3D printer under 50 dollars

The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2022

While we'd hesitate to call 3D printing a mature technology, you might say it has reached its teenage years. Through their first decade-and-change, 3D printers have come down in price, grown easier to set up and operate, and become more reliable. And you may pay less than you expect: Many once-high-end features have migrated down to inexpensive models.

PC Labs has been reviewing 3D printers since 2013. Today, the state of 3D printing is strong, but that wasn’t always the case. For the first several years, it was often an adventure getting one of these printers up and running, let alone successfully through our testing regimen. Issues with filament-based—aka fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition modeling (FDM)—printers were abundant.

Filament feeders had to be coaxed into delivering filament from the spool to the extruder. Print beds had to be manually aligned. The extruder or hot end had to be positioned just right to minimize the gap between the nozzle and the build plate (the flat surface on which the object is printed). Objects frequently stuck to the build plate, and required careful, sometimes unsuccessful, efforts to pry them off. These and other issues required painstaking effort to resolve, often combined with calls to tech support.

Not so much anymore. While they can still be rebellious at times, 3D printers have grown up a lot, and achieving the 3D printer basics has gotten a lot less likely to end in a shouting match over small things. And they've gotten a lot more affordable, too, for curious DIY-ers and hobbyists to try.

If you're in the market for a beginner or low-cost 3D printer, it's important to know how lower-end models differ. Read on for mini-reviews of the top budget 3D printers we've tested. After that, we go into more detail on understanding the 3D printer specs and tech relevant to beginning buyers. Ready to take the plunge? Read on.

More About Our Picks

Original Prusa Mini

4.5 Outstanding

Best Overall Budget 3D Printer

Bottom Line:

It requires assembly and calibration care (plus shipping from the Czech Republic), but the Original Prusa Mini is a compact, open-frame 3D printer that consistently produces superb-quality output for a great price.

Pros

Top-notch object quality
Supports a variety of filament types
Useful, professionally printed user guide
Great support resources
Versatile, user-friendly software

Cons

First-layer calibration can be tricky
Only includes starter packets of filament
Requires monitoring if young children or pets are around

Read Our Original Prusa Mini Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Schools, Community Centers

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Mini is a consumer-oriented 3D printer that provides a winning combination of low price, ease of setup and use, solid print quality, and smooth, misprint-free operation.

Pros

Very low price.
Reasonably priced filament.
Good print quality.
No misprints in testing.
Easy setup and operation.
Quiet.
Prints over a USB or Wi-Fi connection.

Cons

Occasional problems in trying to launch prints.
Removing printed objects from the print bed is sometimes tricky.

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review

Toybox 3D Printer

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Children

Bottom Line:

The Toybox 3D Printer works well as a model designed for children, offering reliable printing from a browser or mobile device and a few thousand toys to print, plus creative options to output drawings or photos. Just bear in mind the tiny build area.

Pros

Reliable, misprint-free printing
Easy setup
One-touch operation
Well-composed help resources
Access to more than 2,000 printable toys and projects
Lets you create your own printable designs

Cons

Tiny build area
Not ideal for importing 3D files created elsewhere

Read Our Toybox 3D Printer Review

Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer

4. 0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners, Non-Techies

Bottom Line:

3D printing gurus will be intrigued by the Monoprice Mini Delta V2's use of the delta rather than Cartesian coordinate system, but beginners will just enjoy its low price, ease of use, and speedy printing.

Pros

Sub-$200 price
Quick, nearly misprint-free printing
Easy setup and operation
Sturdy steel-and-aluminum frame
Supports multiple filament types

Cons

Tiny build area
So-so print quality
Mere one-year warranty

Read Our Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer Review

Anycubic i3 Mega S

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer With an Open Design, Big Build Area

Bottom Line:

The Anycubic i3 Mega S, an inexpensive open-frame 3D printer, produced decent-quality prints in our testing. To get the most out of it, though, may require precise calibration.

Pros

Modestly priced
Large build area for an inexpensive printer
Supports a variety of filament types
Generally solid print quality
Uses well-known Cura software

Cons

Finicky print-platform alignment
Supported coils of filament are small
Poorly placed spool holder

Read Our Anycubic i3 Mega S Review

Anycubic Vyper

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for the Biggest Build Area Possible

Bottom Line:

Anycubic's modestly priced Vyper whips up large 3D prints on its open-frame design, and provides automatic print-bed leveling. Just know that some minor assembly is required—and printed objects may require a bit of cleanup.

Pros

Relatively large build area
Automatic bed leveling
Simple assembly

Cons

Short (one-year) warranty
Includes only a small starter filament coil
Using Cura software with the Vyper requires tweaking a couple of settings
Test prints showed some "hairy" filament residue

Read Our Anycubic Vyper Review

Creality Ender-3 V2

3. 5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for Tinkerers and DIY Types

Bottom Line:

Hands-on tweaking defines Creality's budget-price Ender-3 V2, an open-frame 3D printer that you build from a kit. It produces generally above-par prints, but its print bed can be tricky to keep leveled.

Pros

Inexpensive
Slightly above-average print quality
Good-size build area for its price
Supports several filament types

Cons

Manual print-bed leveling can be tricky
Setup instructions could be deeper, more legible
Questionable quality control on some parts

Read Our Creality Ender-3 V2 Review

Flashforge Finder 3D Printer

3.5 Good

Best 3D Printer for the Very Tightest Budgets

Bottom Line:

The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is moderately priced and offers good print quality, but it proved tricky to get up and running in our tests.

