Technology Elevation
We don’t think 3D printing is fully developed yet, but you could say it’s in its teenage years. A lot has changed in the first ten years or so of 3D printers. They have become more reliable, cheaper, and easier to set up and use. It’s also possible to pay less than expected. Many functions that were once only found on high-end models are now found on cheaper ones.
It used to seem impossible to use a 3D printer. Now you can get good 3D printers for less than $300, which makes becoming a “maker” easier than ever. There is a catch, though: these cheap machines need to be tweaked and honed before they work right. You’ll save money, but it’s not a good way to start. The best low-cost 3D printers are easy to use and don’t cost too much.
But when you buy a printer, you need to know what to expect. These are basic, cheap 3D printers. They will not work as well as more industrial types, that is the truth. Even so, if you look in the right place, you can find a lot of value. We’ve looked through the ever-growing number of 3D printers to do that.
Top 8 Best 3D Printers Under 300
1. Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer
The first Anycubic Kobra had an industrial look similar to printers like the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+. The Kobra 2 has a simpler look, with a chunky, brightly colored plastic frame that wraps around its extruder, making it look almost like a toy. But other than that, it looks like a lot of other open-frame printers. The Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro has a slightly bigger size (19.1 by 17.3 by 17.1 inches).
Because it is made of a spring-steel-textured polyetherimide (PEI), the build plate doesn’t scratch or wear down easily. Your prints stick to the base, which lets the base heat up quickly and hold the prints well. A little bend in the plate will get rid of your prints. Also, the plate is easy to clean and doesn’t need any extra glue or other fixings.
Specifications
- Brand: ANYCUBIC
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 19.13″D x 19.13″W x 16.93″H
- Item Weight: 8.4 Kilograms
Reasons To Buy
+ Not expensive
+ It prints quickly and correctly.
+ Easy to put together
Reasons To Avoid
– Very loud fans
– Leveling software doesn’t always work right.
– Can get too hot for comfort
2. AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer
Despite being less expensive, the M5C is big and heavy (about 20.94 pounds), so you should put it somewhere so you won’t have to move it often. While the M5C doesn’t come fully assembled like the Flashforge Finder (mentioned below), it is still simple to put together.
In a gantry-style printer, sealed drive screws move the direct-drive extruder head up and down along the Z axis. While the print bed moves forward and backward, the extruder, or hot end, moves left and right, creating the X line.
The M5C comes with a cool little tool kit with numerous useful tools, including Allen wrenches, a side cutter for cutting the filament before feeding it, and more. Plus, a new nozzle, which you will probably need at some point if you print a lot. Not many setup and use notes are included, but the fact that each one comes in its case is a nice touch.
Specifications
- Brand: AnkerMake
- Material: PLA/ABS/PETG/TPU/PA-CF/PLA-CF
- Color: Silver+Black
- Product Dimensions: 21.77″D x 20.27″W x 12″H
- Item Weight: 20.94 Pounds
Reasons To Buy
+ Excellent prints
+ Speedy standard printing
+ The print bed has a huge print volume and easy removal.
+ Fast assembly
+ User-friendly slicer software
Reasons To Avoid
– Required Wi-Fi for PC connection.
– No time-lapse or real-time video monitoring
– No device display or controls
– Needs mobile app to load/unload filament
3. ANYCUBIC Mega S 3D Printer
The Anycubic Mega S strikes a good mix between its low price (less than $300) and its high-quality printing and large number of features. There are some things that the Anycubic Mega S can’t do because it is an entry-level printer. There is still a lot here for both new and experienced printers to get their teeth into.
The frame is made of solid metal, it’s easy to put together in three steps, and the Titan printer is of higher quality and works better with flexible filament. It has a 50- to 400-micron print quality and an extra suspended filament spool holder. This makes it easy to set up and start printing (after leveling the bed). Whenever they happen, the results make sense. The Anycubic Mega S is great for fiddling and changing because it has an open design.
The Anycubic Mega S also has features that improve quality of life that were first found in much more expensive printers. Some of these are a filament reader that can tell when the filament is running out, an auto-resume function for when the power goes out, and Anycubic’s great Ultrabase heated print bed, which sticks to objects well and makes it easy to remove finished prints. It also has a full-color touch screen built in.
