If you’ve considered buying a 3D printer, you’ve probably also considered the cost of the 3D printer controller. While 3D printers themselves have become more accessible in terms of price, the convenience of a 3D printer-controller combo is still a major consideration. But the good news is that there are many different controllers that fit a wide range of budgets.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best 3D printer controllers to help you find the right one for your needs.
Read on to learn more.
Our Editor’s Best 3d Printer Controllers Reviews
Bestseller No. 1
3D Printer for Kids, Beginner 3D Printer with 8 PLA Filament Set, Huge Toy Library & Modify, Wi-Fi & App Control, Create STEM Toys, High Precision 3D Printer W/ 15+ Mini 3D Design Module, X-Maker Joy
- Effortless 3D Creation: Start your 3D printing journey with just one click using our smart app, perfect as a beginner 3D printer for kids and home use; compatible across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms for a seamless experience; voice commands make it accessible and fun for all ages
- Precision and Speed: Achieve professional-grade, kids 3D printer with 0.05 mm accuracy at speeds up to 200 mm/s; this small 3D printer features an innovative quick-release nozzle for easy changes, ensuring smooth and consistent printing every time
- Creative Library Access: Dive into a vast catalog of over 1,500 digital designs with weekly updates, perfect for a 3D printer for kids; includes 15+ themed design modules, providing endless customization options tailored for both kids and home use
- DIY Customization: Personalize your small 3D printer with printable decorations; a unique feature that makes this an ideal 3D printer for home, allowing for a truly individualized and creative look
- Monitor with Ease: The built-in camera allows real-time monitoring of your printing projects from your smartphone, ideal for a 3D printer for home use; it also automatically generates time-lapse videos for sharing your creative process, making it a perfect 3D printer for kids
$299.99
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Bestseller No. 2
AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer, 500 mm/s High-Speed Printing, All-Metal Hotend, Supports 300℃ Printing, Control via Multi-Device, Intuitive, 7×7 Auto-Leveling, 220×220×250 mm Print Volume
- Quality Prints at High Speed: With PowerBoost 2.0 technology and Ultra Direct Extruder, AnkerMake M5C can achieve printing speeds of up to 500 mm/s while maintaining 0.1 mm precision, so you can create quality models faster and more efficiently.
- Easy Control From Anywhere: With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can control the printer, monitor the status of your prints, and transfer sliced models directly from your mobile device. The user-friendly AnkerMake app is easy to use for beginners and pros alike.
- Next-Level Detail with Precision Mode: This all-new feature supports up to 50 μm resolution when using a 0.2 mm nozzle. Supported by multiple advanced algorithms, it makes fine printing faster and more efficient than ever before.
- Enduring Reliability & Wide Compatibility: With durable components and a 300°C all-metal hotend, this 3D printer is durable and versatile. It can handle a wide range of filament materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and PLA-CF (Carbon Fiber).
- User-Friendly Features for Easy Printing: This 3D printer has 49-point (7x7) automatic bed leveling, an integrated design for easy installation, and power and filament outage recovery functions. The PEI flexible magnetic plate provides a stable and easy-to-remove printing surface, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
$299.99
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Bestseller No. 3
Tina2S 3D Printer with WiFi Cloud Printing, Fully Assembled and Mini 3D Printer for Beginners and Kids with Auto Leveling, High Precision Printer with Smart Control and Heated Spring Steel Build Plate
- Mini 3D Printers： Entina TINA2S - a 3D printer for beginners and children, compact body, ready to use out of the box, fully assembled, no complicated settings to start printing, SD card, and APP comes with multiple models, fully meet the printing needs of entry-level players, instantly start the perfect printing experience!
- Automatic Leveling & Heated Platform: The small 3D printer has a built-in automatic leveling system that eliminates the need for manual adjustments for successful printing. Features a flexible and removable spring steel build plate to reduce model warpage issues, easy removal of prints, and easy cleaning of the platform.
- Completely intelligent: equipped with the new self-developed APP, massive model library, to achieve one-click control of the printer. Print at your own pace, you can choose to print in multiple ways via APP/USB/Wiibuilder slicing software, fully open source and compatible with Cura, Simplify3d and Slicr3r slicing software.
- Humanized design: built-in led light, at any time and anywhere to observe the printing process of the printer, more clearly show the working status of the printer. Quick-change test nozzle to reduce the printer clogging problem, greatly reducing the difficulty of replacing accessories, making the printer easier to operate, dual Z-axis guide design, to ensure stable movement!
