Toybox vs AOSEED: Which 3D Printer Wins for Kids Ages 8-12?

Looking for the best 3D printer for kids aged 8–12? Here's a quick comparison of the Toybox and AOSEED X‑MAKER:

• AOSEED X‑MAKER: Offers a larger print area (150×150×150 mm), free design tools, and advanced features for STEM learning. It's priced at $399 with no subscription fees and includes safety features like an enclosed design and passcode protection.
• Toybox: Focuses on simplicity with a mobile app and fast setup. However, it has a smaller build volume and many advanced features are locked behind a subscription.

Quick Comparison Table

Verdict: If you want a printer that grows with your child's skills and supports educational projects, the AOSEED X‑MAKER is the better choice. For quick, simple toy-making, the Toybox may suffice.

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Basic Features: Toybox and AOSEED

Toybox focuses on ease of use, while AOSEED offers tools that grow with the user's skills.

 

Toybox: Toy‑Making Features

This printer is controlled through a mobile app and provides a straightforward interface for creating toys. It has a small build volume, and many advanced features are locked behind a subscription or paywall.

 

AOSEED: Learning and Design Tools

AOSEED expands on basic toy-making by including tools that introduce STEM concepts and adapt as users become more skilled. The printer comes pre-assembled and includes:

• Build volume: 150 × 150 × 150 mm
• Print speed: 300 mm/s
• Design apps: Compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS
• Model library: Over 1,500 kid-friendly designs
• Fully enclosed construction: Safe and secure for kids
• Six toy-design apps: Create posable figures, vehicles, wind-ups, and 3D sketches, designed for ages 4–12
• Award-winning design: Recognized with an iF Design Award for its enclosed design
• Open slicer support: USB and G-code compatibility for advanced users

The included free software and optional G-code support provide opportunities to explore beyond simple toy creation. These features pave the way for examining how each printer performs in setup and daily use, helping families decide which fits their needs best.

Setup and Operation

These printers are designed with kids in mind, offering straightforward workflows for quick setup and easy operation. This ensures children can focus more on creating and printing than on troubleshooting.

Toybox: Simple and Straightforward

The Toybox keeps things easy with a fast setup process that takes less than five minutes. There’s no need for assembly or calibration.

The touchscreen interface features just three clearly labeled buttons, making it simple enough for kids to navigate.

AOSEED: Flexible and User-Friendly

The X‑MAKER comes ready to use, with a pre-leveled print bed and a variety of kid-friendly features:

Tom's Hardware highlights the X‑MAKER intuitive touchscreen, open-platform design, and pre-set print configurations like slow speeds, fine layers, and rafts, which help ensure consistent results.

Up next, we’ll look at the safety features these printers offer to keep young creators protected during use.

Child Safety Features

Let's take a look at the safety features of each model to ensure a worry-free printing experience for kids.

Toybox: Basic Safety Measures

The Toybox printer has an open frame design, allowing kids to watch their prints in progress. However, this design leaves hot parts and moving components exposed, meaning adult supervision is a must.

AOSEED: Advanced Safety Features

AOSEED takes safety a step further, combining hands-on STEM learning with protective measures that allow for more independent use:

• Fully enclosed acrylic door with a magnetic latch keeps small fingers away from moving parts and hot surfaces.
• Passcode-protected touchscreen ensures settings can't be changed accidentally.
• Soft-magnet build plate eliminates the risk of pinched fingers during use.
• Hidden Bowden toolhead and recommended use of non-toxic PLA ensure hot components and materials stay out of reach.

These built-in safety measures let kids focus on their projects without unnecessary risks. Up next, we'll explore how these printers stack up in terms of educational benefits.

Learning Benefits

Now that safety features are addressed, let’s dive into the educational strengths of each printer.

Toybox: Introductory Design Skills

Toybox features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to get started. However, its limited build volume and the need to pay for premium tools restrict the range of projects users can create.

AOSEED: Advanced STEM Learning

AOSEED X‑MAKER stands out by combining design apps with a three-tier slicer, offering a more comprehensive learning experience in STEM. The included tools and apps encourage step-by-step learning and creativity:

The X‑Print slicer allows users to progress from simple to advanced skills, making it ideal for learners at different levels. Tom's Hardware highlights that the X‑MAKER supports gradual development, starting with presliced models and advancing to fully customized designs. Additionally, its closed ecosystem and compatibility with USB and G-code give older kids the chance to experiment with third-party software and more complex workflows - without extra costs.

Price Comparison

Toybox: Costs and Materials

Toybox operates on a subscription model. While basic tools are free, access to advanced features and model libraries comes with additional fees [1]. Be sure to factor these subscription costs into your overall budget.

AOSEED: Price and Materials

AOSEED offers two models with straightforward pricing and no hidden fees:

All design tools and model libraries are included with no subscription fees. Additionally, open filament compatibility ensures ongoing costs remain manageable, with hotend modules priced at $30 each.

Now that the pricing is clear, let’s look at how these printers perform in real-world projects.

Internal comparison of ecosystem models
AOSEED replacement hotend pricing

Common Uses

Examples from real-world projects showcase the unique strengths and applications of each printer.

Toybox: Small Toy Projects

Toybox shines when it comes to small, personalized toy creations, thanks to its user-friendly interface. One heartwarming story involves a parent with blindness who used Toybox to let her child experience their own drawings in 3D for the first time.

Kids often use Toybox for:

• Custom figurines: Like Block Buddies and character models
• Holiday decorations: Seasonal ornaments and festive items
• Accessibility tools: Transforming drawings into tactile 3D objects
• Creative play sets: Designing themed collections for imaginative play

AOSEED: Education Projects

The AOSEED X-MAKER is perfect for STEM-focused projects, featuring creative design apps and ready-to-print files that bring ideas to life.

The printer supports pre-sliced, age-friendly models that can be loaded directly from a flash drive. Its enclosed design ensures kids can safely and easily dive into projects. These STEM and creative activities highlight AOSEED's ability to combine education and fun seamlessly.

Conclusion

The AOSEED X‑MAKER stands out as an excellent choice for kids aged 8–12, combining safety features with a platform that supports STEM learning and creative growth.

• Enclosed build chamber with a passcode-protected door for added safety.
• Free design software and mobile apps compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, plus USB/G-code support and a full-featured slicer.
• Spacious 150×150×150 mm build plate, perfect for larger, more ambitious projects.

The X‑MAKER is designed to nurture young learners' skills, offering tools and features that adapt as their abilities grow. Its ecosystem includes design apps tailored for beginners and more advanced users, removing unnecessary hurdles as kids progress.

At $399, the X‑MAKER transitions seamlessly from simple kid-friendly creations to complex family projects, making it a smart long-term choice for STEM learning.

Explore the X‑MAKER model library and tools to see how it can inspire hands-on creativity - visit AOSEED for more details.