The 3D printer everyone is talking about right now is the Creality HI Combo, because it combines high-speed, multi-color-ready printing with smart automation at a price that used to be unimaginable for home and small-shop makers.
If you hang out in any 3D printing space—Discord servers, Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or local makerspaces—you’ve probably noticed one machine dominating the conversation. Prints are flying, unboxing videos are everywhere, and makers who swore they were “done buying printers for a while” are suddenly clearing space on their workbenches.
That printer is the Creality HI Combo, and in this deep-dive I’ll walk you through why it’s getting so much attention, where it genuinely delivers, where it still has trade-offs, and how it compares to other options you might be considering. My goal is simple: help you decide whether this is the machine that should be whispering away in your own workshop.
Along the way, I’ll also show you where it fits in the bigger picture with choosing the right 3D printer, multicolor setups, and even 3D scanning workflows, so you can build a full ecosystem that makes sense for your projects and budget.
Why the Creality HI Combo Is Suddenly Everywhere
New machines launch constantly, but only a handful start trending across almost every community at once. The Creality HI Combo hit that rare sweet spot where spec sheet, real-world performance, and price all line up in a way that makes both beginners and veterans stop scrolling.
- Speed that feels “unfair” compared to older bedslingers.
- Smart features that remove a lot of the painful first-layer and leveling drama.
- Multi-color and multi-material potential that plays nicely with the new generation of accessories.
- Pricing that undercuts many “premium” machines while still delivering modern performance.
If you’ve been following my other pieces like 3D printers are quietly becoming smarter than you think or my breakdown of multicolor 3D printing that finally works, the HI Combo fits right into that broader shift. We’re exiting the era of “tinker constantly” and entering the era of “just print what’s in your head.”
Want the Short Version?
If you’re a hobbyist, small business, or side-hustle maker who wants a fast, feature-packed machine with room to grow into multi-color workflows, the Creality HI Combo is absolutely worth putting on your shortlist.
Disclosure: If you purchase through my Creality partner link above, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend machines I’d feel comfortable running in my own workshop.
Core Specs That Have Everyone Talking
Specs aren’t everything, but they explain why the Creality HI Combo is in so many cart screenshots right now. Here’s the big picture in plain language, not marketing speak.
- High-speed motion system that lets you print fast without instantly sacrificing quality.
- Solid build volume sized for practical, everyday projects (functional parts, cosplay, enclosures, organizers).
- Smart, assisted bed leveling so you spend more time printing and less time chasing the perfect first layer.
- Direct drive extrusion (or very direct-feeling) that plays well with flexible filaments and tricky materials.
- Quiet operation compared to the howling stepper motors of older generations.
- Cloud and local control options that more closely match what we’re seeing from other “smart” machines.
If you’ve been holding onto an older workhorse and wondering if it’s finally time to step into a newer generation of machines, this is exactly the category that makes upgrading feel worth it. You’re not just trading sideways—you’re gaining speed, reliability, and quality at the same time.
What It Actually Feels Like to Use the HI Combo
On paper, lots of printers look similar. The real test is how they behave when you’re tired, it’s late, and you just want a print to finish without drama. That’s where the HI Combo starts to justify the hype.
The first thing you notice is how quickly you can go from idea to first print. Assisted leveling and guided setup remove a lot of the traditional friction points, especially if you’ve ever spent an entire weekend chasing your tail with feeler gauges and wing nuts.
Once it’s dialed in, you begin to trust it with longer jobs. That’s the moment when a printer moves from “interesting toy” to “reliable tool.” If you’ve read my thoughts on the one feature that separates great 3D printers from total nightmares, you know consistency is what really matters over the long term.
Does the HI Combo always nail it on the first try? Of course not. No printer does. But when things go wrong, they’re usually fixable with sensible tweaks—bed clean-up, minor Z-offset adjustments, or slicing changes—rather than mysterious, rage-inducing failures.
Who the HI Combo Is Perfect For (And Who Should Skip It)
Not every hyped machine is right for every maker. Here’s how I see the Creality HI Combo slotting into different workflows and experience levels.
Great Fit For
- Ambitious beginners who want modern features from day one and are willing to learn the basics properly.
- Intermediate makers stepping up from older bedslingers who want speed, smarter automation, and less tinkering.
- Side-hustle and small business users printing parts to sell on Etsy, at markets, or for local clients.
- Multicolor-curious makers who want a machine that won’t paint them into a dead end when they start exploring color systems.
Maybe Not Ideal For
- Ultra-budget setups where the absolute lowest possible price matters more than quality-of-life features.
- Industrial users who need fully enclosed, engineered-for-harsh-environments platforms.
- People who dislike any sort of automation and actively prefer heavy manual tinkering.
If that sounds like you, you may want to browse my broader guide to the different types of 3D printers before locking in your decision. Matching the printer to the job always wins over chasing the trend.
Ready to Upgrade Your 3D Printing Experience?
If you want to ride the current wave of innovation instead of chasing it, the Creality HI Combo is one of the most compelling options on the table right now.
