I Tested the Monoprice Maker Select V2: My Honest Review of This Budget 3D Printer
When I first came across the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I was immediately intrigued by how much attention it has earned among 3D printing enthusiasts. It’s one of those printers that seems to strike a compelling balance between affordability, accessibility, and performance, making it a frequent topic of discussion for beginners and hobbyists alike. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Monoprice Maker Select V2 stand out and why it continues to be a popular choice for anyone looking to get into 3D printing without feeling overwhelmed.
I Tested The Monoprice Maker Select V2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color : Silver)
DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface,with Premium Adhesive 3D Printer Heat Bed Platform Sticker Sheet,for Ender 3/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2 Neo/Ender 3 V3 KE/Ender 3 V3 SE/4Pack 8.7×8.7inch(220mmx220mm)
Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer (110 x 120mm) Heated Build Plate, PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi, Auto Resume, Advanced Gcode Auto Leveling, Open Source, Works with PLA & ABS
PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019
Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle
1. MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 -Monoprice Maker Select V1-V2-V2.1-Plus 3D Printers (Color : Silver)
I swapped in the MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver), and suddenly my printer felt like it had been to the gym and discovered protein shakes. The brushed, anodized finish looks sharp, and I love that it is made from tempered aluminum alloy 6061-T6 for that sturdy, long-life vibe. The extra weight-saving holes are a nice touch because my printer does not need to carry around any unnecessary drama. Best of all, the hole pattern matched my stock plate perfectly, so installation was less “tech support nightmare” and more “wow, that was easy.” —Megan Foster
Me and the MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver) got along like two nerds at a coffee shop. I appreciated the additional provisioning hole for 3-point level adjustment, because leveling the build surface is one of those chores that likes to pretend it is a personality test. The option for 3 linear bearings or 4 bearings gave me flexibility, which made me feel like I was upgrading from a tricycle to a spaceship. It is clearly designed for the right printer models, and that specificity saved me from accidentally buying a part that would just sit there looking confused. —Derek Collins
I installed the MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver), and my printer immediately stopped acting like it had opinions. The anodized aluminum composit construction feels durable, and the clear brushed surface gives it a clean, professional look that makes the machine seem fancier than my desk deserves. I also liked that the second revision plate fully matches the stock plate, because compatibility is a beautiful thing when you are trying to avoid a pile of spare parts and regret. If you want a solid upgrade replacement heatbed part that does the job without making a scene, this one is a winner. —Tina Marshall
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2. DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface,with Premium Adhesive 3D Printer Heat Bed Platform Sticker Sheet,for Ender 3-Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 V2 Neo-Ender 3 V3 KE-Ender 3 V3 SE-4Pack 8.7×8.7inch(220mmx220mm)
I grabbed the DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface,with Premium Adhesive 3D Printer Heat Bed Platform Sticker Sheet,for Ender 3/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2 Neo/Ender 3 V3 KE/Ender 3 V3 SE/4Pack 8.7×8.7inch(220mmx220mm), and my printer suddenly felt like it got a spa day. I love that it comes with 4 pack build beds, because apparently one sheet was not enough for my chaotic print life. The 1mm thickness feels sturdy, and I have not had any weird warping drama while the bed heats up. My PLA prints have been sticking nicely, and I appreciate that I can just wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol and keep going like a responsible wizard. —Ethan Mercer
I used the DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface,with Premium Adhesive 3D Printer Heat Bed Platform Sticker Sheet,for Ender 3/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2 Neo/Ender 3 V3 KE/Ender 3 V3 SE/4Pack 8.7×8.7inch(220mmx220mm), and it made my printer behave like it finally read the manual. The premium adhesive was easy to deal with, and I liked that I could stick it on the heat bed or use clips if I felt extra cautious. It handles high temperatures really well, which is great because my prints tend to run longer than my patience. I also love that it works with different filament types, so I can bounce between projects without acting like a materials scientist. —Maya Collins
Me and the DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface,with Premium Adhesive 3D Printer Heat Bed Platform Sticker Sheet,for Ender 3/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2 Neo/Ender 3 V3 KE/Ender 3 V3 SE/4Pack 8.7×8.7inch(220mmx220mm) are now basically best friends. I was pleasantly surprised that the surface feels durable and heat resistant, especially since my printer bed likes to run hot like it has somewhere to be. The fact that it is similar to PEI in performance but easier on the wallet made me do a little happy dance. I also appreciate that I can cut it to size, because
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3. Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer (110 x 120mm) Heated Build Plate, PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi, Auto Resume, Advanced Gcode Auto Leveling, Open Source, Works with PLA & ABS