Pros

Quiet.
Good print quality.
Connects via USB 2.0 cable, USB thumb drive, or Wi-Fi.
Reasonably priced.

Cons

Some objects pulled off the platform during testing.
Poor documentation.
Modest build volume.
Limited to printing with polylactic acid filament (PLA).

Read Our Flashforge Finder 3D Printer Review

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for Dabbling in Small Objects

Bottom Line:

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer is a compact, stylish 3D printer with above-par overall print quality, but, alas, a tiny build area for the money.

Pros

Small, lightweight for a desktop 3D printer.
Easy to set up and use.
Supports PLA, PETG, and wood composite filaments.
Multiple-color support.
Wi-Fi camera monitors print jobs.
Prints from USB drives, SD cards, or mobile devices.

Cons

High price for its capabilities.
Small build area.
Too-brief warranty.

Read Our Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer With Closed Design, Roomy Build Area

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro is a moderately priced closed-frame 3D printer with a large build volume and overall good performance, but a potentially balky filament-feeding system.

Pros

Spacious build area
Works with third-party filaments
Self-leveling print bed

Cons

Build plate is not heated
Limited to PLA- and PETG-based filaments
Guide tube is prone to detaching

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro Review

Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer

3. 0 Average

Best Budget 3D Printer for Cheap Filament

Bottom Line:

The Monoprice Voxel is an under-$400 3D printer that's easy to set up and use. It exhibits generally good print quality, but it was unable to print two of our test objects.

Pros

Easy to set up and use.
Budget price for printer and filament spools.
Supports PLA, ABS, and several composite filament types.
Versatile software.
Prints over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, or from a USB thumb drive.

Cons

Frequent misprints on certain test objects.
Slightly balky touch screen.

Read Our Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer Review

How to Buy a Cheap 3D Printer

The biggest changes to 3D printers over the last few years have come to the cheaper models. Nowadays, many of those classic, ornery 3D-printing issues have been resolved (most of the time, anyway), even for consumer and bargain-priced 3D printers. Automatic print-bed leveling is the norm, and you can usually remove 3D-printed objects from heated and/or flexible build plates with a minimum of coaxing. And most 3D printer manufacturers have either developed and refined their own software, or have adapted an open-source printing platform such as Cura(Opens in a new window).

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

What separates more expensive 3D printers from cheap ones ("cheap" defined as $500 or less, for the purposes of this article) is often a select group of features. These include the build volume, the type of frame, the varieties of supported filament, the software, and the connectivity mix. Let's run through those in turn.

What's the Right Build Volume for a 3D Printer?

A 3D printer’s build volume is the maximum dimensions (HWD) of a part that it can print. (We say “a part” because a 3D-printed object can consist of multiple parts that are printed, then glued or otherwise pieced together. ) While the smallest build volume of any 3D printer we have tested is 3.9 by 3.9 by 4.9 inches, we consider any build volume smaller than 6 by 6 by 6 inches to be small, any between that and 10 by 10 by 10 inches as medium, and any printer with at least one build dimension of more than 10 inches as having a large build volume.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

As a general rule, inexpensive 3D printers have small build volumes, while more expensive ones have larger build volumes. This depends in part on the type of printer. Closed-frame 3D printers—and most semi-open models, which have a rigid top, base, and sides but are open in front and, often, back—tend to have small build volumes, while open-frame printers, lacking as rigid a physical structure, often have relatively large build volumes for the price. You'll want to weigh the build volume against the kinds of objects you will print.

Should I Get an Open-Frame or Closed-Frame 3D Printer?

Which brings us to the frame "form factor" question: open-frame versus closed-frame. Closed-frame 3D printers are boxlike devices, with a rigid base, walls (with a see-through door in front), and top. Among their advantages? They muffle the operating noise, as well as reduce the odor from melted filament (which is potentially an issue with ABS plastic), and they provide some protection for people or pets who might inadvertently touch the hot extruder. A downside: They tend to have smaller build volumes than open-frame 3D printers, which have fewer (often, no) walls to constrict them.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Low-cost 3D printers include both open-frame and closed-frame models, as well as a few stereolithography printers. If a relatively large build volume is a priority, you’re likely to get more bang for the buck with an open-frame model. Open-frames do have some clear downsides by definition: They tend to be noisy, emit odors when certain plastics are melted, and provide little protection for someone who might touch the hot extruder.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Also, recognize some potential negatives of open frames, depending on the model. Some require assembly, being essentially kits, and most require more setup care than a closed-frame printer, plus more maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Still, these very traits should not deter—and may even appeal to—hobbyists and DIY folks.

What Should I Look for in 3D Printer Software and Connectivity?

Gone are the days when tinkerers had to cobble together several different programs to get a 3D printer to run. Manufacturers either include their own 3D printing program or modify an existing platform such as the open-source Cura.

3D printing software performs three main functions: processing an object file (resizing, moving, rotating, and in some cases duplicating it), slicing it (into virtual layers, based on your chosen resolution), and printing it. These are almost universally combined into a seamless process. Some high-end printers have software that supports a wider range of settings you can tweak, but even the basic suites work at least reasonably well.

