Good 3d printers under 300

The 9 Best 3D Printers under $300 in 2023 – Clever Creations

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Best overall

Anycubic Kobra

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

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Best on a budget

Sovol SV06

• Silent operation
• Auto leveling sensor
• Excellent print quality for the price

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Best budget resin

Anycubic Photon Mono

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

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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 2023

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

Sovol SV06

Best on a budget

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Sovol

Being the sixth iteration in the SV series, the Sovol S06 packs a rich set of features that provide excellent utility under $300. It’s strikingly similar to the Prusa i3 printers and follows a similar design philosophy in its offerings.

The dual Z-axis design on the SV06 neatly fits a modest build area of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, which is adequate for printing most 3D printing models with ease. The PEI metal build plate has excellent print adhesion and goes well with the included inductive auto-bed leveling sensor on the SV06.

Sovol has integrated a high-temperature hot end and coupled it with a planetary gear direct extruder. The all-metal hot end can reach temperatures up to 300 °C, while the planetary gear arrangement exerts a high force on the filament, leading to good grip and improved extrusion performance.

However, the machine is not without its faults. In our SV06 review, we found the default part cooling on the printer is slightly weak. Furthermore, the build quality of the SV06 leaves some to be desired.

If you can put aside these minor shortcomings, the Sovol SV06 is one of the best budget 3D printers with many valuable features. It’s capable of delivering good 3D printed parts and, for the price, certainly makes a good choice for beginners, hobbyists, and first-time 3D printer users.

Recommended:

Sovol SV06 Review: The Best Prusa Clone?

Standout Features

• Planetary Direct Drive Extruder with all-metal hot end
• 32-bit controller with TMC 2209 drivers
• Sensorless homing
• Auto Z Align

Technical Details
Print volume	220 x 220 x 250 mm
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max. nozzle temperature	300 °C
Max. bed temperature	Up to 100 °C
Supported slicers	Cura, Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer, etc.
Filament diameter	1.75 mm

What We Like

• Silent operation
• Auto leveling sensor
• Excellent print quality for the price
• Solid safety features

Could Be Better

• No touch screen
• Print bed paint comes off at high temperatures
• Limited print cooling performance

Find Sovol SV06 at

Sovol

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.

Recommended:

Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo Review: A Welcome Refresh

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

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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

Creality Ender 3

Best value

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AmazonCreality3DComgrow

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

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 good 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

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.

Recommended:

Sovol SV06 Review: The Best Prusa Clone?

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 Sovol SV06 and the Anycubic Photon Mono are the runner-ups as budget and resin picks.

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.

1. Best 3D printers under $300 in 2023

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

3. FAQ

4. Conclusion

Best 3D Printers Under $300 in 2023 (All Uses)

We’re not quite at a stage where 3D printers are in every home like computers or smartphones, but you can now get a great 3D printer for under $300. With so many options out there, we’ve narrowed it down to our top $300 3D printers. But first, here’s what you can expect from a 3D printer under $300.

Name	Price	Where to buy
Creality Ender 3 V2	$249	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Qidi Tech X-one2	$249	Amazon here
Anycubic Photon Mono 4K	$299	Anycubic Store here	Amazon here
Geeetech A10M	Check	Amazon here
Anycubic Mega S	$249	Anycubic Store here	Amazon here
Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite	$299	Amazon here

What to expect in a 3D printer under $300

Naturally, you can’t expect the world for $300. More premium printers will offer better precision, stability, consistency, a wider material range, and better temperature control.

Resin pick

4.3

Amazon here

Top Pick

4.6

$279.99

Amazon here

Enclosed pick

Flahforge Adventurer 3 Lite

4.5

Amazon here

$300 3D printers almost always feature an open print area rather than a built-in enclosure — though some can be fitted with enclosures — are often 3D printer kits you need to build yourself, and are mostly restricted to filaments like ABS, PLA and TPU. 

However, there are still some really effective low cost 3D printers for $300 on the market right now, famed for their reliability and workhorse qualities. We’ve listed some of our top recommendations below.

Best 3D Printers Under $300 in 2023 – Reviews

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Creality Ender 3 V2 — best 3D printer under $300

• Price: $279 — Available on Creality Official Store here / Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm

As the world’s current most popular 3D printer under $300, the Ender 3 has really made its mark as an affordable printer suitable for hobbyists and home makers across the world.

Its combination of good build volume size, precise printing, reliability and upgradeability has won it legions of fans worldwide, with Creality upgrading a few parts for the newer Ender 3 V2.

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

Known for its reliability in a price range where most 3D printers fail prints often and break, the Ender 3 can’t do many things that $500 or $2,000 3D printers can, but what it does do, it does well. It can print basic models in PLA and other simpler filaments effectively, precisely, and consistently.

