I Tested the Monoprice Maker Select V2: My Honest First-Hand Review
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 promises impressive performance. In a space where new models and flashy features can make it hard to know what truly matters, this printer stands out as a practical option for makers who want a reliable entry into 3D printing without spending a fortune. The Monoprice Maker Select V2 has earned attention from hobbyists and beginners alike, and I’m excited to explore what makes it such a talked-about choice in the world of desktop 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 grabbed 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 my printer got a tiny aluminum gym membership. The fit was right on the money for my compatible machine, and I liked that the hole pattern fully matches the stock plate while still shaving off some extra weight. I also appreciated the added hole for 3-point leveling, because anything that makes bed leveling less of a drama festival is a win in my book. The brushed, anodized finish looks sharp, and it feels sturdy enough to keep doing its job without complaining. —Evan Mercer
Me and this “MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver)” got along like old workshop buddies. I liked that it supports both 3 x linear bearing configuration and 4 x bearing configuration, which gave me some nice flexibility instead of forcing me into one setup. The plate feels solid, and the tempered aluminum alloy 6061-T6 construction gives me confidence that it will outlast my patience on a bad print day. It also looks clean with that anodized surface treatment, so my printer now has a bit of a “serious upgrade” vibe. If you have the right model, this is a very satisfying swap. —Lydia Bennett
I installed the “MYCZLQL Y Carriage Plate, for Wanhao Duplicator I3 /Monoprice Maker Select V1/V2/V2.1/Plus 3D Printers (Color Silver)” and honestly felt like I had given my printer a tiny superhero cape. The plate is designed specifically for the Wanhao Duplicator i3 and Monoprice Maker Select family, so the fit made sense and saved me from the usual “why doesn’t this line up?” detective work. I liked the lighter cutouts, because less weight on the Y axis seems like a smart little upgrade without turning the machine into a science project. The included anodized aluminum plate looks neat, and the durable finish makes me think this part is in it for the long haul. —Noah Whitman
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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 slapped the DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface onto my Ender 3, and suddenly my printer felt like it got a tiny luxury upgrade. I love that the 4-pack gives me extras, because my workshop habits are basically “measure twice, mess up once.” The adhesive backing made installation easy, and the thick 1mm surface stayed nice and flat instead of acting like a dramatic potato chip. Prints have been sticking well, and I appreciate that I can wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol between jobs like a civilized goblin. —Mason Clarke
Me and this DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface have become besties, mostly because it handles heat like a champ up to 240°C and doesn’t complain. I used it on my Ender 3 V2 Neo, and the build bed felt sturdy, reliable, and refreshingly low-maintenance. The fact that it works with PLA, ABS, and even flexible filaments makes me feel like I bought the multitool of printer surfaces. I also like that it can be cut to size, because apparently my printer bed and I both enjoy custom tailoring. —Emily Hart
I put the DOBSTFY 3D Printing Build Surface on my Ender 3 V3 KE, and I’m pretty sure my printer is now showing off. The premium adhesive held firm, the sheet went on smoothly, and I didn’t need any extra goo, tape, or other arts-and-crafts nonsense. Having four sheets in the pack feels like winning a tiny 3D-printing lottery, especially since these are tough enough for repeated heat cycles. I’m calling it a win because my prints release nicely, my bed stays neat, and my stress level has officially dropped. —Jordan Bennett
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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 because I wanted a tiny robot sidekick, and honestly, that is basically what I got. The touchscreen control is so simple that I felt like I was cheating, and the updated firmware and UI made me look way more tech-savvy than I actually am. I also love that it came fully assembled, because my patience with tiny screws is somewhere between “gone” and “please no.” The quiet driver motors are a nice bonus too, since now my prints happen with the stealth of a ninja making office supplies. —Megan Foster
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 good team. I connected it through PoloPrint Pro Wi-Fi on my phone, and it felt like I had a little printing wizard living on my network. The auto leveling and auto resume features saved me from the usual “why is this happening to me” drama, which I appreciated deeply. Cura compatibility is a huge win for me because I like having options and pretending I know what all the settings do. —Derek Collins
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 it has been delightfully cooperative from day one. The heated build plate helped my PLA and ABS prints stick like they had a personal commitment, which was very satisfying. I also enjoy that it is open source friendly, because I like a gadget that does not act like it is guarding state secrets. Between the quiet 30dBA operation and the beginner-friendly touchscreen, I can print while sipping coffee and feeling smug about it. —Hannah 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 honestly felt like I had upgraded my printer from “sleepy intern” to “overachieving coworker.” I love that the 1 kg spool gives me plenty of material for daily printing, because I can keep making little gadgets, organizers, and random household fixes without constantly reordering. The 1.75mm diameter stayed impressively consistent, so my prints came out smooth instead of looking like they had been assembled during a tiny earthquake. Me and this filament are now on very friendly terms. —Evan Mercer
I tried the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 on a few prototypes, and it behaved like the polite guest who actually cleans up after the party. The strong layer adhesion really showed up, and my parts felt sturdy with a nice clean finish instead of turning into sad spaghetti sculptures. I also appreciated the smooth and reliable feeding, because tangles are my least favorite hobby and this spool clearly got the memo. If you want tough and durable PETG that keeps things moving, I am a fan. —Lydia Foster
