Best 3D Pens for the Holidays
3D pens have a way of inspiring creativity in adults and children alike. Who hasn’t wished they could just lift their pen off the paper and draw in midair? 3D pens open up a world of possibility with artists of every age and skill level. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and make great gifts for almost anyone. Looking to find the best 3D pen to match your budget or skill level? Want to surprise someone with the gift of a 3D pen for the holidays? Below are the top 3 3D pens for any budget.
Best 3D Pen Under $25: Anet VP01 3D Pen
Need a 3D pen under a serious budget? Look no further than the Anet 3D Pen. With plenty of experience in the 3D printing industry, Anet are a much more trustworthy brand than the dozens of fly-by-night companies who make 3D pens these days. It shows in the quality of their pen, too. This pen is sturdy and solid, unlike other cheap pens which feel hollow, light, and frail.
Instead of using PLA or ABS filament, the Anet VP01 uses PCL filament, which is an ecologically friendly alternative that’s safe for kids. It also extrudes at a lower temperature than PLA or ABS, making it that much safer. You even get a good bit of control over the flow of this pen with adjustable heat and speed settings. Overall this is a great pen for a great price, especially for kids and beginners.
Best 3D Pen Under $50: TECBOSS SL300 3D Pen
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the TECBOSS 3D Pen promises to take your experience to the next level. This popular 3D pen supports both PLA and ABS filament, giving you the freedom to experiment with different materials. Of course, you may also control the temperature and speed of extrusion, with 8 total speed settings for pinpoint precision.
While cheaper 3D pens tend to break after a few months at best, the TECBOSS 3D Pen is a reliable machine without common problems like dodgy screens or poor heating elements. This pen can also take a bit of abuse, meaning you don’t have to worry about breaking it if it rolls off the table. Helpfully, it even comes with some useful accessories like a stand that keeps the pen upright and safely stores the hot extruder tip. We recommend the TECBOSS 3D Pen for users of all ages and skill levels. Just remember to only use PLA and always supervise when small children use the pen.
Want to learn more? Check out our TECBOSS 3D Pen review here.
Best 3D Pen Over $50: 3Doodler Create+
Adults and serious artists have a hard time finding a “professional” 3D pen among the many cheap alternatives. That’s why 3Doodler made their Create+ pen. Designed with serious artists, hobbiests, and older children in mind, the Create+ elevates your 3D printing experience with silky smooth extrusion, a slim, comfortable design, and intuitive buttons that are easy to reach. You may also print with a wide range of 3mm filaments, including ABS, PLA, and low-temp flexible filaments. This is all in addition to its comfortable grip, fast and steady heating element, and excellent overall build quality.
Notably, there is no incremental temperature setting with this pen. That’s because the temperature options are pre-set to optimal limits for 3Doodler-brand filaments. It’s possible to use 3rd party filaments, but know that doing so voids your 1-year warranty. This is one of the only nitpicky downsides to choosing this pen.
Although it costs twice as much as most other 3D pens, the Create+ is ultimately worth the money for its longevity and exceptional results. Using the Create+ feels like an absolute joy after suffering with cheap, sputtering 3D pens that print in blobs. If you want one of the best 3D pens money can buy, the 3Doodler Create+ won’t disappoint. Our full 3Doodler Create+ review has more information if you need more info.