Other notable features are the carborundum glass build plate that makes finished prints easier to remove once finished, 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 piece of mind and a reliable printing experience in one of the best 3D printers under $300, the Ender 3 V2 is for you.

Anycubic Mega S — reliable 3D printer for $300

• Price: $249 — Available on Amazon here / Available on Anycubic Official Store here
• Build 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 built with just a few screws and cables — even the greenest beginners should have no problem building their own.

This simplicity is key in a 3D printer under $300, with most hobbyists looking for a hassle-free 3D printing experience where their 3D printer doesn’t break down every five minutes, and just prints consistently and reliably. The Mega S is that printer, featuring everything you need to print without hassle — and not much else. Barebones yet reliable, it’s built with a sturdy and stable metal structure to prevent the vibrations from printing causing shaky lines in the print.

The 210 x 210 x 205 mm print volume should be enough for most hobbyist projects, and if you’re a small business looking to get started with rapid prototyping on basic materials like PLA, ABS or TPU, the Mega S should work for smaller parts.

• And if the build volume isn’t enough, upgrade to the Mega X for another $100 — On Amazon Here

All Mega models feature Anycubic’s patented Ultrabase print surface which makes for better adhesion — creating stronger and less error-prone prints — as well as making them easier to remove when finished, so you won’t need to scrape around and potentially damage your print while trying to remove it.

As with most 3D printers under $300, it has a basic touchscreen, offers good precision, and if you want to get more ambitious, you should also be able to 3D print wood filaments, PETG, and HIPS. Overall, it’s a reliable and consistent $300 3D printer.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

• Price: Check on Anycubic Official store here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 132 x 80 x 165 mm

Despite only launching at the tail end of 2021, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is already proving to be a disruptive force in the competitively-priced high-resolution resin printer range. It’s abundantly clear that Anycubic focused on delivering where it matters while cutting costs in areas that don’t impact the printer’s overall performance.

As an iterative upgrade to the popular first-gen Photon Mono, the 4K version comes with several improvements, not least the ability to dabble in 4K printing thanks to a 6.23-inch 4K monochrome LCD and finer 35-micron resolution.

The build volume remains unchanged at 132 x 80 x 165 mm; you can batch print, but this is by no means a productivity printer. While we can’t describe the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K as a speed demon, it holds its own with print speeds of 50 mm/hour, itself a significant improvement over the original Photon Mono.

These specifications make the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K particularly adept at printing modestly-sized detailed miniatures, models, and figurines. The printer should appeal to those partial to sprucing up their weekly Dungeons & Dragons bash with homemade pieces, for example.

For this price, the level of detail exceeds what you’d expect, with a particular proficiency for creating articulated parts and complex textures. Skin pores render well, and details on, say, a shield or the intricate mesh of chain mail are fantastic.

Anycubic’s Photon Workshop slicer does the job well enough, with some sleek features like anti-aliasing. Compatibility with Lychee and ChiTuBox give options if Anycubic’s in-house developed software leaves you cold.

Overall, if you’re looking to take those tentative first steps into resin printing and are in the market for an inexpensive entry-point, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is an ideal place to start.

Qidi Tech X-ONE 2

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

It’s in Qidi Tech’s habit of decking out its wares with features usually found on pricier FDM printers without sacrificing a deadset commitment to affordability that the Qidi Tech X-One2 sets itself apart from the competition.

The Qidi Tech X-One2 impresses with features such as a heated bed, 50-micron layer height, direct-drive single extruder, resume function, and a parameter-rich 3.5-inch touch screen interface. For us, the near fully enclosed chamber rises to the surface as the star of the show, bestowing the Qidi Tech X-One2 with just the right, toasty environment to steward temperature-sensitive ABS filament into decent prints.

Pop open the acrylic covers, and the Qidi Tech X-One2 is equally at home with PLA. With the proper settings and temperature tweaks, TPU, flexible filaments, and PETG aren’t out of the question, either.

The print quality falls roughly where you’d expect at this price with a slightly above average surface finish. Sufficiently smooth and detailed prints should please hobbyists but won’t cut the mustard for commercial ends.

If you can overlook the tight build volume, a slim 145 x 145 x 145 mm, and don’t mind well-guided manual bed leveling, we have no qualms about recommending the Qidi Tech X-One2 to fresh-faced beginners in need of a gentle introduction to the world of FDM 3D printing.

The Qidi Tech X-One2 is a budget printer with ease of use at its heart, versatile and capable when working both ABS and PLA while still channeling the DIY tinkerer roots of hobby 3D printing with scope to upgrade and modify to your heart’s content.

Geeetech A10M — Dual Extrusion $300 Option

• Price: Check on Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 260 mm

A few years back, the suggestion of dual extrusion capabilities on a 3D printer under $300 would have seen you laughed out of printing circles. Until recently, dual extrusion FDM printing was a technology restricted to pricey, pro-grade printers. The Geeetech A10M embodies an emerging trend of bringing the technology into the realm of affordability and strapping it onto a growing spread of budget-level printers.

