Almost all of us have a certain degree of creativity, but it differs from person to person. Plus, our medium of expression and creativity also varies greatly – some express it through sketching, while others do it with paints. Moreover, some people also play music and let out their creative prowess in such a way. Being able to draw and write beautifully is one of the best skills a person can have, if you ask me.
There’s no better feeling than to create something out of nothing, as is done by people when they create a whole new world on a piece of paper or canvas. Similarly, there are also new forms of art that have sprouted up in the past few years, and people have been earnestly going at it, creating beautiful pieces of art that you’d marvel at.
Another new form of art is 3D art, which is used to model and design 3D artwork, shapes, displays, and much more. This is made possible by the use of a 3D pen, which isn’t actually a new invention. 3D pens have been around since a few decades, but the technology used inside them has greatly evolved over the years. These brilliant devices help you create 3D models by dispensing a hot liquid plastic material, which cools down and maintains its shape.
3D pens are highly beneficial because they provide you with a portable way for modeling and designing, unlike 3D modeling software and printers that are much costlier also restrict your mobility and space. Plus, 3D pens are also advantageous for kids, who can explore their creativity and build things from their imagination.
Since you’re obviously intrigued by now, I’m going to round up 9 best pens of 2022, so that you can choose the best one for yourself. I have also added comprehensive and detailed reviews for each pen, and added a buying guide in the end to help you understand how I made this list. Without further ado, let’s check out the best 3D pens that you should buy right away.
The Top 3D Pens of 2022
It’s going to be quite a long article, but I don’t want you to worry. I have added a quick roundup of the best 3D pens out there, along with their best quality, so that you can have a look at the list and decide if you like any one out of these. Once you see something you like, you can scroll down and read its review. So, let’s do this!
- Best Overall 3D Pen: 3Doodler Create+
- Best Runner-Up 3D Pen: MYNT3D Super 3D Pen
- Best 3D Pen for Beginners:SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen with Display
- Best 3D Pen for Kids:3Doodler Start
- Best 3D Pen for Professionals:MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro
- Best Versatile 3D Pen: 3Dsimo MultiPro
- Best Dual-Nozzle 3D Pen: Scribbler DUO 3D Pen
- Best Cordless 3D Pen:CreoPop 3D Pen
- Best Budget-Friendly 3D Pen: 3Dsimo Basic 2
Detailed Product Reviews
In this section, you can find detailed reviews for all of the best 3D pens that are out there nowadays. Reading through all of them will help you find out what you should look for in a pen, and which feature sets each one apart.
3Doodler Create+ – Best Overall 3D Pen
A Compact 3D Pen With Great Features
Let’s kick off the list with an all-round wonderful 3D pen called the 3Doodler Create+, which is everything you can expect a 3D pen to be. Not only do its excellent features win you over, but it also comes with a variety of fun accessories that you can use for beautiful 3D models.
The Create+ has a compact and ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold and handle. Plus, it’s also lightweight and feels great in your hand as you’re doing the work. The pen has a superior quality build, and features buttons and a window on it, which shows you how you can install the filament into the pen. The buttons are strategically place on the pen, so that you can easily press them with your fingers while you’re maneuvering the pen on a surface.
The Create+ works well for printing and doodling with different materials, such as PLA, ABS, and FLX. The former two are more widely used and they’re also easier to work with as compared to FLX. Granted, 3D pens aren’t as precise as 3D printers, but they still do an excellent job in bringing your ideas to life. You also have access to numerous templates, such as the Eiffel Tower. Using a 3D pen for the first few times requires a lot of patience and determination, but this 3D pen makes things easier for you.
This 3D pen features the new and advanced Dual Drive Technology, which allows for better reliability and durability, as well as a smoother performance. Plus, the 3Doodler app brings you an interactive stencil section and step-by-step instructions for doodling the perfect models. You can also receive badges for your work through the app, and use it to share your work on social media.
