3D printer 300 dollars

The 9 Best 3D Printers under $300 in 2022 – Clever Creations

The lower prices of 3D printers have made 3D printing accessible for many. There are lots of options available in the budget 3D printer segment that are great for anyone who’s looking to get into the hobby. However, with so many options to choose from, it can easily get confusing to find the budget printer that best suits your needs.

In this article, we’ll go over our favorite picks for the best 3D printer under $300. We’ve classified these printers into various categories and listed some things that you should consider when making your purchasing decision.

Best 3D printers under $300 in 2022

Anycubic Kobra

Best overall

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AmazonAnycubicAliExpress

The Anycubic Kobra is the basic model of Anycubic’s new Kobra series of FDM 3D printers. It comes in a brand new industrial design and is equipped with advanced features to keep it up to date with current 3D printing standards.

Anycubic’s self-developed automatic bed leveling helps you with the initial bed leveling process. It makes sure that you get a smooth first layer and that your prints stick to the bed with ease. The direct extruder gives you increased control over the filaments and lets you print with flexible materials such as TPU and TPE.

Its PEI coated spring steel build platform is designed for improved adhesion and the easy removal of your 3D prints. The large 4.3-inch vertical touch screen lets you easily interact with the 3D printer and makes navigating through the user interface a smooth experience.

For $300, it is an bargain and a step above the Creality Ender 3 V2. It is a good choice for beginners, students, and hobbyists who need a budget FDM 3D printer that delivers good printing quality.

Recommended:

Anycubic Kobra Review: The Best Budget 3D Printer?

Standout Features

• 25-point automatic bed leveling
• Direct drive extruder
• Spring steel platform

Technical Details
Print volume	220 x 220 x 250 mm
Bed leveling	Automatic
Heated print bed	Yes
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm
Max hotend temperature	260 °C

What We Like

• Easy print removal
• Intuitive user-friendly touch screen
• Easy assembly process
• Wide material compatibility

Could Be Better

• Noisy operation
• Limited slicer support
• Plasticky feel

Find Anycubic Kobra at

AmazonAnycubicAliExpress

Creality Ender 3

Best on a budget

Check price at

AmazonCreality3DComgrow

While the Ender 3 V2 is still a good contender for the best 3D printer under $300, its predecessor, the Creality Ender 3, remains the best budget 3D printer in this price class. Even though it’s been over 3 years since it was first released, the Ender 3 remains a popular choice in the budget segment.

The Ender 3 has all the functionalities that you would expect from a basic 3D printer. It comes with a build volume of 220x220x250mm and a heated print bed with a sticky Buildtak-like printing surface. It is beginner-friendly and provides a decent printing quality from the start.

Since it is a popular 3D printer, there are tons of user guides, tutorials, and community forums for the Ender 3. There are many mods and upgrades available for the Ender 3, which makes it a versatile option.

If you’re on a budget, want a good 3D printer, and are open to fiddling a little to get the perfect results, the Ender 3 is a great choice for you.

Standout Features

• Heated build plate
• Sticky print surface
• Beginner-friendly

Technical Details
Price	$189
Print volume	220x220x250 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Heated print bed	Yes
Supported slicers	Cura, Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer, etc.
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm
Max hotend temperature	240°C

What We Like

• Lots of community support
• Compatible with aftermarket upgrades
• Great value for the money

Could Be Better

• Open frame design
• Cheap plastic extruder

Find Creality Ender 3 at

AmazonCreality3DComgrow

Anycubic Photon Mono

Best budget resin

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AmazonAnycubicGeekbuyingAliExpress

The cost of resin 3D printers has come down drastically within the last few years and 3D printers like the Anycubic Photon Mono are a testament to this. The Photon Mono is a cheap, entry-level resin 3D printer from Anycubic.

It comes with a sharp 2K resolution monochrome LCD screen, which allows you to reproduce fine details. The Photon Mono has a decent build volume of 130x80x165 mm. This is less than the other options in the 3D printers under $300 segment, but that is to be expected of a printer that uses 3D printer resin instead of filament.

To guarantee precision and stability during the printing process, it comes with a quality linear rail for the Z-axis.

The main advantage of resin 3D printers is the superb print quality that they offer. If you are interested in 3D printing (D&D) minis and figurines, you are best off with a resin 3D printer. If that’s what you’re looking for, and you don’t want to spend too much, the Anycubic Photon Mono is a great choice.

Standout Features

• Small and compact size
• 2K resolution monochrome LCD screen
• Easy to replace FEP film

Technical Details
Price	$239
Print volume	130x80x165 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Supported slicers	Anycubic Photon Workshop
Material	405nm UV Resin

What We Like

• Budget-friendly and for beginners
• Reproduces fine details with accuracy
• Good community support

Could Be Better

• Proprietary slicing software
• Small touchscreen

Find Anycubic Photon Mono at

AmazonAnycubicGeekbuyingAliExpress

Creality Ender 3 V2

Most aftermarket upgrades

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AmazonCreality3DComgrow

Until the release of the Anycubic Kobra, we considered the Creality Ender 3 V2 to be the best 3D printer under $300. It is a worthy successor to the popular Ender 3 and comes with an updated look and brand new spec sheet that suits the current 3D printing standards.

The Ender V2 has a sturdy aluminum body with a generous heated bed of 220 x 220 mm. It comes with a color screen with an updated UI, which lets you navigate the various functions of this budget 3D printer with ease. The addition of a toolbox, XY belt tensioners, and an extruder knob are some of the neat little things that make the Ender V2 stand out.

The Ender V2 features an updated 32-bit motherboard with TMC 2208 stepper motor drivers. It also comes with a UL-certified power supply for added safety and faster heat times.

On top of that, you can find great community support with tons of tutorials and guides available for upgrading your Ender 3 V2. In short, this printer has everything you would expect from a sub $300 3D printer and then some.

Standout Features

• Color screen with redesigned UI
• TMC 2208 stepper motor drivers
• 350W Meanwell Power Supply

Technical Details
Price	$279. 00
Print volume	220x220x250 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Heated print bed	Yes
Supported slicers	Cura, Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer, etc.
Filament diameter	1.75 mm
Max hotend temperature	240°C

What We Like

• Easy to use and beginner-friendly
• Great print quality out of the box
• Components can be upgraded with ease

Could Be Better

• Limited material compatibility
• Lack of enclosure

Find Creality Ender 3 V2 at

AmazonCreality3DComgrow

Flashforge Finder

Best for beginners

Check price at

AmazonFlashforge

The Flashforge Finder is a plug-n-play kind of 3D printer. It takes less than maybe 30 minutes to set it up and start 3D printing. The features and ease of use make the Finder a great fit for beginners in 3D printing.

The Finder has a closed frame with a sturdy build, which gives it a nice boxy look. The filament spool is neatly tucked inside the printer body. This makes it an ideal 3D printer to use in a classroom setting and as a printer to carry around anywhere with ease.