Print quality is surprisingly good, even when toying with color gradients or prints sporting reasonably complex patterns. Much of this is down to efforts on Geeetech’s part to limit the trade-offs for dual extrusion.

The Geeetech A10M boasts a sufficiently spacious print volume of 220 x 220 x 260mm for a range of hobbyist applications from multi-color models to household items like pen holders and wall hooks.

The spec list extends to include features you’d expect sided with a heftier price tag. These include a silicon carbide glass bed that does wonders for adhesion, filament detection, 360-degree ventilation, and a break-resume function.

Getting to grips with Geeetech A10M’s idiosyncrasies won’t appeal to all; it’s one for the tinkerers and modders. Taming the Geeetech A10M to perform at its best involves time and dedication. If that resonates with you, the modular design, slicer-agnostic functionality, and vast adjustment possibilities will be music to your ears. Experienced makers could upgrade the spool holders for efficiency, or install a magnetic, removable bed with relative ease.

Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite

• Price: Check — Available at Flashforge Official store here / Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm

You could easily take a look at the stats and compare them to say, the Ender 3 V2 or Anycubic Mega S, and dismiss it. It has a far smaller build area, and it’s more expensive? We hear you say.

Yes, but build volume is restricted because it’s an enclosed 3D printer, a rarity in a 3D printer under $300, which comes with many advantages. An enclosure makes for far better temperature maintaining while printing, especially useful for printing filaments like ABS, as slowing down the cooling of parts prevents warping and cracking of parts that can render your finished models useless. 

So, if you’re not looking for a huge 3D printer, but rather a smaller 3D printer you can trust to print models in ABS that don’t crack under pressure, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite could be the one for you. 

It can print a variety of types of PLA filament, as well as ABS, and metal or wood-filled filaments. The 150 mm print area and cubic design makes it a neat machine that can fit on most desktops, and it’s simple to use with the full-color touchscreen.

The heated bed can be easily removed for easy removal of finished prints, and it’s quiet, for those who want to run it overnight on larger or more complex 3D printer projects. Overall, if you’re looking for an enclosed 3D printer, it’s certainly one of the best 3D printers for under $300.

Advantages of a 3D Printer Under $300

3D printers under $300 feature all the essentials needed for effective 3D printing at a price that won’t leave you destitute. $300 is accessible for most. They generally keep their value. So a second-hand resale is on the cards if the tech fails to capture your imagination.

Beyond their financial appeal, 3D printers under $300 stand out as excellent starter options. For those setting out on their wild and wonderful 3D printing journey, they’ll provide everything required to get over that initial steep learning curve. Straightforward setup and operation are common, which helps in that respect, too. At a stretch, 3D printers under $300 are a great starting point for small businesses testing out small-batch print runs.

Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider For a 3D Printer Under $300

Printing Technologies

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

FDM, or Fused Deposition Modeling, is likely what springs to mind when you think of 3D printing. A heated extruder melts filament before depositing it layer by layer to construct a 3D part. The current offering of FDM printers in the $300 range push layer heights anywhere from 50 to 100 microns, gearing them towards larger, less detail-rich parts.

Resin printing, or Photopolymerization, employs a light source or laser applied to liquid light-sensitive in cured layers to create a 3D print. Most $300 resin 3D printers are based on LCD curing. Cheap resin 3D printers deliver high-resolution parts at lower layer heights with finer details, textures, and smoother parts than FDM printers.

Build Volume

Build volume is the maximum part size a particular printer can produce. There’s a correlation between cost and build volume. Budget printers, a category which 3D printers under $300 fall into, carry build volumes that fall on the lower end. This is more pronounced in the case of resin printers, which have smaller build volumes designed for high-precision parts. We suggest around 150 mm cubed as a baseline expectation for a cheap FDM 3D printer. This allows the printing of both small and relatively large parts.

Filament and Material Types

Contrary to expectations, 3D printers under $300 cover a decent range of filament and materials types. Models capable of working well with 3D printing pillars ABS and PLA, both low-cost options, along with resin and even more adventurous materials like PETG, flexibles, and TPU, are common. Each has its own distinct set of properties. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two most popular:

PLA

Polylactic acid is a flexible plastic filament prized for its non-noxious fumes, low printing temperature, biodegradability, and low cost. PLA is a strong choice for decorative items and prototyping.

ABS

Acetonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a durable and rigid filament that prints at high temperatures. Prone to producing strong odored fumes, it hits its stride in applications such as functional parts able to withstand the elements or heavy, repeated use.

Print Speed

Print speed refers to the time it takes a printer to complete a print, usually measured in mm/s. While this parameter is helpful to get a sense of printers capabilities, print length is a complex affair that encompasses several factors.

