40 Affordable 3D Printers Under $500 USD

The Anet A8 is a very popular Prusa type DIY kit. It can print a wide range of materials and has a non-removable heated bed.

Biggest con seems to be the acrylic frame. It doesn’t bring much weight and stability to the table so this might affect the print quality.

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

This open source 3D printer is based on the Prusa i3 model. It has an all metal frame and MK2 extruder. It uses linear bearings and T-Type threaded rods, which improves the Z-axis accuracy, reduces operating sound and results in smoother movements.

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.

This is the only CoreXY kit in the list. The CoreXY configuration enables you to print at high speed, but the CoreXY belt structure can be difficult to calibrate.

The CR 10S is a semi-assembled 3D printer developed by Creality 3D, a Chinese manufacturer. It’s easy to assemble, has a large build volume and has a dual Z axis lead screw.

With its touch screen display, auto resume feature and auto bed leveling, the Anycubic i3 Mega is one of the more user friendly 3D printers in its price range.

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.

• - Easy to assemble
• - Full color touch screen display

• - Resume capabilities (to resume printing after a power outage)
• - Self-adhesive print bed

The Monoprice Select Mini is a very popular 3D printer with a tiny footprint. It is a very compact and open model that won’t take up a lot of space on your desk.

This is version 2 of Qidi Tech X-One. It has a full metal double layered frame that makes the frame very stable. It also has a 3.5 inch touchscreen with simple to use interface.

In contrary to version 1, the v2 comes pre-assembled. You can start printing right away after unboxing.

The Qidi Technology X-ONE 2 comes with side panels to create a closed print chamber – which is great for printing ABS.

The touchscreen display and Wi-Fi connectivity of the FlashForge Finder make it easy to use. This is one of the quietest 3D printers available and is suitable for classrooms and offices.

Weedo M2 features we like:

• - Removable bed
• - Built-in air filter

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.

• - Removable and bendable build plate
• - Touch screen display

The Athorbot basically has 4 print modes. Single material / color, two materials / colors and also a mode where it mixes colors to get a gradient like effect.

It comes semi-assembled but it only takes a few minutes to assemble.

• - Sturdy metal frame
• - 2 in 1 mix extruder