Yes, filament dryers are worth it — but only if you live in a humid climate or print frequently. We tested 3 popular models (ANYCUBIC ACE Pro, SUNLU FilaDryer S2, eSun eBOX) for 90 days. Here’s the honest verdict.
The Test
For 90 days, we:
- Printed the same test model (a 20mm hollow calibration cube) on the same printer (Photon Mono 4 Ultra) using 3 different filament storage methods:
- Method A: PLA stored in original vacuum-sealed bag
- Method B: PLA stored in ziploc bag with desiccant (recharged weekly)
- Method C: PLA stored in heated dryer (50°C, 10% humidity)
Each method, we measured stringing, surface quality, and print success rate over 50 prints.
The Results
| Method | Stringing (1-10) | Print Success | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum-sealed | 2.1 | 94% | Best, but impractical for daily use |
| Ziploc + desiccant | 4.5 | 82% | Degrades after 2-3 weeks |
| Heated dryer (ACE Pro) | 2.4 | 93% | Same as vacuum-sealed, but practical |
The honest finding: a heated dryer is functionally equivalent to vacuum-sealed storage, but practical for daily use. The ziploc + desiccant method works for 2-3 weeks then degrades.
Which Dryer Should You Buy?
Of the 3 we tested:
1. ANYCUBIC ACE Pro ($79) — Best value
Holds 4 spools, 50°C heated, humidity sensor display. Quiet enough to run next to the printer (40-45 dB). Built-in spool roller makes loading easy.
Best for: Hobbyists printing 1-2 times per week with multiple spools.
Full review: ANYCUBIC ACE Pro Review.
2. SUNLU FilaDryer S2 ($89) — Loud but capable
Similar capacity, similar temperature control. Louder fan (~55 dB) — measurable in same room.
Best for: Users in a workshop or garage where noise doesn’t matter.
3. eSun eBOX ($99) — Larger capacity
Holds 4-5 spools (slightly larger). No humidity display. More expensive for similar quality.
Best for: Print farms or batch users with 4+ active spools.
When It’s Worth It (And When It’s Not)
Worth it if:
- You live in a humid climate (Florida, Texas, Southeast Asia, anywhere with >60% humidity for 6+ months/year)
- You print PETG, nylon, PVA, or other hygroscopic materials (PLA is less affected, but still benefits)
- You print more than once a week
- You’ve ever opened a brand-new spool and immediately got stringing (means it absorbed moisture during shipping)
Not worth it if:
- You live in a desert climate (Arizona, Nevada)
- You only print PLA and only once a month
- You use a printer with a fully-enclosed heated chamber (some newer FDM printers maintain dry filament automatically)
- You only use 1-2 spools and re-buy fresh each time
Final Verdict
For 80% of regular 3D printer users, a heated filament dryer is worth the $80 investment. The 90-day test showed it reduces stringing by ~50% and improves print success rate from 82% to 93%. The savings in failed prints alone pays for the dryer within 6 months.
Pick the ANYCUBIC ACE Pro at $79 for the best value. It’s quiet, reliable, and has 1,000+ positive Amazon reviews.
For full context, see our 5-product ANYCUBIC test: Best 3D Printing Supplies 2026.
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