Specifications
- Brand: ANYCUBIC
- Material: 3D Printers
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 16.14″D x 15.95″W x 17.83″H
- Item Weight: 24.3 Pounds
Reasons To Buy
+ Quality of print
+ Partially put together
+ Sensor for filaments
+ 50 microns of detail
Reasons To Avoid
– A lot of writing
– Boost the level
4. FlashForge Finder 3D Printer
The FlashForge Finder is a good choice for people who are just starting out with 3D printing or want a professionally put-together printer that they can just plug in and print. As one of the more aesthetically pleasing printers in this article, the Finder has a design that is partly enclosed.
There is no noise and the printing is smooth and steady. The price always gets you a very good deal. Easy pulling off of finished prints is made easier by the build plate that can be taken off. The resolution of 100 to 500 microns also provides good clarity. In addition to Wi-Fi, the FlashForge Finder comes with a USB 2.0 port for easy connection to other devices. There are simple but responsive settings on the 3.5-inch touchscreen for the printer.
This cheap 3D printer might not be big enough for bigger jobs, though. Even though the leveling directions are short and easy to understand, there is no heated bed, automatic leveling, or filament detection. Aside from small PETG prints, filament support also starts and stops at PLA. The FlashForge Finder is still a great 3D printer for people who don’t have a lot of money or experience, and this shouldn’t be too much of a problem for people who are just starting out.
Specifications
- Brand: FLASHFORGE
- Material: Metal
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 16.54″D x 16.54″W x 16.54″H
- Item Weight: 11 Kilograms
Reasons To Buy
+ Easy to use and great for beginners
+ Take-off build plate
+ Ships fully put together
Reasons To Avoid
– Only works with PLA thread
– Small build size
5. QIDI Technology X-One2 3D Printer
QIDI Technology X-one2 is another great plug-and-play 3D printer that costs less than $300 that you should think about buying. It has an MK10 printer, a 3.5-inch touch screen that is easy to use, a CNC aluminum alloy build, a heated build plate (110 degrees), support for a number of popular filaments, and an SD card reader. This printer’s grade of print is fine for the price. The works will always be smooth and full of details.
As with the FlashForge Finder, the QIDI Technology X-one2 gives up build space for plug-and-print simplicity, but the 145 x 145 x 145 mm build area isn’t a big deal. The printer also doesn’t have auto-bed leveling. The setting, on the other hand, is pretty simple. You’re ready to go once you feed in the material and level the bed with a few screws. For less than $300, the QIDI Technology X-one2 is a great choice for a small but powerful 3D printer.
Specifications
- Brand: QIDI TECHNOLOGY
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Red, Blue
- Product Dimensions: 5.5″D x 5.5″W x 5.5″H
- Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
Reasons To Buy
+ Design with a full enclosure
+ Printing outside the box
Reasons To Avoid
– No leveling on its own
– Not enough connections
6. Geeetech A10M 3D Printer
Dual extruder 3D printing is usually only found on more expensive models, but Giantarm was able to add it to the Geeetech A10M 3D printer for less than $300 without changing any other parts of the machine. The printer has one of the best sets of features for less than $300. In terms of value for money, it’s close to the Creality Ender 3 and the Anycubic Mega S.
The dual extruder, which lets you print in different colors and materials, is, of course, the main draw. The quality is great for the price, and even complicated prints with toned or patterned colors come out smooth and with lots of detail. Another great thing about the Giantarm Geeetech A10M is that it has functions that don’t make sense for how cheap it is.
Specifications
- Brand: GIANTARM
- Material: Acrylonitrile But, Polylactic Acid
- Color: Blue, Black
- Item: Weight 8.8 Kilograms
- Compatible Devices: PC Laptop SD card
Reasons To Buy
+ Two-step extrusion
+ writing in more than one color or material
+ Boost the level
+ Auto-leveling of the bed
Reasons To Avoid
– Loud
7. Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
The Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer is the most advanced and cost-effective additive manufacturing machine on the market today. The Ender 3 was made by Creality, a well-known leader in the 3D printing industry. It is intended to give fans, hobbyists, and professionals alike the best performance, dependability, and flexibility.
