Quiet 3D printers are now very accessible, even on a budget. In this guide, I’ll compare 6 of the best quiet 3D printers I’ve tested in my 5 years of 3D printing experience across noise levels and other key factors like print quality, reliability, and value for money.
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High-Quality Prints
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Best Overall
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Beginners Pick
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3DSourced Rating: |
3DSourced Rating: |
3DSourced Rating: |
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.8
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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$549-999
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$279.99
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$389.99
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Noise Level:
55 decibels
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Noise Level:
50-60 decibels
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Noise Level:
45-50 decibels
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Build Volume:
225 x 145 x 150 mm
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Build Volume:
220 x 220 x 250 mm
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Build Volume:
150 x 150 x 150 mm
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Filament Compatibility:
PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU and other exotic materials
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Filament Compatibility:
PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
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Filament Compatibility:
PLA, ABS, PETG
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Max Print Speed:
100 mm/s
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Max Print Speed:
180 mm/s
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Max Print Speed:
60 mm/s
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Max Nozzle Temperature:
240°C
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Max Nozzle Temperature:
255°C
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Max Nozzle Temperature:
240°C
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After testing dozens of 3D printers and measuring their noise levels, I’ve found the Creality Ender 3 V2 to be the best overall quiet 3D printer. This super affordable 3D printer yields excellent quality prints and can be tweaked to operate at 50 decibels.
For beginners, the Monoprice Voxel is a great affordable option at 45-50 decibels. This easy-to-use device is a perfect desktop solution for smaller projects.
And for professionals needing reliability and print quality, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 runs quietly at 55 decibels thanks to its rattle-free, sturdy metal frame.
If you’ve ever been disturbed by a long noisy printing job, there’s a near-silent 3D printer perfect for your needs.
Quick Overview
- Best Overall: Creality Ender 3 V2 (50-60 decibels)
- One of the best budget 3D printers that can be upgraded to be quieter. Reduce noise by adding silent mainboard or replacing fans.
- Best for Beginners: Monoprice Voxel (45-50 decibels)
- Very affordable but still quiet operation. Reliable for beginners with good connectivity.
- Best for Professionals: Flashforge Creator Pro 2 (55 decibels)
- More capabilities than other models, able to handle complex, high quality prints. Sturdy metal frame prevents vibrations.
- Best Reliability: Artillery Sidewinder X1 (55 decibels)
- Excellent reliability with fault detection to prevent ruined prints. Sturdy design prevents excess noise.
- Great Value: Flashforge Adventurer 3 (45 decibels)
- Very beginner-friendly and one of the quietest 3D printers on the market. Reliable performance with easy setup.
- Best Enclosed: Dremel Digilab 3D45 (50 decibels)
- Fully enclosed build area absorbs noise. High quality prints in reliable, user-friendly package.
The Best Quiet 3D Printers in 2024 – Reviews
1. Creality Ender 3 V2 – Best Quiet 3D Printer Overall
- Price – Check latest price at Creality here / Amazon here
- Noise Level – 50-60 decibels
Pros
Smooth, user-friendly, and affordable.
One of the best 3D printers around.
Very modifiable.
Can reduce the noise by upgrading it with a silent motherboard.
Cons
There are better printers available with more features.
The Creality series of 3D printers are renowned for smooth, user-friendly printers and almost unparalleled affordability in the 3D printing market.
The Ender 3 V2 is one of the best quiet 3D printers around, though many have commented on how the fan is a lot more susceptible to wear over time than others, becoming almost uncomfortably noisy with fairly constant medium-term use.
Fortunately, the Ender series is well known for modifiability, especially the Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, and Ender 3 V2.
You can reduce the 3D printer’s noise by upgrading it with a silent mainboard, like this one here, or hot end fan replacements like this.
All-in-all, the Ender 3 series, especially the V2, are fairly quiet machines, but that’s not to say they’re silent 3D printers. What makes them some of the best quiet 3D printers around isn’t how they come out of the box, but how easy they are to silence with just a little bit of tweaking.
Upgraded version of the original Ender 3 with a number of key improvements.
This easy to assemble DIY kit creates a 220 x 220 x 250mm build volume for printing epic creations. Experience ultra-quiet operation and stable, precise printing with the upgraded motherboard and extruder.
And, get great first layers with the heated carborundum glass print surface.
2. Monoprice Voxel – Best Quiet 3D Printer for Beginners
- Price – Check latest price at Amazon here
- Noise level – 45-50 decibels
Pros
Very reliable for beginners.
Has easily replaceable parts and a reliable WiFi connectivity option.