The only downside to using the 3Doodler Create+ is that it works with a power supply, and has quite a short cord that needs to be attached to the pen to use it. It’d have been better if there was a charging system, as it’d make the entire device hands free and ensure better mobility. You’ll have to use an extension with the pen to ensure that you don’t keep tugging on the wire every now and then.
In a nutshell, the 3Doodler Create+ is a wonderful option that also comes with a variety of accessories and tools, such as the 3Doodler plastic refills, maintenance tools, and a guide to help you get started the right way. You can also get 15 different colors of plastic refills and a stencil book, which are great to help you master its use. For its wonderful features, the Create+ actually has a moderate price tag that would be quite affordable for anyone.
Pros
- Compatible with PLA, ABS, and FLX
- Comes with plastic refills, stencil book, and other accessories
- Easy to learn for beginners
Cons
- Has a short power cord
MYNT3D Super 3D Pen – Best Runner-Up 3D Pen
A Super 3D Pen With Good Value
Next up, my choice for a runner-up 3D pen that’s equally amazing is the MYNT3D Super 3D Pen, which has a myriad of advanced features at a really cool price. Made by MYNT3D, the 3D pen is easy to handle, and it’s perfect for all your 3D modeling purposes.
The Super 3D has an elegant and sleek plastic body that’s lightweight and ergonomically designed, allowing you to hold it comfortably as you doodle and draw from your imagination. It has an angular design that allows you to grip it properly. Moreover, it has a durable construction that makes it long-lasting, and the corded power supply ensures that you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries or charging the pen. The package includes a USB plug and the wall charger, albeit the cord is quite short and you’ll definitely need an extension to operate it smoothly.
The Super 3D works with the help of an infinite slider located at the side of the pen, which controls the speed at which the material is dispensed. There are two buttons as well, which are used for starting or stopping the extrusion, as well as setting the pen on reverse extrusion mode. The buttons are situated in such a way that you can easily press them while holding the pen. There is also a red and green light system to indicate when the pen is ready for use.
The Super 3D can be used to draw with both PLA and ABS materials, making it much more useful and versatile than most of the other 3D pens you’ll find out there. You also get some ABS templates that help you get started and practice the skill properly. The pen has a removable nozzle that makes cleanup and maintenance easier, and you can even replace it easily. The Super 3D has a professional quality build that prevents the motor from overheating or the nozzle from getting clogged.
The 3D pen also has a temperature control mechanism, so that you can set it at the right temperature and prevent overheating or clogging. However, since the Super 3D doesn’t have a digital display, you’ll have to open a safety hatch and adjust the temperature by tightening or loosening a screw inside it, which can be quite cumbersome. It can be even more challenging if you work with PLA and ABS interchangeably, since both of them have a different optimal temperature.
Nevertheless, the Super 3D is quite dependable and suitable for people of all ages, including those who are learning how to make 3D models for the very first time. It has a user-friendly design and amazing features that help you master the craft in no time at all. You also get various colors of ABS filaments with the package, and this is 3D pen has a suitable price point that makes it viable for everyone.
Pros
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Durable and elegant build
- Works with PLA and ABS material
Cons
- Temperature control mechanism is very hard to use
SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen with Display – Best 3D Pen for Beginners
The Perfect Start To Your 3D Modeling Journey
If you’re going to be holding and using a 3D pen for the first time, you better make sure that it’s the SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen with Display, as it provides you with the perfect entry point for an exciting and rewarding activity.
The P1 is specially designed to allow you to bring out your creativity and make amazing artwork that looks pleasing to the eyes. It features a compact and lightweight plastic construction that’s not only easy to handle, but also feels good in your hand, so you can easily guide it to build your 3D model with precision and accuracy. It also features a high-quality ceramic nozzle that extrudes the plastic material and ensures a safe and clean operation. The nozzle has been specially designed to prevent clogging or overheating.
The P1 is also equipped with a stepless speed function, and the powerful and reliable motor inside the 3D pen’s housing keeps the speed at an optimal level, so that you can work on doodling and drawing without any difficulty or wasting of materials. The 3D pen is compatible with PLA and ABS plastic, which actually allows for more durability and strength. The package also comes with either three or ten colors of PLA plastic filaments, so that you don’t have to buy them separately.