- Upgraded wifi printing: upgraded wifi module with 5 times faster file transfer speed, supporting faster and more stable file transfer for a perfect printing experience. Convenient networking design, use PP local APP to network with one click and say goodbye to tedious network settings!
$199.99
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SaleBestseller No. 4
Youyoute Mini Heater for 3D Printer, Resin 3D Printer Temperature Controller Heating Thermostat Temp Control for LCD DLP 3D Printers
- Use for: Resin 3D printer mini heater designed for Resin 3D printers, it is small but powerful, for use in cold weather. It helps you to heat up the resin and rise the ambient temperature. Make your 3D printer work well, save your time and Resin material.
- Professional design: Our temperature controller use in cold weather,when temperature lower than 75F/24C, will cause so many problems in LCD DLP 3D print. Such as Print not sticking to the bed, Layer adhesion, warming, and so on. Finally, printing fails.
- Professionally manufactured: Our 3D printer heater built-in high-precision industry temperature sensor, accurate to 0.1 ℃. Fireproof case, high-quality power cord, all professionally designed for your safe printing.
- Small size: Our 3D printer Thermostat 10.8x5.7x3.2cm/4.25x5.24x1.25 in, 117grams, Prefect for 8-15 inch Resin 3D printer, It only takes 10 minutes from 40F to 80F, for use in cold weather.
- If the heater doesn't work within one year, contact us to get a replacement.
$54.99
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SaleBestseller No. 5
2024 SUNLU Official Filament Dryer Box S4,Four-Spool 3D Printer Dehydrator with Rapid Heating, Auto Humidity Control, and Advanced Triple Fan Upgrade,Compatible with PLA,PETG,ABS,TPU,PA
- Four-Spool Filament Dryer Box - SUNLU S4 is the first filament dryer box capable of accommodating four 1kg spools simultaneously. It is equipped with eight filament holes and PTFE tubes, meeting the demands for drying multiple filaments and enabling concurrent printing with multiple printers.
- Fast Heating & Drying Evenly - The SUNLU S4 filament dryer is equipped with a PTC heating element and a triple-fan configuration. The interior heat is efficiently circulated with three fans, making the heating process more even. Additionally, the S4 filament dry box achieves rapid heating up to 70 °C in record time. The robust 350W PTC heater is 6.9 times more powerful than the SUNLU S2, ensuring an accelerated and efficient filament drying experience.
- Auto Humidity Control - The SUNLU FilaDryer S4 incorporates a high-precision humidity sensor, displaying real-time interior humidity. Even when the filament dryer is in standby, it will automatically activate when the interior humidity reaches or exceeds 50%, preventing secondary moisture exposure. Thus, it can also serve as your filament storage box.
- Easy to Use - The adjustable temperature range is 35°C to 70°C, with a setting time from 0 to 99 hours. This 3D printer filament dryer features a large touch screen, providing a tablet-like operation experience. It also comes with pre-configured temperature and drying time settings for commonly used filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, as well as PA and PC. This reduces setup complexities and enhances your user experience.
- Universal Compatibility - The SUNLU S4 filament dehydrator is compatible with PLA, PLA+, PETG, TPU, ABS, PA, PC, Nylon, and other high-end 3D filaments. It works perfectly with all standard filament diameters: 1.75mm, 2.85mm, 3.00mm.
