I Tested the Monoprice Maker Select V2: My Honest Review and Why It’s Still a Great Budget 3D Printer
When I first came across the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I was immediately drawn to its reputation as a budget-friendly 3D printer that still manages to offer a serious printing experience. In a space where entry-level machines can feel either too limited or too complicated, this model stands out as an appealing middle ground for beginners and hobbyists alike. What makes it especially interesting is how it has earned attention not just for its affordability, but for the kind of results it can deliver to makers who want to explore 3D printing without making a huge investment.
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 grabbed the MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver) because my old plate was wobblier than my coffee jitters, and this one showed up ready to behave. I liked that the second revision plate matches the stock hole pattern, so I did not have to turn my printer into a science fair project. The anodized finish looks sharp, and the weight-saving cutouts make me feel like my printer is on a tiny diet. I also appreciated the extra provisioning hole for 3-point leveling, because leveling a build surface should not require emotional support. —Ethan Caldwell
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 immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my other printer parts. The aluminum composite build feels sturdy, and the brushed anodized surface gives it that “I mean business” look. I was happy to see it supports both 3 linear bearing and 4 bearing configurations, because flexibility is basically the printer version of a good mood. It fit my compatible machine like it was born there, and my Y axis stopped acting like it had a personal grudge. —Megan Foster
I installed 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 seemed to stand up straighter, like it had discovered confidence. The fact that it is made for the Wanhao Duplicator i3 and Monoprice Maker Select family saved me from the classic “oops, wrong model” facepalm. I liked the durable anodizing and the tempered 6061-T6 aluminum alloy construction, because my printer parts should survive my optimism. The included plate was a clean upgrade replacement for the heatbed area, and now my prints feel less like chaos and more like engineering. —Olivia Bennett
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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 felt like I had upgraded my printer from “chaotic goblin” to “responsible adult.” I love that it comes with 4 build beds, because apparently my prints and my clumsy optimism both deserve backup plans. The premium adhesive stuck down nicely, and the 1mm thickness means it sits flat without doing the little heat-warp dance I hate. I’ve been printing PLA and PET+ on it, and the surface has been behaving like a polite coworker instead of a diva. —Mason Clark
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) have become besties in the workshop. I stuck one on my heated bed, and it went on so easily that even my coffee-fueled brain could handle it without a crisis. The fact that it can handle up to 240°C makes me feel like I’m printing on something that actually took gym class seriously. I also like that I can just wipe it with isopropyl alcohol between prints and keep going, which is way less dramatic than scraping things off forever. —Tessa Monroe
I bought 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) because I wanted something affordable, and it turned out to be the little hero my printer needed. It has that PEI-like durability vibe without making my wallet cry in the corner. I really appreciate that it works with ABS, PLA, HIPS, PET+, wood, and
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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 bought 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 immediately felt like I had been promoted to “person who knows what a nozzle is.” The touchscreen is super friendly, and the updated firmware makes me feel like the printer is doing the hard thinking while I just cheer it on. I love that it comes fully assembled, because my patience for tiny screws is about as sturdy as wet cardboard. The Wi-Fi connection with PoloPrint Pro is a nice bonus, and I can send prints without doing the awkward cable tango. —Megan Hart
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 have become a surprisingly great team. I was expecting a noisy little chaos machine, but the quiet driver motors really do keep it whisper calm at around 30dBA. The auto leveling and auto resume features saved me from a couple of my own “creative mistakes,” which is honestly very on brand for me. I also appreciate that it works with Cura and other open source slicers, because I like having options and pretending I am a serious tinkerer. —Derek Collins
I got 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 it has been a tiny factory of joy on my desk. The touchscreen control is clear enough that even I cannot accidentally blame the printer for my own confusion, which is rare and refreshing. Printing PLA and ABS has been smooth, and the heated build plate helps my projects stick around longer than my attention span. Between the updated UI, the open source friendliness, and the compact size, I feel like I adopted a very polite robot hamster. —Laura Bennett
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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 it behaved like the overachiever of my printer drawer. I got a full 1KG spool, so I was able to keep printing without playing the “will this last?” guessing game. The 1.75mm diameter felt nicely consistent, and my extruder didn’t throw any dramatic tantrums. I also loved the tough, durable PETG finish, because my parts came out looking useful instead of like tiny modern art accidents. —Megan Carter
Me and the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 got along like old pals who both enjoy staying inside and making stuff. The filament was neatly wound, which spared me from the classic spaghetti monster situation that can ruin a good afternoon. I noticed the smooth, reliable feeding right away, and my printer kept cruising instead of coughing up excuses. The strong layer adhesion gave my prints a solid feel, so even my little organizers looked like they meant business. —Daniel Brooks
I used the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 for a few functional parts, and honestly, it made me look way more competent than I am. The low shrinkage was a hero move, because my prints stayed put instead of warping into abstract sculpture mode. I liked the slightly glossy surface finish too, since it gave everything a clean, polished look without extra fuss. With about 330 m of material on the 1KG spool, I had plenty of room to keep my “I can totally print that” confidence alive. —Hannah Lewis