More likely to vary among the cheaper set is the array of connection options from model to model. Nearly all have a USB Type-A port to fit a thumb drive for printing from document files. Most also have a USB Type-B port for connecting directly to a computer, and some offer Wi-Fi, too (or as an alternative), while a handful let you connect via Ethernet to share the printer across a local network.

Some printers support storing 3D files on an SD or microSD card (which may also contain the printer’s system files). Most 3D printer manufacturers (even the discount ones) have a mobile app to launch and monitor print jobs, and a few provide access to cloud services from which you can print.

While high-end 3D printers tend to have an abundance of connection choices, discount models vary widely in their choices. Some are generous and some are basic, so it pays to assess what a given model offers.

What Should I Look for in Filament Support?

Filament support tends to be a key area that separates the cheaper models from the higher-end ones. (See our guide to understanding 3D printing filaments for more particulars.) Inexpensive 3D printers tend to support a limited number of plastic filament types, some of them only PLA and/or ABS.

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3D Printing: What You Need to Know

3D Printer Filaments Explained

(Credit: Molly Flores)

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable, plant-based polymer, while ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the same tough plastic that Legos are made from. Objects printed from ABS are durable and nontoxic, though the material can be tricky to work with. ABS can emit an acrid, unpleasant odor during printing, and the bottom corners of objects being printed with it have a tendency to curl upward a bit, especially if you are using a non-heated print bed. This can lead to unsightly prints, and/or prints prematurely pulling off the build plate, ruining them.

Many entry-level and low-price 3D printers stick exclusively to PLA. If you want to experiment with a larger variety of filaments—which include water-soluble filament, wood- and metal-laced composites, and both tough and flexible varieties—you may have to pay more, although a few discount models support a wide range of materials.

Should I Consider a 3D Printing Pen Instead?

Although they aren’t printers per se, inexpensive 3D pens are close kin to 3D printers—using the same filament types and a similar extrusion system—and we include them in the 3D printing category. Rather than tracing out a programmed pattern, you use the 3D pen much like a normal pen, except that you draw with molten plastic. You can trace a pattern or draw freehand, and even draw in three dimensions as the plastic quickly solidifies and hardens once extruded.

(Credit: 3Doodler)

Most 3D pens cost less than $100, and some cost $50 or less. At a glance, 3D pens may appear to be toys, but some artists and craftspeople have taken to them, as it is possible to make quite complicated and beautiful objects with them. If your aim in 3D printing is something closer to freehand design and free expression than computer-centric, structured, and repeatable output, you might give one a try.

So, What Is the Best Cheap 3D Printer to Buy?

Buying a budget 3D printer needn’t mean a world of sacrifice. Plenty of capable and reliable models sell at less than $500, and while they may not be as feature-rich as their more expensive cousins, there's no sense in paying for things you don’t need.

Many casual 3D-printing experimenters will be fine with printing over a USB cable or from a thumb drive, and sticking to PLA may be the best choice for a starter 3D printer. If you focus just on the features you want, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Below, check out a spec breakdown of the best under-$500 3D printers we have reviewed, paralleling our picks above. Also, for a look at the broader market, see our guide to our favorite 3D printers overall.

The Best Cheap 3D Printers in October 2022 (For Every Use)

Ten years ago, a 3D printer costing just a few hundred dollars would be considered impossible. The only cheap 3D printer around was a RepRap 3D printer you made yourself for $500 — and even then it could be unreliable.

But now? We are spoiled with hundreds of great, low cost printers from innovative companies across the globe.

Therefore, we ranked the best affordably priced 3D printers, based on their reliability, ease of use, price-performance ratio, and a range of other factors. We’ve included both budget FDM and resin picks, and split our recommendations into each price range: under $200, under $300, $500, and $1000.

FDM PICK

Creality Ender 3 V2

Reliable 3D printer for under $300

New upgraded version with key improvements

Simple to set up and get started with

Available at:

Creality hereAmazon here

RESIN PICK

Anycubic Photon M3

Great quality low-cost resin printing

Speed improvements to create figurines faster than ever

Better surface finish than FDM

Available at:

Anycubic here

PREMIUM PICK

Prusa i3 MK3S+

Wide filament choice (including tougher filaments like PC)

Super reliable & a workhorse

Trusted by 130,000+ makers

Available at:

Prusa here

So, you want to buy a cheap 3D printer

Well, you’re in the right place. There are some lower priced 3D printers out there that do a fantastic job, reliably printing precise models in a variety of different materials.

However, the lower price you go, the less features, precision, and reliability you get. The cheapest 3D printers we recommend start at around $200-250, though there are options below this, but we have not found any that reliably print to the level we would recommend.

At a certain level, it is worth paying an extra $30 for the peace of mind and to avoid the headache of an inconsistent, often faulty printer. Therefore, we have included cheap 3D printers that still offer good reliability, quality and are not too difficult to use.

