40 Affordable 3D Printers Under $500 USD - December 2018

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Want to buy a 3D printer? We’ve created a list of 40 affordable 3D printers available online. All 40 3D printers in this list can be purchased for a price below $500 USD. Each 3D printer has one link to our 3D printer price compare page and one that goes straight to the store which offers the best price.

Affordable 3D Printers

The following lists of affordable 3D printers are divided into multiple categories based on assembly type. These include affordable DIY kits, semi-assembled 3D printers, fully-assembled 3D Printers, multi-color 3D printers and SLA / DLP 3D printers.

Category: DIY Kits

We believe it’s a good idea to assemble a DIY kit to get a basic idea of how they are built and how 3D printers work. While following the instructions and putting the parts together you’ll gradually learn all the terms and vocabulary associated with 3D printing which will make it easier to solve problems in a later stage.

Anet A8 Plus
The Anet A8 Plus is the successor of Anet's best selling model: the Anet A8. Features we like:

- Easy to adjust X-axis and Y-axis belt tension

- Sturdy frame
Best price: $349.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 350 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 13.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG, TPU

Print bed details:

Heated bed with removable glass build plate
View specs
Creality Ender 3 Pro
This is the Creality Ender 3 Pro. It's the upgraded version of the popular Creality Ender 3. It comes with an improved removable print bed and certified MeanWell power supply. Features we like:

- Magnetic, removable bed with adhesive print surface sticker

- MK-10 Extruder

- Open source

- Ability to resume print after power outage
Best price: $239.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

220 x 220 x 250 mm

Print size inches:

8.6 x 8.6 x 9.4 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed, magnetic, removable, with viscose surface sticker
View specs
TEVO Tarantula
The TEVO Tarantula is a Prusa type 3D printer with tens of thousands users all around the planet. TEVO are known for their high quality, affordable 3D printers and they have a huge fan base.

Best price: $219.90
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2016

Print size millimeters:

200 x 200 x 200 mm

Print size inches:

7.9 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, HIPS, PETG, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Creality Ender 3
The Creality Ender 3 is a DIY Kit developed by the same company that launched the popular CR 10S. Features we like:

- Open source

- Ability to resume print after power outage
Best price: $179.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

220 x 220 x 250 mm

Print size inches:

8.6 x 8.6 x 9.4 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with viscose surface sticker
View specs
Two Trees Sapphire S
Best price: $308.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Core XY

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

200 x 200 x 200 mm

Print size inches:

7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches

Connectivity:

USB, SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed, aluminum substrate plate + (PC) film surface
View specs
Creality CR10
Creality 3D is known for their massive, high quality 3D printer kits. The CR-10 was the best selling kit of 2017. This is the DIY Kit version, there’s also a semi-assembled version which takes about 20 minutes to setup.

Best price: $439.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG, ABS

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Anycubic 4Max
This is Anycubic’s newest DIY kit – the 4Max (formax) – and it has really nice specs. It has a heated / removable bed, auto resume feature and comes with side panels which makes it great for printing ABS.

Best price: $359.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

210 x 210 x 300 mm

Print size inches:

8.2 x 8.2 x 11.8 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated, removable bed with glass / microporous coating surface
View specs
FlyingBear P905
Best price: $220.50
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

H-bot

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

220 x 220 x 210 mm

Print size inches:

8.6 x 8.6 x 8.2 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with aluminum surface
View specs
FlyingBear Tornado 2
Best price: $542.50
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

H-bot

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

360 x 360 x 360 mm

Print size inches:

14.1 x 14.1 x 14.1 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed with glass surface
View specs
TEVO Flash
This is the TEVO Flash. There are multiple versions of the Flash available. This is the DIY (50% assembled) version with manual bed leveling. There's also a semi-assembled version (98% assembled) available with automatic bed leveling.

- (Knock-off) volcano nozzle

- (Knock-off) titan extruder

- Glass-ceramic print surface
Best price: $339.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

235 x 235 x 250 mm

Print size inches:

9.2 x 9.2 x 9.8 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with glass surface
View specs

Category: Semi-assembled 3D Printers

Semi-assembled 3D printers can be the perfect solution for beginners that don’t want to spend too much money but are also not interested in the hassle of building a complete kit. Semi-assembled 3D printers have the best of both worlds. They’re easy to set up (10 to 20 minutes) and they’re relatively affordable because the manufacturer saves on shipping costs.

Anycubic i3 Mega-S
Best price: $359.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

210 x 210 x 205 mm

Print size inches:

8.3 x 8.3 x 8.1 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive print surface
View specs
Anet E12
Best price: $259.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD card

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA, HIPS

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Geeetech A20
Best price: $310.61
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

255 x 255 x 255 mm

Print size inches:

10 x 10 x 10 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive coating
View specs
Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus V2.0
The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus V2.0 now has automatic bed leveling, a special print surface for better adhesion and a touchscreen display. Biggest disadvantage is that the software seems to be compatible with Windows & Linux only.

