Want to buy a 3D printer? This list consists of 40 affordable 3D printers available online for a price between $250 and $500 USD. Each 3D printer has one button that leads to our 3D printer price product details page and one that goes straight to the store that offers the best price.
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We constantly update this list, so you can always check back to find out what the best affordable 3D printers in each category are.
Heads up: our content may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission. Read more here.Category: Fully-assembled 3D Printers
Looking for a plug-and-play 3D printer? For in the classroom, your office or workshop? Below you’ll find an overview of affordable fully-assembled 3D printers.
FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite
This is the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite. The only difference in comparison to the Adventurer 3 is that this Lite version doesn't come with a built-in camera.
Features we like:
- - Heats up fast - within 50 seconds to 200°C (392°F)
- - Low operating sound - perfect for in the office
- - Quick nozzle switch system
- - Flexible and removable print bed
- Manufacturer:
- FlashForge
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Print size inches:
- 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA
Anycubic 4Max Pro
Anycubic 4Max Pro features we like:
- - Fully assembled, plug and play machine
- - Resume after power outage
- - Filament runout detection
- - Adhesive bed coating
- Manufacturer:
- Anycubic
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 270 x 205 x 205 mm
- Print size inches:
- 10.6 x 8.0 x 8.0 inches
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU
Qidi Tech X-Smart
This is the Qidi Tech X-Smart. Features we like:
- - Removable and bendable build plate
- - Closed print chamber
- - Touch screen display
- Manufacturer:
- QIDI TECHNOLOGY
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 170 x 150 x 150 mm
- Print size inches:
- 6.7 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PLA
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.
ADIMLab Gantry
ADIMLab Gantry features we like:
- - Dual y and z-axis rails
- - Easy to assemble
- Manufacturer:
- ADIMLab
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 310 x 310 x 410 mm
- Print size inches:
- 12.2 x 12.2 x 16.1 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PETG, PLA
TEVO Nereus
This is the TEVO Nereus. Features we like:
- - Magnetic removable print surface
- - Full color touch screen
- - MKS Robin Nano board
- Manufacturer:
- TEVO
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 320 x 320 x 400 mm
- Print size inches:
- 12.5 x 12.5 x 15.7 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, ABS, PETG and more
Geeetech A30
This is Geeetech's A30. Features we like:
- - Easy to assemble and large build volume
- - Detects when you're running out of filament
- - Can resume a print after a power outage
- - Has a touch screen display
- Manufacturer:
- GEEETECH
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2017
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 320 x 320 x 420 mm
- Print size inches:
- 12.59 x 12.59 x 16.53 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PLA
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.
Tiertime Cetus MK2
Tiertime Cetus MK2 features we like:
- - Comes with 3 nozzle options with preset print profiles
- - Print bed with adhesive surface
- Manufacturer:
- Tiertime
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2017
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 180 x 180 x 180 mm
- Print size inches:
- 7.0 x 7.0 x 7.0 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, PETG, TPU
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
- Manufacturer:
- Anet
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 300 x 300 x 350 mm
- Print size inches:
- 11.8 x 11.8 x 13.7 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, PETG, TPU
Category: Resin 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.
Anycubic Photon S
This is the Anycubic Photon S.
Features:
- - 2k screen lcd
- - 2.8" touchscreen display
- Manufacturer:
- Anycubic
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Technology:
- LCD
- Print size millimeters:
- 115 x 65 x 165 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches
- Printable material(s):
- Photopolymer resins
Creality LD-001
The Creality LD-001 is a small DLP printer. It has a 3.5" color touch screen display and can be operated via both USB and Wi-Fi.
- Manufacturer:
- Creality
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Technology:
- DLP
- Print size millimeters:
- 120 x 70 x 120 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.7 x 2.7 x 4.7 inches
- Printable material(s):
- 405NM UV resin
Tronxy Ultrabot
Tronxy Ultrabot features we like:
- - Fast slicing
- - Touch screen display
- - Activated carbon filter
- Manufacturer:
- Tronxy
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Technology:
- SLA
- Print size millimeters:
- 118 x 66 x 180 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.65 x 2.6 x 7.08 inches
- Printable material(s):
- 405NM UV resin
Jean Michel Puybouffat says
how to buy
Robert Dehue says
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.
Danniel Gery says
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.
hazim moh says
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
Marius Ellisar says
None of these print at 10 microns. This is the minimal acceptable to produce models for production, from Lego parts to figures.
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Roy says
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!
Peter Strikwerda says
Yes I do – I’ve updated the list 🙂