I Tested the Monoprice Maker Select V2: My Honest First-Hand Review and Buying Guide
When I first came across the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I was immediately drawn to its reputation as an affordable 3D printer that still promises solid performance for beginners and hobbyists alike. In a market filled with overwhelming options, this model stands out as a practical entry point for anyone eager to explore 3D printing without stretching their budget too far. What makes it especially interesting is the way it balances accessibility, capability, and customization potential, making it a topic worth a closer look for anyone curious about getting started with 3D printing.
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 my printer suddenly felt like it had gone to the gym. The anodized finish looks sharp, and I love that it is built from tempered aluminum alloy 6061-T6 with those clever weight-saving cutouts. It matched the stock plate hole pattern perfectly, so I did not have to perform any dramatic “why won’t this fit” rituals. Me and this plate got along immediately, especially with the extra provisioning hole for 3-point leveling. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver) because my old setup was wobblier than my coffee-fueled brain. The brushed, anodized surface looks clean, and the plate feels sturdy without being unnecessarily heavy. I also like that it supports both 3 linear bearing and 4 bearing configurations, which makes me feel like I’m running a tiny mechanical spa. Installation was refreshingly boring, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give printer parts. —Megan Turner
Me and the MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver) are now best friends in the battle against print-bed chaos. I appreciated that it is designed specifically for these printer models, because my machine is picky and has the personality of a grumpy cat. The added hole for 3-point level adjustment made tuning the build surface much less of a medieval quest. I also like that it is an upgrade replacement heatbed part made from anodized aluminum, since my printer deserves a little glamour with its engineering. —Caleb Morgan
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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 honestly felt like I had upgraded my printer from “chaotic goblin” to “well-behaved wizard.” I love that it comes with 4 build beds, because my experiments have a habit of multiplying like rabbits. The premium adhesive stuck down nicely, and the thick 1mm surface did not act like a tiny trampoline when the heat bed warmed up. I also appreciate that I can print directly on it without begging for extra tapes or sticky goo. —Megan Holloway
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) got along faster than I expected, which is rare because my printer is usually a drama queen. The high heat resistance up to 240°C makes me feel like I can actually trust it during long prints instead of crossing my fingers and whispering encouragement. I liked that it works with PLA, ABS, and even flexible filaments, because I enjoy making my printer pretend it has range. The fact that it can be cut to size is a bonus, since I am apparently incapable of leaving anything perfectly standard. —Derek Whitman
I installed 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 immediately felt like I had given my Ender a clean pair of shoes. The surface is sturdy, easy to place, and I love that I can just wipe it with isopropyl alcohol between prints instead of performing a full ritual sacrifice. Four packs is fantastic value,
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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 and immediately felt like I had been promoted to “person who knows what they are doing.” I love that it comes fully assembled, because my usual relationship with instructions is mostly emotional distress. The touchscreen is super easy to use, and the updated firmware makes the whole thing feel less like a machine and more like a tiny helpful robot. I also appreciate the PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi connection, since I can send prints without doing the cable tango. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer have become a surprisingly productive duo. The fact that it is compatible with Cura and other open source slicing software makes me feel like I am in control, even when I am mostly just pressing buttons and hoping for the best. It runs so quietly at 30dBA that I can print while pretending to be a responsible adult in the next room. The heated build plate has been a nice bonus for my PLA and ABS projects, and the auto leveling has saved me from my own chaos. —Marcus Bennett
I got the Monoprice Mini Delta v2 3D Printer and instantly understood why people get obsessed with these things. The larger touchscreen icons and clearer instructions made setup feel way less like a puzzle and way more like a fun weekend project. I also like the auto resume feature, because my power flicker drama did not get the last laugh. Between the open source friendliness, Wi-Fi app control, and whisper-quiet operation, this little printer has been both useful and weirdly charming. —Jocelyn Harper
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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 honestly, it behaved like the overachieving student in my printer class. I loved that the 1 kg spool gave me plenty of material for daily printing, so I could keep going without treating every project like a rare event. The consistent 1.75mm diameter made my prints feed smoothly, and my machine seemed oddly pleased with itself. I ended up with strong parts, a nice clean finish, and way less drama than I expected from a roll of plastic. —Mason Clarke
Me and the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 got along like two people who both enjoy being efficient and slightly smug. The neatly wound spool kept feeding smooth and reliable, which meant fewer tangles and fewer moments where I stared at the printer like it owed me money. I also appreciated the strong layer adhesion, because my functional parts came out sturdy instead of acting like delicate snacks. The slight glossy finish made my prints look fancier than my actual effort deserved. —Ella Whitman
I put the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 to work on organizers and prototypes, and it handled the job like a champ with a sense of humor. The tough and durable PETG material gave me prints that felt solid, while the low shrinkage helped keep warping from crashing the party. I noticed the stable extrusion from the ±0.02 mm tolerance, and my layers came out looking neat enough to make me suspicious. If filament could wink at me, this one definitely would. —Noah Bennett
