Before the revolution of 3D resin printers, I spent countless hours meticulously painting models and miniatures. Now, with the advancements in resin printing technology, the level of detail achievable is simply astounding. As someone deeply invested in this hobby, I’ve dedicated hundreds of hours exploring the world of 3d Printer Miniatures, printing figures of all shapes and sizes. It’s a genuinely relaxing and rewarding pastime, where the quality of your output is directly linked to the effort you invest, starting with selecting the right printer. This guide represents my most comprehensive list of recommendations for the best 3D printers for miniatures.
Notably, this list intentionally excludes DLP printers. While I appreciate their precision and the ability to fine-tune antialiasing, many miniature painters prefer the smoother surface finish typically offered by other resin printer types. If you’re specifically interested in DLP technology, you can find a dedicated list HERE. Similarly, large format printers, being more specialized, are not included in this miniature-focused guide.
This article showcases the resin printers that I believe are perfectly suited for crafting exceptional models and miniatures. I have personally owned and rigorously tested each printer featured, and they are ranked in order of my recommendation. While prices are not listed due to frequent market fluctuations, convenient links are provided so you can easily check current pricing for yourself.
VogMan’s Top 3D Printer Miniature Picks
| RANK | PRINTER | XY RES’N | PPI | SIZE | W x D x H | REVIEW | PRICE | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra 9K | 18 µm | 1411.1 | S | 153 x 78 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 8520 x 4320 pixels. Consider this the Mars on steroids. It’s an incredible machine delivering outstanding fine detail, perfect for intricate miniatures. While the Mars 5 Ultra boasts newer features, experienced users may find the 4 Ultra the more refined choice for miniature 3D printing. | |
| 2 | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra 9K | 18 µm | 1411.1 | S | 153 x 78 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FR | 8520 x 4320 pixels. Equally impressive as the Mars 4 Ultra in print quality for miniatures, the Mars 5 Ultra adds a convenient tilt mechanism and auto-plate leveling. These user-friendly features make it an excellent option, especially for those new to the world of 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 3 | Elegoo Mars 4 9K | 18 µm | 1411.1 | S | 153 x 78 x 175 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 8520 x 4320 pixels. The Mars 4 9K is a truly capable printer, surpassed only by the Ultra version in this lineup. It consistently delivers very fine prints, making it a strong contender for detailed miniature work and a fantastic choice for 3D printer miniatures enthusiasts. | |
| 4 | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 10K | 17 µm | 1493.0 | S | 153 x 87 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 9024 x 5120 pixels. Anycubic enhanced their Mono 2 printer by incorporating a 10K screen, resulting in superb print quality ideal for miniatures. While perhaps not as refined as some others in this category, its excellent print quality and competitive price point make it a worthy addition to any list of 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 5 | Phrozen Sonic Mighty Revo 14K | 17 / 24 µm | 1408.7 | M | 223 x 126 x 235 mm | Official Store | 13320 x 5120 pixels. Arguably Phrozen’s best printer since the Mini 8K, the Sonic Mighty Revo 14K is a premium machine with a price tag to match, but its exceptional build quality and performance truly impressed me. If you are serious about high-quality 3D printer miniatures, this is a top contender. | |
| 6 | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro 14K | 17 / 24 µm | 1410.0 | M | 223 x 126 x 200 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 13312 x 5120 pixels. Offering impressive detail across a larger build plate, this 14K printer delivers outstanding results for larger batches of miniatures or bigger sized models. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro 14K is a powerful tool for any miniature enthusiast looking for both quality and volume in their 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 7 | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 219 x 123 x 220 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon IT | 11520 x 5120 pixels. Packed with innovations, the Saturn 4 Ultra 12K maximizes the potential of its 12K screen. It’s a highly capable printer for producing detailed miniatures, especially when considering its balance of features and print quality in the realm of 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 8 | Creality Halot Mage S 14K | 17 / 24 µm | 1408.8 | M | 223 x 126 x 230 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 13320 x 5120 pixels. An upgrade from the Mage Pro, the Halot Mage S 14K truly impressed me with its print quality, thanks to its high-resolution 14K screen. For miniature 3D printing demanding sharp details, this printer is a strong contender. | |
| 9 | Elegoo Saturn 3 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 11520 x 5120 pixels. While lacking some of the extra features found in other models, the Saturn 3 12K is an exceptionally impressive printer that produces beautiful prints. Its core print performance makes it a reliable choice for 3D printer miniatures, focusing on quality over bells and whistles. | |
| 10 | Anycubic Photon Mono M5S 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 218 x 123 x 200 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 11520 x 5120 pixels. Combining a large build plate with 12K printing power, the Mono M5S 12K rivals the print quality of the Phrozen Mini 8K. The added benefit of a self-leveling build plate makes it a very appealing option for producing high-resolution 3D printer miniatures with ease. | |
| 11 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 219 x 123 x 260 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 11520 x 5120 pixels. Offering accuracy with a larger build plate, the Saturn 3 Ultra 12K matches the performance of the Phrozen Mini 8K in my testing but provides a significantly larger printing area. This makes it an excellent choice for users needing to print larger miniatures or batches of 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 12 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K | 22 µm | 1152.7 | S | 165 x 72 x 180 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 7500 x 3240 pixels. As the original 8K, 22-micron printer, the Sonic Mini 8K delivers incredible quality for its size. Its ability to produce highly detailed 3D printer miniatures set a new standard in desktop resin printing. | |
