The 10 Best Budget 3D Printers for 2023: Affordable Excellence

When choosing 3D printers, finding the perfect balance between price, features, and performance can be a daunting task. That's why we unveil this list of the best budget 3D printers for 2023. Whether you're delving into 3D printing for the first time or seeking an economical addition to your toolkit, our curated list of the 10 best budget 3D printers ensures top-tier results without breaking the bank. Let's get started now!

The Best 10 Cheap 3D Printers

Selecting the best cheap 3D printer requires careful consideration. While seeking affordability, ensure the printer meets your basic 3D printing needs. Here is a compiled list of low-priced 3D printers.

Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro

Price: US$269.99

ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer is a top-tier choice for anyone seeking a reliable, precise, and user-friendly 3D printer. The low-cost 3D print is notable for its large printing size, enhanced extrusion system, and smart features. The auto mesh bed leveling system uses a high-precision sensor to scan 36 points on the hotbed in real-time, adjusting the Z-axis height to compensate for any irregularities. Moreover, this good budget 3D printer has an STM32 motherboard and silent stepper motors to ensure that all movements during printing are precise and almost whisper-quiet, with noise levels as low as 47-48dB.

Anycubic Kobra 2

Price: US$289.99

When you need to find the top affordable 3D printers, Anycubic Kobra 2 is the one you should consider. It boasts 6X faster firmware upgrades, allowing you to save up to 76% of your precious time when printing models of the same size. The LeviQ 2.0 Automatic Leveling System in the 3D printer, combined with tailored modular design, ensures smart offset adjustments to the Z-axis. The dual-geared extrusion structure in this 3D printer is engineered for precise material delivery. Plus, the efficient dissipation design ensures the cooling fan spins at up to 7,000rpm, making sure that the printer remains cool, reducing the risks of overheating and ensuring consistent performance.

Prusa Mini Plus

Price: US$459.00

Whether you opt for the semi-assembled version or the full kit that you assemble yourself, Original Prusa MINI+ is the best value 3D printer that packs a punch. It offers ample space for your creations. Whether you're crafting intricate prototypes or large-scale projects, this printer has you covered. The removable spring steel sheets make print removal a breeze, and the SuperPINDA probe ensures flawless bed leveling for every print. You can effortlessly manage your print farm and wirelessly send files to the printer. Safety is paramount, with three thermistors and a high-quality power supply ensuring secure and reliable printing.

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

Price: US$699.00

As for the best inexpensive 3D printer, AnkerMake M5 3D Printer is the one you should not miss. It features PowerBoost 2.0, ensuring rapid and smooth prints, and saving you time. Its 7x7 auto-leveling guarantees consistently precise outcomes, eliminating the guesswork and frequent adjustments. Furthermore, the integrated intelligent camera means you can keep an eye on your prints without constant manual checks, providing peace of mind. With easy app controls, starting and monitoring your 3D printing projects becomes a seamless experience.

Creality Ender 3

Price: US$141.75

Creality Ender 3 is one of the cheapest 3D printers on the market, especially for beginners. Its upgraded extruder significantly reduces the risk of nozzle clogs and ensures smooth and precise extrusion. The V-shaped design, coupled with POM wheels, results in quiet, smooth, and durable movement. It has a resume printing function, which enables the Ender 3 to pick up right where it left off in case of a power outage or interruption. Before reaching your doorstep, the Ender 3 undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that all key components are in perfect working condition.

Flashforge Finder 3

Price: USD$299.00

FlashForge Finder 3 3D printer emerges as a beacon of creativity, convenience, and endless possibilities. It always stays true to its classic red and black color scheme, reminiscent of its predecessor, the Finder 2.0. This cheap 3D printer offers dual platform options to cater to various printing needs. The glass platform provides exceptional adhesion, ensuring your printing models stay warp-free.  Moreover, the PEI magnetic steel plate platform, equipped with a gold PEI plate and an anti-warping edge, utilizes a strong magnetic force for durability. It features cutting-edge sensor technology, including power loss recovery and filament run-out detection. In the event of an unexpected power outage, the printer can save your progress and resume once power is restored.

AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer

Price: US$399.00

AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer is the best low-budget 3D printer that can achieve printing speeds of up to 500 mm/s while maintaining a precision of 0.1 mm. So you can complete projects faster while ensuring pinpoint accuracy. Thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can control the printer, monitor your print status, and even transfer sliced models directly from your mobile device. The automatic bed leveling and intuitive design simplify setup, perfect for those new to 3D printing. Plus, the flexible magnetic plate not only ensures stability but also promises hassle-free model removal. And, with durable components designed for longevity and consistent high-performance, you can trust the AnkerMake M5C to deliver outstanding results on every print.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Price: US$145.00

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a monochrome LCD 3D printer that is designed to take your printing projects to new heights. It comes equipped with a 6.08-inch monochrome LCD boasting 2K HD resolution. What does this mean for you? It translates to a remarkable two-second per layer exposure time for curing resin. Moreover, it has revamped the light source structure, ensuring even UV light emission. The CNC-machined aluminum body of the Mars 2 Pro makes it a formidable printing machine. The newly designed sandblasted build plate offers superior adherence during printing, guaranteeing consistent success with each print.

Voxelab Aquila X2

Price: US$145.00

Voxelab Aquila X2 3D Printer is a versatile and feature-packed printer that offers incredible value for your money. It comes equipped with upgraded filament detection. When you run out of filament mid-print, the sensor pauses the printing process and alerts you, ensuring no wasted time or materials. Moreover, it's compatible with a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, ABS PRO, and PETG PRO. The low-priced 3D printer features a fast-heating carborundum glass platform that ensures prints adhere better, even on the first layer. Thanks to its new 32-bit motherboard with TMC2208 drivers, it operates silently with low decibel levels. You can enjoy 3D printing without disturbing your workspace.

Original Prusa Mini

Price: US$459.00

Original Prusa Mini is our last recommendation on the list of the top 10 budget 3D printers. With its 7"×7"×7" build volume, it offers ample space for diverse projects. Automatic calibration ensures consistent quality, saving you time and guesswork. The user-friendly LCD screen and network connectivity simplify your printing experience, making project management a breeze. Most notably, it's a favorite in the 3D printing community due to its adaptability in handling various materials, enabling you to effortlessly transition between different creative projects.

How Do We Choose The Best Budget 3D Printer?

Choosing the best budget 3D printer requires a thoughtful approach to ensure you get the most value for your money. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Define Your Needs:Consider your specific requirements. Are you a beginner or an experienced user? Do you need a printer for hobbyist projects or more professional work? Your needs will dictate the type of 3D printer to choose.
2. Price Range:Set a clear budget. Entry-level 3D printers can start at around $200, while mid-range models can range from $500 to $1,000. High-end or industrial-grade printers are more expensive. Stick to a budget for the 3D printer cost that aligns with your requirements.
3. Build Volume:Determine the size of objects you plan to print. Smaller build volumes are suitable for small prototypes and miniatures, while larger build volumes are necessary for bigger projects.
4. Print Quality:Evaluate the printer's resolution and layer height capabilities. Higher resolution and finer layer height options generally produce better-quality prints.
5. Filament Compatibility:Check the types of filaments the printer can use. Most budget 3D printers work with PLA and sometimes ABS. Ensure the printer supports the materials you plan to use.

Conclusion

According to our guide about the 10 best affordable 3D printers,  you can find that innovation and affordability can coexist. They offer a range of features and capabilities that cater to various needs and skill levels, all while keeping your wallet happy. Remember that the best 3D printer for you ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Whether you prioritize build volume, print quality, ease of use, or versatility, the options here offer a fantastic starting point for your 3D printing journey.

FAQs

Is 3D printing an expensive hobby?

3D printing can be as affordable or as expensive depending on your goals and budget. Entry-level 3D printers are increasingly budget-friendly, and filament costs are reasonable. However, advanced features, larger build volumes, and high-quality materials can drive up expenses.

What is a reasonable price for a 3D printer?

Reasonable 3D printer prices vary based on needs and features. Entry-level models start at around $200-$300, suitable for beginners. Mid-range printers with more features typically range from $500-$1,000. High-end and industrial-grade printers can cost several thousand dollars. Consider your requirements and budget when choosing a printer.

What materials does a cheap 3D printer use?

Budget 3D printers commonly use affordable materials like PLA (polylactic acid) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). These materials are readily available, easy to print with, and cost-effective for beginners and hobbyists.