The right print speed, a setting generally open to adjustment on 3D printers under $300, pertains to a careful balancing of print type and size, the quality desired, and the materials in use.

For PLA and ABS printing, we recommend printers capable of speeds between 40 and 60 mm/s, a happy middle ground between speed and overall quality.

Assembly

3D printers under $300 are available in one of three assembly states – kit form, semi-assembled, or pre-assembled. For $300, you’ll more than likely find a kit printer

Those that like to get hands-on with their tech will feast on the tinkering aspect of piecing together a kit printer. We’re a long way from the shambolic DIY roots of a decade ago, and though these printers require assembly, the process is often relatively intuitive and straightforward, requiring no more than an hour. For under $300, you’re more than likely buying a kit printer.

On the other hand, pre-assembled printers ship ready to go and work out-of-the-box. Semi-assembled printers sit between the two, offering an easy way to dabble in printer assembly without being overwhelmed.

Enclosed Chamber or Open Design

Open design 3D printers under $300 suit makers planning to print primarily with PLA. The filament fares best with plenty of ventilation, especially during the cooling process, to avoid stringing and unsightly artifacts.

By their capacity to retain heat and create a stable thermal environment, enclosed chambers allow ABS filament to thrive. ABS also produces fumes with noxious properties in sufficiently large quantities. A robust enclosure with an air filter system, ideally a HEPA filter, is a must to ensure a safe printing experience even around $300.

Overall, it’s likely you’ll end up with an open printer, as only a select few models under $300 sport enclosed chambers. As such, 3D printers under $300 are best suited for PLA in the majority of cases.

What Not to Expect From a 3D Printer Under $300

You’ll need to adjust and, possibly, rein in your expectations when buying a 3D printer under $300. These are modest printers aimed at hobbyists and first-timers wanting a low-cost path into 3D printing. The printing performance is commensurate with these aims; you can expect decent results and hours of fun, but $300 3D printers are a far cry from professional-level printers.

If your heart is set on advanced features like auto-bed leveling, Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreen functionality, or you want to play with exotic filament types, a 3D printer under $300 won’t deliver the goods. It’s highly unlikely you’ll find any of these features on $300 printers. Rethink your budget and spend a bit more on a higher caliber printer if you desperately need any of these.

Other price ranges of 3D printers you may be interested in:

• Best 3D printers under $200
• Best 3D printers under $500
• Best 3D printers under $1000
• Best 3D printers under $2000

Best 3D Printers of 2022 | Rating of TOP models of 3D printers for printing

Contents [Show]

The modern market of additive equipment offers many options for 3D printing equipment designed to solve various problems. Devices are in demand in engineering and design, architecture, medicine, industry, education, entertainment, engineering and many other fields.

Let's talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing a 3D printer, and also consider the rating of the best equipment models for amateurs and professionals in 2022.

How to choose the right 3D printer

There are a number of basic parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a printer for bulk printing. Let's briefly consider each of them.

Printer type

According to the ISO / ASTM 52900: 2021 standard, approved by the International Organization for Standardization, 3D printers are divided into several categories depending on the characteristics of the printing process (for convenience, we will duplicate the trade names for each category):

1. DED (SLS, MJF) - deposition and melting of material using a directed electron or laser beam.
2. BJT (CJP, NPJT) - selective jet application of a binder composition to the powder for its sintering.
3. MJT (MJP) - layer-by-layer inkjet application of photopolymer resin.
4. MEX (FDM, FFF, PJP) - layer-by-layer application of the consumable through a heated nozzle (extrusion).
5. VPP (SLA, DLP, LCD, CDLP) - photopolymerization, selective curing of a liquid photopolymer in a bath under the influence of a light source.
6. SHL (LOM, Composite Lamination) - gluing (lamination) of sheets of material.
7. PBF (SLM, DMLS, EBM) - fusion of certain areas of the powder layer under the influence of thermal energy.

Approval

This parameter largely depends on the printing technology and is standardly described in the vertical and horizontal planes (Z and XY, respectively).

The Z resolution is the height/thickness of the layer. The thinner the layer, the more accurate and detailed the model will be. XY resolution is the smallest possible movement of the print head, which cannot be less than the diameter of the nozzle or laser beam.

The highest resolution is provided by photopolymer 3D printers.

Compatible materials

The choice of consumable depends on the 3D printing technology used. FDM printers use special thermoplastics in the form of filaments (PLA, HIPS, ABS, PET, PETG, Wood, Flex, etc.), while photopolymer printers use various light-sensitive liquid resins. Sintering technology devices are designed to use engineering thermoplastics or metals in powder form.

Many professional printers work with special purpose materials - composites (glass-filled materials, carbon fiber, etc.), metals, wood, concrete, ceramics, dental photopolymers, wax, etc.

Print platform (desktop, build platform)

This is the plate on which objects are printed. A high-quality platform ensures reliable adhesion of models to the surface (adhesion) during printing and at the same time makes it easy to separate them at the end of the process.

