Best budget 3d printer

Best Budget 3D Printers: Affordable Choices for Beginners and Hobbyists

ByMorgan

3D printing has become an exciting hobby for many people, but one of the first questions beginners ask is: Which budget 3D printer should I buy? The good news is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get started. There are plenty of affordable 3D printers that offer great print quality, ease of use, and reliability.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best budget 3D printers available, what features to consider, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What is a Budget 3D Printer?

A budget 3D printer is typically one that costs between $150 and $500. These printers may not have all the high-end features of expensive models, but they can still produce amazing prints for hobbyists, students, and small businesses.

Things to Consider When Buying a Budget 3D Printer

Before you buy a 3D printer, here are some important factors to think about:

  1. Print Quality – A good budget 3D printer should create smooth and detailed prints.
  2. Build Volume – This determines how big your prints can be. A larger build area allows you to create bigger models.
  3. Ease of Use – Look for a printer that is simple to set up and use, especially if you are a beginner.
  4. Filament Compatibility – Most budget 3D printers use PLA filament, but some can also print with ABS or PETG.
  5. Community Support – A printer with a strong online community can help you solve problems and improve your prints.

Best Budget 3D Printers in 2024

1. Creality Ender 3 V2 (Around $250-$300)

The Creality Ender 3 V2 is one of the most popular budget 3D printers. It offers great print quality, a large build volume, and a sturdy frame.

Pros:

  • High-quality prints for the price
  • Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
  • Easy to upgrade and customize
  • Quiet operation

Cons:

  • Manual bed leveling can be tricky
  • Requires some assembly

2. Anycubic Kobra (Around $250-$300)

The Anycubic Kobra is a great option if you want a budget 3D printer with automatic bed leveling. This makes it easier to get perfect first layers without manual adjustments.

Pros:

  • Auto bed leveling
  • Fast printing speed
  • Compact design
  • User-friendly touchscreen interface

Cons:

  • Smaller build volume compared to Ender 3
  • Limited filament compatibility

3. Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro (Around $300-$350)

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro is a powerful budget printer with some premium features, like a direct drive extruder for better filament control.

Pros:

  • Direct drive system (better for flexible filaments)
  • Automatic bed leveling
  • Quiet operation
  • Large build area

Cons:

  • Requires some setup
  • Slightly higher price than other budget options

4. Anycubic Photon Mono 2 (Around $200-$250) [Resin Printer]

If you want to try resin 3D printing, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a fantastic budget option. It produces incredibly detailed prints, perfect for miniatures and jewelry.

Pros:

  • High-resolution prints
  • Compact and easy to use
  • Great for small, detailed models

Cons:

  • Uses liquid resin, which can be messy
  • Smaller build volume than FDM printers

5. Voxelab Aquila (Around $180-$220)

The Voxelab Aquila is an affordable alternative to the Ender 3, offering similar features at a lower price.

Pros:

  • Great value for money
  • Good print quality
  • Easy to upgrade

Cons:

  • No auto bed leveling
  • Requires manual tuning for best results

Which Budget 3D Printer is Right for You?

  • For Beginners: Anycubic Kobra (Easy setup, auto bed leveling)
  • For Best Print Quality: Creality Ender 3 V2 or Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro
  • For Resin Printing: Anycubic Photon Mono 2
  • For Cheapest Option: Voxelab Aquila

Additional Costs to Consider

Even though you’re buying a budget 3D printer, there are some extra costs to keep in mind:

  • Filament: PLA filament costs around $20-$30 per kilogram.
  • Resin: If you choose a resin printer, resin costs about $30-$50 per liter.
  • Upgrades: You might want to upgrade parts like the extruder, build plate, or add an enclosure.
  • Maintenance: Cleaning, lubrication, and replacing parts like nozzles over time.

Final Thoughts

A budget 3D printer is a fantastic way to start 3D printing without spending too much money. Whether you choose the Creality Ender 3 V2, Anycubic Kobra, or Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro, you’ll get a great printer that can produce amazing 3D prints.

So, are you ready to start your 3D printing journey? What will you print first?