This 3D printer under 300 comes with a user-friendly touch screen with a neatly laid out interface. It makes it easy to control the printer and is especially easy for kids and people with disabilities to use.

One limitation of the Flashforge Finder is that it uses its proprietary slicing software – Flashprint – for preparing models. However, this software is finely tuned to the Finder and optimized so that it’s easy to use. In it, you can find preloaded profiles to prepare a file, or you can fine-tune some of the major settings to your needs. Flashforge has optimized the entire user experience of the Finder for people who are just getting started with 3D printing.

Standout Features

• Responsive touchscreen
• USB and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Slide-in build plate

Technical Details
Price	$279
Print volume	140x140x140 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Heated print bed	No
Supported slicers	Flashprint
Filament diameter	1.75 mm
Max hotend temperature	220°C

What We Like

• Quick setup with minimal preparation
• Safe to use around kids
• Easy to use

Could Be Better

• No heated build plate
• The built-in spool holder is small
• Limited functionality in the Flashprint software

Find Flashforge Finder at

AmazonFlashforge

Anycubic Mega S

Best material compatibility

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AmazonAnycubicAliExpressGeekbuying

Typical 3D printers under $300 have limited material compatibility because of the hotends that they use. These hotends reach relatively low maximum temperatures and limit the 3D printing materials that they are compatible with to PLA and sometimes ABS. The Anycubic Mega S 3D printer’s hotend, on the other hand, can reach a maximum temperature of 260°C.

The higher hotend temperature makes the Anycubic Mega S compatible with PLA, ABS, TPU, HIPS, PETG, and even wood filaments. To complement this, it has a solid metal body with a large build volume of 210 x 210 x 205 mm. You also get an easy-to-use touchscreen and a Titan extruder, which is almost unheard of for 3D printers under $300.

The Titan extruder offers more precise extrusion and allows you to print better with flexible filaments. Overall, when compared to its competitors in terms of filament compatibility, what you get with the Anycubic Mega S is definitely a step above the competition.

Standout Features

• Easy assembly
• Touchscreen for easy navigation
• Filament sensor

Technical Details
Price	$249
Print volume	210x210x205 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Heated print bed	Yes
Supported slicers	Cura
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm
Max hotend temperature	260°C

What We Like

• Compatible with many filaments
• Easy to set up and use
• Compact and sturdy construction

Could Be Better

• No automatic bed leveling
• Lack of Wi-Fi connectivity

Find Anycubic Mega S at

AmazonAnycubicAliExpressGeekbuying

Sovol SV01

Largest print area

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AmazonSovol3D

The Sovol SV01 is probably the 3D printer under 300 that comes with the largest build volume: 280x240x300 mm. This allows you to print large-size objects in one go, without having to split them into multiple parts. For 3D printing things like cosplay props, this is ideal.

The Sovol SV01 has a direct drive Titan-style extruder that makes 3D printing flexible filaments a breeze. It also has a dual Z-axis set up with a sturdy and solid aluminum frame for maximum stability during the 3D printing process. This extra stability is useful on larger 3D printers, which can get unstable. But it also helps you increase the maximum printing speed to get your parts printed more quickly without visual artifacts.

And to top it off, there are some neat safety and quality of life features built in the SV01, like filament detection, a resume printing function for protection against a power outage, and thermal runaway protection.

It comes partially assembled (~95% done), making it fairly easy in terms of getting it up and running. This comes in contrast to some other 3D printers under 300 that come as a kit that needs to be fully assembled.

The large print volume of the Sovol SV01 might not be for everyone. But if you 3D print helmets, 3D print armor, or other cosplay props, the SV01 offers you plenty of build volume at an affordable price.

Standout Features

• Large print volume
• Direct drive extruder
• Dual Z-axis movement

Technical Details
Price	$299
Print volume	280x240x300 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Heated print bed	Yes
Supported slicers	Cura
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm
Max hotend temperature	260°C

What We Like

• Easy to assemble, even for beginners
• Excellent safety features
• Easily upgradeable with various accessories

Could Be Better

• Loud fans
• Impractical placement of filament sensor

Find Sovol SV01 at

AmazonSovol3D

Artillery Genius

Most silent

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AmazonAliExpressGeekbuying

The Artillery Genius is arguably the most silent 3D printer under $300. It comes with an MKS Gen L V1.0 motherboard along with a set of proprietary stepper motor drivers. This makes it one of the quietest 3D printers on the market. This means that you can easily use it in your workspace without being disturbed by the constant noise of the stepper motors. For small business owners, this is ideal.

Asides from being offering quiet operation, the Artillery Genius comes with several other neat features. It has a proprietary Z nut coupler that reduces layer artifacts on 3D printed parts. The cable management on the Genius is also unique. Instead of the wires flying around, all cables are neatly tucked inside a flex cable for added safety and aesthetics.

The sturdy aluminum body comes with a solid base that is easy to put together. You get a color TFT touchscreen for easy navigation through the various functions. Although the print quality is not amazing right out of the box, with some fine-tuning you will have a high-quality printing experience on a sub-$300 budget.

Standout Features

• Silent operation
• Neat cable management
• TFT touchscreen

Technical Details
Price	$299
Print volume	220x220x250 mm
Bed leveling	Manual
Heated print bed	Yes
Supported slicers	Cura, Simplify 3D, PrusaSlicer, etc.
Filament diameter	1.75 mm
Max hotend temperature	240°C

What We Like

• Easy assembly
• Synchronized Z-axis reduces layer artifacts
• Quick and reliable after-sales support

Could Be Better

• Needs some tweaking to get good quality prints
• Quality control needs improvement

Find Artillery Genius at

AmazonAliExpressGeekbuying

Monoprice Mini Delta V2

Best Delta printer

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Amazon

It can be tricky to find 3D printers under $300 that offer a high print speed and come with features like automatic leveling of its heated bed, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Monoprice Mini Delta V2, however, is one of the few options that give you just that. The Mini Delta V2 is the successor to the original Mini Delta and one of the most versatile printers under $300 with a small form factor.

The Delta V2 comes with an updated color touchscreen, with a new look and a neatly designed user interface. This upgraded version offers automatic bed leveling to make your first layers stick perfectly to the build platform. On the connectivity side of things, it has a USB port, SD card slot, and inbuilt Wi-Fi to let you control your 3D printer remotely from your smartphone.

The self-diagnostic features are also unique to see in this category. The Delta mini runs an extruder heat check and checks the movement of all three axes when you turn it on. This helps prevent failed prints and wasting valuable filament.

A major downside of the Delta V2 is the small printing area and slightly reduced print quality because of the higher print speed. This is circumventable by turning the print speed down, but that does mean your 3D prints take longer.

Ultimately, the Delta V2 is an excellent beginner Delta 3D printer in a compact package at an attractive price.