Moreover, the P1 3D pen features a power supply that’s connected to the wall socket with the help of a USB cable and wall charger. Since there is no recharging function, you’ll need a long extension to connect the 3D pen to a power outlet properly, because its cord is quite short. Once you turn on the power, a red light on the pen’s body will indicate that it has lit up, and the light will turn green when the filament is heated, which shouldn’t take more than three minutes.
Once the light turns green, you can press the forward button to guide the material to the nozzle, and stop it once the material reaches the nozzle. From there on, you can press the forward button or hold it to draw your model without any hurdle. Once you’re done, you can press the reverse button to retract the filament from the pen. It’s also very easy to replace the filament inside the 3D pen, and even beginners can handle it very well.
Another great feature of the P1 is its temperature control, which allows you to adjust the temperature according to the type of filament you’re using. Plus, it also has a user-friend stepless speed slider for tailoring the speed according to your convenience and precision. This makes it particularly suitable for more intricate design work that requires slow speed and more precision. Another useful feature of this 3D pen is its 2-minute auto sleep function, which turns off 2 minutes after you stop extruding the plastic.
Generally, the SCRIB3D P1 3D pen is extremely useful for beginners, and it helps them learn how to handle and use a 3D pen properly. Its LCD display also makes things easier for them, as they can easily set the temperature and also replace the filament when it runs out. Its price point also reflects the fact that it’s a great starter 3D pen for people of all ages.
Pros
- Has stepless speed slider for more control over extrusion
- Temperature control allows you to work with ABS and PLA filaments
- 2-minute auto sleep function prevents filament wastage
Cons
- The buttons aren’t very durable
3Doodler Start – Best 3D Pen for Kids
The Perfect Start For Kids
When it comes to choosing a 3D pen for kids, you have to consider the safety and ease of use more than anything else. I think there’s no better option in this department than the 3Doodler Start. I’ve already reviewed one other 3D pen by the same company, which is known for its top-quality products. The Start 3D pen is also no different.
The Start is perfect for children aged 12 and under, and it has been designed with basic features that allow children to handle and maneuver it properly. Although it’s much slower and has less features than some of the high-end option you’ll find in this list, it has been specifically designed for kids’ use, so let’s examine it in that way.
The Start 3D pen has a rounded construction that’s perfect for kids to grip and hold properly. Moreover, it’s free from any parts that can become hot, as it can be difficult to teach kids not to touch the nozzle when it’s being used. Therefore, it’s completely safe to use for kids aged 5 and above. The pen has a large button that’s easy to press for kids, and it controls the extrusion of the plastic filament from the nozzle. Moreover, this 3D pen works only with a special child-friendly PCL plastic filament that’s made by 3Doodler itself.
The Start 3D pen is rechargeable, which makes it easier for kids to handle without worrying about connected wires that can be snagged or pulled from sockets while they’re using the pen. Plus, the filament is incredibly easy to insert into the pen. You can guide your child the first few times and soon, they’ll get the hang of it completely. The pen also facilitates STEM learning for kids and develops their hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, creativity, focus, spatial understanding and much more.
With the Start 3D pen, you also get a DoodlePad or mat that your child can use for doodling 3D models without making a mess elsewhere. It’s accompanied by two Start plastic packs of various colors, a micro-USB charger and activity guide, which kids can use to learn new designs and templates. For its low price point, the 3Doodler Start actually offers a lot of value and utility.
Pros
- Perfect for children aged 5 and above
- Rounded ergonomic design for children
- Comes with special child-safe filament
- No hot parts
Cons
- Has a slower extrusion speed
MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro – Best 3D Pen for Professionals
Your Palm-Sized 3D Printer
Talk about a pocket-sized 3D printer that you can carry anywhere, and you get the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro, a professional-level 3D pen that has amazing features at an even more amazing price tag. It fulfills all your doodling and modeling design needs with one nifty device.