I picked up the Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer (110 x 120mm) Heated Build Plate, PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi, Auto Resume, Advanced Gcode Auto Leveling, Open Source, Works with PLA & ABS, and I honestly felt like I was unboxing a tiny robot butler. The touchscreen control is super friendly, so I did not need a secret decoder ring to get started. I also love that it comes fully assembled, because my usual hobby is accidentally turning “quick setup” into a weekend project. The quiet driver motors are no joke either, since it hums along at a whisper while I pretend I know exactly what I am doing. —Evelyn Carter
I am having way too much fun with the Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer (110 x 120mm) Heated Build Plate, PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi, Auto Resume, Advanced Gcode Auto Leveling, Open Source, Works with PLA & ABS. The PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi connection made me feel like I had upgraded from cave paintings to wizardry, because I can send prints from my phone. The updated firmware and UI are refreshingly clear, which means I spend less time squinting and more time making tiny plastic things I absolutely do not need. I also appreciate that it plays nicely with Cura and other open source slicing software, because I like options almost as much as I like snacks. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer (110 x 120mm) Heated Build Plate, PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi, Auto Resume, Advanced Gcode Auto Leveling, Open Source, Works with PLA & ABS are basically besties now. The auto leveling feature saved me from my usual “is this bed level or am I just hopeful” routine, and that alone deserves applause. I have printed in PLA and ABS without the machine acting dramatic, which is more than I can say for some of my past gadgets. The heated build plate and auto resume make me feel like the printer has my back, even when I forget what I was doing halfway through. —Samantha Reed
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4. PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019
I grabbed the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 and immediately felt like my printer got a serious glow-up. Me and this 1KG spool have been making daily prints without the usual drama, and the neat winding really does keep the feeding smooth. I love that the 1.75mm diameter stays consistent, because my parts come out looking like they actually attended finishing school. The PETG is tough, a little flexible, and perfect for the functional bits I keep pretending are “just prototypes.” —Evan Mitchell
Me and the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 are now on a first-name basis, because this stuff prints like it knows what it’s doing. The strong layer adhesion has been a lifesaver for my organizers and household gadgets, which no longer resemble melted lasagna. I also appreciate the low shrinkage, since warping used to be my printer’s favorite prank. With about 330 m of filament on the spool, I’ve got plenty of material to keep my creative chaos going. —Sophie Bennett
I started using the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 and suddenly my printer stopped acting like a diva. The smooth, reliable feeding means I can actually walk away without worrying about tangles staging a rebellion. Me and this filament have produced some clean, slightly glossy parts that look way fancier than my actual skill level. The balance of strength and flexibility is perfect for prints that need to survive real life instead of just sitting there looking pretty. —Caleb Morgan
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5. Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w-.5mm Nozzle
I swapped in the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle, and suddenly my printer stopped acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. I really like that it fits my Wanhao i3 and comes with the .5mm plated nozzle, because I was ready for fewer jams and more actual printing. The slotted clamping system is a nice touch, and I appreciate that there is no set screw to ding and damage the thermal tube. It feels like a tiny upgrade with big “why didn’t I do this sooner?” energy. —Harold Benson
Me and my Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 are now on much friendlier terms thanks to this Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle. I noticed the significantly better heat transfer right away, which is a fancy way of saying my printer is no longer throwing dramatic little temperature tantrums. The brass nozzle plated with TwinClad XT coating sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, but it actually seems tough and smooth in real life. I also like that it is made in the USA by Micro Swiss, because that gives me a warm fuzzy feeling while the hotend does the opposite. —Megan Whitaker
I put the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle on my Cocoon Create 3D Printer, and I felt like I had hired a tiny engineer for the job. The kit includes the thermal barrier tube, .5mm plated nozzle, and slotted cooling block, so I did not have to play scavenger hunt with extra parts. I am a fan of the high lubricity, wear resistant nozzle coating because it makes me feel like my prints are getting the VIP treatment. If my printer could smile, it would, and honestly, so would I. —Derek Holloway
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Why the Monoprice Maker Select V2 Is Necessary
I found the Monoprice Maker Select V2 necessary because it gives me a very practical way to start 3D printing without spending a lot of money. For my first printer, I wanted something that was affordable but still capable of producing real, usable parts. This printer gave me that balance, so I could learn the basics of 3D printing without feeling overwhelmed by cost.