This is an affiliate link. If you decide the HI Combo is right for you and purchase through my link, it helps support my testing and in-depth guides at no extra cost.
Leveling Up Your Ecosystem: Scanning, Filaments, and More
A single great printer is powerful. A well-matched ecosystem is where things really get fun. Once your HI Combo is humming, there are two obvious directions to expand: 3D scanning and better filament choices.
Pairing the HI Combo with a 3DMakerpro Scanner
If you want to move beyond downloading models and start capturing real-world objects, a dedicated scanner can open up a completely new workflow. I’m particularly interested in how the 3DMakerpro lineup plays with modern printers like the HI Combo in terms of accuracy and usability.
You can explore their current scanners and bundles through my 3DMakerpro partner link here:
Again, this is an affiliate link. It helps me keep publishing practical, honest content about real-world 3D printing workflows.
Choosing Filaments That Match What the HI Combo Can Do
A fast, capable printer deserves filaments that can keep up. The wrong spool can absolutely ruin what should be a great print: stringing, layer adhesion issues, or inconsistent diameters that cause clogs right in the middle of a long job.
Suppliers like HONG KONG CHAORONG CO., LIMITED offer a range of 3D printing materials designed for reliability and consistency. If you’re pushing speed, multicolor, or longer batch runs, good filament goes from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable.”
Combine a solid printer, smart accessories, and reliable materials, and you’re suddenly in a very different league from the “cheap printer, mystery filament” combo that causes so many beginners to burn out.
How the HI Combo Compares to Other Hype Machines
The Creality HI Combo doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Machines like the Bambu X1C, A1 series, and other high-speed entrants have already changed what we expect from desktop printers. So where does the HI Combo land?
- On speed: It plays in the same ballpark as many high-speed competitors, especially once your slicer profiles are tuned.
- On ease of use: It aims squarely at makers who want to minimize manual fiddling without surrendering all control.
- On ecosystem: With Creality’s growing focus on multi-color and automation, the HI Combo positions you well for future accessories.
- On price-to-performance: This is where the hype really comes from. The balance between features and cost explains why it’s in so many shopping carts.
If you’re curious how I think about trade-offs in this new generation of machines, it’s worth reading my piece on why 3D printing is finally exploding in 2025. The HI Combo is one of several machines riding that same wave of smarter, faster, more accessible hardware.
Is This the Right Time to Upgrade?
If your current printer still works and you’ve already dialed in solid profiles, it’s completely valid to ask whether an upgrade is truly necessary. In my view, there are a few clear signals that a modern machine like the HI Combo is worth serious consideration.
- You’re constantly turning down prints because of time, noise, or reliability concerns.
- You’re hitting the limits of your current build volume or motion system.
- You want to explore multi-color or higher-speed workflows without building a Franken-printer from scratch.
- You’re trying to support a small business or side hustle and need more predictable output.
If one or more of those describes you, the HI Combo is absolutely worth putting on your list. If you’re still learning the basics, your money might be better spent on filament, tools, and education for a bit longer before you jump into a bigger hardware purchase.
Next Steps: Turn the Hype into Real Projects
If you’re ready to move from scrolling to printing, here’s a simple path forward:
- Decide what you want to print in the next 90 days.
- Match those projects to the strengths of the HI Combo.
- Set up a realistic budget for the printer, filament, and basic tools.
- Plan your first 3–5 “learning projects” to build confidence.
FAQ: Everyone in 3D Printing Is Talking About This Machine
Why is everyone talking about the Creality HI Combo?
Because it combines high-speed printing, smart automation, and multi-color potential at a price that appeals to both serious beginners and experienced makers. It’s one of the clearest examples of how far modern desktop 3D printers have come in just a few years.
Is the HI Combo a good first 3D printer?
It can be, especially if you’re committed to learning the basics properly. The assisted leveling and smart features make the early days less painful, but you’ll still need to understand bed adhesion, temperatures, and basic maintenance. If you want more context, start with my beginner-friendly guide to choosing a 3D printer.
How does the HI Combo compare to other high-speed printers?
In terms of raw speed and modern features, it plays in the same league as other popular high-speed machines. The real difference comes down to ecosystem preferences, interface style, and which brand’s workflow you prefer. From a price-to-performance standpoint, it’s a very strong contender.
Do I need special filament for the HI Combo?
You can absolutely start with good-quality PLA, but if you’re pushing speed or printing long batches, it’s worth investing in consistent, well-manufactured filament. Suppliers like HONG KONG CHAORONG CO., LIMITED offer materials designed for reliable extrusion at higher speeds.
Can the HI Combo handle multi-color printing?
The HI Combo is designed to play well with modern multi-color and multi-material workflows, but you’ll still need compatible hardware and slicer setups. If you’re serious about color, I recommend reading my breakdown of how multicolor 3D printing finally became practical before you invest heavily in accessories.
Is this printer overkill if I only print occasionally?
If you only print a handful of small parts per year, a simpler, cheaper printer might make more sense. The HI Combo really shines when you’re printing often enough to benefit from its speed, automation, and reliability over time.