$129.99
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Bestseller No. 6
Chitu Systems Resin 3D Printer Mini Heater-Versatile Temperature Control,Easy Installation,Quiet Operation, High-Performance Fan&Overheat Protection-Compatible with Most LCD 3D Printers
- 🌟 Compact & Versatile: Our Mini Heating Module easily fits most LCD 3D printers, providing a convenient solution for resin-based 3D printing enthusiasts
- 🌡️ Wide Temperature Control: Freely adjust the heating temperature within a range of 0℃-85℃ (32℉-185℉), catering to your specific printing needs
- 🔧 User-friendly Installation: Hassle-free setup without drilling or modifying your 3D printer's casing; neat and tidy cable management
- 🤫 Quiet Operation & High Performance: Low noise operation paired with a powerful dual-bearing fan that reaches 8000 RPM, ensuring optimal efficiency
- 🔥 Powerful, Safe, & Reliable: Our module features a high-powered independent power adapter for fast heating, built-in overheat protection that auto-stops at 85℃, and a durable design
$44.99
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Bestseller No. 7
AOSEED 3D Printer, High Precision Beginner 3D Printer, Huge Tool Library and Customizer, Plug-and-Play 3D Printer with 8 PLA Filament Set, Wi-Fi & App Control, Create STEM, X-Maker Joy
- 3D Print with Ease: Dive into 3D printing with ease using the X-MAKER JOY! Just one click through our smart app, and your creation begins. The intuitive software and user-friendly interface make it easy to design and print their creations, bringing their ideas to life. Our app supports iOS, Android, and Windows platforms, making it accessible to everyone in your family
- High Print Quality & Quick Swap Nozzle: Experience top-notch print quality with the 3D printers big size and say goodbye to clogging with our quick-change nozzle system. This printer delivers precision at 0.05mm resolution and speeds up to 200mm/s, ensuring crisp, detailed models every time. Its quick-change nozzle system simplifies maintenance, enhancing your printing experience by keeping it efficient and hassle-free
- DIY Fun: Personalize Your Printer: Unlock personalization at its best with the X-MAKER JOY! This enclosed 3D printer features an innovative DIY interface that allows for the customization of the printer's appearance, letting express their unique style. By utilizing the DIY interface, users can apply and modify external decorations directly, making the printer not just a tool for creating 3D objects, but also a canvas for personal expression
- Capture Creativity: Built-In Camera Magic: Experience the magic of creation with the large 3D printer’s built-in high-definition camera. This advanced feature enables remote monitoring of the printing process via your smartphone, capturing every detail in real-time. The printer automatically generates time-lapse videos, allowing you to share the fascinating progression of your projects from start to finish. Celebrate and share your growth and imagination with friends and family
- Hassle-Free Setup: Effortless Connectivity: Simplify your printing experience with the 3D printer. This 3D printer features a leveling-free bed that automatically ensures the optimal distance between the nozzle and the printing surface, promoting consistent and high-quality prints. Additionally, it connects via Wi-Fi, providing stable and seamless connectivity. Forget about the hassle of complex setups. Unbox, connect and start creating with ease
$299.99
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Bestseller No. 8
OSOYOO 3D Printer Controller Kit Ramps 1.4 + Full Graphic Smart Display Controller + Mega2560 + A4988 Stepper Motor Driver for RepRap (Ramps 1.4+12864LCD+Mega2560+A4988Driver)
- 3D Printer Controller RAMPS 1.4 interfaces a Compatible Arduino Mega2560 board. The modular design includes plug in stepper drivers and extruder control electronics on an Arduino-compatible MEGA shield for easy service, part replacement, upgrade-ability and expansion
- 3D Printer Controller RAMPS 1.4 interfaces a Compatible Arduino Mega2560 board. The modular design includes plug in stepper drivers and extruder control electronics on an Arduino-compatible MEGA shield for easy service, part replacement, upgrade-ability and expansion
- With LCD 12864, you can easy connect it to your Ramps board using the "smart adapter" included. After connecting this panel to your Ramps you don't need your pc any more, the Smart Controller supplies power for your SD card. Further more all actions like calibration, axes movements can be done by just using the rotary encoder on the Smart Controller. Print your 3D designs without PC, just with a g-code design stored on the SD card.
- It is designed to fit the entire electronics needed for a RepRap in one small package for low cost
- Please Note : No technical support for this product.
$47.99
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Bestseller No. 9
BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board +TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display 32Bit Silent Board Integrated with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver Compatible with Ender 3/5 Ender 3 Pro/V2 3D Printer
- BIGTREETECH Combo Set: Comes with BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 32 bit control board and TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 touch screen display with dual modes as a set. perfect for Ender 3 3D Printer, plug and playing, Adopted the latest G0 series MCU-STM32G0B0RET6 main control chip packing excellent performances
- Upgraded More Capabilities: Intergrated with TMC2209 V1.3 mute stepper driver, BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 motherboard offers silent performance as default, and supports dual Z steppers for linear rail and belt upgrades, filament runout support, automatic shutdown (UPS support), power-off resume, sensorless homing and so on
- Impressive Heat Dissipation: The BTT SKR MINI E3 V3.0 silent board also looks aesthetic with upgraded designs.New heatsink and 3 PWM controlled fans serve to cool down the machine during printing, effectively improving performances on heat dissipation. A direct 3D printer control board replacement for Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, and Ender 5 3D Printer motherboards
- Supports Touch and Graphic Display: BTT tft35-e3 v3.0 display enables you to easily switch between the Marlin LCD emulator and touch screen with menu interface, simply by pressing and holding the selector wheel. It's a plug and play on Ender series printers with BTT SKR MINI E3 V3.0 control board.（Note: When running Klipper firmware, tft35 e3 v3.0.1 display only support 12864 mode)
- Satisfying After-Sales Support: If you have any problems about BTT SKR MINI E3 V3.0 with TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 smart display combo sets, please feel free to tell us anytime. We have profession technical supports team to help you as soon as we can
$76.99
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Bestseller No. 10
AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer, 500 mm/s High-Speed Printing, All-Metal Hotend, Supports 300℃ Printing, Control via Multi-Device, Intuitive (Renewed)
- Quality Prints at High Speed: With PowerBoost 2.0 technology and Ultra Direct Extruder, AnkerMake M5C can achieve printing speeds of up to 500 mm/s while maintaining 0.1 mm precision, so you can create quality models faster and more efficiently.