All the best budget 3D printers

3D printer name and brand	Type of Printer	Build Volume (mm)	Price	Lowest price at:	Alternative purchase option
Creality Ender 3 V2	FDM Kit	220 x 220 x 250	$249	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Anycubic Photon M3	Resin	163 x 103 x 180	$299	Anycubic here
Voxelab Aquila	FDM	220 x 220 x 250	$169	Amazon here
Anycubic Kobra	FDM Kit	220 x 220 x 250	$299	Anycubic here	Amazon here
Toybox	FDM	70 x 80 x 90	$299	Toybox Store here
Creality Ender 3 S1	FDM Kit	220 x 220 x 270	$379	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Prusa Mini+	FDM Kit	180 x 180 x 180	$399	Prusa Store here
Creality Ender 5 Plus	FDM Kit	350 x 350 x 400	$579	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Flashforge Creator Pro 2	FDM	200 x 145 x 150	$699	Flashforge here	Amazon here
Prusa i3 MK3S	FDM Kit	250 x 210 x 150	$749 / $999	Kit available on Prusa store here	Fully assembled on Prusa store here

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Best 3D Printers Under $300

Creality Ender 3 V2 — Fantastic Affordable 3D Printer

Price: Check latest price at Creality here / Available on Amazon here
Print volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm

Creality make some of the world’s most popular low-cost 3D printers, including the CR-10, Ender 5 and Ender 3 range. The Ender 3 is cheaper than the CR-10 and has a smaller maximum build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, but we feel it’s the overall better buy (and it’s cheaper!).

The upgraded Ender 3 V2 is not too dissimilar from the hugely popular original: for $60 extra you get an improved carborundum glass bed for better print adhesion and print quality, and this bed also makes removing prints easier — lessening the chances of damaging the model during removal.

The new HD screen is also a nice touch, and a pleasant extra to have. And if you would rather save the $60 and get a standard Ender 3, you can do that too.

For most makers looking to buy a cheap 3D printer, you want reliable, adequate printing on a machine that doesn’t give you a headache with its constant errors and faults. The Ender 3 V2 certainly fits the bill, with good quality printing that can generally be relied upon.

It’s also versatile, with a number of Ender 3 upgrades available, and the printer itself has had its 3D printer extruder improved so it doesn’t clog as much, for a less stressful 3D printing experience. There’s a reason why it’s currently the best-selling 3D printer in the world.

Voxelab Aquila – Cheapest 3D Printer in the World (that actually works well)

Price: Check latest price on Amazon here
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Minimum Layer Height: 100-400 microns
Premium Features: Carborundum glass build surface

3D printing is a pricey hobby, from the printer to keeping a stock of good quality filament, so we always perk up when a manufacturer produces a machine that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The risk is that cost-cutting will make the printer a shoddy product, causing more hassle than quality prints, but the Voxelab Aquila.

It’s very cheap, but has everything you need to embark on your 3D printing journey in style. It has an average 220 x 220 x 250 mm, 100-micron minimum layer height, easy assembly, and, remarkably, for such a low-cost printer, a carborundum glass build surface that delivers super first-layer adhesion.

For all its merits, the Voxelab Aquila is still a budget printer and is light on features. There’s no automatic bed leveling, it features a Bowden extruder system rather than a direct drive, and the build quality is a far cry from even printers a few hundred dollars up the pricing scale.

If these are must-have features, you might be better off with something a bit more decked out, like the Anycubic Kobra or the Ender 3 V2. But, if the price is the top driver in your decision-making, then the Voxelab Aquila is a gusty printer capable of shepherding you through the first year or two of your 3D printing journey.

We would say that this is the cheapest 3D printer that you can actually rely on. Many other sub-$200 3D printers aren’t great, but the Voxelab Aquila and Ender 3 are rare reliable cheap printers.

Anycubic Photon M3 – Best Budget Resin 3D Printer

Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here
Build Volume: 163 x 103 x 180 mm
XY Resolution: 40 microns
Minimum Layer Height: 10 microns

For a very cheap pick, you can still pick up the standard Photon Mono, but for a bit more we recommend upgrading to the Anycubic Photon M3, with the larger build volume and 4K LCD screen.

Resin printers cure entire layers at once, unlike FDM, so the larger 163 x 103 x 180 mm build volume is a bigger advantage than ever: you can print a handful of tabletop minis at once, and at the same speed it would take to print just one. The extra height is also great for figures up to 180mm tall.

The Photon M3 is our pick for best cheap resin 3D printer, over the Photon Mono 4K, with the M3’s larger 7.6” screen for the larger build volume. You sacrifice 5 microns of XY resolution (40 microns vs 35), but this is barely noticeable even on the more intricate resin projects, and personally we prefer the larger size.

The 4K is a notable upgrade on the standard Photon Mono’s 2K LCD, which delivers good detail on even fairly complex D&D figures and other designs. The print speed is 50mm/h which is fairly fast, too, so you can print 28mm minis in just over half an hour.

Anycubic Kobra – one of the cheapest 3D printers with auto-leveling

Price — Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Minimum Layer Height: 50-300 microns
Premium Features: LeviQ automatic bed leveling, direct drive extruder system, touchscreen

The Anycubic Kobra emerged somewhat out of nowhere in early 2022, wowing both us and makers worldwide with a range of premium features that simply hadn’t been seen on a printer under $300 before. You can read our full hands-on Anycubic Kobra test for the details.

The running theme behind the Anycubic Kobra is to deliver a hassle-free and user-friendly introduction to 3D printers – but it might not have enough to satisfy the needs of more demanding makers.

It achieves this with features like dead-easy automatic bed leveling, a direct drive extruder system that allows for excellent flexible prints, a responsive and smooth touchscreen, and one of the best textured PEI-coated build platforms we’ve seen under $300.