Standout Features

• Auto bed leveling
• Touchscreen controls
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Technical Details
Price	$179
Print volume	ø110 x 120 mm
Bed leveling	Automatic
Heated print bed	Yes
Supported slicers	Cura, Simplify 3D, PrusaSlicer, etc.
Filament diameter	1.75 mm
Max hotend temperature	260°C

What We Like

• High printing speeds
• Easily diagnoses issues
• Remote control and monitor prints

Could Be Better

• Small build volume
• Limited upgradability

Find Monoprice Mini Delta V2 at

Amazon

What to pay attention to when buying a 3D printer under $300?

When looking for a 3D printer under 300 dollars, there are a few things you should pay attention to. The first is the build volume. This is the maximum size of an object that the printer can create. You should also check the materials that the printer can use. Some printers can only use a single type of material, while others can use multiple types. You should also consider the print quality. Some printers produce higher quality prints than others.

Because 3D printers under $300 are guaranteed to cut corners in several areas, we will go into more detail on the things to look for in this section.

Pre-assembled vs a kit

To lower the 3D printer price, manufacturers often ship 3D printers as a DIY assembly kit. This has its own set of pros and cons. A pre-assembled kit is great for beginners and allows you to get started with  3D printing right away. You don’t need to figure out assembly manuals or decipher instructions to get that first 3D print going.

A DIY assembly kit, on the other hand, can be tedious to put together. If you’re a novice, it can take hours just to assemble the 3D printer. However, as a part of this assembly process, you get familiar with every component of the 3D printer and are better able to resolve any future issues.

So, if you want to get started right out of the box and don’t want to deal with the initial fine-tuning, a pre-assembled kit is best suited for you. But if you’re keen on understanding the little details of the 3D printer and love the DIY stuff, a 3D printer kit should be your go-to option.

Build quality

The build quality of any 3D printer plays a crucial role in the quality of the parts created on it. For example, the earlier generations of 3D printers, such as the Anet A8 or Tevo Tarantula, used acrylic materials in their frame design. This ultimately affected the quality of the printed parts and the reliability of the 3D printer itself.

3D printer manufacturers have now figured out a way to introduce strong metal 3D printers while still keeping the costs low. For example, the Creality Ender 3 V2 series uses 20 x 20 aluminum extrusions in its frame design. Even the small Monoprice Mini Delta V2 uses a steel and aluminum body design.

Using aluminum and steel in 3D printer frames gives them extra rigidity. This makes the frames stiffer and limits flexing during printing. All of this directly translates to improved quality in prints and the long-term durability of the 3D printer.

Build volume

A 3D printer’s build volume is often a major consideration point while buying a 3D printer. The build volume dictates the size and the quantity of the objects that you can 3D print. Also, a bigger build volume means a bigger 3D printer footprint, thus occupying more space on your worktable or desk.

We often assume that a large build volume is a good thing to have. Of course, if you’re going to print large objects, or run multiple 3D prints at once, a bigger build volume is your friend. But you need to consider that a bigger build volume also comes with more frame rigidity and inertia issues. You’ll need to print a little slower to get the best results.

Rather than going extremely small, or extremely big, a decent build volume such as the Ender 3 V2’s is perfectly suited for a lot of cases. You can easily carry the 3D printer around. It doesn’t take up much space and you can print at higher speeds without sacrificing quality.

Filament support

Some 3D printers under $300 are limited in terms of their filament support. This is because of the relatively low maximum extruder temperature and the lack of heated beds. Some 3D printers solely support only PLA, while others with a heated bed can also 3D print ABS and PETG.

Recommended:

PETG vs ABS: Which Filament Should You Use?

If you’re going to do just some basic level 3D printing, PLA filament might be enough for your needs. However, it’s always better to have that extra level of material compatibility with your 3D printers. ABS, PETG, and TPE/TPU are some materials that can be used in practical applications, such as gears, watch straps, bracelets, and snap-fit parts.

Recommended:

The 10 Best PLA Filaments for 3D Printing

If you take the Flashforge Finder, for example, it lacks a heated bed, and can only print with PLA. Whereas, the Anycubic Mega S or Ender 3 natively support a lot of materials and you can even upgrade them to be compatible with a lot of other materials as well.

Recommended:

The Best Filaments for the Ender 3

This brings us to the next point of aftermarket upgrades.

Aftermarket upgrades

To keep the costs down, manufacturers of 3D printers under 300 dollars can’t include every feature in their 3D printers. Some manufacturers just include the basic features, while others give the option to upgrade using third-party components.

The flexibility to upgrade your 3D printers, later on, is a win-win situation for both the manufacturer and you as well. You don’t have to pay for the features which you might never use, and the manufacturer saves on a considerable amount of costs, thus keeping the prices down.

3D printers such as the Sovol SV01 and Artillery Genius have the option to add a probe for auto bed leveling. The Ender 3 and the Ender 3 V2 are also known for their wide range of aftermarket upgrades that you can use to add features.

Of course, these aftermarket upgrades are not always fully compatible with a specific 3D printer. If you run into any issues, the lack of direct support could be a potential problem. So, if you’re planning on upgrading your 3D printer, it’s always better to choose a 3D printer that has a proven track record and has good community support available.

Community support

It is easy to overlook the importance of community support in the 3D printing world. Good community support is even more crucial when you’re considering getting a 3D printer under $300.

Usually, manufacturers do not support these budget 3D printers very well. When it comes to 3D printers, there are simply too many details to cover. Even if some firms try to provide support for their machines, they may not be aware of everything there is to know about them. So, having a community of 3D printer users who have tried and tested everything saves you a lot of hassle.

You don’t have to fiddle around trying to figure out everything. You can glance up the issue and get your solution. Good community support also means that there will be a lot of community upgrades and forums for your particular 3D printer.

For example, most of the updates that you find in the Creality Ender V2 result from feedback from the community on the original Ender 3. So, it’s always beneficial to ensure that whichever 3D printer you plan to buy has good community support.

FAQ

Are 3D printers under $300 worth it?

Yes. 3D printing technology has come a long way since the 80s and even more so after the expiry of patents in 2009. Lots of manufacturers have developed good-quality 3D printers while still keeping costs down. This low price has also led to mass adoption of technology, which has led to an incentive to develop reliable 3D printers at a low cost.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that you won’t have everything with a 3D printer under 300. If you are looking to have automatic bed leveling, a resume printing function, removable build plate, high-quality titan extruder, large build volume, filament spool holder, and more in one single 3D printer, the sub-$300 price range is not going to offer you that.

It is, however, always possible to upgrade your 3D printer later. There is a plethora of Ender 3 upgrades available, such as the BLTouch leveling sensor that removes the hassle of manually leveling the print bed.

Similarly, you aren’t going to find an enclosed 3D printer at this price point. The costs of a closed frame are simply too high to fit into this budget category.

If you are interested in printers that are loaded with features, a 3D printer under $500 or a 3D printer under $1000 will better suit your needs.