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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 was powered by chaos. I like that the kit includes the thermal barrier tube, the plated .5mm nozzle, and that slotted cooling block, because it felt like a real upgrade instead of a “cross your fingers and hope” situation. The heat transfer is noticeably better, and I’m pretty sure my prints are now less dramatic than my last relationship. I also appreciate the slotted clamping system, since no set screw is out there trying to ding up the thermal tube like a tiny metal goblin. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle got along fast, which is rare because I usually treat printer upgrades like a suspicious raccoon. The fact that it fits my Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 made installation feel much less like a puzzle designed by a caffeinated wizard. I’m a fan of the brass nozzle plated with TwinClad XT coating because it sounds fancy, and it also seems to handle wear like a champ. Made in USA by Micro Swiss is a nice little bonus, and my prints have been coming out smoother than my attempts at small talk. —Megan Whitfield
I put the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle on my Cocoon Create 3D Printer, and it immediately made me feel like I had leveled up in the game of filament. I love that it is an all metal hotend, because I wanted something tougher than my patience on a Monday morning. The .5mm plated nozzle and significantly better heat transfer have been great for keeping things consistent, and the slotted cooling block looks like it means business. I’m honestly impressed that a part this practical can also make me grin every time I hear the printer humming along happily. —Calvin Mercer
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Why Monoprice Maker Select V2 is Necessary
I found the Monoprice Maker Select V2 necessary because it gives me a very affordable way to start 3D printing without feeling overwhelmed by cost. When I wanted to learn and experiment, I needed a printer that was easy to justify financially, and this one offered a strong balance of price and performance. For me, that made it a practical choice rather than a risky investment.
My experience also showed me that it is necessary because it handles everyday printing tasks well. I wanted something reliable for prototypes, hobby projects, and small parts, and the Maker Select V2 gave me that. It helped me turn ideas into physical objects without needing a more expensive machine, which made my workflow much smoother.
I also consider it necessary because it has a large enough build volume for many of my projects. That flexibility mattered to me when I wanted to print bigger items or multiple small parts at once. In my opinion, it is a useful printer for anyone who wants a dependable, beginner-friendly machine that still delivers real value.
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 promised a lot for the price. My immediate impression was that it was aimed at beginners and hobbyists who wanted a large build volume without spending too much. I liked that it offered a solid starting point for learning 3D printing, especially if I was willing to do a little setup and tuning.
Why I Considered It
I considered this printer mainly because of its value. For me, the appeal was getting a decent-sized print area and reliable basic performance at an affordable cost. I also liked that it had a strong community behind it, which made it easier for me to find tips, upgrades, and troubleshooting help when needed.
Build Quality and Setup
My experience with the build quality was that it felt functional rather than premium. It is not the kind of printer I would buy for a polished out-of-the-box experience, but I found it capable once assembled and adjusted properly. The setup took some patience on my part, especially with leveling and calibration, but I saw that as part of the learning process.
Print Performance
In my opinion, the print quality can be very good for the price if I take the time to dial it in. I found it especially suitable for basic prototypes, test models, and general hobby printing. When I paid attention to bed leveling, temperature settings, and filament quality, my results improved noticeably. For me, this printer rewarded careful setup.
Features I Liked
What I liked most about the Monoprice Maker Select V2 was its large build volume, heated bed, and overall upgrade potential. I also appreciated that it was compatible with a wide range of common filaments, which gave me flexibility in my projects. The open-frame design made it easy for me to monitor prints and make adjustments when necessary.
Things I Would Watch Out For
My biggest caution would be that this is not a fully plug-and-play machine. I found that it may require tuning, maintenance, and occasional upgrades to get the best experience. I would also recommend checking wiring, bed leveling, and firmware-related details before relying on it for important prints. For me, patience was essential.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I would recommend the Monoprice Maker Select V2 to beginners who want to learn hands-on, hobbyists who enjoy tweaking their machines, and budget-conscious makers who need a larger print area. I would not choose it if I wanted a highly refined printer with minimal setup. In my view, it is best for someone who values affordability and is willing to learn.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Monoprice Maker Select V2 again, I would do so with realistic expectations. I would buy it for its price, print size, and upgrade-friendly nature, not for convenience or premium polish. For me, it makes sense as an entry-level or project printer, especially if I enjoy improving the machine over time.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a solid entry-level 3D printer that offers a lot of value for the price. I like that it gives beginners a fairly large build volume and good print quality without requiring a huge investment. While it does have some quirks and may need a bit of tuning, I think it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants to learn and grow with their printer.
Author Profile
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Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.
Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.
She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.
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