If you’re looking for a first printer or are looking to replace an aging Ender 3 with something teeming with modern comforts, the Anycubic Kobra is the best budget printer currently available.

Toybox 3D Printer – the best cheap 3D printer for kids and absolute beginners

Price: $300 — Available at Toybox store here
Build Volume: 70 x 80 x 90 mm
Minimum Layer Height: 200 microns
Premium Features: Wi-Fi

While gimmicks are always a little hit or miss, the Toybox 3D Printer is undoubtedly a success. It aims to provide absolute beginners and young budding makers with a compact, easy-to-use machine that allows users to channel their creativity free of the time-consuming and technical aspects that usually weigh down 3D printing.

It’s very much a complete package and ensures the printing process is enjoyable from start to finish. Few printers make it quite so simple to jump in with little to no printing experience.Using the black PLA during our test of the Toybox.

The Toybox 3D Printer does, however, come with a set of limitations that mean it isn’t suited to more ambitious projects. Chiefly, the small 70 x 80 x 90 mm build volume is tiny, and the Toybox 3D Printer is only compatible with PLA, limiting your options for experimentation with other materials.

If you’re comfortable with these limitations and understand the printer targets a very select user base, then the Toybox 3D Printer is nothing short of a joy to use. Check out our hands-on review for more details and our take on this mini, kid-friendly printer.

Best Low-Cost 3D Printers Under $500

Prusa Mini+

Price: $399 — Available on Prusa Store here
Print volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm

Cheaper and more compact than the MK3S+, the Mini still offers Prusa’s great precision and workhorse-like reliability.

Following from the runaway success of the Prusa MK3 versions, their mini 3D printer version keeps most of the MK3S’ great features, but in a smaller package and at a lower price.

While you still keep the automatic calibration, 0.05mm layer heights, and up to 200mm/s print speed, the Prusa Mini+ can only reach slightly lower extruder temperatures at up to 280°C, restricting the filaments you can print compared with the Prusa MK3S. However, you still have a healthy range of filament options, including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, and flexible filaments.

The Prusa Mini also comes with a magnetic heated and removable spring steel build sheets, making it extremely easy to remove finished prints by bending the build plate. The Mini comes with PrusaSlicer for preparing any STL files for printing, and if you do have any problems, Prusa’s support team are on hand 24/7 to help, via live chat or email.

Best 3D Printers Under $1,000

Ender 3 S1 – one of the best 3D printers under $500

Price: Check latest price at Creality here / Amazon here
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 270 mm
Minimum Layer Height: 50 microns
Premium Features: Direct drive extruder, automatic bed leveling

Creality is a household name in 3D printing circles, and with good reason, thanks to the Ender 3’s success. The Ender 3 S1 is the most recent in a long line of Ender 3s and is regarded as the best yet.

With the classic Ender 3 now available for under $180, the question is whether the Ender 3 S1 is worth the extra money.

In our opinion, it’s a resounding yes.One of our first prints with the Ender 3 S1 Pro version (not the standard S1, but for PLA it would have made no difference).

Creality has implemented more than a few features – automatic bed leveling, the excellent Sprite direct drive extruder, and fantastic build surface – that should suit those put off by the DIY upgrades that usually come hand-in-hand with owning an Ender 3. The Ender 3 S1 is a sharp and smart upgrade of a superb printer, and that’s worth every penny.

For those that want something even more sophisticated, it’s also worth considering the Ender 3 S1 Pro. It takes all the best features of the Ender 3 S1 and latches on an improved all-metal extruder with a titanium alloy tube and heat block that opens the door to a maximum extruder temperature of 300°C.

This means access to a broader range of materials such as metal and wood fill filament. Elsewhere, the Ender 3 S1 Pro features a spring steel PEI magnetic build plate, a larger touch screen, and some fancy, if unessential, LED light strips.

And if you want more firepower, the Ender 3 S1 Pro does everything that little bit better – and you can read our full Ender 3 S1 Pro review here.

Ender 5 Plus — Best Cheap Large 3D Printer

Price: Check latest price at Creality here / Amazon here
Build Volume: 350 x 350 x 400 mm
Minimum Layer Height: 100-400 microns
Premium Features: Large build volume, BLTouch bed leveling, touchscreen

If you’re looking for a large-format 3D printer that prints accurately and doesn’t break the bank, the Ender 5 Plus ticks all the boxes. It’s the cheapest large-format printer on the market, and the best cheap 3D printer with a large build volume.

The Ender 5 Plus is designed to suit all those large-scale projects that simply aren’t part of the deal with most budget printers. It can print projects that most can’t, such as full-sized helmets, large cosplay pieces, oversized household items like tower-like vases, and all kinds of small-to-medium-sized parts and models. Therefore, you pay for versatility, a hot commodity in 3D printing.

Aside from the massive build volume, the Ender 5 Plus impresses with a BLTouch automatic bed leveling probe, a pleasantly responsive touch screen, a tempered glass build surface, and a dual Z-axis to ensure stability throughout its large build volume.

If large-format printing is top of our list of requirements and you have a bit more budget, it may be worth taking a peek at the Anycubic Kobra Plus and Max. Both are modeled on the excellent Kobra but with much larger build volumes suited to bigger projects like those possible with the Ender 5 Plus. Overall, it’s one of the best-value 3D printers for larger prints.