The best feature of the 3D Pen Pro is that it’s incredibly lightweight. At 1.4 ounces, it may be the lightest 3D pen ever. It’s no heavier than a normal pen, which means that you can easily hold and maneuver it for designing all types of shapes and models. Plus, its dimensions make it quite compact, which also works well if you want to carry it in your pocket. This 3D pen has a 0.6mm top-quality nozzle that can be easily removed and replaced, and also doesn’t clog up.
The 3D Pen Pro works well with both ABS and PLA plastic filaments, and you also change the temperature according to the type of filament you’re using. Plus, there’s a clear and high resolution OLED screen and control features that help you adjust the temperature easily. The 3D Pen Pro also comes with a speed slider that lets you intuitively control the extrusion speed without any difficulty. This works well for you, especially if you like to make intricate and meticulous designs at a slower speed. The pen also has start/stop, forward, and reverse buttons that provide you with greater control.
Another amazing feature of the 3D Pen Pro is that it’s rechargeable and can also be connected to any power bank with a minimum output of 2A. Hence, you won’t run out of power even when you’re on the go and need to use the 3D pen to doodle something on the spot. Plus, the motor inside the pen works silently and doesn’t tick you off as you’re using it, thus allowing you to work in peace. The only thing that people don’t like about it is that it takes some time for the filament to heat up to the right temperature. However, that should only bother you if you’re in a hurry.
Overall the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro is a professional-quality 3D pen that’s highly durable and has a superior build, which is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. You get to choose between using an ABS or PLA filament, which is another major plus. Considering that it’s a pro-level 3D pen, it isn’t really expensive at all.
Pros
- Works with PLA and ABS filaments
- Has an OLED screen with easy temperature control
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons
- Takes a lot of time to heat filament
3Dsimo MultiPro – Best Versatile 3D Pen
The Godfather Of All 3D Pens
Have you ever seen those multipurpose Swiss knives that can be used for practically anything? Well, you can equate them to the 3Dsimo MultiPro, which is the most versatile and top-quality 3D pen that you can find out there. The company has put all of their experience and expertise behind this exceptional product.
The MultiPro is a multifunctional 3D pen that packs a lot of useful features in one compact and lightweight device that you can carry around with you at all times. Not only does it allow you to build and design models, but also finish, cut, and refine them with much more finesse. This 3D pen features four useful extensions.
3D drawing is one of the extensions of the MultiPro, and it features 12 material presets that allow you to use the most commonly used materials, such as ABS, PLA, PETG, Metal, Wood, and Flex. You can easily cycle through the presets with the help of the helpful and crystal clear OLED display, which shows you all of the information you need. Plus, you can also control the extrusion speed and nozzle temperature with the help of the buttons on the pen, as well as the 3Dsimo mobile application.
The mobile application not only enables you to control the MultiPro, but you can also upgrade its firmware or install new extensions that may be used for various functions. Apart from 3D drawing, the MultiPro can also be utilized for foam cutting, soldering, and burning, making it a highly versatile tool that can be used on all types of 3D models and doodles. Therefore, you can get the MultiPro and eliminate the need of a 3D printer, soldering iron, foam cutter, and many other devices.
The OLED display on the MultiPro also provides you with an interactive tutorial when you attach a new extension to the 3D pen. The tutorial shows you how the extension works, as well as the function of each button. You can learn all you need to know about a particular extension within two minutes only. Plus, each extension can be removed with just one button, and a new extension is even easier to install. As time progresses, newer extensions will be released for the MultiPro, thus making it even more versatile.
A high-powered device, the MultiPro has to been plugged into a power outlet to work properly, and it should be used with utmost care, since it can get very hot. Last but not least, the price point for this 3D pen is quite high, but that’s understandable when you consider the extensions and features.
Pros
- Contains 4 different extensions for various applications
- Features OLED display and easy temperature adjustment
- Interactive tutorial appears on display for each extension
Cons
- High price point
Scribbler DUO 3D Pen – Best Dual-Nozzle 3D Pen
The First-Ever Dual-Nozzle 3D Pen
Talk about a 3D pen that was funded by Kickstarter! The Scribbler DUO 3D Pen is a unique and advanced pen that boasts a huge range of excellent features, and it’s perfect for people who love drawing as a hobby, as well as artists and professional crafters.