| 13 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8KS | 22 µm | 1154.5 | S | 165 x 72 x 170 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ES | 7536 x 3240 pixels. Considered a more budget-friendly version of the Mini 8K, the Sonic Mini 8KS still packs a significant punch in terms of print quality. It remains a strong contender for those seeking high-detail 3D printer miniatures without the premium price tag. | |
| 14 | Uniformation GK3 Ultra 16K | 20 x 26 µm | 1210.8 | L | 300 x 160 x 300 mm | Official Store | 15120 x 6230 pixels. Taking the GK2 and expanding on it in both size and print quality, the GK3 Ultra is undoubtedly the best large-format printer in this list. It’s capable of printing incredibly fine details, making it suitable for virtually any miniature project, from large terrain pieces to incredibly detailed figurines for 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 15 | Anycubic Mono M7 Pro 14K | 17 / 25 µm | 1410.0 | M | 223 x 126 x 230 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 13312 x 5120 pixels. While innovative in concept, the Mono M7 Pro 14K had some issues in my testing, particularly with the resin pump. Despite this, it still delivers great print quality. For 3D printer miniatures, it’s worth considering, but be aware of potential quirks. | |
| 16 | UniFormation GKtwo 8K | 29 µm | 855.2 | M | 228 x 128 x 245 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon ES | 7680 x 4320 pixels. As the first printer to incorporate a resin heater, the GKtwo 8K is a printer I genuinely appreciate. Its consistent performance and innovative features make it a solid choice for producing quality 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 17 | Anycubic Photon M3 Premium 8K | 29 µm | 891.2 | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 7680 x 4320 pixels. Featuring ball screw double threaded rods, the Photon M3 Premium 8K was highly sought after, selling out quickly upon release. It offers reliable performance for 3D printer miniatures and is a testament to Anycubic’s commitment to quality. | |
| 18 | Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K | 29 µm | 891.2 | M | 218 x 123 x 235 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 7680 x 4320 pixels. A great mid-range option, the Sonic Mighty 8K boasts a user-friendly interface. While slightly pricier than some competitors, it delivers solid performance for 3D printer miniatures and is a dependable choice. | |
| 19 | Anycubic Photon M3 Plus 6K | 34 µm | 743.2 | M | 197 x 122 x 245 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 5760 x 3600 pixels. Offering mid-range print quality with an improved UI, the Photon M3 Plus 6K also introduced me to the first Auto Resin filler. It’s a feature-rich printer suitable for those stepping up their 3D printer miniatures game. | |
| 20 | Elegoo Saturn 2 3D 8K | 29 µm | 891.2 | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 7680 x 4320 pixels. The Saturn 2 3D 8K provides a great combination of price, build quality, and performance. It’s a solid all-around printer for producing 3D printer miniatures, offering excellent value for money. | |
| 21 | Elegoo Mars 5 4K | 35 µm | 725.7 | S | 143 x 89 x 150 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 4098 x 2560 pixels. Elegoo’s attempt to create a user-friendly and affordable resin printer for newcomers was successful with the Mars 5 4K. I was genuinely impressed by its ease of use and print quality, making it an excellent entry point into 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 22 | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 4K | 35 µm | 726.8 | S | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 4096 x 2560 pixels. In my opinion, the Photon Mono 2 4K is the best budget-friendly 35-micron printer available. It’s a great all-rounder, providing excellent value and performance for those starting with 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 23 | Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K | 34 µm | 743.2 | M | 197 x 122 x 245 mm | Official Store Amazon CA | 5760 x 3600 pixels. While quickly superseded by newer models, the Photon Mono X 6K remains a worthwhile printer if you can find it. Its capabilities are still relevant for producing quality 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 23 | HeyGear Ultracraft Reflex RS 8K | 29.7 µm | 884.0 | M | 222 x 122 x 230 mm | Official Store | ||
| 24 | Anycubic Photon M3 4K | 40 µm | 634.7 | S | 164 x 102 x 180 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 4096 x 2560 pixels. The Photon M3 4K’s position in the market is a bit unclear, as it occupies a similar space to the Mono 2 but at a slightly higher cost and with marginally less impressive print quality. However, it’s still a capable printer and a decent option for 3D printer miniatures. | |
| 25 | Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K | 35 µm | 725.7 | S | 143 x 90 x 175 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | 4098 x 2560 pixels. The Mars series, and the Mars 3 Pro 4K in particular, is a beloved all-around printer in the 3D printing community, myself included. It’s a reliable and popular choice for producing 3D printer miniatures with good detail. | |
| 26 | Creality Halot One Plus 4K | 40 µm | 635.0 | S | 172 x 102 x 160 mm | Official Store Amazon US | 4320 x 2560 pixels. The Halot One Plus 4K has its dedicated fanbase. It’s a visually appealing printer with a UI that may require a slight learning curve. However, it’s capable of producing decent quality 3D printer miniatures and is worth considering if its aesthetics and features appeal to you. | |
| The rationale behind my ranking is solely based on performance and how impressed I was with each printer, not price. My ranking is purely based on ability and how well each printer impressed me in producing 3D printer miniatures. For a detailed explanation of the table headings, please refer to the section at the bottom of the page. |
Yes, I understand this is a comprehensive list. My recommendations prioritize quality, closely followed by affordability, especially for those interested in 3D printer miniatures. This generally positions the more accurate printers higher in my ranking, ahead of those with perhaps unnecessary extra features. However, I do appreciate clever innovation, as seen in models like the Uniformation GKtwo.
