Tools & making

Most recommended

• BlenderA free, open-source 3D suite that rivals expensive commercial tools, with a much-improved interface and Python scripting, though it still has a steep learning curve.298recommend
• FreeCADA free, open-source parametric CAD modeler that has improved rapidly and can replace Fusion 360 for many hobby users, though its UI remains complex and hard to learn.199recommend
• ESP32A cheap microcontroller with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, strong docs and many examples, often preferred over a Raspberry Pi when no OS is needed; battery projects can struggle with power draw.190recommend
• OpenSCADA free CAD tool where you describe models in code, loved for precise, parametric, version-controllable designs and LLM-friendliness; critics note missing fillets/chamfers and math-heavy modeling.173recommend
• Bambu Lab 3D printerRecommended as reliable, polished 3D printers that just work at a strong price, letting you print instead of tinker; critics object to cloud lock-in and features removed by firmware.124recommend
• KiCadA free, open-source schematic and PCB suite that has improved greatly and is scriptable with Python, though its UI can feel unfriendly and component dragging and autorouting frustrate some.99recommend
• InkscapeA free, open-source vector editor many use to replace Illustrator for figures and SVG work, though it can produce messy SVGs and suffers slowdowns, crashes and regressions.95recommend
• JLCPCBCheap, fast PCB fabrication and assembly from one vendor, especially for parts in its library. Most common caveat: parts outside its library and tariffs add hassle and cost.83recommend
• Arduino boardsRecommended for easy starts, free tutorials and a broad ecosystem, though critics say cheaper ESP32 and Raspberry Pi boards now beat it on price and performance.81recommend
• Raspberry Pi PicoCheap, capable microcontroller board that people use for physical computing, prototyping and education; critics say it has limited RAM and flash and weak Wi-Fi connectivity.72recommend
• Prusa 3D printerPeople recommend Prusa printers for their openness, open source roots, repairability and long support life. The most common caveat is high cost, which many buyers find hard to afford.68recommend
• OnshapeBrowser-based parametric CAD that is easy to learn, runs on any machine and has multi-user editing; the free tier makes designs public.65recommend
• McMaster-CarrPeople recommend McMaster-Carr for its vast catalog, fast filtering and quick delivery. The common caveat: it suits people who already know what they need.61recommend
• Autodesk Fusion 360Recommended for fast, capable parametric 3D modeling, with a free hobbyist license and an easy learning curve. The most common caveat is that the free license could be changed or withdrawn, and Autodesk pushes paid upgrades.60recommend
• Flipper ZeroPocket hardware for reading, cloning and replaying RF, RFID and IR signals, and for small projects. Common caveat: limited practical use beyond novelty.52recommend
• Moss pixel canvasFree pixel canvas where each brush is a tiny script; people enjoy its fun feel and tablet pressure support. Critics say some results look patchy.46recommend
• AudiomassA free, open-source multitrack audio editor that runs in the browser, praised for smooth performance and quick edits without heavy apps. Critics note playback stops when applying effects.38recommend
• SolveSpaceFree, fast, lightweight parametric CAD praised for simple sketching and quick learning; critics say it lacks features and its booleans often fail.37recommend
• SolidWorksWidely used parametric CAD praised for its easy interface and power; critics say it is costly, proprietary, and crashes or slows on complex assemblies.36recommend
• PCBWay PCB fabricationVery cheap custom PCB fabrication and small-batch assembly that people use for hobby and company boards. Payment options for some countries are the most common complaint.32recommend
• OrcaSlicerFree open-source slicer that people use with Bambu printers over LAN and value for its many adjustable options. Critics report crashes and question the developer of one fork.32recommend
• Raspberry Pi RP2040Cheap, well-documented microcontroller with a programmable PIO block for custom I/O, widely recommended for prototyping. Common caveat: its ADCs have only 12-bit resolution and some nonlinearity.29recommend
• Bambu Lab P1SRecommended for reliable, easy printing that works out of the box and needs little maintenance. Critics object to the closed ecosystem, cloud and account concerns, and the company's direction.29recommend
• Prusa MK3People recommend it for reliability, repairability and easy printing out of the box, and it can be upgraded as the line evolves. The common caveat is its price, which critics say is high for what it offers.28recommend
• Bambu Lab A1 MiniRecommended as a cheap, reliable printer that works out of the box. Critics object to Bambu Lab's closed servers and its conduct toward open source.27recommend
• ESP32-S3Cheap microcontroller with dual cores, plenty of I/O and strong value for its price. Critics say it is power-hungry and weak for heavy workloads like music encoding.26recommend
• STM32 microcontrollerCheap, feature-rich ARM microcontrollers with many chip variants, plentiful examples and readily available documentation. Common caveats are hardware bugs and a steep learning curve.25recommend
• M5Stack PaperMonoPeople like its e-ink display, NFC reader and standard ESP32-S3 base for custom firmware. The most common caveat is that the software feels like an afterthought.25recommend
• Rhinoceros 3DRecommended for curved free-form modeling, a clean interface and a command-line workflow. Critics note it is expensive and has mediocre numerics.24recommend
• Bambu Lab A1People recommend it as a reliable, easy-to-use budget 3D printer that works well for beginners. Most common caveat: closed, proprietary software.24recommend