Best 3D printer for me? Comment advice.

[kylers]

I am very happy with my affordable Wanhao 5s Duplicator Mini. Still within your budget is the larger version with 24" build height.
For more plug and play solutions, the Ultimaker 2 with 8"cubed volume or the extended version will be great.

[ralphzoontjens]

I am very happy with my affordable Wanhao 5s Duplicator Mini. Still within your budget is the larger version with 24" build height.
For more plug and play solutions, the Ultimaker 2 with 8"cubed volume or the extended version will be great.

Lol, I'm flattered but please don't copy-paste my posts.

On topic, the most important thing is to have a plan for your 3D printer and decide based on that.

At this moment I would recommend going with a trusted brand that produces printers that have proved to last for years.
I.e. not several of the Chinese brands but businesses with more reliable development processes (even if components are sourced from China)
Reason is that my two Wanhao 5s machines have both failed last year in the electronics department.

So..

- The Prusa i3 is awesome, it's a true classic of the 3D printer world and so versatile.

- Ultimaker is a great brand, but IMO they are overpricing the product

- BCN3D Sigma, top-of-the-line choice

- Lulzbot

- Possibly the Creality (Chinese), Flashforge or Monoprice on recommendations of C.A.

Most of all, don't expect it to be a plug-n-play deal, it requires developing some expertise.