Printing of course is no longer just about paper. 3D printing has been growing in recent years, making it possible to create objects and models in a fun and creative way. But not only.
Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing turns your digital file into three dimensions. It allows you to print more complex and detailed images than those obtained with a traditional printer. This is why it has become the printing tool of choice for artists and engineers, whether they are beginners or confirmed.
But getting started can be daunting. Which printer to choose? How much should you spend on your first printer?
A 3D printer doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We scoured the market to find the best 3D printers under $300 based on their features, performance, and user reviews.
Creality Ender 3 V2, best cheap 3D printer on the market
Advantage of Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer
- Affordable
- Excellent print quality
- Open design
Disadvantages of the Creality Ender 3 V2 3D printer
- Users complain about durability
- Minimum assembly instructions
Technical specifications of the Creality Ender 3 V2 3D printer
- Weight: 8 kg
- Dimensions: 220x220x250mm
- Frame Design: Open
Comgrow’s Creality Ender 3 V2 wins our award for best budget 3D printer. Offered at a price of just over 300 euros, this inexpensive 3D printer is compatible and connects with PCs. The printer is made of tempered glass and aluminum, and it includes a motherboard developed by the company itself, which significantly improves performance, allowing more stable and quiet printing.
The device has a 4.3-inch color screen that makes it much easier to use. For added safety, it uses a UL-certified MeanWell power supply that is concealed within the machine. And in the event of a power outage or other interruption, it can automatically resume printing so you don’t lose track.
3Doodler Create Plus, the best cheap portable 3D printer
Advantage of 3Doodler Create Plus Printer
- Dual setting
- Stencils included
- Fast drying
Disadvantages of the 3Doodler Create Plus Printer
- Learning curve to enjoy
- Reloading can be tricky
3Doodler Create Plus Printer Technical Specifications
- Weight: 500 grams
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 8 x 27.4 cm
- Frame Design: Pen
The 3Doodler Create Plus takes a different and original approach to 3D printing with a pen. The device uses dual-drive technology for faster, higher-quality 3D prints. How does it work ? The pen heats the plastic so you can create 3D drawings and doodling.
The plastic hardens almost instantly, giving you a 3D image of your design. It works on clothing, as well as many other surfaces, to give you a personalized look you can’t get anywhere else.
The Toybox 3D printer, ideal for children
Advantage of Toybox 3D Printer
- One-touch printing
- Child-friendly options
- Easy to configure
Disadvantages of the Toybox 3D printer
- higher price
- Requires internet connection
Technical specifications of the Toybox 3D printer
- Weight: 3 kg
- Size: 18.8 x 18.8 x 9cm
- Frame Design: Open
Toybox 3D Printer is an inexpensive 3D printer designed especially for children. The easy one-touch control makes it autonomous for young children, especially with its WiFi connection. No adjustments are required during operation, and its small size makes it easy to handle. In addition, thousands of toys are available in the Toybox catalog to occupy your child for weeks.
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini, best for beginners
Advantage of XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D printer
- Affordable
- Quick print
- No setup needed
Disadvantages of the XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D printer
- A few small bugs
- USB cable required for wireless connection
Technical specifications of the XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D printer
- Weight: 11.5 kg
- Dimensions: 390 x 335 x 360mm
- Frame Design: Open
If you’re new to 3D printing, the da Vinci Mini from XYZprinting is our pick for the best cheap 3D printer. It couldn’t be easier to use. No assembly is required and it is designed to be ready to use. In addition, it offers ultra-fast printing with a resolution of 200 microns. Just connect to WiFi and you’re on your way.
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, the best cheap 3D printer for SLA printing
Advantage of Elegoo Mars 2 Pro 3D Printer
- Simple build platform upgrade
- Integrated air filtration
- High resolution printing
Disadvantages of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro 3D Printer
- a bit noisy
- Resin tank on the side
Technical specifications of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro 3D printer
- Weight: 5.2 kg
- Dimensions: 22.7 x 22.7 x 43.85cm
- Frame Design: Closed
SLA printing is a kind of special industrial printing, and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is the best in this field. It offers a monochrome LCD screen with 2K HD resolution. It is very fast, since it only takes two seconds to create each layer. Plus, it uses an even emission of UV light to enhance detail. The machine itself is strong and sturdy, and it comes with a one-year warranty.
What is the best cheap 3D printer?
The Creality Ender 3 V2 wins our pick for the best 3D printer, thanks to its affordability and reliable performance. To compare, here are the best cheap 3D printers you can buy, ranked by price and chassis type.
Creality Ender 3 V2
- Cost: €300
- Frame type: Open frame
3Doodler Create Plus
- Cost: €80
- Frame Type: Pen
Toy box 3D printer
- Cost: €290
- Frame type: Open frame
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini
- Cost: €300
- Frame type: Open frame
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
- Cost: €300
- Frame type: Closed frame
Which is the best cheap 3D printer for you?
It can be confusing trying to sort through so many models. Here are our recommendations for the best cheap 3D printers based on priorities.
- Choose the Creality Ender 3 V2 If you want an open frame printer of incredible value and performance.
- Choose 3Doodler Create More if you are looking for portability above all else.
- Choose Toybox 3D Printer if you want a kid-friendly 3D printer.
- Choose XYZprinting da Vinci Mini If you want a 3D printer for beginners.
- Choose Elegoo Mars 2 Pro If you want an SLA printer.
How did we choose these inexpensive 3D printers?
We consider several factors when choosing the best cheap 3D printer.
-
Build volume: The size of a finished project is crucial for many users, which is why we look for inexpensive 3D printers of all shapes and sizes. - Use : Ease of use is an important factor, especially if you are a beginner. We are looking for 3D printers that adapt to different levels of experience.
- User reviews: No one knows a product better than those who use it, which is why we turn to real customers to hear their thoughts on the overall user experience. This helps paint a realistic picture of what to expect from every cheap 3D printer.
- Cost : We are looking for cheap 3D printers that are priced affordably without sacrificing quality. After all, these are the best cheap 3D printers for your budget.
Is a cheap 3D printer worth it?
There are many affordable 3D printers out there, but not all of them offer high-quality performance. We’re looking for inexpensive 3D printers that don’t skimp on features, so you don’t have to spend a fortune.
What material does a cheap 3D printer use?
Most 3D printers use PLA or ABS plastic to create your design. You can see some printers with liquid resin, which is more suitable for advanced users but gives excellent results. PLA, made from a combination of cornstarch and sugarcane, tends to be the most beginner-friendly option for most users.
How much do cheap 3D printers cost?
The best cheap 3D printers all cost a maximum of $300, with a starting price of $80, depending on the model you choose.
Are there other cheap 3D printers worth considering?
During our research, we also found these other cheap 3D printers to consider.
XYZprinting da Vinci Junior: the best alternative but a bit more expensive
Price: around 350 €.
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K: best 3D printer for miniature objects and jewelry
Price: around 350 €.
Source: “ZDNet.com”