Which 3D printer is better: resin or filament? | Comparisons | Showcase

It is increasingly common to want to make your own parts at home: from simple ones to more complex prototypes or spare parts that are no longer on the market. However, 3D printing still has a clear barrier: technical complexity. Between calibrations, materials, and settings, it’s not always an intuitive process. Precisely for this reason, these types of devices have evolved to make them more accessible. In this context, in EL PAÍS Showcase we have tried three 3D printers with different technologies—filament and resin—to verify their ease of use, quality and versatility.

What are 3D printers used for?

3D printers allow digital designs to be converted into physical objects by superimposing layers of material. This is not only useful for technical profiles, such as engineers or designers, but also for home users looking to create custom parts or repair objects.

What 3D printers have we chosen and how have we tested them?

To select the models, we have taken into account that they represent the two major 3D printing formats: filament and resin. In addition, we have sought variety in printing dimensions, connection types and control systems. During the tests, we have made prints at maximum resolution to evaluate the final quality, we have assembled and disassembled each device, we have analyzed the noise level in operation and we have tested different connection and use configurations. We have also evaluated the compatibility with materials, the ease of maintenance and its resistance in continuous use.

Why can you trust me?

I am a journalist specialized in product analysis and, in recent years, I have tested and compared dozens of devices and accessories for media such as El País. My way of evaluating is based on something very specific: understanding what a product really offers in relation to what it costs. Not only in specific tests, but also in everyday use, because that is where the details that make the difference are perceived. Beyond the specifications, I’m interested in how it performs in practice, how consistent it is over time, and what limitations appear when you integrate it into your routine. Because, in the end, a good product is not the most striking, but the one that best justifies its price on a daily basis. That is the criterion with which I build each recommendation.

Bambu Lab A1 Mini Filament 3D Printer

Filament 3D printer with a clear focus on ease of use. It stands out for its automatic calibration, its system plug and play and a very accessible experience, even for beginners. Although its print size is smaller, it offers very balanced performance.

How does it work?

What has convinced me most about the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printer is how easy it is to start using it from the first moment. During testing, it only took me a few minutes to get it ready: it comes practically factory-ready and the automatic calibration system adjusts all key parameters without manual intervention. This, in practice, eliminates one of the main barriers to entry in 3D printing.

Plus, the one-touch filament loading and unloading system further simplifies the process. It is compatible with materials such as PLA, PETG or TPU, which gives it a lot of versatility, and its software is especially accessible. In this case, everything is designed so that the user does not have to deal with complex configurations. Therefore, the experience is fluid and very controlled even on first impressions.

During continued use, I have also found it to be a reliable and sturdy machine. Maintenance is simple and the safety system with automatic shutdown due to overheating provides peace of mind. It is true that it does not have a WiFi connection—only USB—and that its print size is more limited than other models, but in practice this only affects larger projects.

Even so, what ends up making the difference is its general balance: it combines precision, speed and, above all, ease of use. It’s a printer that not only works well, but makes the entire process much more accessible.

Why do we recommend it?

The best:

• FFF (Fused Filament Manufacturing) printing technology.
• Compatible with PLA, PETG, TPU and PVA filaments.
• 2.4 inch touch screen.
• Sistema plug-n-play.
• Very accessible software.
• Resistant to intensive use.
• Automatic shutdown due to overheating.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

To improve:

• No WiFi connection; USB only.
• Smaller print dimensions.
• Does not include a closed protective case.

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra Resin 3D Printer

Resin 3D printer with a professional approach, designed for the highest level of detail. It stands out for its high resolution, multiple control and monitoring systems, and a very precise experience, although more demanding in maintenance.

How does it work?

In this case, what stands out most about the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra 3D printer is the print quality. During testing, the level of detail has been outstanding, thanks to its high resolution and a very uniform lighting system. It is a printer clearly designed for precision work, where every little nuance matters.

In addition, it incorporates multiple intelligent systems, such as sensors that monitor the printing status or an AI camera that detects errors in real time. This, in theory, improves process control. However, in practice, the use of resin introduces additional complexity that cannot be ignored.

Maintenance is more demanding: it requires immediate cleaning after each use, careful handling due to the toxicity of the material and the use of a . Added to this is a smaller print size and less flexibility in materials.

Therefore, although it is a very powerful tool for specific jobs, it is less practical for general or domestic use. It is a printer that shines in precision, but requires more time, care and knowledge.

Why do we recommend it?

The best:

• Resin 3D printing.
• Easy to assemble.
• WiFi connection.
• Resistant to intensive use.
• Automatic stop due to overheating.

To improve:

• Smaller print dimensions.
• No dedicated software.
• Compatible only with resin.
• Changing resin is more complicated than filament.
• It should be cleaned immediately after each use.
• Requires a specific washing machine for cleaning.

Creality K1C Filament 3D Printer

Filament 3D printer with large print size and high speed. It is a robust and functional option, compatible with multiple materials, but with less automation and a less refined user experience.

How does it work?

The main weakness of the Creality K1C 3D printer is the lack of advanced features that make it easier to use. Although during tests it has proven to be fast and capable of working with different types of filament – including more demanding materials – the experience is not as intuitive.

The large printing volume is one of its strong points, as it allows larger projects to be tackled without limitations. In addition, the WiFi connection and resistance to intensive use make it a solid option from a technical point of view. In this case, it fulfills the essentials well.

However, elements that simplify the process are missing, such as a more advanced interface or more complete automation systems. This means that, in practice, it requires more intervention on the part of the user.

Either way, it is a functional and reliable printer, especially for those who prioritize size and material compatibility. The problem is that it falls somewhat short in comfort and ease of use.

Why do we recommend it?

The best:

• FDM (fused deposition modeling) printing technology.
• Compatible with Hyper-PLA, PLA, PETG, ABS, PLA-CF and TPU filaments.
• WiFi connection.
• Wide printing format.
• Does not require dedicated software.
• Resistant to intensive use.
• Automatic stop due to overheating.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

To improve:

3D Printer FAQs

Is it profitable to have a 3D printer?

The economic viability of this equipment depends on the specific use and production volume of the user. For a hobbyist, the real savings appear in the repair of household appliances or the creation of discontinued spare parts. In the professional field, the machine quickly pays for itself through rapid prototyping, as it eliminates the need for expensive industrial molds. The market offers very economical entry-level models that consume little electrical energy during operation. Therefore, the acquisition is beneficial if the owner designs his own objects and avoids purchasing expensive commercial solutions.

How much does a kilo of 3D filament yield?

The number of finished objects varies depending on the size of the part and the percentage of internal fill selected. A standard one-kilogram coil of PLA allows the manufacture of about fifty chess figures with a medium density. If the user prints hollow parts or parts with minimal support structures, the material is enough for hundreds of small units. It is vital to consider that the laminating software offers an accurate calculation of the exact weight before starting the thermal process. Optimal use of filament reduces waste and maximizes the efficiency of each euro invested in plastic consumables.

What is the most profitable to 3D print?

The maximum profit lies in the production of customized items or high-demand technical components in specific niches. The custom-made ones have a market value much higher than their manufacturing cost. Likewise, the sector of miniatures for board games and exclusive decoration accessories generates notable profit margins. Printing cheap everyday objects, such as hangers or glasses, makes no financial sense compared to traditional mass production. The key to economic success lies in the exclusivity of the design and the resolution of specific technical problems.

*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of April 28, 2026.

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