How long will a $300 3D printer last?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. If you carry out regular maintenance of your 3D printer, there’s no reason for it to not last at least five to ten or even more years. In terms of upgradability too, if your 3D printer supports external upgrades, you can upgrade your 3D printer to keep with the latest trends.

Can you use a $300 3D printer for professional purposes?

Yes, and no. If you’re looking for a purely professional use case scenario, 3D printers under $300 might simply not be suitable for your workflow. They’re designed for a wide populace and will lack the necessary features for a professional setting.

If you are a small business owner looking for small productions and you don’t mind fiddling around with settings, a $300 3D printer will suit you just fine until you have the need to upgrade to something better.

Conclusion

Considering everything that we’ve discussed so far, it’s easy to figure out the best 3D printer under $300. The Anycubic Kobra is the easiest to use and has the most advanced features printers at the $300 price point and is a clear winner. The Ender 3 and the Anycubic Photon Mono are the runner-ups as budget and resin picks.

Recommended:

Resin vs Filament 3D Printers: What’s the Difference?

The Anycubic Kobra checks almost everything that you’d expect from a 3D printer in this category. It’s easy to assemble, supports a lot of filaments, has a good build quality and you can even upgrade it with  aftermarket components. These undoubtedly make it the best choice under $300.

Let us know your thoughts on this list. If you feel we’ve missed out on anything, let us know in the comments below.

Top 8 printers under $300

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This guide features a shortlist of some of the best 3D printers available for under 300 dollars. Our handpicked selection is followed by an easy 3D printer buying guide with tips and things you should look out for. If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission to support our content and site.

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Last update January 5, 2022

This fall, we removed some outdated products and added some brands such as Longer3D, FlashForge, and FLSUN. Prices have been crunched down since last time, too, so we also updated the guide in that regard.

Table of contents

What is the best budget 3D printer under $300?

The 8 best cheap 3D printers under $300

A10M

Mega-S

X-One 2

Ender 3 V2

MP Select Mini V3

LK4

Magic

Finder

Pre-assembled 3D printers vs DIY 3D printer kits

Enclosed versus open frame

Community support

Build volume

Automatic calibration

Prusa i3 clones and the RepRap legacy

Top cheap Kickstarter 3D printer fails

FAQ

What is the best budget 3D printer under $300?

We scoured the web to find the 8 best cheap 3D printers under $300 and share our final selection in this article.

Since 2016, we’ve been noticing a “race-to-the-bottom” trend where 3D printer prices are driven down. Many startups and (mostly Chinese) manufacturers are competing to make the cheapest 3D printers on the market.

Low prices often used to be synonym with poor quality, but that’s no longer the case: the budget 3D printers in our list all provide a great value for the money. It’s more and more common to see user-friendly features from higher-end machines trickle down to the cheaper printers.

That said, 3D printers under $300 are typically not professional-grade machines and often require some level of technical knowledge and patience. They almost always come as kits to be assembled and are recommended for tinkerers and makers, but also beginners with a small budget.

All of the 3D printers in this guide are filament-based. If you’re looking for a cheap resin 3D printer, head over here.

The 8 best cheap 3D printers under $300

Brand	Product	Build size	Country	Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
Creality	Ender 3 V2	220 × 220 × 250 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 9.84 in	–	$ 155155 €137 £22,426 ¥	Contact
JGMAKER	Magic	220 × 220 × 250 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 9.84 in	–	$ 200202 €177 £28,937 ¥	Contact
Monoprice	MP Select Mini V3	120 × 120 × 120 mm4.72 × 4.72 × 4.72 in	–	$ 220222 €195 £31,830 ¥	Contact
Longer3D	LK4	220 × 220 × 250 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 9.84 in	–	$ 270273 €239 £39,065 ¥	Contact
Geeetech	A10M	220 × 220 × 260 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 10.24 in	–	$ 280299 €248 £40,512 ¥	Contact
Qidi Tech	X-One 2	145 × 145 × 145 mm5.71 × 5.71 × 5.71 in	–	$ 298301 €264 £43,116 ¥	Contact
ANYCUBIC	Mega-S	210 × 210 × 205 mm8. 27 × 8.27 × 8.07 in	–	$ 299302 €265 £43,261 ¥	Contact
FlashForge	Finder	140 × 140 × 140 mm5.51 × 5.51 × 5.51 in	–	$ 299302 €265 £43,261 ¥	Contact

Expand to see more specs

The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).

Product	Brand	Build size	Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
Ender 3 V2	Creality	220 × 220 × 250 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 9.84 in	$ 155155 €137 £22,426 ¥	Contact manufacturer
Magic	JGMAKER	220 × 220 × 250 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 9.84 in	$ 200202 €177 £28,937 ¥	Contact manufacturer
MP Select Mini V3	Monoprice	120 × 120 × 120 mm4. 72 × 4.72 × 4.72 in	$ 220222 €195 £31,830 ¥	Contact manufacturer
LK4	Longer3D	220 × 220 × 250 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 9.84 in	$ 270273 €239 £39,065 ¥	Contact manufacturer
A10M	Geeetech	220 × 220 × 260 mm8.66 × 8.66 × 10.24 in	$ 280299 €248 £40,512 ¥	Contact manufacturer
X-One 2	Qidi Tech	145 × 145 × 145 mm5.71 × 5.71 × 5.71 in	$ 298301 €264 £43,116 ¥	Contact manufacturer
Mega-S	ANYCUBIC	210 × 210 × 205 mm8.27 × 8.27 × 8.07 in	$ 299302 €265 £43,261 ¥	Contact manufacturer
Finder	FlashForge	140 × 140 × 140 mm5.51 × 5.51 × 5.51 in	$ 299302 €265 £43,261 ¥	Contact manufacturer

Overview of our budget 3D printer selection

The Geeetech A10M is the only 3D printer under $300 offering multi-color 3D printing capacities. Based on the same architecture that made the A10 a success, the A10M 2-in-1 extruder allows you to 3D print with different colors via 4 modes: single color, dual color, graded color, and mixed color.

Combined with a massive build volume, multi-color 3D printing is definitely an attractive option. It’s important to note though that this printer is mostly for advanced users and requires fine-tuning (also, this is not a full-color 3D printer).

Contact manufacturer Add to comparison

The ANYCUBIC Mega-S stands out in this list of the best 3D printers under $300. Its well-thought suspended filament rack on the side allows to save space, and the printer is fitted with a high-quality Titan extruder.

The Mega-S is very easy to assemble and intuitive operate thanks to its user-friendly touch screen. The ANYCUBIC Ultrabase, its durable proprietary build plate, offers excellent adhesion and enables easy print removal. Overall, the ANYCUBIC Mega-S is a pretty decent cheap 3D printer!

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This closed-frame 3D printer comes already assembled. It offers numerous features packed in a sturdy upgraded design. The latest version of the X-One 2 includes an MK10 extruder, a heated aluminium print bed, and a user-friendly touchscreen.

The Qidi Tech X-One 2 is a popular choice for all kind of users, from hobbyists to advanced makers looking for the best 3D printer under $300.