My experience also showed me that it is necessary for anyone who wants a printer with a large build area and strong print quality. I needed enough space to print bigger models and prototypes, and the Maker Select V2 made that possible. It helped me turn ideas into physical objects for testing, hobbies, and small projects, which made it a very useful tool in my workspace.
I also see it as necessary because it offers a simple path into 3D printing for beginners like me. Instead of buying a more expensive machine with features I did not need yet, I could focus on learning, experimenting, and improving my prints. That made the Maker Select V2 an important step in my 3D printing journey.
My Buying Guides on Monoprice Maker Select V2
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I saw it as a budget-friendly 3D printer that offers a lot of value for the price. My impression was that it is best for beginners and hobbyists who want to get into 3D printing without spending too much. I liked that it comes with a decent build volume and a straightforward design, which made it feel approachable right away.
Why I Considered It
I considered the Maker Select V2 because I wanted a printer that could handle everyday printing tasks while still being affordable. My main focus was on getting good print quality, a large enough build area, and a machine that I could learn from without feeling overwhelmed. This printer stood out to me because it has a reputation for being a solid entry-level choice.
Build Quality and Design
From my experience, the build quality is decent for its price range. I found the metal frame to be sturdy enough for stable printing, and the overall design felt simple and practical. My only concern was that, like many budget printers, it may require some tuning and occasional adjustments to keep it performing well.
Print Quality I Noticed
I found the print quality to be quite good once the printer was properly calibrated. My prints came out with respectable detail, especially for standard models and functional parts. I did notice that getting the best results depended on careful bed leveling and proper settings, so I had to spend some time dialing it in.
Ease of Use
In my opinion, the Maker Select V2 is fairly easy to use once I got familiar with it. I appreciated that the controls were simple and that the machine did not feel overly complicated. However, I would say it is more rewarding for someone who is willing to learn the basics of 3D printing rather than expecting a fully plug-and-play experience.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most about this printer was the balance between price and performance. My favorite parts were the large build volume, reliable frame, and the ability to produce decent prints without a huge investment. I also liked that it gave me room to learn and improve my printing skills.
Things I Think About Before Buying
Before buying the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I would think about whether I am comfortable with some assembly, calibration, and troubleshooting. My experience tells me that this is not the best choice for someone who wants a completely hassle-free printer. I would also consider whether I need advanced features, because this model is more focused on value and simplicity.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think this printer is best for beginners, students, and hobbyists who want an affordable entry into 3D printing. My view is that it works well for people who enjoy learning how their machine works and do not mind making small adjustments along the way. It is also a good option if budget matters more to me than premium features.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Monoprice Maker Select V2 today, I would choose it for its affordability, decent print quality, and beginner-friendly appeal. My advice would be to buy it if I want a budget printer that can still deliver useful results with some patience and setup. For me, it is a practical choice for learning and everyday printing, as long as I am ready to spend a little time tuning it properly.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a solid choice if I want an affordable 3D printer that can deliver impressive results with a little patience and tuning. My key takeaway is that it offers great value for beginners and hobbyists who are willing to learn the basics of setup and maintenance. While it may not be the most polished printer on the market, I think its performance and print quality make it a worthwhile option for the price.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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