Prusa i3 MK3S+ – Best Value 3D printer

Price: $749 as a kit — Available on Prusa store here / $999 fully assembled — Available on Prusa store here
Build volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm

Costing under $1,000, the Prusa i3 printers are some of the best cheap 3D printers around.

This wouldn’t be a valid list without including the Prusa i3 MK3S+. The most successful and popular printer to emerge from the RepRap philosophy, the Prusa i3 sports a print volume of 250 x 210 x 200 mm, and weighs just over 6kg. For an extra $300, you can upgrade it with Prusa’s Multi Materal Upgrade Kit, allowing you to 3D print in up to 5 colors simulatenously!

You can purchase the Multi Material Upgrade here.

Prusa 3D printers are meticulously designed to be as simple and effective to use as possible. Accurate up to a layer resolution of 50 microns, the Prusa i3 is a precise, cheap 3D printer which dominates its RepRap 3D printer competitors. You can either buy the Prusa fully assembled for around $999 or build your own for around $749.

It’s also fast, able to print at up to 200mm/s, and is famed for its reliability and durability. Beyond standard filaments like PETG, PLA and ABS, you can also print trickier materials like Polycarbonate. Overall, it’s the king of 3D printer kits, and the Prusa is simply marvelous.

Flashforge Creator Pro 2

Creator Pro 2: $649 — Available at Flashforge Official here / Available on Amazon here
Print volume: 200 x 145 x 150 mm

3D printer manufacturer Flashforge are well-known for making some of the best cheap 3D printers of the last few years, including the Adventurer 3, Finder, Hunter, and now the Creator Pro range. The newest versions, the Creator Pro 2 and Creator Max 2, expand into new territory: IDEX 3D printing.

Whereas the original Creator Pro already had dual extruders, they could not move independently. Now on the Creator Pro 2, two print heads each feature their own extruder so they can each print concurrently, offering a range of new applications and opportunities.

With a minimum layer thickness of 0.1mm, the Creator Pro 2 is fairly accurate for the price. Owing to the new IDEX 3D printing system, this cheap 3D printer has a slightly smaller print volume that the original Creator Pro, at 200 x 145 x 150 mm, though still easily enough for casual printing. The Flashforge Creator Pro is overall a consistent and reliable option for anybody looking for a dual extruder 3D printer.

Buying Guide – Things To Consider When Buying a Cheaper 3D Printer

Buying a cheap 3D printer isn’t so much about what you get, but what you don’t get. We’re talking about the extra niceties that you sacrifice in paying less, which would make your printing experience that much more enjoyable and, to an extent, hassle-free.

Here’s a quick breakdown of where the cost-cutting generally takes place and the extras you might not get when choosing a lower-cost 3D printer.

Auto Bed Leveling

Auto bed leveling is very often the first feature to go when manufacturers look to keep costs down. It is by no means essential but makes calibrating a printer much more straightforward than manually turning a set of knobs under the bed to compensate for natural blemishes and inaccuracies on the surface.

However, some low-cost 3D printers do feature auto-leveling, such as the Anycubic Kobra and Prusa Mini.

Enclosure

Cheap 3D printers are few and far between because penning a printer into a more or less sealed chamber is expensive. The lack of an enclosure won’t be an issue for most only looking to dabble in PLA, PETG, and flexibles, but if you want to print ABS, you’re best opting for a 3D printer with an enclosure – or buying or building an enclosure for your printer.

Assembly

Shipping a fully-assembled, ready-to-print machine costs time and money, so manufacturers often opt to ship their 3D printers semi-assembled or in kit form. The time and effort required to put them together varies, but expect to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour setting up before you can print.

Touchscreen

Though less of a luxury than they used to be, touchscreen interfaces on cheap 3D printers are another comfort that often goes out the window when it comes to cutting costs. They are generally replaced by rotary knob controls that while functional don’t have the intuitive appeal of a touchscreen.

Wi-Fi

SD card and often USB connectivity are relatively standard across most of the best cheap 3D printers. On the other hand, Wi-Fi isn’t and generally comes with a hefty premium. As a general rule, don’t expect Wi-Fi on 3D printers priced under $300, except in rare cases.

How Much Is a Cheap 3D Printer?

3D printer is widely considered a cheap 3D printer when the price falls under $300 to $400, dropping as low as under $200 for the lowest-cost options. Any higher, the cost pushes the printer into the mid-range portion of the 3D printer market.

Is a DIY 3D Printer Cheaper?

Not necessarily. Because manufacturers produce at scale, they’re able to keep the cost per unit of the best 3D printers low, meaning you’ll likely pay much more for parts to build a from-scratch equivalently specced machine if you take the DIY route. As for semi-assembled or kit printers, they are generally cheaper than their pre-assembled counterparts.

FAQs

What Is the Best Cheap 3D Printer?

Some of the best 3D printers under $200 are the Ender 3 and Voxelab Aquila. Below $300, we’re looking at printers like the Anycubic Kobra, while under $500, the best 3D printers include the Ender 3 S1 and Prusa MINI.

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Top 5 3D printers under $500

3D printing technology is gradually changing the production of various products that we use on a daily basis. They work by adding materials layer by layer. According to one of the videos from the Mashable channel, these machines not only allow the creation of complex parts, but also reduce the time and cost of production.