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The Creality Ender 3 is one of the best-selling 3D printers under $300 (and one of the top rated, too!). The Ender 3 is widely praised as a reliable and easy-to-use 3D printer, suitable for beginners willing to spend some time tinkering their machine and for advanced makers alike.

Its advanced extruder reduces the risk of filament clogging and the Ender 3 also has the capacity to resume printing after a power outage. The user community of this open-source 3D printer is very active, making it easy to find help and share tips on discussion groups.

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The Select Mini by Monoprice is a compact desktop 3D printer for beginners. It features automatic bed leveling, a touchscreen, and comes pre-assembled.

This version is the third generation of the Monoprice Select Mini 3D printer series.

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The LK4 by Longer3D hosts a range of features, including a color touchscreen (two sizes available to choose from), a filament detector, a pause-and-resume print feature, and more.

It offers a good amount of build volume for the price, and comes with a one-year manufacturer guarantee and 24-hour customer support.

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The JGMAKER Magic is less popular than its direct competitors but should not be overlooked. Its basic yet sturdy design makes this 3D printer very stable during prints.

The JGMAKER Magic also offers standard features such as a filament run-out detector, a resume printing function, and removable build plate. The Magic’s compact design, with the power supply built in, is the printer’s most notable difference in comparison with the Ender 3.

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FlashForge is a popular 3D printer brand for beginners and hobbyists. Their Finder model is a user-friendly option with Wi-Fi, cloud, and USB connectivity and a slide-in build plate.

The printer features automatic bed leveling and safety features for younger-aged users and schools.

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3D printer buying guide for a $300 budget

What to look for when buying an entry-level, low-cost 3D printer? In the sub-300 price range, there is not much room for pickiness, but there are still a few aspects that are important to consider.

Pre-assembled 3D printers vs DIY 3D printer kits

DIY 3D printer kits used to be quite complex and time-consuming to build. Today, most of them are delivered partly pre-assembled and only require you to screw three or four parts together in under an hour.

Beginners can easily assemble a kit with little 3D printing knowledge. While it’s not always the case with fully pre-assembled printers, most 3D printer kits can be upgraded with extra 3D printed parts.

Enclosed versus open frame

Many things can interfere with 3D print quality, such as temperature changes and room drafts. Closed frame 3D printers help protect the 3D printing process as well as reduce particle emissions (from melted plastic) and noise.

For PLA prints, an open frame works fine, but ABS 3D printing does require a bit more of a controlled environment.

Help and frequently asked questions can be found on specialized forums and dedicated discussions groups for specific 3D printer models (there are plenty on Facebook).

Our list of the best general 3DP communities provides more information about these forums and groups.

Build volume

The build volume, or maximum size of a 3D print, is an important spec to consider. If the goal is just to discover and experiment with 3D printing then the build size isn’t too critical, unlike if specific parts need to be printed with certain dimensions.

Automatic calibration

3D print accuracy can easily be thrown off if the print bed is the teeniest bit lopsided. Some 3D printers offer automated bed leveling, but many others require manual calibration. An auto-calibration feature can help save time, but it isn’t hard to do it manually.

Other interesting features include:

• Filament sensor (detects if there’s a filament jam)
• Auto resume (saves print progress in case of power failures)
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Touchscreen
Unassembled Anet A8 parts.

Prusa i3 clones and the RepRap legacy

Many budget 3D printers are based on or are clones of the Original Prusa i3, a design developed by Josef Prusa in 2012.

The Prusa i3 is part of the RepRap (replicating rapid prototyper) project whose initial aim was to develop a low-cost 3D printer able to replicate most of its components using 3D printing. Since its debut in 2005, hundreds of international contributors have joined the project to keep upgrading and optimizing 3D printing for everyone.

The blueprints are open source and patent-free. Hence, many manufacturers “cloned” and rebranded the Prusa i3. Josef Prusa is part of the business too and selling 3D printers under his own brand, Prusa Research.

The Original Prusa i3 MK2 by Josef Prusa, one of the best 3D printers available on the desktop 3D printer market.

What about low-cost Kickstarter 3D printers?

Some Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects advertise 3D printers at crazy low prices, sometimes under $100! Many of those 3D printer Kickstarter projects have proven to be scams… See below some of the top 3D printer fails on crowdfunding platforms!

Top cheap Kickstarter 3D printer fails

3D printer startups tend to promise amazing products through expensive marketing campaigns to get as many pledges as they can. This is not an unusual goal, but when too much effort is put into advertising there is not much left for logistics, especially if the business model is not well prepared.

TIKO 3D Tiko

• Price: $199
• Amount pledged: almost $3M in March 2015
• Number of backers: 16,538
• What happened: they simply promised too much for too little and found themselves left with no more funds to fulfill their orders. The first backers received their 3D printers, but many remained Tiko-less.
• More information: Tiko 3D Tiko

Rinnovated Design Peachy Printer

• Price: $100
• Amount pledged: over $650,000 after its launch in September 2013
• Number of backers: 4,420
• What happened: one of the two founders embezzled about half of the Peachy Printer funds to build himself a house, forcing the company to lay off its workers and collapse.
• More information: Rinnovated Design Peachy Printer

Pirate3D Buccaneer

• Price: $300
• Amount pledged: just under $1.5M, and an additional $2M by private investors
• Number of backers: 3,520
• What happened: Pirate3D drowned in their initial success with too many products to deliver and not enough staff. They roguishly started to retail-sell their 3D printer before trying to own up to their backers (which they didn’t).
• More information: Pirate3D Buccaneer

FAQ

What is the best 3D printer for beginners?

The best choice of 3D printer for beginners is an assembled, plug-n-play 3D printers such as the Qidi Tech X-One 2 or the FlashForge Finder. Such 3D printers are easy to operate and offer a great first experience with 3D printing.

What’s the best cheap 3D printer kit?

One of the cheap 3D printer kits is the Creality Ender 3. It is easy to assemble and offers great print quality and reliability.

Where to find a cheap 3D printer for sale?

There are plenty of affordable 3D printers for sale on Amazon, with prices starting under $200 even for assembled 3D printers.

Best 3D printers under $300 in 2022 (all uses)

We haven't reached the stage where 3D printers will be in every home like computers or smartphones, but now you can get a great 3D printer at price less than $300. Because there are so many options, we've narrowed down the list of the best 3D printers under $300. But first, here's what you can expect from a 3D printer under $300.

Contents

1. What to expect from a 3D printer that costs less than 0
2. Best 3D Printer Under $300 2022
3. Creality Ender 3 V2 - Best 3D Printer Under $0
4. Qidi Tech X-ONE 2
5. Geeetech A10M - Dual Extrusion Option 0
9 Lite0 08 Adventurer 07 Flashforge07 Benefits of a 3D printer under $300
6. Buyer's guide - what to look for when choosing a 3D printer under $300
7. What not to expect from a 3D printer under $300
8. 0008

What to expect from a 3D printer that costs less than $300

Naturally, you can't expect the whole world for $300. Higher end printers offer higher accuracy, stability, consistency, a wider range of materials, and better temperature control.