- Easy Control From Anywhere: With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can control the printer, monitor the status of your prints, and transfer sliced models directly from your mobile device. The user-friendly AnkerMake app is easy to use for beginners and pros alike.
- Next-Level Detail with Precision Mode: This all-new feature supports up to 50 μm resolution when using a 0.2 mm nozzle. Supported by multiple advanced algorithms, it makes fine printing faster and more efficient than ever before.
- Enduring Reliability & Wide Compatibility: With durable components and a 300°C all-metal hotend, this 3D printer is durable and versatile. It can handle a wide range of filament materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and PLA-CF (Carbon Fiber).
- User-Friendly Features for Easy Printing: This 3D printer has 49-point (7x7) automatic bed leveling, an integrated design for easy installation, and power and filament outage recovery functions. The PEI flexible magnetic plate provides a stable and easy-to-remove printing surface, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
$199.99
Buy on Amazon
Best 3d Printer Controllers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best 3D printer controller you should consider following options:
1. RAM Memory: RAM memory is the fastest form of computer memory. It acts as a temporary storage location for the operating system and program files a computer uses.
For 3D printer controllers, RAM memory is used to store information while programs run. It is important that you purchase a 3D printer controller with enough RAM memory to run the programs you will use.
If you are planning to print large, complex objects, you will need a 3D printer controller with at least 1GB of RAM memory. If you are using your 3D printer controller for simpler 3D printing jobs, 512MB will be enough.
2. Flash Memory: Flash memory is a non-volatile storage medium. This means that it can store information even when the power is off.
The information stored in flash memory is used to control the printer’s functions. 3D printer controllers with more flash memory have a higher level of customization.
If you are new to 3D printing and are unsure what settings to use when printing, a 3D printer controller with a limited amount of flash memory may be best.
3. ROM Memory: ROM memory is a non-rewritable form of computer memory that holds an operating system and program instructions.
For a 3D printer controller, ROM memory is used to store the operating system. A higher amount of ROM memory allows the 3D printer controller to run more efficiently and with fewer errors.
A 3D printer controller with 512MB of ROM memory is recommended for new users. Experienced users may find that a 3D printer controller with 1GB of ROM memory is more than enough.
What else you should know about 3d printer controllers
1. What are the different types of 3D printer controllers?
There are three main types of printer controllers:
1. Stand-alone controllers: These controllers are typically dedicated to a single printer and are not connected to a network. They are typically used for lower-end printers.
2. Embedded controllers: These controllers are built into the printer itself and are used for mid-range and high-end printers.
3. Networked controllers: These controllers are connected to a network and can be used to control multiple printers.
2. What are the benefits of using a 3D printer controller?
A printer controller is a device that helps manage printing jobs and sends them to the appropriate printer. It can be used to monitor the progress of print jobs, track printer usage, and control access to printers.
3. What are the features of a 3D printer controller?
Some features of a printer controller may include:
-The ability to connect to and control multiple printers simultaneously
-A user-friendly interface for managing print jobs
-Support for a variety of printing technologies (e.g., inkjet, laser, thermal, etc.)
-Advanced features for managing color printing, paper size and orientation, and other print job settings
4. How does a 3D printer controller work?
A printer controller is a device that connects a printer to a computer. It allows the computer to send data to the printer and receive data from the printer.
5. What are the limitations of a 3D printer controller?
Some printer controllers only work with specific types of printers, so if you change printers you may need to also change the controller. Printers also require specific types and amounts of ink or toner, which the controller may not be able to accommodate.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best 3d printer controllers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best 3d printer controllers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.