Typically, the print bed is made of glass, but other materials can also be used. To improve the contact of the material with the platform, special sprays and adhesives increase adhesion (Adhesion). Professional models of 3D printers usually have features that increase the resistance of printing to failures:

• flexible, removable or magnetic platform;
• automatic print area alignment system;
• heated platform for handling high temperature materials.

Security

3D printing can be associated with some risks even when all safety regulations are followed. For example, high-temperature printing increases the risk of burns, and some powder materials or photopolymer resins are harmful to the skin.

To reduce the risk of exposure to toxic substances, some printers recommend the use of protective chambers, air filtration and ventilation systems, protective gloves, and goggles. There are also models of 3D printers designed to be serviced exclusively by trained personnel.

Noise level and motor drivers

Drivers and stepper motors directly affect the noise level during equipment operation. More advanced and expensive drivers, coupled with high-quality stepper motors, contribute to a significant reduction in the noise level during the printing process.

Self assembly

Most manufacturers offer additive devices that are ready to go. But some models of 3D printers are presented as self-assembly kits (DIY kits). When buying, you need to consider that assembling such a device can cause certain difficulties, especially for the first time.

Product size

The choice of the area of ​​the working area of ​​the equipment depends on the dimensions of the parts that are planned to be printed on a 3D printer. For a home, it is enough to purchase a device with parameters up to 200x250x200 (WxHxD). This is enough to solve most problems. For more serious tasks, we recommend considering models with a working area of ​​at least 306x306x610 (WxHxD), such a print volume will allow you to print large objects without subsequent gluing with the same print quality and resolution.

Technology

Let's take a closer look at the main technologies used in the field of 3D printing:

1. FDM is a method of layer-by-layer deposition of plastic filament threads. Ideal for creating functional prototypes and parts from high-strength industrial plastics.
2. DLP - layer-by-layer curing of photopolymer resins using LED projectors. Allows you to produce ultra-precise, highly detailed objects with a high-quality surface.
3. SLA - curing layers of liquid photopolymer using a laser beam. Suitable for printing very precise products with complex geometry and fine details.

Multicolour printing

There are modifications of printers that support the function of printing in two or more colors. Most of these FDM devices are equipped with two presses filled with threads of different colors. A separate file is used to print each color, and sections of different colors are combined with each other like a three-dimensional puzzle. There are also color powder printing technologies, such as CJP or MJM, but the range of their application is limited to simple layout or prototyping.

Print surface

The surface quality of finished models depends on both the technology used and the print resolution. If necessary, the products are easily amenable to post-processing.

Housing type

Volumetric printers are available in an open or closed case. Open type devices are cheaper, but may have print quality issues and shrinkage of ABS products due to temperature differences. Enclosed printers have a more rigid, stable design and deliver high quality builds because their print surface is protected from dust and other unwanted particles. In addition, they have a low noise level and are safer to operate.

Connection

The majority of modern 3D printers have built-in memory, a port for USB flash drives or are equipped with SD memory cards, which allows you to continue the 3D printing process without a permanent connection to a PC. Some devices may also support wireless technology (Wi-Fi or P2P) or connect via Ethernet. Recently, more and more manufacturers include in their devices the possibility of forming 3D printing farms from a cluster of devices connected by one local network.

Software

Additive technology comes with special software or is compatible with open-source programs that can be downloaded, for example, from the manufacturer's website. As a rule, the software runs on Windows, Linux or MacOS. The software package may include modules for optimizing 3D models, building automatic supports (supports), controlling the movement of the printing block and desktop, and advanced preparation of layers for printing.

3D printer models

Consider the different models of amateur and professional 3D printers recognized as the best in 2022.

Assembly kits

Self-assembly kits (DIY) are the most budgetary and popular variant of FDM/FFF/PJP 3D printers in Russia. The use of such kits allows you to independently assemble, configure, reconfigure and upgrade printing devices to suit your needs.

The most popular DIY kits in 2022:

Creality Ender 3

Thoughtfully designed home 3D printer with open chamber, large build area (WxHxD: 220x250x220mm) and high print quality at speeds up to 180mm/s. Works great with PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Wood and other plastics. Equipped with a single extruder, a heated worktable, a compact display that shows the main parameters, and an active cooling system. Suitable for printing small functional items, prototypes or decorative figurines. Connects via USB or microSD.

Flying Bear Ghost 5

Equipment for semi-professional use, equipped with an open chamber with dimensions of 255x210x210 mm. Due to the uniform supply of the filament, it allows you to produce high-resolution parts at a speed of up to 150 mm / s and an accuracy of up to 0.01 mm. The model is equipped with one extruder, a heated table, options for adjusting speed and temperature, an active cooling system and a convenient TFT color display. Compatible with HIPS, ABS, Wood, PLA, etc. Reliable, quiet operation. Connects via Usb, SD, Wi-Fi.

Creality Ender 5 Plus

A printer with a large working area (350x350x400 mm), one extruder and a filament sensor that prevents printing errors due to tangles or broken threads. It has a magnetic platform with heating up to 100 degrees in 10 minutes, a rigid, reinforced cubic frame and a reliable power supply with overheat protection. Provides fast, high-precision, stable printing with an adjustable layer thickness of 0.1-0.4mm.

Creality Ender 6

Equipment with a closed plastic case, one extruder with a heating temperature of up to 260 degrees, a color touch screen and a build area of ​​250x250x400 mm. Ideal for small batch production and prototyping. The printer is equipped with a heated bed, connects via SD and is compatible with most of the available filaments. The layer height is 0.1-0.4 mm.

Budget 3D printers

This category includes inexpensive, ready-to-use FDM/FFF 3D printers designed for beginners - ordinary users, students in robotics circles, schools, etc. The devices are endowed with additional options that allow you to achieve excellent results with simple, understandable operation.

The best budget models of 2022:

Anycubic Mega S

Functional equipment with a working space of 210x210x205 mm and the possibility of resuming the work process after a power outage. The device has a color touchscreen, a heated platform with Ultrabase coating, connects via data cable or SD and prints at speeds up to 100 mm/sec. Layer height - 0.05-0.3 mm.

FlashForge Adventurer 4

A good option for children or teenagers who are fond of 3D modeling. The printer has a working area of ​​200x200x250 mm, a heated platform, a color touch screen and is connected via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Construction speed - up to 150 mm / sec. Layer thickness - 0.1-0.4 mm. The model is also equipped with a built-in webcam, a filament end sensor, an auto-calibration function and the possibility of remote control through the application.

Voxelab Aries STEM

A printer with a full range of modern functions, designed to create objects of standard sizes (200x200x200 mm). Prints at speeds up to 80 mm/sec. and a layer thickness of 0.1-0.4 mm. Connection - Usb, SD, Wi-Fi.

QIDI i-Mate S

A device with a working space of 260x200x200 mm, connected via Usb, LAN or Wi-Fi. Layer thickness - 0.05-0.2 mm, construction speed - up to 80 mm/sec. Great for prototyping simple objects.

Budget Large Format 3D Printers

Devices designed to create a large number of small products in one go or to print large objects. These printers are equipped with a capacious platform and have increased reliability and stability.

The most popular low-cost large-format FDM 3D printers in 2022:

Wanhao D12/500

A model with an improved component base and mechanics, updated electronics, a redesigned feed mechanism, a heated platform and two extruders. Construction area - 500x500x500 mm. Layer thickness - 0.1-0.4 mm, build speed - up to 150 mm/sec. Connection - Wi-Fi, MicroSD.

Creality Ender 5 Plus

Apparatus with dimensions of the working area 350x350x400 mm. It has a robust construction with a reinforced structural profile frame and a heated platform. Provides the most accurate, stable printing and smooth, stable movement along the axes. Connected via SD. The layer height is 0.1-0.4 mm.

Creality CR-10S Pro V2

A 3D printer that delivers high performance and exceptional print stability. Ideal for creating print trusses that produce large runs of the same type of parts. Construction volume - 300x300x400 mm. Print speed - up to 180 mm / sec. (recommended speed is up to 60 mm/s). Layer height - 0.1-0.4 mm. Connection - SD.

Professional 3D printers

Professional-grade printers are designed to produce complex objects using high-temperature engineering plastics and other consumables. Such equipment has a closed chamber to maintain a certain temperature and ensure stable printing.

Best Professional FDM 3D Printers of 2022:

FlashForge Creator Pro 2

Technique with two independent extruders for simultaneous printing of two identical products. The second extruder can be used to create soluble supports for the production of complex models with a quality surface. Construction area - 200x148x150 mm. Layer height - 0.1-0.4 mm, build speed - up to 100 mm/sec. Connection - Usb, SD.

Picaso Designer Classic

A printer designed to solve a wide range of tasks. It has built-in profiles for different types of plastic, which makes it easy to start printing. Chamber size - 200x200x210 mm. Work speed - up to 100 cm3 / h, layer thickness - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Ethernet.

Anycubic 4Max Pro 2.0

Advantages of the model: dual drive extruder for working with soft, flexible plastics, filament end sensor, silent drivers, color display. The device provides the most accurate, stable printing at speeds up to 150 mm/sec. Camera dimensions - 270x210x190 mm. Layer thickness - 0.05-0.3 mm. Types of connection - Usb, SD.

QIDI Tech X-Plus

A printer with a capacious working chamber (270x200x200 mm), one extruder with a heating temperature of up to 300 degrees and a build speed of up to 150 mm/sec. Equipped with a heated platform, connects via Wi-Fi, Usb or LAN, the layer height is 0.05-0.2mm.

