Affordability is often the key when engaging with a new hobby or format, and the best budget 3D printers are a great means of getting started with the tools of the craft. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional designer looking to experiment with real-time model rendering, the following 3D printers are top choices: offering an incredibly broad entry point into the world of 3D printing.
We’ve chosen five of our favorite budget 3D printers for your consideration today, spanning a few different price points. Though the price may vary, the value of each option is near-uncontested; with each 3D printer offering stunning price-to-performance.
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Best Budget 3D PrinterSovol SV04
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 400 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, PVA, Wood
- Connectivity Technology: MicroUSB
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
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Best Budget Resin 3D PrinterANYCUBIC Photon Mono
- Build Volume: 245mm x 200mm x 125mm
- Filament: SLA
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
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Best Budget 3D Printer Under $200Creality Ender 3
- Build Volume: 220mm x 220mm x 250mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
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Best Budget Enclosed 3D PrinterFlashForge Finder
- Build Volume: 140mm x 140mm x 140mm
- Filament: PLA
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFI
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
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Best Fast Budget 3D PrinterAnycubic Kobra 2 Neo
- Build Volume: 245mm × 245mm × 260mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
How We Picked the Best Budget 3D Printer
As mentioned, “budget” means different things to different people: for some, a 3D printer under $2000 is a bargain. As such, we’ve selected from an array of budgets, but kept our choices well below the $1000 mark. We considered the overall usefulness of each printer in terms of build volume, print speed and the accessibility of each model; along with more specific considerations such as filament compatibility and quality-of-life features.
We settled on five products, at a range of budgets, that are all masters at their respective price points. We’ve explored exactly why each makes our list, and why some choices may be worth the expense over others…
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 400 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, PVA, Wood
- Connectivity Technology: MicroUSB
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
Coming in with a price under $500, the SV04 is an impressively versatile budget 3D printer.
- Versatile print capabilities – the SV04 utilizes IDEX technology for varied print options, allowing for simultaneous prints or multiple colors.
- Easy to use – the SV04’s software is intuitive and quick to master, and is compatible with a range of slicers.
- Lacks auto-leveling – some beginners may struggle with the manual elements of this budget 3D printer.
As a 3D printer under $500, the Sovol SV04 brings a great deal to the table. With an accommodating build volume, dual extruder technology and broad filament compatibility, this unit is a brilliant first investment in a 3D printer.
The SV04 can print models up to 300mm x 300mm x 400 mm, which is plenty for most people who don’t need a heavy-duty printer for commercial purposes. Dual extruders allow for you to print two smaller models at the same time, or one in multiple colors – which gives this printer a versatile edge over other 3D printers at the same price point. A less important, but welcome nonetheless, feature is the easy-to-use Sovol software, which is quick to understand and allows you to pause a print should you run out of filament or suffer a power issue.
However, those who checked our ranking of sub-$500 3D printers will notice we put Creality’s Ender 3 Neo above the SV04 – what’s changed? Both printers have issues with automated leveling and can be a struggle for beginners, and in the context of that list, we found the Ender 3 Neo to be superior due to the relatively shallow learning curve. The SV04 isn’t far behind, however, and is still well worth it’s cost as a budget 3D printer.
- Build Volume: 245mm x 200mm x 125mm
- Filament: SLA
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
As an alternative to traditional FDM 3D printing, the Photon Mono turns many of its weaknesses into strengths.
- Good build volume – at 245mm x 200mm x 125mm, this 3D printer has the capacity for decent-sized prints.
- Affordable – the price of the Photon Mono tends to be under $300, and can be found for even less on sale.
- Resin only – SLA printers can only utilize resin for their designs, limiting the overall versatility.
SLA printing, generally referred to as resin 3D printing, is a great alternative to traditional 3D printing – ideal for miniatures and other small-scale projects. The Anycubic Photon Mono takes the spot as the best resin option for 3D print enthusiasts on a budget.
The Photon Mono also prints entire layers of resin in batches, which makes for fast rendering speeds. Using a laser on highly light-sensitive resin allows for fast and precise models to form with ease. With a respectable build volume of 245mm x 200mm x 125mm, you’ve room to create small-scale prints in highly-detailed resin, all for a budget-friendly price. The high-resolution LCD screen makes for easy print configuration, and the entire 3D printer can sit comfortably on your desk with its compact form factor.
That said, resin is all you’ll be able to use: unlike traditional FDM 3D printers, SLA printers are limited to exclusively resin prints. It is a limiting factor, but one not entirely without its merits. For an affordable alternative to FDM, consider the Photon Mono.
- Build Volume: 220mm x 220mm x 250mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
Creality’s main line of 3D printers always straddle the line between quality and affordability, and the Ender 3 does so with exceptional results.
- Sterling build volume – with space for designs up to 220mm x 220mm x 250mm, you have plenty of space to design.
- Quality-of-life features – with a fast direct-drive extruder and a heated print bed, the Ender 3 doesn’t skimp on functionality.
- Manual assembly – less a plug-and-play 3D printer, the Ender 3 does require some assembly and calibration.
For a stellar 3D print solution under $200, consider the Creality Ender 3. The Ender range of 3D printers are among the best in the industry for price and performance, and this unit’s mix of the two is exceptional.
With a build volume of 220mm x 220mm x 250mm, the Ender 3 allows for ambitious projects of a decent size, using Creality’s own PLA filament – along with support for ABS and other popular thermoset polymers. Despite its low price, the Ender 3 still comes with a gamut of useful features, such as a heated bed plate, a power recovery mode and advanced direct-drive extruders for quick and efficient printing. And thanks to its intuitive heatsink, the Ender 3 doesn’t take long to heat up and start printing.