$300 3D printers almost always have an open print area rather than a built-in case - though some can be fitted with cases - are often kits of 3D printers that need to be assembled by yourself and are mostly limited to materials such as ABS, PLA and TPU.

However, there are still some really efficient low cost $300 3D printers on the market today that are renowned for their reliability and workhorse qualities. Below we provide some of our top recommendations.

Best 3D Printer Under $300 2022

Creality Ender 3 V2 - Best 3D Printer Under $300

• Price: $279
• Assembly volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm

creality ender 3 v2 one of the best 3D printers under $300

As the world's most popular under $300 3D printer, the Ender 3 has truly become an affordable printer for hobbyists and DIYers around the world.

Its combination of good build volume, accurate printing, reliability and upgradability has won legions of fans around the world. Creality has updated a few parts for the new Ender 3 V2.

The changes are subtle, but allow for a consistently improved 3D printer that still costs less than $300 despite being $50 more than the original Ender 3. Perhaps most notably, the firmware has been redesigned for more powerful yet quiet 3D printing.

Known for its reliability in a price range where most 3D printers often fail and break, the Ender 3 can't do a lot of the things $500 or $2000 3D printers can, but what it does, it does well . It can print basic models from PLA and other simpler materials efficiently, accurately and consistently.

Other notable features include a carborundum glass plate that facilitates removal of finished prints and improves adhesion during printing. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is a nice touch that many will appreciate, and overall, if you want to be confident in the reliability of a 3D printer, then the Ender 3 V2 is the way to go.
Anycubic Mega S - Rugged $300 3D Printer

• Price: $249
• Assembly volume: 210 x 210 x 205 mm

Possibly the easiest 3D printer kit to build in its price range, the Anycubic Mega S can be assembled with just a few screws and cables - even the greenest of beginners can easily build their own printer.

This simplicity is key for a sub $300 3D printer, as most hobbyists are looking for a worry-free 3D printing experience where their 3D printer doesn't break down every five minutes, but just prints consistently and reliably. The Mega S is exactly the kind of printer that has everything you need for hassle-free printing – and nothing more. Simple yet reliable, it features a solid and stable metal construction to ensure that vibrations during printing do not result in flickering lines on the printout.

A print volume of 210 x 210 x 205mm should be enough for most hobbyist projects, and if you're a small business looking to start rapid prototyping with base materials like PLA, ABS or TPU, the Mega S is fine for small parts.

All Mega models feature Anycubic's patented Ultrabase print surface, which provides better adhesion for stronger, less error-prone prints, and makes them easier to remove when you're done, so you don't have to scrape and potentially damage your print when trying to remove it.

Like most 3D printers under $300, it has a basic touch screen, good accuracy, and if you want more ambitious tasks, you can print with wood filament, PETG, and HIPS. Overall, this is a solid and stable $300 3D printer.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

• Price: Look at the official store
• Case volume: 132 x 80 x 165 mm

Even though the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K was only released at the end of 2021, it has already proven to be a disruptive force in the competitive price range of high resolution resin printers. Clearly, Anycubic has focused on delivering results where it counts, cutting costs in areas that don't affect the overall performance of the printer.

As an iterative upgrade of the popular first generation Photon Mono, the 4K version features a number of improvements, not least the ability to print in 4K with a 6.23" monochrome 4K LCD display and a finer 35 micron resolution.

Assembly volume remains the same - 132 x 80 x 165 mm; you can batch print, but this is by no means a productive printer. While we can't call the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K a speed demon, it holds its own with a print speed of 50mm/hr, which is a massive improvement over the original Photon Mono.

These characteristics make the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K especially suitable for printing detailed miniatures, models and modest-sized figurines. The printer should appeal to those who are partial to the weekly Dungeons & Dragons game, like homemade figurines.

For the price, the level of detail is beyond expectations, especially the hinged details and intricate textures. The pores of the skin are drawn well, and the detail of, say, a shield or an intricate chain mail mesh is simply fantastic.

Anycubic's Photon Workshop slicer does the job quite well, with some neat features like anti-aliasing. Compatibility with Lychee and ChiTuBox gives you a choice if Anycubic's own software leaves you cold.

Overall, if you're looking to take your first hesitant steps into resin printing and are in the market for low-cost entry-level devices, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is the perfect place to start.

Qidi Tech X-ONE 2

• Price: Check on Amazon here
• Assembly volume: 145 x 145 x 145 mm

It is Qidi Tech's habit of equipping its products with features normally found in more expensive FDM printers without sacrificing its commitment to affordability that sets the Qidi Tech X-One2 apart from the competition.

Qidi Tech X-One2 impresses with features such as heated bed, 50 micron layer height, direct drive single extruder, resume function and rich 3.5” touch screen. We think the almost completely enclosed chamber is the star of the show, providing the Qidi Tech X-One2 with the right, warm environment to process temperature-sensitive ABS filament into worthy prints.

Open the acrylic lids and the Qidi Tech X-One2 is equally at home with PLA. With the right settings and temperature changes, the use of TPU, flexible threads and PETG is not excluded.

The print quality is about where you would expect at this price, with a slightly above average surface quality. Sufficiently smooth and detailed prints should please hobbyists, but they will not be suitable for commercial purposes.

If you can ignore the narrow build volume (145 x 145 x 145 mm) and don't mind well controlled manual bed leveling, we would not hesitate to recommend the Qidi Tech X-One2 to novice users looking for a gentle introduction to the world of 3D FDM printing.

The Qidi Tech X-One2 is a budget printer that is easy to use, versatile and able to work with both ABS and PLA, while retaining the roots of DIY hobbyist 3D printing with the ability to upgrade and modify to your own discretion.

Geeetech A10M - Dual Extrusion Option $300

• Price: Check Amazon here
• Assembly volume: 220 x 220 x 260 mm

A few years ago, the suggestion of dual extrusion on a sub-$300 3D printer would have caused laughter in printing circles. Until recently, dual extrusion FDM printing was a technology limited to expensive, professional-grade printers. The Geeetech A10M embodies the emerging trend of bringing technology into the realm of affordability and fitting it into a growing number of budget printers.

Print quality is surprisingly good, even with color gradients or prints with fairly complex patterns. Much of this is due to Geeetech's efforts to limit trade-offs when using dual extrusion.

The Geeetech A10M has a print volume of 220 x 220 x 260 mm large enough to be used in a wide range of applications from multi-color models to household items such as pen holders and wall hooks.

The list of specifications expands to include features that you would expect at a higher price. These include a silicon carbide glass substrate that does wonders for adhesion, filament detection, 360-degree ventilation, and a break-resume feature.

