AstroPrint vs Lychee Slicer

AstroPrint is a platform for managing 3D printers and printer fleets. Its cloud library stores STL and G-code files, and users can slice designs in a browser. A cloud dashboard tool generates printable models from text prompts. Users can monitor prints and remotely pause, resume, or cancel them from a computer or smartphone; analytics cover filament use, printer operating hours, and print success rates. Printers can connect through AstroBox Touch, AstroBox Gateway, a self-built AstroBox, or the OctoPrint plugin. The mobile app can search Thingiverse designs and start prints. AstroPrint Desktop is listed for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, alongside Android, iOS, web, API, and self-hosted platforms. Klipper is supported for slicing only, and live video streaming is not available in the mobile app; a browser is needed for that. The free Basic plan includes 2 printers, 1 user, and 1GB file storage. Premium costs $9.90/mo and includes the first 5 printers, with each additional printer costing $5.

Lychee Slicer prepares 3D models for resin and filament printing, with tools for supports, hollowing, print-setting previews and printer configuration. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and Lychee says it supports more than 750 printers. Resin features include custom support structures, exposure settings, grid supports, AR preview and one-click hollowing. Filament tools include printer profiles, support management, seam optimization and real-time preview. Compatible filament printers can communicate through Klipper or OctoPrint; Wi-Fi sending depends on the printer model. Lychee Library is integrated into the slicer and offers pre-supported models from creators. The product describes cloud synchronization of settings across machines and automatic local backups. Lite is free, with limited Multi-Plate and ads on export. Plus is billed at €99.90 + local taxes yearly (€8.33 / month). Plus & Library is billed at €199.90 + local taxes yearly (€16.66 / month), and includes unlimited model downloads. Library models cannot be used commercially without creator approval.