Best price: $359.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

200 x 200 x 180 mm

Print size inches:

7.8 x 7.8 x 7.0 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Wanhao build surface
View specs
Geeetech A30
Best price: $369.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

320 x 320 x 420 mm

Print size inches:

12.59 x 12.59 x 16.53 inches

Connectivity:

Wifi, SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Glass, heated, adhesion coating
View specs
Creality CR10 Mini
Best price: $279.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

300 x 220 x 300 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 8.6 x 11.8 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PETG, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
FlyingBear Ghost
This is the FlyingBear Ghost. Features we like:

- Sturdy metal frame

- Connect via Wi-Fi

- Full color touch screen display

- Comes with acrylic enclosure

- Print recovery feature (continue printing after power outage)
Best price: $349.02
Compare tool rating:

Rated 4.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

H-bot

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

230 x 230 x 210 mm

Print size inches:

9.1 x 9.1 x 8.3 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable, Wi-Fi

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, HIPS, PETG, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with sticky coated glass top
View specs
Alfawise U20
Alfawise U20 features we like:

- Easy to assemble

- Full color touch screen display
Best price: $285.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD card

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

ABS, PETG, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Creality CR-20
The Creality CR-20 is semi-assembled 3D printer. It comes in two parts and is easy to assemble. Features we like:

- Resume capabilities (to resume printing after a power outage)

- Self-adhesive print bed
Best price: $399.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

220 x 220 x 250 mm

Print size inches:

8.6 x 8.6 x 9.4 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive print surface
View specs
TEVO Tornado 2018
The TEVO Tornado comes with a Bowden style knock-off Titan extruder with improved hot end design and is able to print with an accuracy of 50 Microns. The rigid full metal frame makes this 3D printer very stable.

Best price: $354.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 4.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with a polypropylene print sheet surface
View specs

Category: Fully-assembled 3D Printers

Looking for a plug-and-play 3D printer? For in the classroom, the office or workshop? Below you’ll find an overview of affordable fully-assembled 3D printers.

Monoprice Maker Ultimate
This is the Monoprice Maker Ultimate. Features we like:

- Sturdy metal frame

- Fully assembled / plug & play

- High resolution
Best price: $449.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 4.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2016

Print size millimeters:

200 x 200 x 175 mm

Print size inches:

7.8 x 7.8 x 6.8 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

HIPS, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive print surface
View specs
DediBot DF3
Best price: $449.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Delta

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

150 D x 175 H mm

Print size inches:

5.9 D x 6.9 H inches

Connectivity:

USB, WIFI

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Non-heated
View specs
Qidi Tech X-Smart
This is the Qidi Tech X-Smart. Features we like:

- Removable and bendable build plate

- Touch screen display
Best price: $399.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

170 x 150 x 150 mm

Print size inches:

6.7 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches

Connectivity:

USB drive

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed, removable, bendable
View specs
Wanhao D4S
This is the Wanhao D4S. Features we like:

- Rigid and sturdy frame

- Dual extruders

- Side panels and detachable hood included
Best price: $387.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

225 x 145 x 150 mm

Print size inches:

8.8 x 5.7 x 5.9 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Dual

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA, PVA

Print bed details:
View specs
Weedo M2
Weedo M2 features we like:

- Removable bed

- Built-in air filter
Best price: $449.00
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

170 x 140 x 140 mm

Print size inches:

6.6 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches

Connectivity:

Micro USB, SD

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Non-heated
View specs
Wanhao Duplicator 10
Best price: $239.00
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

116 x 116 x 125 mm

Print size inches:

4.6 x 4.6 x 5 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Non heated, removable and flexible
View specs
Aibecy Mini Ant
Best price: $439.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

100 x 135 x 120 mm

Print size inches:

3.9 x 5.3 x 4.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD, SD, USB

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Non-heated
View specs
Monoprice Mini Delta
The Monoprice Mini Delta is a fully assembled delta 3D printer with a tiny footprint and mini build volume. It has an automatic calibration feature and a wide range of connectivity options.

Best price: $159.99
Compare tool rating:

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Delta

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

110 D x 120 H mm

Print size inches:

4.33 D x 4.7 H inches

Connectivity:

Micro SD, USB cable, WIFI

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Tronxy C2
The Tronxy C2 is a small 3D printer with a direct extruder and sturdy metal frame.

Best price: $276.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

150 × 150 × 150 mm

Print size inches:

5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Geeetech E180
Best price: $224.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Fully-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

130 x 130 x 130 mm

Print size inches:

5.1 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Single

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Not heated, Aluminum surface (blue tape recommended)
View specs

Category: Multi-color 3D Printers

Looking for a 3D printer that’s able to mix multiple colors in one print job? Below you’ll find an overview of affordable multi-color 3D printers.