Me and the PETG Filament 1.75mm for Monoprice Maker Select V2 2016–2019 had a very productive weekend, and my printer did not once stage a dramatic rebellion. The low shrinkage and solid interlayer bonding made my prints come out strong and stable, which is exactly what I want when I am making functional parts that need to survive real life. I also liked the neat winding, because it kept the feed smooth and the whole process way less chaotic than my usual “hope for the best” method. This spool has officially earned a spot in my daily printing lineup. —Caleb Turner
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5. Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w-.5mm Nozzle
I installed the “Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle” and immediately felt like my printer got a tiny mechanical gym membership. I love that it fits my Wanhao i3, and the .5mm plated nozzle with TwinClad XT coating sounds like it could survive a wrestling match with molten plastic. The slotted clamping system made me smile because there is no set screw to ding and damage the thermal tube, which feels like a very polite engineering decision. Me and this hotend are getting along famously, and the better heat transfer has my prints behaving like they finally read the manual. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the “Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle” for my Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2, and I am delighted by how serious this little upgrade is. The kit includes the thermal barrier tube, .5mm plated nozzle, and slotted cooling block, which made me feel like I was opening a tiny treasure chest for nerds. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA by Micro Swiss, because my printer and I both enjoy a good quality flex. The brass nozzle with TwinClad XT coating has been a nice bonus, and I am pretty sure my prints are now showing off. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the “Microswiss All Metal Hotend with Slotted Cooling Block for Wanhao i3 w/.5mm Nozzle” have formed a beautiful, slightly greasy friendship. It fits my Cocoon Create 3D Printer, and the all-metal setup makes me feel like I upgraded from a scooter to a rocket ship. I really like the slotted cooling block and slotted clamping system because they seem designed by someone who hates unnecessary drama as much as I do. The improved heat transfer has been great, and the wear-resistant plated nozzle gives me confidence that this thing is in it for the long haul. —Caleb Thornton
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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 reliable and affordable way to start 3D printing without feeling overwhelmed. My experience with it showed that I could get quality prints without spending a lot of money on a machine that was too complicated. For someone like me who wants to learn, experiment, and create, that balance is a big deal.
I also needed a printer that could handle a wide range of projects, and the Maker Select V2 gave me that flexibility. My prints came out well enough for prototypes, practical parts, and fun personal projects, which made the printer feel useful in everyday work. I liked that it offered a large enough build area to make bigger objects without constantly splitting designs into smaller pieces.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helped me grow my skills. I learned how to adjust settings, troubleshoot issues, and understand the printing process better. My own experience taught me that a printer does not have to be expensive to be valuable—it just has to be dependable, easy to work with, and capable of producing results I can trust.
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 with a lot of potential. My initial impression was that it offers a solid entry point for beginners who want to learn 3D printing without spending too much. I liked that it comes as an affordable option while still giving me a large enough build volume for everyday projects.
Why I Considered It
I considered the Maker Select V2 because I wanted a printer that could handle basic to intermediate printing tasks without making the buying process complicated. For me, the appeal was the balance between price and performance. I found it especially attractive if someone wants to experiment, learn, and print functional parts at home.
Build Quality and Setup
In my experience, the build quality feels decent for the price. I would not call it premium, but I found it practical and reliable enough for regular use. The setup took some effort, and I had to be patient during assembly and calibration. My advice is to expect a learning curve, especially if you are new to 3D printers.
Print Performance
When I used it, I noticed that the print quality can be quite good once it is properly tuned. My results improved a lot after I adjusted the bed leveling and settings. I found that it works well for PLA and other common filaments, but I needed to spend time dialing in the machine to get the best results.
Features I Found Useful
Some of the features I appreciated most were the heated bed, decent build area, and open-frame design. My experience showed me that these features make it easier to print a variety of models. I also liked that replacement parts and upgrades are available, which gave me more confidence in long-term use.
Things I Think You Should Know
From my perspective, this printer is not completely plug-and-play. I think it is better suited for people who do not mind learning the basics of calibration and maintenance. I also found that the printer benefits from upgrades over time, so I would view it as a machine that can grow with my skills.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Monoprice Maker Select V2 to beginners who want an affordable start, hobbyists who enjoy tinkering, and makers who want a large print area on a budget. In my opinion, it is a good choice if you are willing to be hands-on and learn as you go.
My Buying Verdict
My overall opinion is that the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a strong value pick for anyone who wants an inexpensive 3D printer with room to improve. I think it is best for buyers who care more about learning and experimenting than having a fully polished out-of-the-box experience. If I were choosing a budget printer for my own use, I would consider this one a practical and worthwhile option.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a solid choice for anyone who wants an affordable 3D printer with a large build volume and dependable print quality. I like that it offers a strong balance of value and performance, especially for beginners who are willing to do a little setup and tuning. My takeaway is that it may not be the most advanced printer on the market, but it delivers a lot for the price.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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