February 8, 2019
Want to buy a 3D printer? This list consists of 40 affordable 3D printers available online for a price below $500 USD. Each 3D printer has one button that leads to our 3D printer price product specifications page and one that goes straight to the store that 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.
We constantly update this list, so you can always check back to find out what the best affordable 3D printers in each category are.
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
- 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
-
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
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 4.50 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, magnetic, removable, with viscose surface sticker
-
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.
- 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
-
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
- 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
-
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.
- 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
-
FLSUN FL C Cube
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- DIY Kit
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XY-head
- Launched in:
- 2017
- Print size millimeters:
- 260 x 260 x 350 mm
- Print size inches:
- 10.2 x 10.2 x 13.7 inches
- Connectivity:
- SD, USB
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, HIPS, PETG, PLA
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed, aluminum surface
-
He3D EI3 Tricolor
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- DIY Kit
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2017
- Print size millimeters:
- 200 x 280 x 200 mm
- Print size inches:
- 7.8 x 11.0 x 7.8 inches
- Connectivity:
- SD, USB cable
- Extruder type:
- Three
- Printable material(s):
- PLA
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed, aluminum surface
-
FLSUN F3
FLSUN's F3 has two extruders. Features we like:
- - Sturdy aluminum frame
- - Touchscreen display
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- Assembly:
- DIY Kit
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XY-head
- Launched in:
- 2017
- Print size millimeters:
- 260 x 260 x 350 mm
- Print size inches:
- 10.2 x 10.2 x 13.7 inches
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi, SD, USB
- Extruder type:
- Dual
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA, PVA
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed, aluminum surface
-
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
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 1.00 out of 5
- 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
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.
-
Tronxy XY-2
Tronxy XY-2 features we like:
- - Easy to assemble
- - Full color touch screen display
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 2.00 out of 5
- Assembly:
- Semi-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 220 x 220 x 260 mm
- Print size inches:
- 8.6 x 8.6 x 10.2 inches
- Connectivity:
- SD
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, ABS, PETG
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed
-
TEVO Nereus
This is the TEVO Nereus. Features we like:
- - Magnetic removable print surface
- - Full color touch screen
- - MKS Robin Nano board
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Semi-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Print size millimeters:
- 320 x 320 x 400 mm
- Print size inches:
- 12.5 x 12.5 x 15.7 inches
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi, SD
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, ABS, PETG and more
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed
-
Geeetech A20
- 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
-
Anet E12
- 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
-
Geeetech A30
- 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
-
Creality CR10 Mini
- 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
-
FLSUN QQ-S
This is the FLSUN QQ-S Delta 3D printer. It comes 90% pre-assembled and is easy to assemble. Features we like:
- - Low operating sound (50 dB)
- - Automatic bed leveling
- - Lattice glass print surface
- - Control via Wi-Fi & app
- - Resume option (power failure recovery)
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 4.00 out of 5
- Assembly:
- Semi-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Delta
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Print size millimeters:
- 255 (D) x 360 (H) mm
- Print size inches:
- 10.0 (D) x 14.1 (H) inches
- Connectivity:
- SD, Wi-Fi
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed with glass print surface
-
Pxmalion T320
Pxmalion T320 features we like:
- - 2 in 1 out mix extruder
- - Filament runout detection
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Semi-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 320 x 320 x 320 mm
- Print size inches:
- 12.6 x 12.6 x 12.6 inches
- Connectivity:
- USB, SD
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, PETG, TPU
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed
-
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
- 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
-
TEVO Tornado
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.
- 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
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.
