FDM melts plastic filament and is cheap, forgiving and good for large functional parts. Resin printers cure liquid resin with light, giving finer detail for miniatures and jewellery but messier post-processing and more ventilation.
Stated in mm (e.g. 220×220×250). Measure the largest object you actually want to print and leave margin; advertised volume assumes perfect packing.
Modern beds with auto-levelling (strain sensor, CR Touch, etc.) remove most first-layer frustration. Removable spring-steel or PEI sheets help parts release cleanly.
CoreXY and 'high-speed' FDM printers move faster with better quality at speed. Check the stated max print speed and whether the firmware is tuned for it.
Wi-Fi, a touchscreen and a camera help remote monitoring. Check whether the companion app is US-available and whether firmware updates are still supported.
Resin is skin-irritating and needs gloves, ventilation and proper disposal. Factor in curing/washing gear and a well-ventilated space.
Check warranty length and whether spares (nozzles, screens, FEP) are stocked in the US. Consumables wear out, so spares availability matters more than for most electronics.