With its sturdy build, easy-to-use features, and amazing printing abilities, the Ender 3 has been praised as one of the best entry-level 3D printers on the market.
Specifications
- Brand: Comgrow
- Material: Resin
- Product Dimensions: 17.32″D x 17.32″W x 18.31″H
- Item Weight: 7.96 Kilograms
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
Reasons To Buy
+ Cheap and easy on the wallet.
+ Strong frame made of metal.
+ A lot of build space.
+ Open-source design lets you change things.
+ Printing can be resumed.
Reasons To Avoid
– Putting together may take some work.
– There are not many features right out of the box.
8. ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro 3D Printer
The ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro is a revolutionary addition to the world of 3D printing. It gives both hobbyists and pros a new way to think about their creative projects. This high-tech 3D printer blends cutting-edge technology with features that make it easy for anyone to use. It works very well and is reliable.
The Neptune 3 Pro, which was designed and made by ELEGOO, a well-known name in the 3D printing industry, is the next step forward in additive manufacturing. It can be used for a lot of different things, from making prototypes and new products to school projects and hobbies.
Specifications
- Brand: ELEGOO
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 23″D x 9″W x 19″H
- Item Weight: 22 Pounds
Reasons To Buy
+ Large build volume for flexible printing.
+ Extrusion system with precise twin gears.
+ Noiseless printing for a quiet office.
+ Maintaining print quality with efficient cooling
Reasons To Avoid
– Possible learning curve for beginners.
– Assembly and setup may take time.
Understanding The Best 3D printers Under 300
To find the best 3D printers under $300, you need to look at a number of features and functions that set these low-cost machines apart in the field of additive manufacturing. Even though they are less expensive, these printers have a lot of great features and work very well, so both newbies and hobbyists can use them.
When looking at the best 3D printers under $300, some important things to think about are the build volume, print quality, compatibility with filament, connectivity choices, and how easy the printer is to use. Most of the time, these printers are small enough to use at as a home printer or in a small office.
They also have easy-to-use software and displays that make them simple to use. The best 3D printers may not be as flexible as more expensive models, like having slower print speeds or fewer advanced features, but they still let you be creative and try new things.
Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best 3d Printers Under 300
Size of the Build:
See what the printer’s build volume, or size, is. This tells you the biggest things that can be made. Please make sure that the printer’s build volume fits your needs by thinking about what you want to use it for and the sizes of the things you want to print.
Quality of the Printing:
Take a look at the printer’s print quality, also known as clarity, to see how smooth and detailed the prints are. If you want exact and accurate prints, look for printers that can handle high resolution and trustworthy print quality.
Compliance with Filament:
Things like PLA, ABS, PETG, or TPU thread that the printer can use. Before you buy a printer, make sure it works with the filament materials you want to use for your projects and any other filaments you might want to try, too.
Options for Connectivity:
Take a look at the printer’s connection choices, like Wi-Fi, USB, and SD cards. Pick a printer that has different ways to join that work well with your workflow and make it easy to print and send files.
Simple to Use:
The printer’s setup process, interface, and software should all be taken into account when deciding which one to buy. To make the printing process easier, especially for people who are just starting out, look for printers with simple controls, software that is easy to use, and relevant instructions or support materials.
Dependable and Long-Lasting:
You should look at the printer’s dependability and longevity by looking at its build quality, the materials used, and the company’s popularity. To get a printer that will work well and last a long time, look for one that is well-built and has good reviews from other users.
Speed of the Printer:
When you think about how quickly things can be printed, you should think about the printer’s print speed. For more efficient printing, faster speeds are good, but quality prints should come before speed to get the best results, especially for prints with lots of details or that are hard to understand.
The Amount of Noise:
If you plan to use the printer in a shared space or somewhere that doesn’t like noise, you should check out how loud it is when it’s running. To make the printing situation more comfortable and with fewer interruptions, look for printers that run quietly.
Help and a Sense of Belonging:
If the printer has online forums, tutorials, and troubleshooting tools, as well as support and a community of users, you should think about getting it. For fixing problems, learning new skills, and talking about your own experiences with other people, a strong support network can be very helpful.