Getting used to the idiosyncrasies of the Geeetech A10M will not appeal to everyone; this device is for those who like to tinker and do modding. Taming the Geeetech A10M for the best results takes time and dedication. If that's your thing, then the modular design, slicer-independent functionality, and extensive customization options will be music to your ears. Experienced craftsmen can upgrade the spool holders for greater efficiency or install the magnetic detachable bed with relative ease.

Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite

• Price: Yes - Available in the official store
• Assembly volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm

You can easily look at the stats and compare them to, say, Ender 3 V2 or Anycubic Mega S and reject that model. Does it have a much smaller build area and is it more expensive? We hear what you have to say.

Yes, but build volume is limited because it is an enclosed 3D printer, which is rare for sub-$300 3D printers, and has many benefits. The case allows much better temperature maintenance during printing, which is especially useful when printing with materials such as ABS, as slowing down the cooling of parts prevents them from warping and cracking, which can render finished models unusable.

So, if you're not looking for a huge 3D printer, but rather a small 3D printer that you can trust to print ABS models that won't crack under pressure, Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite might be the one for you.

It can print with various types of PLA filaments as well as ABS, metal or wood filaments. The 150mm print area and cubic design make it a neat machine that can fit on most desktops, and it's easy to use thanks to its full color touchscreen.

The heated bed is easy to remove for easy retrieval of finished prints, and it's quiet for those who want to work overnight on larger or more complex 3D printer projects. Overall, if you are looking for an indoor 3D printer, then this is definitely one of the best 3D printers under $300.

Benefits of a 3D printer under $300

3D printers under $300 have everything you need to efficiently 3D print at a price that won't leave you without a livelihood. $300 is affordable for most. As a rule, they retain their value. Therefore, if the technique does not capture your imagination, you can resell it used.

Aside from the financial appeal, 3D printers under $300 are a great starter option. For those just getting started on their wild and amazing 3D printing journey, they provide everything you need to get past the initial steep learning curve. Easy setup and operation is common, which also helps in this regard. 3D printers under $300 are a great starting point for small businesses testing small runs.

Buyer's Guide - What to Look for When Buying a 3D Printer Under $300

Print technologies

The best 3D printers under $300 usually use one of two printing technologies: FDM and resin printing.

FDM, or Fused Deposition Modeling, is what comes to mind when you think of 3D printing. A heated extruder melts the filament before applying it layer by layer to create a 3D part. Currently, FDM printers starting at $300 offer layer heights of 50 to 100 microns, making them larger and less detailed.

Resin printing, or photopolymerization, uses a light source or laser to act on liquid photosensitive layers to create a 3D print. Most $300 resin 3D printers are based on LCD curing. Cheap resin 3D printers deliver high detail resolution at lower layer heights with finer detail, textures, and smooth details than FDM printers.

Assembly Volume

The Assembly Volume is the maximum size of a part that a particular printer can manufacture. There is a correlation between cost and build volume. Budget printers, which include 3D printers under $300, have a smaller build volume. This is more evident in the case of resin printers, which have a smaller build volume dedicated to high-precision parts. We suggest around 150mm cubic as a baseline expectation for a cheap FDM 3D printer. This allows both small and relatively large parts to be printed.

Filament and material types

Contrary to what you might expect, sub-$300 3D printers cover a decent range of filament types and materials. Models capable of working well with ABS and PLA 3D printing pillars, both inexpensive options, along with resin and even more adventurous materials such as PETG, flexible materials and TPU, are common. Each of them has its own set of properties.

Here is a brief description of the two most popular:

PLA

PLA is a flexible plastic valued for its absence of harmful fumes, low printing temperature, biodegradability and low cost. PLA is an excellent choice for making decorative items and prototypes.

ABS

Acetonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a strong and rigid material that prints at high temperatures. Prone to producing strong odorous fumes, it is most effective in applications such as functional parts that can withstand exposure to the elements or heavy, repeated use.

Print speed

Print speed is the time it takes the printer to complete printing, usually measured in mm/s. While this setting helps you get an idea of ​​the printer's capabilities, print length is a complex task that involves several factors.

Proper print speed—a setting that can typically be adjusted on sub-$300 3D printers—depends on a careful balance between print type and size, desired quality, and materials used.

For PLA and ABS printing, we recommend printers with a speed of 40 to 60 mm/s, which is the golden mean between speed and overall quality.

Assembly

3D printers under $300 are available in one of three build options - kit, semi-assembled or pre-assembled. For $300 you will most likely find the printer as a kit.

Those who like to tinker with technology will enjoy the assembly process of the printer from the kit. We've come a long way from the playful DIY's of a decade ago, and while these printers require assembly, the process is often relatively intuitive and easy, taking no more than an hour. For less than $300, you are most likely buying a complete printer.

On the other hand, pre-assembled printers come ready to go and work out of the box. Semi-assembled printers are in between these two types, offering an easy way to try your hand at building a printer without being overwhelmed.
Closed chamber or open design

Under $300 open design 3D printers are suitable for manufacturers looking to print primarily on PLA. To avoid filament formation and unsightly artifacts, it is best to print with adequate ventilation, especially during the cooling process.

Due to their ability to retain heat and create a stable thermal environment, closed chambers allow ABS filaments to flourish. In large enough quantities, ABS also emits vapors with harmful properties. A robust case with an air filtration system, ideally with a HEPA filter, is a must for secure printing, even at around $300.

In general, you're more likely to get an open printer, as only a few sub-$300 models have closed cameras. So 3D printers under $300 are best for PLA printing in most cases.

What not to expect from a 3D printer under $300

When buying a 3D printer under $300, you will need to adjust and possibly moderate your expectations. These are humble printers aimed at hobbyists and beginners looking for an inexpensive path to 3D printing. Print performance meets these targets; you can expect decent results and hours of fun, but $300 3D printers are far from professional grade printers.

If you're dreaming of advanced features like automatic bed leveling, Wi-Fi connectivity, a touch screen, or want to play around with exotic filament types, a sub-$300 3D printer won't get you everything you need. It's unlikely that you'll find any of these features in $300 printers. Reconsider your budget and spend a little more on a higher end printer if you're in desperate need of any of these features.

How much does a 3D printer cost?・Cults

How much does a 3D printer cost? This question is asked by many beginners, hobbyists and enthusiasts. While the answer may be a little complicated, our goal is to simplify the process and help you choose the right printer for your skill level. There are many different 3D printers on the market. Some are small, cheap, and designed for do-it-yourselfers, others are full of features and cost much more.

However, this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune to get a good printer. The cost of 3D printers has come down a lot over the years and you can now find good 3D printers for under $300. While they may not have some of the features found on a $20,000 printer, you can still use them to create interesting projects. Many of these cheap printers are for beginners, hobbyists, or those who want to learn how to 3D print.

So how much does a 3D printer cost? Basically, you can find starter models for $200. Mid-range consumer models start at around $700, while commercial or high-end consumer models will set you back thousands of dollars. In this article, we will answer some questions about 3D printers and provide you with an informative guide to choosing the best printer for your skill level.