Cons
Similar in power and build size to the cheaper Flashforge Adventurer 3.
The Monoprice Voxel is often compared to the aforementioned Flashforge Adventurer 3. They have the same build size and are relatively similar in power.
The Monoprice Voxel also operates between 45 and 50 decibels when in use, and is very reliable as a machine for beginners who want to know they’re getting a good quality machine that won’t need constant reviews of the instruction manual to work.
When it comes to maintenance and upgrades, the Monoprice has easily replaceable parts and a reliable WiFi connectivity option, meaning you can keep it in a different part of the house if the noise is still a little too much.
Loaded with innovations like auto bed leveling, touchscreen controls, and a flexible heated build plate, the Voxel makes printing more accessible than ever.
This modern mini 3D printer delivers a 150 x 150 x 150mm build area for compact creations.
Print like a pro with a nozzle that can handle exotic filaments.
3. Flashforge Creator Pro 2 – Best Quiet 3D Printer for Professionals
- Price – Check latest price at Flashforge here / Available on Amazon Here
- Noise level – 55 decibels
Pros
Excellent print quality and precision for professionals.
Sturdy metal frame prevents noise from vibrations.
Quiet operation given its advanced capabilities.
Cons
Slightly louder than other models at 55 dB.
Higher price point than entry-level printers.
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is one of the best quiet 3D printers for professionals needing more capabilities and the ability to print high quality, complex designs.
Although slightly louder than other models at 55 decibels, the Creator Pro 2 has an all-metal frame that significantly reduces noise from vibrations. For its impressive capabilities and print quality, it operates quietly compared to alternatives.
This Flashforge model is ideal for those wanting reliable performance paired with quiet operation. It can handle precise and detailed prints that exceed the skills of other quiet 3D printers aimed at hobbyists.
The Creator Pro 2 delivers professional-level printing while maintaining a reasonable noise level that won’t disrupt your workspace. When print quality is the priority but silence still matters, this is a top choice.
Overall, the Creator Pro 2 is an excellent next step for makers comfortable with basic 3D printing looking for more advanced features without breaking the bank.
The sturdy, enclosed print chamber handles both PLA and ABS. But the star is the independent dual extruder system, a rarity at this price point.
4. Artillery Sidewinder X1 – A Reliable Quiet 3D Printer
- Price – Check latest price at Amazon here
- Noise level – 55 decibels
Pros
True reliability.
Good volume and usability.
Incredibly safe and won’t ruin your prints.
Cons
Measures at an average of 55 decibels.
If you want true reliability in a quiet 3D printer, then the Artillery Sidewinder X1 is the choice for you. While it measures at around 55 decibels (the average for a 3D printer), it’s the best in terms of both volume and usability.
With two measures of fault detection in place, the Artillery X1 is incredibly safe and won’t ruin your prints in the event of overheating or a clog. It’s an incredibly quiet 3D printer for having an open build area and comes mostly pre-assembled.
Enjoy ultra-quiet printing on a generous 300 x 300 x 400 mm work area.
Arrives 95% pre-assembled so you can start 3D printing within minutes.
Advanced features like automatic bed leveling and power failure recovery - excellent value for the price.
5. Flashforge Adventurer 3 – A Great Value Quiet 3D Printer
- Price – Check latest price at Flashforge here / Available on Amazon Here
- Noise level – 45 decibels
Pros
Extremely quiet operation at just 45 dB.
Very easy to set up for beginners.
Reliable plug-and-play performance.
Affordable price point for novices.
Cons
Smaller build volume.
Lower print quality and complexity than pro models.
As one of the quietest 3D printers around at only 45 decibels, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 is perfect for beginners who want a fuss-free, silent printing experience.
With easy setup right out of the box, the Adventurer 3 is an exceptionally quiet plug-and-play 3D printer. It delivers reliable prints while operating almost silently.
While it can’t achieve the same level of complexity as the Creator Pro 2, the Adventurer 3 excels at quiet operation. For new users prioritizing a hassle-free and noiseless printer, the Adventurer 3 is an ideal starting point before exploring more advanced models.
With impressive silence and approachable performance, this Flashforge model is the best quiet 3D printer for novice makers and hobbyists.
This mini 3D printer features a handy 150 x 150 x 150mm build volume, perfect for printing detailed miniatures or splitting bigger projects into pieces.
The enclosed chamber enables easy ABS printing with minimal warping.
With user-friendly WiFi controls, fast print speeds up to 50mm/s, and a budget-friendly price, the Adventurer 3 is the ultimate portable printing powerhouse!