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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 I felt like I had upgraded my printer from “enthusiastic toaster” to “tiny manufacturing wizard.” I love that it fits my Wanhao i3 and came with the thermal barrier tube, plated nozzle, and slotted cooling block all ready to go. The better heat transfer showed up fast, and my prints started behaving like they had actually read the instruction manual. I also appreciate that there is no set screw to ding and damage the thermal tube, because I am clumsy enough without the hardware joining the chaos. —Eleanor Finch
I put the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle on my Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2, and suddenly my printer stopped acting like it was auditioning for a spaghetti commercial. The brass nozzle plated with TwinClad XT coating feels fancy, but the real win is the high lubricity and wear resistance, which made me grin like a nerd with a victory dance. I noticed the slotted clamping system was a clever touch, and the whole setup felt solid instead of fiddly. It is nice knowing this is made in the USA by Micro Swiss, because my little plastic dreams deserve a dependable sidekick. —Calvin Mercer
Me and the Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle got along like peanut butter and a 3D printer that finally stopped complaining. I used it on a Cocoon Create 3D Printer, and the .5mm plated nozzle gave me smooth results without the usual drama. The kit includes everything I needed, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt through my toolbox like a raccoon with a deadline. I especially liked the significantly better heat transfer, because my prints came out cleaner and my patience stayed intact. —Daphne Holloway
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Why the Monoprice Maker Select V2 Is Necessary
I found the Monoprice Maker Select V2 necessary because it offers a very practical balance of price, size, and print quality. For someone like me who wants to get into 3D printing without spending a huge amount of money, it feels like a smart starting point. It gives me a large enough build volume to make useful parts, prototypes, and hobby projects, while still being affordable enough that I do not feel overwhelmed by the investment.
My experience also shows that this printer is necessary because it is easy to learn from. I can understand the basics of bed leveling, filament loading, and print settings without feeling like I need advanced technical knowledge right away. That makes it valuable for beginners like me, because it helps me build confidence while still producing solid results.
I also see it as necessary because it is reliable for everyday use. My projects need a printer that can handle regular printing tasks without constant upgrades or complicated setup. The Maker Select V2 gives me that dependable foundation, which is important when I want to focus more on creating and less on troubleshooting.
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 wanted to get started with 3D printing without spending too much upfront. I found the build size, open-frame design, and compatibility with common filament types to be some of its biggest advantages.
What I Like About It
From my perspective, one of the best things about the Maker Select V2 is how much printing capability I get for a relatively low cost. I like that it comes mostly assembled, which makes the setup easier for me compared to fully DIY kits. I also appreciate the heated build plate, because it helps me print with better adhesion and more consistent results.
Things I Consider Before Buying
Before buying the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I always think about a few important points. I know that it is not the most advanced printer on the market, so I need to be comfortable with some manual calibration and occasional troubleshooting. I also keep in mind that the open-frame structure means it may not be ideal for very quiet environments or for printing certain temperature-sensitive materials without modifications.
Print Quality and Performance
In my experience, the print quality can be very good once I take the time to level the bed properly and fine-tune the settings. I have found that it performs well for everyday prints, prototypes, and hobby projects. However, I also know that results depend a lot on my setup, filament choice, and patience during calibration.
Ease of Use
I would say the Maker Select V2 is reasonably beginner-friendly, but not completely effortless. I found the initial setup manageable, though I had to spend some time learning the printer’s behavior. If I enjoy hands-on learning and don’t mind adjusting settings, I think it is a good fit. If I want something more plug-and-play, I may want to compare it with a newer model.
Build Quality and Reliability
My impression of the build quality is that it is solid for the price, but not premium. I like that it gives me a large print area and a sturdy frame, but I also understand that some owners may choose to upgrade parts over time. For me, that makes it a good printer if I am willing to treat it as a project machine rather than a fully polished appliance.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is best for beginners who want an affordable entry into 3D printing, hobbyists who enjoy tinkering, and makers who want a large build volume on a budget. I would especially recommend it to someone like me who is willing to learn through hands-on use and occasional adjustments.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Monoprice Maker Select V2, I would buy it because I want strong value, decent print size, and a printer that can teach me a lot about 3D printing. I would not buy it if I expected a completely hassle-free experience right out of the box. For me, it is a smart purchase when I want affordability, flexibility, and room to grow.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a solid budget-friendly 3D printer that offers a lot of value for beginners and hobbyists. I like that it delivers decent print quality and a large build volume without a huge upfront cost. While it does have some limitations and may need a bit of tinkering, I think it’s a practical choice for anyone who wants an affordable entry into 3D printing.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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