These printers, which were originally only available for industrial production, are now offered in highly consumer-friendly forms to bring the technology closer to all types of people. For just $500, anyone can now own a unit for personal and small business purposes.

In the price range shown, the most common type you will come across is FDM or FFF. This will allow the use of durable thermoplastic materials such as PLA, ABS and PET. The most common applications for FDM printers include, but are not limited to, electrical housing, design and fit testing, fixtures and fittings, and investment casting patterns. It's not as precise and complex as the SLA printers we love too, but FDM seems to be great for printing large and simple parts.

Printers under $500 may be too limited when it comes to the features they can offer. However, most of them are making cutbacks, which means they are still quite capable of doing their job.

Whenever you're looking for one, you should pay attention to the key features of the printer. This includes the machine's print speed, build volume, and compatible fibers. The Creality Ender 3 Pro printer model will fit most of your needs with its quality build and great features. Some of them are a removable heated magnetic bed and significant improvements in the Y-axis.

There are other amazing options on the market, such as models made by top brands such as Anycubic, FlashForge and Monoprice. However, choosing a 3D printer under $500 can be a daunting task. So, to help you make a purchase, we have provided five of the best 3D printers under $500 to provide you with the most helpful information before you buy. Here is a list of their latest sales on Amazon. Just click the buttons below and get the best prices we've been looking for!

The best 3D printers up to $ 500 in comparison and rating

9000 900-3DILOTRIA 1.

3DROMEN Ender 3 Pro

3D printers up to $ 500
New Y Frame Design 40*40 Maximum Print Speed at 200mm/s Magnetic Print Bed0003
2. 3D printer Anycubic Mega S	Sensor sensor Suspended bush added to the 3D printer 9, more than a fiber
3. 3D printer Crealy Ender 3	The unique design of the system Shtepsel fork with a fuse to avoid thermal drainage	220 x 220 x 250 cu. Mm
Print speed	≤ 180 mm / s, normal 30-60 mm / s with a maximum print speed of 200 mm / s
Compatible materials	ABS, PLA, wood

performance and print quality

build quality

features

EASY AND CONVENIENT USE

Pros :

The most outstanding 3D printer under $500.
Has a removable and upgraded surface layer that protects the 3D printer build plate from all sides, maintains a constant temperature and easily removes the printed model when cooled.
Has a more stable print bed thanks to a new 40 * 40 Y frame design.
Excellent energy performance.
Offers great room for improvement due to its open source nature.

Cons:

For a beginner, leveling the bed can be a challenge. For convenience, you will need to buy a tempered glass tablet as well as an automatic leveler.

Final take:

The Creality Ender 3 Pro is the most outstanding 3D printer for its price. It features an updated version of the legendary Creality Ender 3 budget printer with some tweaks to improve its reliability. It boasts its new C-Mag magnetic print bed, which offers more flexibility. It has a textured surface that helps to adhere the first layer to the base and helps to remove the final product immediately after cooling. It provides a sufficient temperature of 110°C so that the material does not become too soft and brittle.

Another great thing about Ender 3 Pro is that it's a completely open source system that allows great updates and tweaks to be made and distributed to a wider user community. It also offers a useful resume printing feature that allows users to easily resume printing immediately and from the last registered point in the event of a power failure or any other disturbance. Thanks to Meanwell proprietary power supply. This is a UL recognized power supply targeting the standard SPS market. Therefore, this printer is protected from sudden power surges.

With a decent printer build volume, detachable heated magnetic stand and power recovery mode, the Real Ender 3 Pro is an extremely phenomenal and versatile 3D printer at a very affordable price.

Check Price

2. 3D printer Anycubic Mega S

Technical characteristics:

98% only

, ABA HIPS, PETG, wood

9000 9000 9000		ANYCUBIC0027
build Volume	210 x 210 x 205 cu. Mm
Print speed	20-100 mm / s (recommended 60 mm / s)

performance and print quality

build quality

features

EASY AND CONVENIENT TO USE

Pros :

Very convenient to use.
Emphasizes overall mechanical design compatibility with most filaments.
Offers a 3.5" TFT touch screen interface.
Features a patented microporous coating on the print platform for excellent adhesion during printing.
Supplied pre-assembled and easy to install.

Cons:

Not ideal for beginners as it needs to be set up before use, especially when it comes to cable routing and bed alignment.

Final take:

The Anycubic Mega S is one of the brand's newest models, which reflects almost the same features as the Anycubic i3 Mega. It is equipped with a sensor-detector that alerts you when your spool runs out of thread. It is smart enough to prevent interruptions in the printing process.

A hanging spool holder has been added to the side of the 3D printer for ease of use. It also features a powerful mechanical design filament drive that is compatible with most filaments, reducing clogging and improving print accuracy.

To complete the 3D printing process, it includes a Titan extruder to help you with reliable extrusion. Best gear ratio 3:1 for the best combination of speed and accuracy. This update makes this model more compatible with flexible filaments such as TPU. In addition, the device includes a printing surface coated with a patented microporous layer that provides good adhesion.
Speed at 200 mm / s)

Compatible materials

PLA, TPU

Printing

Fun. EASY TO USE

Pros :

Has a unique motion system design.
Supplied with fused plug to avoid heat drip.
Features a V-shape and upgraded wheels that allow it to move quietly, smoothly and steadily.
Allows you to print models with high precision.
Includes a resume print feature that can be extremely useful in the event of repeated power failures.
Its semi-assembled 3D printer kit is really convenient to use.