Tronxy X5S 2E
Tronxy X5S 2E features we like:

- Mix color 2 in 1 out feature

- Sturdy metal frame
Best price: $348.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Core XY

Launched in:

2017

Print size millimeters:

330 x 330 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

12.99 x 12.99 x 15.74 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB cable

Extruder type:

Mix

Printable material(s):

PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed
View specs
Geeetech A20M
Best price: $349.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

255 x 255 x 255 mm

Print size inches:

10 x 10 x 10 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB

Extruder type:

Mix

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive coating
View specs
Zonestar Z9
This is the Zonestar Z9. It has one extruder but two feed motors which enables you to mix 2 colors in 1 print job. Features we like:

- Sturdy metal frame

- 2 in 1 mix extruder
Best price: $383.74
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

DIY Kit

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XY-head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

SD

Extruder type:

Mix

Printable material(s):

ABS, HIPS, PET, PLA

Print bed details:

Heated bed with aluminum surface
View specs
Zonestar Z10M2
Best price: $329.91
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

300 x 300 x 400 mm

Print size inches:

11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches

Connectivity:

USB, SD

Extruder type:

Mix

Printable material(s):

ABS, PLA, PETG, HIPS

Print bed details:

Heated bed with Kingbox surface
View specs
Geeetech A10M
Best price: $229.99
Compare tool rating:

Assembly:

Semi-assembled

Type:

FFF FDM

Mechanical arrangement:

Cartesian-XZ-Head

Launched in:

2018

Print size millimeters:

220 x 220 x 260 mm

Print size inches:

8.6 x 8.6 x 10.2 inches

Connectivity:

SD, USB

Extruder type:

Mix

Printable material(s):

PLA, PETG

Print bed details:

Heated bed with adhesive coating
View specs

Category: SLA / DLP 3D Printers

Looking for a Resin 3D printer? To create high detailed objects? Below you’ll find an overview of affordable SLA / DLP 3D printers.

Comments

Jean Michel Puybouffat says

June 30, 2016 at 11:02 am

how to buy

Reply
- Robert Dehue says
  
  June 12, 2018 at 12:43 pm
  
  You can click on the prices and that will lead to the pricewatch or directly to an online store where you can buy the 3D printers.
  
  Reply
Danniel Gery says

December 16, 2016 at 4:02 am

Hello,
Nice 3d printers under $500 are given here. Anyone who want to buy can gothrough this article and choose which one is suitable for him. Recently I took 3d printing service from Iannone 3D, which is a New Jersey based Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing Service Bureau. Thanks for sharing this list of printers.

Reply
hazim moh says

May 13, 2017 at 1:06 pm

Dear
hi
I am searching for glass engraving machine which could be mounted directly on car glass,I mean, there is no need for remove car glass from original place i.e I will put my machine on car and engrave glass.

could I find such portable engraving machine,thanks forwarded

Reply
Marius Ellisar says

August 4, 2017 at 8:01 am

None of these print at 10 microns. This is the minimal acceptable to produce models for production, from Lego parts to figures.

Reply
love spell says

October 13, 2017 at 11:47 pm

Hi there,I check your blog named “A List of 30 Affordable 3D Printers Under $500 USD – 3D Printing” daily.Your writing style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing! And you can look our website about love spell.

Reply
Roy says

August 8, 2018 at 7:15 pm

Hi there, this was a most useful list.
I am looking for affordable, entry level, multi-colour 3d printer. Do you have a list of these?
Thanks a lot!

Reply
- Peter Strikwerda says
  
  August 9, 2018 at 5:41 pm
  
  Yes I do – I’ve updated the list 🙂
  
  Reply

Affordable 3D Printers

Category: DIY Kits

Anet A8 Plus

Creality Ender 3 Pro

TEVO Tarantula

Creality Ender 3

Two Trees Sapphire S

Creality CR10

Anycubic 4Max

FlyingBear P905

FlyingBear Tornado 2

TEVO Flash

Category: Semi-assembled 3D Printers

Anycubic i3 Mega-S

Anet E12

Geeetech A20

Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus V2.0

Geeetech A30

Creality CR10 Mini

FlyingBear Ghost

Alfawise U20

Creality CR-20

TEVO Tornado 2018

Category: Fully-assembled 3D Printers

Monoprice Maker Ultimate

DediBot DF3

Qidi Tech X-Smart

Wanhao D4S

Weedo M2

Wanhao Duplicator 10

Aibecy Mini Ant

Monoprice Mini Delta

Tronxy C2

Geeetech E180

Category: Multi-color 3D Printers

Tronxy X5S 2E

Geeetech A20M

Zonestar Z9

Zonestar Z10M2

Geeetech A10M

Category: SLA / DLP 3D Printers

ELEGOO Mars

Tianfour SparkMaker

Wanhao Duplicator 7 v1.5

Anet N4

Creality LD-001

Comments

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