6. Dremel Digilab 3D45 – Best Enclosed 3D Printer
- Price – Check latest price at Matterhackers here / Dynamism here
- Noise level – 50 decibels
Pros
A great addition to any workspace to make it as noise-free as possible.
Has an enclosed build area and a solid reputation for quality and user-friendliness.
No-nonsense machine.
Cons
Isn’t as quiet compared to many 3D printers on the market.
Dremel make some of the quietest 3D printers around, and the 3D45 is a great addition to any workspace that you want to keep as noise-free as possible.
Digilab has an enclosed build area and a solid reputation for quality and user-friendliness. Ready out of the box, it’s great for beginners, and even has a built-in filament sensor for all compatible materials.
This no-nonsense machine operates at an average of 50 decibels, roughly the sound of an average person talking, it’s far below the 70 decibels that are considered damaging to human hearing over long periods even at a slight distance.
The Dremel Digilab isn’t just quiet compared to many 3D printers on the market, it’s also highly praised for its reliability and easy usability.
A versatile and precise enclosed 3D printer, offering up to 50-micron accuracy and diverse material compatibility.
Reliable and value-for-money printing solution for both educational and business.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Quiet 3D Printer for You
Noise Levels
For most users, anything under 60dB will avoid being disruptive or irritating over time – and all the 3D printers in this guide fit that criteria.
But I suggest investing in a fully enclosed 3D printer if you’re very noise-sensitive and want near-silent operation.
On my testing, the quietest model is the Flashforge Adventurer 3 at just 45dB. You can barely hear it running even in the same room.
The Monoprice Voxel is another excellent ultra-quiet option at 45-50dB that offers good print quality and reliability
Print Quality
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 delivers the highest quality prints while remaining reasonably quiet at 55dB.
Its sturdy metal frame prevents excess noise from vibrations during printing. The resolution and precision meet professional standards.
If print quality is slightly more important than absolute silence, this is an excellent printer.
Beginner Friendliness
For first-time buyers, the Monoprice Voxel is reliable right out of the box, with good connectivity options to monitor it remotely.
The Flashforge Adventurer 3 is also very easy to set up and use.
If you’re a total beginner, you might want to skip the Creality Ender 3 V2, which requires some tinkering to operate in a super quiet way.
Affordability
If budget is your top concern, the Monoprice Voxel gives you quiet operation for a very reasonable price.
The Creality Ender 3 V2 is also highly affordable, even with the modifications required to reduce the noise.
Customization
For those who enjoy tinkering and upgrades, the open frame Creality Ender 3 V2 allows extensive customization to improve noise levels, print quality, and more.
The enclosed models like the Monoprice Voxel and Dremel Digilab 3D45 don’t offer as much flexibility for modifications. Prioritize an enclosed build instead if noise control is critical and you won’t be customizing much.
How to Make a 3D Printer Quiet
Some 3D printers make more noise than others depending on variables like the 3D printer part quality, or whether or not it has an open print area. Enclosed 3D printers make less noise as the cover absorbs some of the whirring and whizzing, while open printers are known to be amongst the loudest.
Replace or Clean Parts
Upgrading and replacing motors and fans or cleaning them routinely can significantly quiet an older or cheaper 3D printer. Manufacturers sell replacement parts, but you can often find cheaper alternatives.
Change the Surface
Sometimes, extra noise from a working 3D printer doesn’t come from the printer itself, but rather from the machine itself vibrating when in use.
Absorb vibrations by keeping your 3D printer on a flat and stable surface and placing shock-absorbing rubber/sponge under the printer.
Read more: the best 3D printer tables, desks, stands
Replace Smaller Pieces
Replacing the smaller nuts and bolts of your 3D printer frame can make for a far sturdier machine, less prone to vibrations and therefore reducing noise.
Square bolts hold better than round ones and can add years to the lifespan of the frame. Polymer bearings are far more shock-absorbent than metal ones, and cork gaskets, when added to the motor, make the inner movements far less abrasive.
What’s Changed?
October 3rd 2023 Updates:
To bring 3DSourced readers the most up-to-date recommendations, we’ve made several changes to this guide on quiet 3D printers:
- The Flashforge Finder has been discontinued, so we’ve removed it from the list.
- We’ve added more detail on the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 and Adventurer 3 based on recent hands-on testing.
- The Monoprice Voxel has reduced in price, making it much more affordable. It’s now our top budget-friendly recommendation for beginners.
- We’ve included a detailed buyers guide comparing the top quiet 3D printers across key factors like noise levels, print quality, customization, and beginner-friendliness.
- All recommendations have been updated to reflect the latest models available in 2022-2023.
Jan 2024 updates:
- Updated pricing information for 2024.
