flashforge Finder is an extremely popular 3D printer thanks to its ease of use, attractive price point, and user-friendly look. Unlike other cheap 3D printers, the Finder’s colorful cubic design looks finished and sturdy. Unfortunately, although the Finder may look like an enclosed unit, the sides are actually open. That’s not such a big deal, however, since this printer only uses PLA filament.
Build models at resolutions between 100 and 400 microns over a print volume of 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5-inches. Use either WiFi or USB to connect with the Flashforge Finder, and use the included FlashPrint software to prepare your models.
Despite being such a simple machine with little versatility, many Finder users don’t feel limited at all. For some beginners and hobbyists, printing basic models in PLA only is all they need. Catch up on our full Flashforge Finder review here.
Monoprice Voxel vs. Flashforge Finder Similarities: Beginner Friendly Operation
Most people gravitate toward these two 3D printers for two reasons. First, both printers are extremely affordable. The Voxel is normally a bit more than the Flashforge Finder, but frequently goes on sale for the same price. Both come in well under $400, meaning they’re some of the cheapest pre-built printers around.
The second big draw to these printers is that they are marketed toward beginners. 3D printing can be intimidating for those just starting out, but both the Voxel and Finder make the experience painless. Expect to have either of these printers up and running 30-minutes after opening the box.
Both use Flashprint, Flashforge’s free slicer program, which is easy to learn and allows for both simple and advanced control over your print settings. Simply choose your printer from the drop-down menu for recommended print settings with any Flashforge printer. Both printers also feature assisted leveling, making the process quick and easy to follow. Other beginner-friendly features shared by these two printers include removable print beds, touchscreen displays, and WiFi access. All these great features make 3D printing easier for novices.
Monoprice Voxel vs. Flashforge Finder Differences: Overall Value and Customer Service
While the Voxel and Finder have similar looks and price tags, the Voxel obviously presents a better value. Not only is the print volume slightly larger, but the Monoprice Voxel prints in both PLA and ABS, unlike the Finder which only prints in PLA. To accommodate for this, the Voxel includes a heated print bed and an enclosed design, which are also both superior options compared to the Monoprice’s unheated bed and open design. As if that weren’t enough, the Voxel is also capable of printing in much finer detail when compared to the Finder.
All that is pretty damning for the Finder, but there is one category where Flashforge wins out. When compared side-by-side, there’s no competition between Flashforge and Monoprice customer service. Whereas Flashforge has rave reviews about fast, courteous customer representatives, Monoprice has just as many frustrated customers who waited weeks for a return email. This is absolutely a downside to the Voxel, though the lively online community helps mitigate this by offering help to beginners.
Monoprice Voxel vs. Flashforge Finder Verdict
The Monoprice Voxel is the clear winner between these two 3D printers. With one more filament option, better, more accurate results, and upgraded features like a flexible, removable print bed, the Voxel beats the Finder in almost every category.
If Monoprice’s subpar customer service experience bothers you, however, there is a solution. The Voxel is simply a rebrand of the Flashforge Adventurer 3. Although more expensive than the Voxel, it does come with Flashforge support and warranty documentation. Even so, we think the Voxel is the best value for your dollar. Customer service may not be a priority for Monoprice, but solutions are available for all common issues with a simple Google search.
There’s still a place in the world for the PLA-only Flashforge Finder. Educators and those who are sensitive to fumes will always prefer PLA filament. PLA filament is also best for younger users. For all other customers, however, the Voxel is a superior machine.