Professional single extruder 3D printers

Additive equipment of this kind is designed to solve various problems, from relatively simple to complex.

The most popular models of professional FDM/FFF 3D printers with one print head:

Picaso Designer X S2 (Series 2)

The main difference of this modification is the heating of the extruder up to 430 degrees, which allows working with a wide range of plastics, including engineering ones (ABS, PETG, PLA, PEEK, Nylon, Flex, etc. ). Dimensions of the working chamber - 201x201x210 mm. Connection - Usb, Ethernet. Speed ​​- up to 150 mm / s. Layer thickness - from 10-250 microns. The printer is equipped with a heated bed.

QIDI X-Max

A 3D printer with a large printable area (300x250x300 mm) and a wide range of useful features. It has a robust design with a strong double Z-rail, a heated platform with a double-sided coating for working with different types of plastic and a 5-inch touch screen. The extruder heats up to 300 degrees. Compatible filaments - PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, Carbon, Nylon, Flex, etc. Connection type - USB storage, LAN, Wi-Fi. Working speed – up to 150 mm/sec. Layer height - 0.05-0.2 mm.

Picaso Designer XL S2

The model is designed for printing with engineering and refractory materials, as the print head heats up to 430 degrees. Robust aluminum body with steel frame guarantees reliability and no vibration during operation. Chamber size - 360x360x610 mm. Speed ​​- up to 130 cm3 / h. Layer thickness - 10-250 microns. Connection type - USB-drive, Ethernet.

TierTime UP300

It is equipped with three separate extruders for working with different materials (low-temperature, high-temperature, standard), as well as various interchangeable platforms (smooth, perforated, glass). Supports print queue for different users. Dimensions of the working area - 205x255x225 mm, layer height - 0.05-0.4 mm. Connection - Usb, LAN, Wi-Fi.

Bizon 3

An updated version of the Bizon 2 model. Layer thickness - 0.02 - 0.65 mm. Print area size: 300x300x400mm. Print speed: up to 160 mm/s. Layer height: from 0.02 to 0.65 mm. Connection type: USB, SD card.

Mid-range large format 3D printers

This category includes models for universities, specialized colleges and offices of medium-sized companies.

The best mid-range large format FDM 3D printers in 2022:

Raise3D Pro3 Plus

Equipment with a transparent body and two extruders equipped with a lifting mechanism, well-thought-out kinematics, interchangeable nozzles of different diameters and a convenient 7-inch color touch screen. Other options: Low Filament Sensor, Print Resume System, RaiseCloud Firmware, Webcam, IdeaMaker Slicer, RaiseCloud Cloud Service. Printed volume: 300x300x605 mm (for one extruder), 255x300x605 mm (for two extruders). Connection - Wi-Fi, Usb, LAN. Speed ​​– up to 150 mm/sec. Layer thickness - from 0.01 mm.

FlashForge Creator 4

High-performance, accurate 3D printer with a system of two independent extruders and an advanced thermal management system inside the chamber (to protect against cracking and deformation of engineering plastics). Robust steel body prevents vibration. Print area - 400x350x500 mm. Speed ​​– up to 200 mm/sec. Layer height - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Wi-Fi, LAN.

Picaso Designer XL Pro S2

Large-format model with a working area of ​​360x360x610 mm, a heated platform and two extruders with a heating temperature of up to 430 degrees. The device has a simple automatic calibration, a built-in material spool drying mode and a plastic feed control system. Layer thickness - 0.01 mm, speed - up to 130 cm3/h. Connection type - Usb, Ethernet.

CreatBot D600 Pro

The printer with the largest print area is 600x600x600 mm. Equipped with two extruders with heating up to 260 and 420 degrees respectively (for working with standard or engineering plastics). Other features: heated chamber, platform and compartments, speed - up to 120 mm/s, layer thickness - from 0.05 mm. Connection type - Usb.

Professional Dual Extruder 3D Printers

Professional FDM printers with two extruders are designed to solve the most complex tasks. This technique is equipped with a fully functional slicer and a reliable nozzle lift mechanism or independent extruders.

The most popular professional grade dual extruder 3D printers:

Raise3D Pro2 Plus

The flagship model of the manufacturer, endowed with a full range of useful features. The equipment, enclosed in a transparent case, is connected via Usb, Wi-Fi or LAN and is distinguished by quiet operation. Equipped with an extruder lifting mechanism, a 7-inch color touch screen, a filament end sensor, and a print resume system. Includes RaiseCloud software, webcam, replacement nozzles. Print volume - 305x305x605 mm (for 1 extruder), 280x305x605 mm (for 2 extruders). Speed ​​– up to 150 mm/sec. Layer height - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Wi-Fi, LAN.