-
FlashForge Adventurer 3
This is the Flashforge Adventurer 3. Features we like:
- - Heats up fast - within 50 seconds to 200°C (392°F)
- - Low operating sound - perfect for in the office / workspace
- - Quick nozzle switch system
- - Flexible and removable print bed
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Fully-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Print size inches:
- 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Connectivity:
- USB drive, Wi-Fi
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA, TPU
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed, removable, flexible
-
Monoprice MP Voxel
This is the Monoprice MP Voxel. Features we like:
- - Pre-assembled and fully enclosed
- - Connect via Wi-Fi
- - Quick nozzle swap feature
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Fully-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Print size inches:
- 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Connectivity:
- USB, WIFI
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PETG, PLA, HIPS
- Print bed details:
- Heated, removable and bendable bed
-
Weedo M2
Weedo M2 features we like:
- - Removable bed
- - Built-in air filter
- 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
-
Monoprice Select Mini
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.
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Fully-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2016
- Print size millimeters:
- 120 x 120 x 120 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.7 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches
- Connectivity:
- Micro SD, USB cable
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, HIPS, PET, PLA
- Print bed details:
- Aluminum
-
Aibecy Mini Ant
Aibecy Mini Ant features we like:
- - Fully assembled
- - Easy to setup
- 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
-
ELEGOO Neptune
ELEGOO Neptune features we like:
- - Titan extruder
- - Silicon carbide print surface for better adhesion
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Semi-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Print size millimeters:
- 205 x 205 x 205 mm
- Print size inches:
- 8.0 x 8.0 x 8.0 inches
- Connectivity:
- SD, USB cable
- Extruder type:
- Single
- Printable material(s):
- PLA, ABS, HIPS, TPU
- Print bed details:
- Heated bed with silicon carbide print surface
-
Tronxy C2
The Tronxy C2 is a small 3D printer with a direct extruder and sturdy metal frame.
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Fully-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XY-head
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 150 x 150 x 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
-
Geeetech E180
Geeetech's E180 features we like:
- – Resume option (power failure recovery)
- – Easy to swap extruders
Biggest disadvantage is that it seems to be for Windows only.
- 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)
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
- 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
-
Geeetech A20M
- 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
-
Zonestar Z5M2
- Compare tool rating:
- Assembly:
- Semi-assembled
- Type:
- FFF FDM
- Mechanical arrangement:
- Cartesian-XZ-Head
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 220 x 220 x 220 mm
- Print size inches:
- 8.7 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches
- Connectivity:
- SD, USB cable
- Extruder type:
- Mix
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA, PETG, HIPS
- Print bed details:
- Heated, not removable
-
Geeetech A10M
This is Geeetech's A10M. It has a 2-in-1 out mix extruder. Features we like:
- - Mix extruder
- - Detects when you're running out of filament
- - Can resume a print after a power outage
- - Adhesive print surface coating
- 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
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.
-
Tianfour SparkMaker
The SparkMaker is a small resin 3D printer with a tiny (98 x 55 x 125 mm) build volume.
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 1.00 out of 5
- Type:
- SLA
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 98 x 55 x 125 mm
- Print size inches:
- 3.9 x 2.2 x 4.92 inches
- Connectivity:
- SD
- Printable material(s):
- 405NM UV resin
-
Anycubic Photon
Anycubic Photon's features we like:
- - Simple bed leveling system.
- - 25W UV light source
- - 2.8" touchscreen display
- Compare tool rating:
- Rated 4.00 out of 5
- Type:
- DLP
- Launched in:
- 2017
- Print size millimeters:
- 115 x 65 x 155 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.5 x 2.5 x 6.1 inches
- Connectivity:
- USB drive
- Printable material(s):
- Photopolymer resin
-
Anet N4
The Anet N4 is a small resin 3D printer. Features we like:
- - Built-in slicer has a 3D model repair feature and honeycomb infill setting
- - Removable print bed and resin vat
- Compare tool rating:
- Type:
- DLP
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 120 x 65 x 138 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.7 x 2.5 x 5.4 inches
- Connectivity:
- USB drive
- Printable material(s):
- 405NM UV resin
-
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.
- Compare tool rating:
- Type:
- DLP
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Print size millimeters:
- 120 x 70 x 120 mm
- Print size inches:
- 4.7 x 2.7 x 4.7 inches
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi, USB
- 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.
love spell says
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.
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 🙂