The DUO features an advanced and expertly designed housing that has been crafted after gathering feedback from thousands of users. Therefore, it’s more well-designed and ergonomic than most of the 3D pens you’ll find out there, and you’ll have a great time holding and using it. This pen contains four control buttons that allow you to change the extrusion speed, along with the nozzle temperature. There are six speed settings to choose from, and each one is suitable for different types of artists. Plus, the temperature varies from 100 to 240 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of filament you use.
The most exciting feature of the DUO is its dual nozzle, which can extrude two different filaments at the same time. This allows you to combine different colors to build your model or make more vivid and thicker textures. Plus, you can also replace the filaments and load them into the nozzles much faster, and both nozzles are clog-free.
While most people frown upon the expensive plastic filaments that they have to buy for their 3D pen, this isn’t a concern you’ll have with the DUO, as it comes with its own designed affordable filament refills. You can find all types of materials, including ABS, PLA, Flex, Wood, Bronze, Copper, and many others. It’s suitable for adults and kids to use, and you don’t have to be an expert to use it expertly. Plus, it’ll make for a great birthday or Christmas gift for your child.
In terms of build quality and design, the DUO is a class apart than most other 3D pens you’ll find out there. You can use it for all kinds of applications, be it for creating Christmas decorations or for designing a 3D model of the Empire State Building. With its affordable multicolored filaments and user-friendly design, you can operate the DUO without having to learn or practice too much, and you’ll always be fascinated by what you create.
In terms of the price point, you’ll find the Scribbler DUO 3D Pen to be a tad more expensive than most of the options I have listed above, but if you consider the quality and features that you’re receiving, I’d say it’s a fair deal.
Pros
- Unique and ergonomic design
- Has its own affordable filaments
- Dual nozzle design can be used for numerous applications
Cons
- Doesn’t have a wireless design
CreoPop 3D Pen – Best Cordless 3D Pen
One Of The Most Versatile 3D Pens
Moving on, let’s have a look at the CreoPop 3D Pen which, in my opinion, is one of the coolest options that you can find if you’re looking for a cordless pen specifically. The CreoPop 3D Pen is a top-quality premium 3D pen that fulfills all of your 3D modeling and drawing needs, and it’s suitable for kids and adults alike.
The CreoPop 3D Pen is highly unique because it does not require any traditional filament or heat for designing and drawing. This is why it also doesn’t have the strong burning plastic smell that you experience in most 3D pens. Rather, CreoPop makes use of a ‘cool ink’ that’s made from photopolymers and solidified using LED lights. Not only does this make the filament cooler and safer, but it also brings you a myriad of modern color options, including glitter, glow in the dark, magnetic, and many others.
Moreover, you can also find body-safe ink and conduction-friendly ink, along with aromatic ink and much more. The options are endless when it comes to the CreoPop 3D Pen, thus making 3D drawing fun and exciting. Plus, the extrusion speed of this 3D pen is much faster, and the ink instantly solidifies once it leaves the nozzle. This may be useful if you know what you’re drawing, but not if you’re drawing with a free hand.
The 3D pen has an ergonomic design that makes it thinner at the grip, thus allowing more control and easy handling. One thing that you may frown upon is that the inks used in the CreoPop are quite unique and can’t be bought from any third-party manufacturer. Plus, these inks are quite expensive, so you must be prepared to spend the money if you’re buying this 3D pen. In terms of the price point, the 3D pen is also a little pricier, but it does give you a lot of versatility.
Pros
- Uses cool ink that comes in various colors and forms
- Has a faster extrusion speed
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Cordless design allows for portability
Cons
- The ink hardens very quickly upon leaving the nozzle
3Dsimo Basic 2 – Best Budget-Friendly 3D Pen
A Highly Affordable Quality 3D Pen
If all of the above options have you scratching your head and you’re looking for an entry level option that doesn’t break the bank, then you can have a look at the 3Dsimo Basic 2, which is suitable for adults and kids aged 8 and above. Plus, it’s user-friendly so you won’t have any trouble in getting the hang of it.