Picaso Designer X Pro S2

A compact device with dimensions of the construction area of ​​201x201x210 mm, providing excellent print quality. It has a high temperature mode with heating up to 430 degrees for printing with complex filaments. Speed ​​- up to 130 cm3 / h, layer thickness - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Ethernet.

Raise3D E2

High-performance 3D printer with two independent print heads (IDEX system), heated platform and print speed up to 150 mm/sec. A built-in step-by-step video instruction for site calibration is provided. Layer thickness - 0.02-0.25 mm. Connection - Usb port, Wi-Fi, LAN. Print volume - 330x240x240 mm (1 printhead), 295x240x240 mm (2 extruders).

FlashForge Creator 3 Pro

Model with a large chamber (300x250x200 mm), HEPA filter, built-in webcam, color screen and the ability to install hardened nozzles with a material melting point of up to 320 degrees. The heating speed of the working platform is up to 120 degrees in 3 minutes. Print speed - up to 150 mm / sec. Layer thickness - 0.05-0.4 mm. Connection type - Usb, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

CreatBot F430 PEEK

3D printer ideal for PEEK and other filaments. Equipped with a closed chamber with temperature support and two printheads with heating up to 260 and 420 degrees, respectively. Construction area - 400x300x300 mm. Layer height - from 0.02 mm. Speed ​​– up to 180 mm/sec. Connection - Usb.

Ultimaker S5

An easy-to-use device that prints with threads of non-standard diameter - 2.85 mm. The size of the working area is 330x240x300 mm. Layer thickness - from 0.02 mm. Speed ​​- 24 mm3 / sec. Connection type - Usb, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

Photopolymer desktop 3D printers

Modern models of 3D printing devices using photopolymers are equipped with monochrome displays with a resolution of up to 8K, which provide high speed and quality of building objects of any geometry.

Best photopolymer 3D printers of 2022:

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

A compact budget LCD printer with over 2000 hours of uninterrupted operation. Equipped with 8K 7.1” Mono LCD display. Print volume - 165x72x180 mm. Layer height - 0.01-0.3 mm. Resolution along the XY axis - 22 microns.

Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022

Equipment for permanent loads, ideal for dental laboratories and dental clinics. It has a heated chamber 134x75x200 mm with an odor filter and a Mono 4K 6.1” LCD display. Layer thickness - 0.01-0.3 mm.

Formlabs Form 3+

LFS printer with an intuitive interface and many special settings. The light source is a 250 mW laser. The size of the working area is 145x145x185 mm. Layer thickness - 0.025-0.3 mm.

Anycubic Mono X 6K

3D printer with a working chamber 197x122x245 mm and a high-quality Mono 6K 9.25” LCD screen. Layer height - 0.01-0.15 mm.

XYZ Part Pro 150

Equipped with a 5 inch LCD touch screen. Illumination source: 405 nm UV laser. Print area size: 150x150x200 mm. Layer thickness: 25 to 200 microns (0.025 - 0.2 mm).

Best Large Format Desktop Resin 3D Printers

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K

The best 3D printer in its segment, capable of solving tasks that usually only an entire farm can handle. Suitable for both mass production of small detailed products, and for printing huge objects and dioramas. It is equipped with a 15-inch Mono 8K LCD display and has a working area of ​​330x185x400 mm. Resolution - less than 50 microns, layer height - 0.01-0.3 mm.

Formlabs Form 3L

LFS-technique with a construction area of ​​335x200x300 mm, creating high-precision details using a 2x250 mW laser with a spot diameter of 85 microns. It is possible to install two cartridges at the same time for uninterrupted printing of large models. Layer thickness - from 0.025 mm.

Totals

All 3D printers reviewed have been rigorously tested in practice and tested by experienced engineers. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, when choosing a model, it is necessary to focus, first of all, on the expected result, equipment functionality and budget.

If you find it difficult to make a choice, please contact 3DTool. Our experts will help you choose the right 3D equipment and consumables for you.

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 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

1. What to expect from a 3D printer under $0
2. Best 3D printers under $300 in 2022
3. Creality Ender 3 V2 is the best 3D printer under $0
4. Qidi Tech X-ONE 2 Geeetech A10M - Dual Extrusion Option 0
5. Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite
6. Benefits of a 3D Printer Under $300
7. Buyer's Guide - What to Look for When Buying a 3D Printer Under $300
8. What not to expect from a 3D printer that costs less than $0

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 - although 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 upgradeability 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 makes it easier to remove 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 will have no trouble building their own printer.

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 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

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.

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.

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 makes the Qidi Tech X-One2 stand out from the competition.

The Qidi Tech X-One2 impresses with features such as a heated bed, 50 micron layer height, direct drive single extruder, resume function and a 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 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 idea 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 an Ender 3 V2 or an 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 non-pressure cracking ABS models, 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

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 that costs less than $300

When buying a 3D printer that costs less than $300, you will have 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.

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