What does take a while, though, is the setup. Though the Ender 3 ships in a number of pre-assembled parts, the setup is lengthier than some beginners may like. If you can accommodate some assembly, then the Ender 3 is a top choice for a low-budget 3D printer.
- Build Volume: 140mm x 140mm x 140mm
- Filament: PLA
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFI
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
For an affordable enclosed 3D printer, the Finder is a safe option for those needing a compact 3D printing solution.
- Enclosed design – the Finder’s closed frame means that fumes are contained, making it a safe 3D printer for kids.
- Ships fully assembled – there’s no cumbersome assembly with this 3D printer.
- PLA only – like with the Photon Mono, you’re limited to one type of filament with this printer.
If you’re working in a small space and safety is a concern, consider the Flashforge Finder, an enclosed budget 3D printer from Flashforge. This unit ships fully assembled and keeps everything contained within its frame until the print process is complete.
You’ve got a versatile range of connections with the Finder: from USB through to WiFi, you don’t have to be right next to the unit to send your prints. Print configuration is made easier thanks to the full-color touchscreen and high slicer compatibility, and the results are precise between 100 and 500 microns of detail. Whilst the 140mm x 140mm x 140mm isn’t the largest, it’s respectable enough for an enclosed unit. At its sub-$300 price point, this unit is a terrific starter 3D printer for those wanting to experiment without a heavy commitment.
That said, the progression options of the Finder are somewhat limited by its restriction to PLA filament, meaning that those wishing to experiment may find the unit underwhelming. But as an accessible and safe alternative to the noise and noxious fumes of open-frame printers, the Finder is a great option.
- Build Volume: 245mm × 245mm × 260mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
Our final pick, the Kobra 2 Neo is an excellent option for people who need high speeds and low prices.
- Fast print speeds – at 500mm/s, the Kobra 2 Neo is one of the fastest 3D printers under $200.
- Varied filament compatibility – able to print with most filament options, this is a printer that can scale with your skill level.
- Limited vibration compensation – even the smallest jolts can affect this 3D printer.
Taking the final spot on our rankings is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo, an FDM 3D printer from Anycubic. Don’t let the price deceive you: this budget print solution is capable of blisteringly fast print speeds.
Featuring a direct-drive extruder capable of a top speed of 500mm/s, the Kobra 2 Neo is a productivity powerhouse. Prints can be rendered rapidly and in a variety of materials, including ABS and PETG. The magnetic build plate is also appreciated, as you can easily remove your prints without damage or warping them.
What may warp them, however, is any vibrations or movement during the print process. The Kobra 2 Neo isn’t very shock-resistant, and this can cause print issues – particularly at top acceleration. Still, we highly recommend the Kobra 2 Neo as a fast 3D printer – so long as it’s somewhere secure…
Features and Considerations
Don’t be dazzled by the price of some other 3D printers on the market. Consider the following before buying:
Build Volume
Arguably, build volume is one of the most critical specifications of any 3D printer, determining the maximum size of a print. 3D printers generally have limited build volumes compared to mid-range options and massive industrial-grade printers. However, there’s still some variety to be found in entry-level printers.
Filament
Different filaments have different properties making them more suited for certain types of prints. If you have set projects in mind, look out for a printer that supports the correct type of filament. PLA and ABS are among the most common, but there are dozens of specialist options with different benefits such as wood filament or carbon fiber. Certain specific applications, such as food-safe materials such as cookie cutters, will have suitable filaments to use – so bear this in mind before buying!
Size
Seperate from the build volume, the physical footprint that your 3D printer takes up should be considered. For those working with budgeted space and money, consider a smaller option.
Assembly
In the past, piecing together a 3D printer involved considerable time, trial and – often – error. This especially applied to lower-priced models. Nowadays, manufacturers tend to ship out printers pre-assembled or at least with large sections pre-assembled. Assembling a 3D printer has never been easier. If you lack in the manual dexterity and patience departments, or are a beginner, we’d suggest a complete, pre-assembled printer. Should you prefer a bit more of a challenge, we’d suggest a partially pre-assembled 3D printer. Rest assured that novices can quickly assemble these hybrid kit 3D printers thanks to clear instructions in most cases.
Are Budget 3D Printers Worth It?
Though it can be easy to listen to those saying that you need to start with the very best 3D printer, this often isn’t feasible for most newcomers to the field. High-end 3D printers tend to be capable machines with a gamut of features that entry-level print enthusiasts don’t need. They can also be very unfriendly starting points due to this, with more manual configuration to get prints right.
As a result, most budget 3D printers occupy the same space as beginner 3D printers: affordable and automated for easier printing. The best budget 3D printers are a healthy medley of accessibility and configurable elements, so that users can scale the same printer to their skill level.
That said, professionals will find lower-price 3D printers often sacrifice something. Whether it is build volume, print speed or filament compatibility, it’s rare to find a flawless budget 3D printer.
FAQs
Are open-frame 3D printers better?
Open-frame 3D printers tend to have larger build spaces, but are louder and emit fumes. Enclosed printers have less working room, but are self-contained.
What is a good price for a 3D printer?
Budget 3D printers tend to start at around $150, and top-end models can be as much as $10,000. As such, there are a number of price points to consider. We recommend a median of between $300 and $500 for beginners, and $900 to $2000 for mid-range options.
Verdict
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 400 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, PVA, Wood
- Connectivity Technology: MicroUSB
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
Though the learning curve can be a bit steep, the Sovol SV04 is a top-class, low-budget 3D printing solution. Providing quality and versatility whilst maintaining affordability, this is a terrific printer that will last you from entry-level all the way up to journeyman status!
For more commercial-grade units, check out our guide on the best 3D printers for small businesses today.