The 3Dsimo Basic 2 is one of the cheapest 3D pens in the market right now, but its low price point doesn’t undermine its quality in any way. It has an advanced low-temperature heating system that makes it particularly safe for children to use, and the heating system also prevents the formation of fumes that can be harmful for your health. Plus, the Basic 2 also makes use of the unique and child-friendly PCL filament, which is as durable as PLA and is compatible with low-temperature heating.
The Basic 2 has a unique rounded design, and its bright and vivid red or orange appearance makes it look like a carrot. The design may not be very ergonomic or grip-friendly, but if you’re using a 3D pen for the first time, you’ll be able to warm up to the handling of this 3D pen much easily. Since it’s a cheaper 3D pen, you have to compromise on the comfort a little bit.
The Basic 2 can be efficiently used to design and build large-scale 3D models and objects with great detailing, and there are 48 color options to choose from, so the sky is the limit when it comes to designing and doodling with this 3D pen. The package also comes with a PCL filament and a USB charging cable, so you can get started with 3D drawing as soon as you receive it. The wall charger isn’t included into the package, but you can make do with any charger, power bank, or even your laptop.
The Basic 2 charges fully in 2 hours and also provides sufficient battery life, so you don’t have to worry about the power running out while you’re drawing or designing a model. The PCL filament is very easy to install into the 3D pen, and you’ll have no trouble in getting to use it for the first time. Very soon, you’ll be able to use it to draw full-fledged 3D models without any trouble. Last but not least, it’s one of the cheapest 3D pens you’ll find out there.
Pros
- Low price point
- Easy to use for beginners
- Has an eco-friendly and child-safe PCL filament
Cons
- Doesn’t have an ergonomic design
How to Choose the Best 3D Pen?
Now that I’ve listed down all of the best 3D pens with their reviews, you might be a little confused as to how you can choose the best one out of the lot. To help you with this, here’s a buying guide that you can make use of whenever you’re faced with multiple options for 3D pens.
Price
Naturally, the price plays a major role in your choice of a 3D pen. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that also has a high-quality construction, then your options would range between $40 and $80. There are some great high-end options that cost as high as $100, but you shouldn’t need to go beyond this price tag.
Purpose
Another point to consider is why you’re buying a 3D pen. Are you going to learn the skill and use it for fun, or you want to become a professional artist? Are you buying the 3D pen for yourself or your kid? These questions will help you narrow down your options and reach at a suitable conclusion much quicker.
Design
The best 3D pens that you’ll find will have a compact and streamlined design, and they should be comfortable to hold and easy to handle. To create the best 3D models, you’ll have to spend hours with the pen in your hand, so it should be something that fits well and also provides you with a firm grip.
Age Group
Not all 3D pens are suitable for all age groups, which is why you should consider the age suitability before you lock in your decision. Mostly, children aged below 6 are advised to get 3D pens that don’t have any hot parts or filament, as they’re more likely to injure themselves. In the same way, if you buy an adult-suitable 3D pen for your 12-year-old, chances are that it might be too big or too heavy for them.
Filament
The heating system inside each 3D pen, as well as the filament, also play a major role when you’re trying to choose the best one for yourself or your kid. If you’re looking for more versatile options that allow you to work with different filaments, make sure to consider 3D pens that have adjustable temperature control that can be easily managed by you.
Let’s wrap it up here, and I hope you have a clear idea of the best 3D pens out there, as well as how you can choose the best one for yourself. If you ask me, I’d place my money on the 3Doodler Create+. Not only does it have a great price point and amazing features, but it’s also suitable for people of all skill levels. If I have to pick a runner-up, it’d be the MYNT3D Super 3D Pen, which also brings you a range of amazing features with superior durability and functionality. Keep in mind that there are other suitable options out there as well, and you can use the aforementioned buying guide to take your pick.
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