If you're an engineer, artist, inventor, hobbyist, or just a tinkerer, a 3D printer is definitely worth it. 3D printers are very useful for creating models of machines, parts, fixtures, gears, and other complex shapes. This technology is used in many areas, including aerospace, medicine, all kinds of mechanical engineering, etc.

If you love building, fixing and fiddling with things, a 3D printer can be a great addition to your equipment. However, if you're not into any of the above areas or hobbies, getting a 3D printer might not be worth it. In addition, before purchasing a printer, you need to make sure that you are technically literate enough to operate it. This is because such printers require regular updates/upgrades and the learning curve can be quite steep.

You will need to regularly buy filaments, learn how to design in 3D CAD or use other modeling software. Also, you may have to fiddle with your machine settings before you find the right fit. If you are completely new, using a 3D printer will take you a lot of time and you may end up spending a lot of money on filaments and other materials. However, once you get the hang of it, 3D printing can quickly turn into one of the most enjoyable activities or hobbies one can indulge in.

In addition to the initial purchase cost, the cost of using a 3D printer can quickly increase depending on the model you purchase. For the cheapest models, you will have to constantly buy printer upgrades. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a high-quality printer with better specifications so that you do not have to upgrade from time to time.

Another item that can increase the cost of a 3D printer is filaments. They usually sell for around $25 per kilo, so beginners are advised to buy them in small quantities. This is because you will need multiple colors to create models, and buying a kilo of each can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars. Another thing you will waste is time. If you're just getting started, you'll have to take the time to learn about your printer, how to make great 3D prints, the right software and updates, color combinations, material composition, and many other important factors.

Definitely yes. In fact, there are many different ways to make money with 3D printers. Below are the top four ways to make money with these printers:

• Prototyping and Selling : You can make money by offering to prototype for local engineering firms. Since 3D printing involves learning how to create 3D designs, you can sell your designs or create designs for engineering firms.
• Sell your prints : You can sell your printed objects online. Create a website or social media campaign and sell your designs. You can also create custom prints for your clients; they will provide you with the design and you will print it for them.
• Sell your designs : You don't have to print to make money. You can just sell your 3D designs and skip the whole printing process.
• Teach others : Many people are interested in the knowledge you have about printing. Engineers, students, DIYers and hobbyists will be happy to learn from you. You can simply charge them and teach them how to use and set up their own printers, what materials to use, how to print, and so on.

As we noted above, the cost of 3D printers has dropped significantly as there are now models that have few features but are cheaper. Basically, there are five different types of 3D printers based on price. These are entry-level printers for hobbyists, enthusiasts, professional and industrial printers. The price of machines in each category depends on the functions, size and capabilities of the machine. Let's take a closer look at each of these categories:

Entry level 3D printers

Entry-level 3D printers designed for beginners. They are mainly used to climb the learning curve. You can buy these to learn how to 3D print before moving on to higher models. While you won't be able to create complex prints, you will be able to understand how a 3D printer works.

This type of printer has its limitations. First, you won't be able to print more than 3-4 inches in any dimension, be it height, width, or length. Also, many of these printers do not allow you to use more than one media at a time. In addition, they are slow and noisy, and the quality of their products is not as beautiful as that of expensive models. Also, the highest resolution that most entry-level printers offer is 100 microns.
In addition, entry-level printers are not very durable. However, they are a great learning tool and can serve as a good stepping stone to dive deeper into the world of 3D printers. Now to answer the question, how much does a 3D printer cost? A typical entry-level printer will cost between $200 and $400.

3D printers for hobbyists

Hobbyists are those who have plunged into the world of 3D printing a little, fell in love with it and were carried away by it. They just want to improve their 3D printing skills by making models just for fun. Although 3D printers in this category are slightly better than entry-level models, they still cannot offer a result that goes beyond fun creativity. Their build volume is larger and you will be able to make more models with these printers. 3D printers for hobbyists allow you to create designs as small as 5-6 inches. Prints are thinner than entry-level printers and usually have better software.

They are faster than entry-level models and allow more flexibility in material selection. This means that with machines in this category you can be even more creative. However, it is important to note that while they may be better than entry-level models, they are not very durable and their performance is not reliable. This means that they may not be able to withstand too much load, and you will not be able to use them for a long time. So how much does a 3D printer cost? They usually cost between $300 and $1500. There are many different products on the market in this price range and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. We recommend taking a look at this guide to 3D printers under $500 from HotRate.

3D Printers for Enthusiasts

Becoming a 3D printing enthusiast means you've decided to level up and now consider it more than just a hobby. This is a big leap that requires better and more powerful hardware than those in the hobbyist category. Printers in this category are known for their reliability and high build volume. They are quieter and slightly faster than hobbyist machines. In addition, they can print up to 12 inches in any dimension and allow for a wider choice of materials.

However, they also have their downsides. Some of them only work with branded media, which means you can't just buy any type of media and run it into the printer. Also, while their prints and output are usually better than hobbyist printers, they cannot be used for production. This is because they are not professional machines and cannot be used for a long time.
You will need regular maintenance and repairs. Enthusiast 3D printers are ideal for regular use, but can break down with constant use. How much does a 3D printer in this category cost, you ask? Be prepared to spend $1500 to $3500.

Do you consider yourself experienced enough and would like to monetize your 3D printing skills? Or maybe you just want to take your hobby to the next level by creating professional models? Be that as it may, a professional 3D printer is one that is capable of working for you. The print quality on them is first class and they are capable of printing up to 12 inches in any dimension. In addition, they are flexible regarding materials. You can use a variety of media in the machine without worrying about color or texture. They can also print faster than the categories we talked about earlier without sacrificing quality.

The price of a printer for a professional printing press is quite high. Therefore, to ensure that you are purchasing the best 3D printing machine, be sure to read real user reviews. Consider the pros and cons of the machine you want to purchase. Read up on how to maintain it, what materials to use, how best to set it up, etc. Make a list of important factors and go through them one by one.
The price of a printer for machines in this category is expensive, so checking all the right boxes before making a purchase decision is very important. So back to our original question, how much does a 3D printer cost in this category? A typical professional 3D printer costs between $3,500 and $6,000. They are commonly used by robotics clubs, schools, and businesses large and small.

Industrial 3D printers designed for serious print businesses. They are simply the best and fastest cars in all categories. Their characteristics are at the highest level, they are very durable, as they are made of metal. In addition, their interfaces are user-friendly and they are very efficient. Industrial 3D printers are large and can accommodate many different types of custom prints. They also come with a hefty price tag, but that's to be expected given the fact that they're made for businesses and their construction is top-notch.

Industrial 3D printers are large and heavy, which can be a problem if you don't have enough space. In addition, the cost of 3D printing with these machines can run into the thousands of dollars over time. Obviously, these machines consume more electricity, materials and require a high level of maintenance than printers in other categories. That is why they are recommended only for enterprises and manufacturers.

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