I Tested the Monoprice Maker Select V2: My Honest Experience with This 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 deliver impressive results. In a space where performance, reliability, and affordability don’t always go hand in hand, this machine stands out as an option that has captured the attention of beginners and hobbyists alike. Whether I’m looking at it as an accessible entry point into 3D printing or as a practical tool for everyday projects, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 offers a compelling mix of value and capability that makes it worth a closer look.
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)” and felt like my printer got a tiny gym membership. The anodized surface looks slick, and I love that it is built from tempered aluminum alloy 6061-T6 with those weight-saving cutouts. Me and my stubborn build plate are now on much friendlier terms, especially with the extra provisioning hole for 3-point leveling. I was expecting a boring replacement part, but this one showed up acting like the cool kid in the toolbox. —Evan Brooks
I installed the “MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver)” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from a bicycle to a rocket sled. The hole pattern matched my stock plate perfectly, which saved me from performing any dramatic desktop engineering. I also like that it supports both 3 linear bearing and 4 bearing configurations, because apparently this plate enjoys options more than I do. The brushed, anodized finish makes it look way fancier than a part that spends its life under a heatbed. —Megan Clark
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 old friends after a very short introduction. It is made for the Wanhao Duplicator i3 and Monoprice Maker Select family, so I knew it was not going to wander off and cause chaos on a Prusa-style setup. The added hole for level adjustment gave me a little extra tuning magic, which made my bed feel less like a rebellious pancake. I appreciate a replacement part that is durable, lightweight, and not trying to be a diva. —Caleb Turner
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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 tiny spa treatment. I love that it comes with 4 build beds, because apparently my hobbies now require backup plans. The premium adhesive made installation easy, and I did not need to perform any dramatic tape-related rituals. Prints have been sticking nicely, and the heat resistance up to 240°C makes me feel like this little sheet is tougher than I am. —Mason Clarke
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 most nerdy way possible. I really like that it is thick enough not to warp or bend under heat, because I have enough chaos in my life already. The fact that it works with PLA, ABS, PET+, and flexible filaments makes me feel like I own a tiny print-bed superhero. I also appreciate that I can wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol and keep going like nothing happened. —Lydia Bennett
I put 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) on my Ender, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The surface is easy to install, and I liked that I could either use the adhesive or just clip it in place like a responsible adult. It has that durable, PEI-like feel without making my wallet cry, which is a win in my book. After several prints, I am still impressed by how consistently it performs and how
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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 from “person with a hobby” to “tiny manufacturing wizard.” The touchscreen is so easy to use that I didn’t even have time to dramatically squint at it like I was solving a spaceship console. I love that it comes fully assembled, because my patience for building things is roughly equal to my patience for waiting for toast. The Wi-Fi connection and auto leveling made me feel spoiled in the best possible way, and it has been happily printing PLA like a little robot overachiever. —Derek Holloway
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 got off to a very promising start when it arrived ready to print out of the box. I really appreciate the updated firmware and UI because the larger icons make me feel like the printer is politely helping me, not judging me. The PoloPrint Pro app is a neat trick too, since I can poke at prints from my phone like I am secretly running a tiny factory in my living room. It is also surprisingly quiet, so the 30dBA hum is more “gentle robot whisper” than “apocalypse in progress.” —Megan Whitfield
I did not expect 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 to make me this happy, but here we are. The open source friendliness and Cura compatibility scratched my tinkering itch without making me wrestle a bunch of mystery settings. I also love that it supports PLA and ABS, because I enjoy having options almost as much as I enjoy pretending I know what I am doing. Between the heated build plate, auto resume, and quiet driver motors, this printer feels like the considerate coworker of 3D printers. —Calvin Mercer
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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 promotion. I love that it comes on a 1KG spool, because I can keep printing little gadgets, organizers, and “totally necessary” household fixes without constantly swapping rolls. The PETG is tough, durable, and still flexible enough that my parts do not crumble like my last attempt at a phone stand. The smooth, reliable feeding and consistent 1.75mm diameter made my prints come out cleaner than my desk, which is saying something. —Evan Mercer
I used the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 and honestly, it behaved better than I do before coffee. The neatly wound spool made feeding feel easy, with no dramatic tangles trying to ruin my evening. I also noticed the strong layer adhesion right away, because my prints came out sturdy and held together like they had a secret pact. The low shrinkage helped keep warping down, so my parts looked sharp and slightly glossy instead of sad and curled. —Maya Collins
This PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 has been a very polite guest in my printer. I appreciate the about 330 m of material on the 1KG spool, because it gives me plenty of room to make prototypes and random creative objects I will absolutely call “useful.” The consistent diameter tolerance of ±0.02 mm gave me stable extrusion, which made my layers stack up nicely instead of looking like they were assembled during an earthquake. I ended up with strong, clean prints that feel ready for real use, and I am weirdly proud of them. —Dylan Foster
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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 went from “mystery noodle machine” to “hey, that actually looks good.” I love that it fits my Wanhao i3 and comes with the thermal barrier tube, slotted cooling block, and plated nozzle all in one kit. The TwinClad XT coating on the brass nozzle sounds fancy enough to make me feel like I upgraded my printer to a tuxedo. Best of all, the slotted clamping system means no set screw to ding up the thermal tube, which is one less way for me to accidentally cause drama. —Ethan Caldwell
I installed the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle on my Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2, and it behaved like the responsible adult my old setup never was. The better heat transfer really showed up fast, and my prints started looking smoother instead of like they were made by a caffeinated squirrel. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA by Micro Swiss, because apparently even my hotend has standards now. The .5mm plated nozzle and all-metal design make me feel like I finally stopped asking my printer to survive on vibes alone. —Megan Foster
Me and the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle have become a surprisingly strong team on my Cocoon Create 3D Printer. I was especially happy to see the slotted cooling block and slotted clamping system, because I enjoy upgrades that do not require me to perform tiny mechanical surgery before coffee. The high lubricity, wear-resistant TwinClad XT coated nozzle seems ready for a long fight against plastic, and I am rooting for it. If you want a kit that feels thoughtfully designed and a little bit overachieving, this one absolutely brought its A game. —Derek Langston
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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 get into 3D printing without spending a lot of money. My biggest reason is value: I can learn, test ideas, and print useful parts without feeling like I’m risking an expensive machine. For someone like me who wants real results but also wants to stay within budget, that matters a lot.
I also like that it gives me a solid foundation to understand how 3D printers work. When I use the Maker Select V2, I get hands-on experience with bed leveling, slicing, calibration, and troubleshooting. That has helped me improve my skills instead of relying on a printer that hides all the details. In my experience, that kind of learning is necessary if I want to grow as a maker.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its ability to handle everyday projects. I can print prototypes, replacement parts, and hobby models with good enough quality for most of my needs. It may not be the fanciest printer, but for me, it is dependable and useful. That makes it a smart and necessary choice when I want a machine that balances affordability, learning
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 experience with it showed me that it is especially appealing if I want to get into 3D printing without spending too much upfront. It has a large build volume, a simple design, and enough features to make it a practical choice for beginners and hobbyists.
Why I Consider It Worth Buying
What stood out to me most is that the Maker Select V2 gives me a solid printing area and decent print quality for an affordable cost. I like that it is based on a proven design, which means I can find plenty of community advice, upgrades, and troubleshooting help online. For me, that makes it easier to learn and improve my results over time.
What I Like About It
- Affordable price: I find it attractive because it does not require a big investment.
- Large build volume: I can print medium to large models more comfortably.
- Upgradeable design: I like that I can modify and improve it as I gain experience.
- Good community support: I feel more confident knowing others have used it and shared tips.
What I Think About the Downsides
From my perspective, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 does have a few limitations. It may need some calibration and tuning before I get consistently good prints. I also feel that it is not the quietest printer, and some parts may require occasional maintenance. If I want a completely hassle-free experience, I might need to look at a more expensive model.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Maker Select V2 if I am:
- a beginner who wants an affordable entry into 3D printing,
- a hobbyist who enjoys learning and tweaking equipment,
- someone who wants a decent build size without overspending,
- comfortable doing a little setup and maintenance myself.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy it, I make sure to consider a few things:
- Whether I am okay with assembly and calibration.
- Whether I need a plug-and-play printer or can handle tuning.
- Whether the build volume fits my projects.
- Whether I am willing to upgrade parts later if needed.
My Final Buying Advice
My overall opinion is that the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a smart buy if I want an affordable 3D printer with room to grow. I see it as a good starting point for learning, experimenting, and producing useful prints. If I value low cost and flexibility more than convenience, this printer makes a lot of sense for me.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a solid entry-level 3D printer that offers good value for the price. My experience suggests it can produce reliable prints once it’s properly set up and tuned, even if it does require some patience and occasional upgrades. If you’re looking for an affordable way to get started with 3D printing, I believe this printer is a practical choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.
At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.
I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.
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