This list reflects my personal thoughts and opinions based on extensive testing. While you are welcome to disagree, please remember that I have personally owned and thoroughly evaluated each of these printers. I have no hidden agendas. Unlike some YouTubers who may receive sponsorships or even company shares to provide favorable reviews, I receive no such benefits. This allows me to offer unbiased opinions, speaking honestly based on my direct experiences, even if it doesn’t help with the bills!
Choosing the Right 3D Printer for Miniatures: Advice for Newbies
If you are new to resin-based 3D printing and specifically interested in 3D printer miniatures, I first encourage you to consider: is resin printing really for you? Ensure you are comfortable with the process before investing heavily. Then, think about how much you are willing to invest initially to test the waters.
I’ve encountered many individuals who enthusiastically jump into the hobby only to find that they are not fond of the smells or the cleanup involved with resin printing. As I dislike seeing wasted money, I tend to advise beginners to start with smaller, more affordable options. If you discover you enjoy the hobby, excellent! There are numerous upgrade paths available. However, if it turns out resin printing isn’t for you, the initial financial outlay will be minimal. In such cases, the Standard range printers listed above are ideal starting points. Remember, my ranking primarily reflects performance, which often correlates with price. However, I also maintain a Budget printer guide, which I strongly recommend for newcomers to explore for more affordable 3D printer miniatures options.
Understanding Pricing and Links
Prices for 3D printers fluctuate frequently, making it impractical to list them directly. Therefore, I provide links to both Official Stores and Amazon for each printer. Some of these are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. Importantly, this does not increase your cost, and it does not influence my printer rankings. My reviews and rankings are independent and based solely on printer performance for 3D printer miniatures and models.
Resin Considerations for Miniature Printing
Don’t forget that resin 3D printers, especially larger models, require a significant amount of resin. Choosing the right resin is crucial for successful miniature printing. Explore my recommended resins! to ensure you are using materials that will deliver the best results for your 3D printer miniatures projects.
Decoding the Printer Table: Key Specifications
The headings in the printer comparison table are abbreviated for space efficiency, which might cause some initial confusion. Below is a breakdown of each heading and its full meaning to help you better understand the specifications of each 3D printer for miniatures:
| RANK | Abbreviated from “My Ranking,” indicating my personal ranking order, with 1 being the top recommendation, 2 the second best, and so on for 3D printer miniatures. | |
|---|---|---|
| PRINTER | The model name of the printer, often including the screen’s K resolution (e.g., 9K, 12K, etc.), crucial for detail in 3D printer miniatures. | |
| XY RES’N | Short for “XY Resolution,” this is the micron value often advertised. A smaller number indicates finer detail and is better for intricate 3D printer miniatures. To understand its calculation and implications, watch the video below. | |
| PPI | Stands for “Pixels Per Inch,” this metric is usually not specified but reflects image clarity. Higher PPI means greater pixel density and sharper image definition, important for detailed 3D printer miniatures. To understand its calculation and implications, watch the video below. | |
| SIZE | Refers to the printer’s overall size category: S (Standard/Small), M (Medium), and L (Large). Larger printers allow for bigger prints or printing more 3D printer miniatures in a single batch. | |
| W x D x H | Dimensions of the build area (Width x Depth x Height) in millimeters, defining the maximum printable volume for 3D printer miniatures and models. | |
| REVIEW | A direct link to my YouTube review of each printer. These videos offer in-depth insights and are highly recommended for a visual understanding of each printer’s performance in 3D printer miniatures printing. | |
| PRICE | Due to price volatility, direct prices are not listed. Links to Official Stores and Amazon are provided for up-to-date pricing. Affiliate links are used, which support the site without increasing your cost and do not affect my rankings of 3D printer miniatures. | |
| COMMENTS | A brief summary of my key observations and thoughts on each printer’s performance and suitability for 3D printer miniatures. More detailed information can be found in the linked video reviews. | |
| * | Note: “tba” is an abbreviation for “To Be Advised,” indicating that information is forthcoming. |