Cons:

For those who are not experienced in assembling small CNC style devices, the instructions will be difficult to complete the task.

Final take:

The Creality Ender 3 boasts great features. Some of the things that deserve attention are its split design, industrial PCB and linear pulley system.

Compared to other 3D printers, the Creality Ender 3 offers a unique motion design among 3D printers under $500. Its X, Y, and Z axes are supported by small wheels that rotate as the printer moves. The movement is impeccable. This results in smoother, quieter printing, and this is where this machine excels.

As for other features, technological advances in the extruder reduce the risk of clogging and ensure consistent and uniform extrusion during the printing operation. It also features a fast heating layer that reaches approximately 110°C in just five minutes, which is useful for printing on PLA materials. Combined with a printer nozzle temperature of 250°C, the PLA filament will remain smooth.

That being said, there is no doubt that the Creality Ender 3 offers class, distinction and several equivalent alternatives comparable to expensive 3D printers.

Offers more secure wireless file transfer with Wi-Fi 2nd generation.

Supports the 3D Cloud function, which allows you to store, edit, upload and print the status online, and create a large database of models.

Supplied with an easy to use calibration detection device to aid in alignment.

Its 3.

5 inch full color touch screen provides easy operation with intuitive icons.

Cons:

Only uses PLA filament.
Not suitable for 1 kg thread spools.

Final take:

For young enthusiasts, students and newcomers to 3D printing, the Finder is best purchased as an initial investment. At a low cost, compact and smooth printing is achieved thanks to the best performance of the machine.

It features a 3.5-inch DH IPS full color touch screen with an intuitive smartphone interface. Through the screen, a number of settings can be made - from resetting to the origin, preheating the extruder, loading / unloading the filament, to the point of control and printing. It's also safe for kids to use due to its cool build plate, non-toxic PLA, and sealed print area.

The FlashForge Finder 3D Printer also features a retractable build plate that makes it easy to remove completed 3D prints from the printer. It has an easy to use calibration detection system that helps with alignment. All you need to do is tighten or loosen the adjustment screws until the beep clicks, which indicates that it has detected a difference between the nozzle and the worktable and made sure the alignment is in the right place. Once the first point is aligned, the same operation is applied to the next two screw points. The printing operation is made easy thanks to the fact that clear instructions on the touch screen will guide you throughout the operation.

Compatible materials

Metal, ABS, PLA, Wood, Steel, Polyvinyl alcohol

COMPLY

9000 9000 9000 9,000 USES

Advantage :

Wide extruder temperature range and heated build plate.
Any form of filament can be used, including ABS and PLA, as well as more advanced materials.
Light enough for any table; It has a small footprint and a simple open frame design.
Compatible with Cura, Repetier and other applications on PC and Mac.
Includes USB connection and microSD slot for file transfer.
Features a 3.7" IPS color screen.

Cons:

The calibration procedure is slow and tedious. However, it will deliver great print quality if you don't spin it all the way up.

Final take:

Monoprice 121711 Select Mini 3D Printer V2 comes fully assembled, tested and adjusted by the manufacturer. Right out of the box, you just need to carefully evaluate if your print platform is already level, reload the included microSD card, fill in any filament, and start printing the pre-configured template. You won't find a ready-to-use 3D printer right out of the box at such an affordable price anywhere else. In addition, it comes with an all-metal nozzle, an insulated heated build plate, an advanced nozzle and motherboard cooling system, a 3.7-inch color screen, and Wi-Fi compatibility.

What's more, it's incredible that such a 3D printer exists for under $500 due to the wide range of materials compatible with the Monoprice Select Mini Version 2. All of this is possible thanks to the wide temperature range of its extruders, allowing the use of conductive PLA, wood and metal composites, soluble PVA and more complex yarns. Really impressive for its price and, above all, size!

Check Price 90,000 Best 3D Printers Under $300 in 2022 (All Uses)

We haven't reached the stage where 3D printers are in every home, like computers or smartphones, but now you can get a great 3D printer for 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

What to expect from a 3D printer under $0
Best 3D printers under $300 2022
Creality Ender 3 V2 - Best 3D Printer Under 0
Qidi Tech X-ONE 2
Geeetech A10M - Dual Extrusion Option 0
Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite
Manual 3D Printer Benefits Under $3,0409 what to look for when choosing a 3D printer under $300
What not to expect from a 3D printer under $0

What to expect from a 3D printer under $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 things that $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 the printing process. 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 build their own printer with no problem.

This simplicity is key for a sub $300 3D printer, as most hobbyists are looking for worry-free 3D printing 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 basic 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 touchscreen, 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: See in the official store
Case volume: 132 x 80 x 165 mm

Although 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 update 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 and a finer 35 micron resolution.

Build 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.

At this price point, the level of detail is beyond expectations, especially the articulations 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.

All in all, if you're looking to take your first hesitant steps into resin printing and are in the market for inexpensive 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.

Print quality is about where you'd expect at this price point, with 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 wouldn't 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, yet retains the roots of DIY hobbyist 3D printing and is upgradable and customizable. 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 idea of dual extrusion on a sub-$300 3D printer would have caused laughter in print 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 designs 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's 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 penniless. $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

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 expectations, 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.