How To Choose The Best 3D Printers Under 300
There is a method to picking the best 3D printer under $300 that will help you find a machine that meets your needs and stays within your budget. First, write down what you need the printer for and how you plan to use it.
Think about things like the size of the things you want to print and the materials you’ll be using. Next, look into the choices that are available within your price range.
Focus on well-known brands and models that offer a good balance between price and performance. To make sure the printer meets your needs, look at things like the build volume, print quality, compatibility with filaments, and connectivity choices.
Think about how easy it is to use, how reliable it is, how long it will last, and things like print speed and noise level.
FAQs – Best 3D Printers Under 300
Q: How much does a good cheap 3D printer cost?
Set a clear budget for the price range. Low-end 3D printers can start at around $200, and mid-range ones can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000. It costs more for high-end or industrial printers. Stick to a budget for the price of the 3D printer that works for you.
Q: Which type of 3D printing costs the least?
There are different types of 3D printers, and their prices vary. Three kinds exist: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), SLA (Stereolithography), and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).
Q: How much does it cost to 3D print?
It can cost anywhere from $3 to a lot of money to print something in 3D. Without a 3D model, it’s hard to say how much a 3D print will cost. The cost of 3D printing depends on things like the material, the complexity of the model, and the labor.
Q: Is it possible to print metal in 3D?
What kinds of metals can’t be printed in 3D? In theory, 3D printing could use any metal as long as it comes in the right powder form. But materials that burn at high temperatures instead of melting can’t be safely sinterized or melted. They can be used for 3D printing, though, when they are forced through a nozzle.
Q: Can 3D printers that cost less than $300 make good prints?
Even though 3D printers that cost less than $300 might not be as powerful as more expensive models, they can still make prints that are pretty good. The quality of the print relies on a lot of things, like the printer’s resolution, how well it works with the filament, and how skilled the user is. With the right tuning and setting adjustments, you can get good results in a lot of situations.
Q: Can different kinds of material be used with 3D printers that cost less than $300?
Different models of 3D printers under $300 can work with different types of material. Some printers may only work with basic plastic types like PLA, while others may be able to handle a wider range of materials, such as ABS, PETG, and TPU. It’s important to look at each printer’s specs to make sure it works with the types of plastic you want to use.
Q: Is it hard to set up and use a 3D printer that costs less than $300?
It depends on the type and maker of the 3D printer under $300 how easy it is to set up and use. There may be simple setup directions and easy-to-use interfaces for some printers, but others may need more technical know-how and troubleshooting. Before buying, it’s a good idea to read user reviews and tips to get an idea of how to set up and use the product.
Q: What kinds of things can I make with a 3D printer that costs less than $300?
3D printers that cost less than $300 can make a lot of different things, such as prototypes, functional parts, toys, household items, and decorative items. It’s important to think about the printer’s build volume and quality when picking one for your needs because they may limit the size and complexity of the things you can print.
Q: Are 3D printers that cost less than $300 good for beginners?
Yes, many 3D printers that cost less than $300 are good for beginners because they have easy-to-use controls, simple setup steps, and low prices. These printers are a great way for people who are new to 3D printing to get started and show off their talent without having to spend a lot of money. But it’s important to do some study and pick a printer that fits your needs and level of skill.
Q: Can I change or update a 3D printer that costs less than $300 to make it work better?
Some 3D printers that cost less than $300 can be upgraded or changed to make them work better or add new features. Installing aftermarket parts like better hotends, extruders, or heated beds, as well as firmware changes and software tweaks, are common ways to improve a printer. But not all printers may be easy to upgrade, so it’s important to check to see if the changes will work before you try to make them.
Conclusion
Finally, 3D printers that cost less than $300 make additive manufacturing more approachable. They let hobbyists, fans, and first-timers explore their creativity and make their ideas come to life without spending a lot of money. There may be some things that these printers can’t do that better models can, but they can still do a good job for many different uses.
Users can choose a printer that meets their needs and gives them confidence to start 3D printing by carefully thinking about things like build volume, print quality, material compatibility, ease of use, and support. People who are interested in 3D printing can find a huge range of uses for these cheap and flexible machines if they do their study, try different things, and are willing to learn.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings