Best Budget 3D Printers under $250, $750, and $1000

Is it possible to buy a good, yet affordable, 3D printer quickly and with a  warranty?

Here’s our pick of the best cheap 3D printers for hobbyists and professionals, for home and office, machines that support PLA, ABS, and other popular filaments. To make things easier, we divided the printers by price into the following categories: under $250, $750, and $1000. We included a line of affordable SLA printers under $800 and laser MFDs under $600 into separate categories. 

We selected the best-selling 3D printers with the minimum number of warranty claims - they are simply the best 3D printers according to our clients’ feedback. 

Please note that the prices indicated in this article are approximate and can vary depending on the exchange rate and the desire of the manufacturers. Click on the link provided in the product specifications to find out the exact price of a 3D printer.

• Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits are the machines that you will need to assemble yourself.
• Most of the 3D printers are supplied semi-assembled - they come as several major components that need to be connected with each other. This usually takes less than 10 minutes. 
• Ready-to-work 3D printers are tagged as fully assembled.

All 3D printers in this selection are arranged according to their price range in ascending fashion. However, several models of the same line are listed together for convenience. 

 

Best 3D printers under $250

Wanhao Duplicator i3 mini

Fully assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 120х135х100 mm
• Extruder temperature: 170-260° С
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Positioning accuracy: XY: 0.012 mm, Z: 0.04 
• Material support: PLA, Wood
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: MicroSD, USB
• Printing speed: 10-70 mm/s
• Price: $231.00

The i3 Mini is a compact, precise and the cheapest 3D printer among Wanhao products, although it prints only with PLA on a relatively small print bed, it never fails to produce high-quality objects. On top of that, it simply looks great. It is a very good option for beginners, but it will also be a reasonable solution for those enthusiasts who want to print small details with PLA without paying too much for their hobby. 

 

Anet A6 and A8

Do-It-Yourself

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 220х220х250(240) mm
• Max extruder temperature: 260°C
• Max print bed temperature: 100°C
• Layer thickness: 100 (120) microns
• Bed leveling: manual (automated)
• Positioning accuracy: Z: 0.004 mm, XY: 0.012 mm
• Material support: PLA, ABS, TPU, PVA, Nylon, PVA, PP, Wood
• Filament size: 1,75
• Printing speed: 40-120 mm/s
• Price: $274.99 ($179.00) 

You can see the A8 specs within brackets. A more detailed comparison of these two models can be found here.

Both the Anet A6 and A8 come as DIY kits. You can assemble a very inexpensive, yet robust, 3D printer with an LCD display and supported memory cards that will allow you to print without connecting the machine to a computer. Such a printer will be great for those just trying their hands at 3D printing and want to sharpen their skills at a minimum cost. 

Features: acrylic platform, 1 extruder, build volume 220 x 220 x 250(240) mm. 
Despite being very cheap and having quite a simplistic construction, this machine produces surprisingly good prints.
 

 

Tevo Tarantula

Semi-assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Max extruder temperature: 210°C
• Build volume: 200 x 200 x 200 mm
• Print bed temperature: 60-120°C
• Layer thickness: 50 microns
• X,Y axes positioning accuracy, mm: 0.012
• Material support: PLA, ABS, PETG, wood, PVA, and flexible filaments (with Pro Metal Extruder)
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: 150 mm/s
• Price: $203.00

The frame of this 3D printer is made of aluminum profile. Features automated bed leveling. The extruder positioning accuracy is adjusted with the help of the inductive sensor. 

 

 

Best 3D printers under $500

Anet A4

Do-It-Yourself

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 200х210 mm
• Extruder temperature: 260 °C
• Print bed temperature: 100℃
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Positioning accuracy: XY: 12 microns, Z: 4 microns
• Material support: ABS, PLA, HIPS
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: 40-120 mm/s
• Price: $277.09 

A large delta 3D printer with a steel frame, metal platform, and belt tension adjustment with one screw.

 

Creality Ender-3
 
Do-It-Yourself 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 220х220х250 mm
• Extruder temperature: 255°C
• Print bed temperature: 110°C
• Material support: PLA, ABS, TPU
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Positioning accuracy: 100 microns
• Filament size: 1,75 mm
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: 180 mm/s
• File transfer: USB, SD
• Price: $268.00

Features:

• Quick assembly — 10 minutes, 20 screws;
• V-slot — compatible with Prusa frames ;
• Can resume printing after power loss;
• Print bed can heat up to 110°C in 5 minutes;
• Aluminum profile frame with a rigid black coating. 

 

Wanhao Duplicator i3

Semi-assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Operating temperature: 190-260°С
• Build volume: 200 x 200 x 180 mm
• Positioning accuracy: Z axis – 0.004 mm (5 microns), XY axis – 0.012 mm (12 microns)
• Material support: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, and others.
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: USB, SD/TF-card
• Printing speed: 100 mm/s
• Price: $358.00

Wanhao Duplicator i3 3D printer series and the i3 v2.1 version, in particular, is one of the most popular 3D printers from Wanhao. 
The wide-profile steel frame is extremely rigid and will never become unstable. Considerable weight reduces vibration, while improvements made by the manufacturer following thousands of customer reviews ensure easy and smooth performance. 

 

Tevo Michelangelo

Semi-assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Build volume: 150x150x150 mm
• Material support: PLA
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 mm
• File transfer: SD; USB
• Printing speed: 100 mm/s
• Price: $315.00

It is an FDM 3D printer with no enclosure but featuring a rigid metal structure and the Titan extruder. It also comes with a great cooling system of 2 coolers and 1 temperature sensor. The extruder positioning is dictated by the inductive sensor. 

 

Creality CR7

Fully assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 130 x 150 x 100 mm
• Extruder temperature: 250°C
• Layer thickness: 10 microns
• Positioning accuracy by axes X, Y, mm: 0.012
• Material support: PLA, Wood
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: TF card
• Printing speed: 150 mm/s
• Price: $417.32

 

Comes fully assembled. It is basically a less heavy and more compact version of Creality Ender-2. MK10 extruder with an operating temperature of up to 250°C allows  to print with the majority of popular plastics, including composites like Woodfill. 

 

Wanhao Duplicator 10

Fully assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Weights, kg: 4
• Heated bed: no
• Build volume: 116 х 116 х 125 mm
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Printing accuracy: 100 microns
• Positioning accuracy: Z: 0.004 mm, XY: 0.012 mm
• Extruder: MK12
• Material support: PLA
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: 70 mm/s
• Price: $499.00

Small and easy-to-use, this cheap machine that prints with PLA is equally good for home and office. Extra compact, surprisingly light, with a relatively small build volume (116 х 116 х 125 mm), and looking like a toy, this printer, nevertheless, produces high quality and precise objects. It has a layer thickness of 100 microns, while printing speed is 70 mm per sec. This 3D printer is great as a present. 

 

Flyingbear P905

Semi-assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Dual
• Build volume: 220 х 220 х 210 mm
• Platform temperature: 60-120°C
• Extruder temperature: up to 240°C
• Layer thickness: 50 microns
• Positioning accuracy: Z: 2 microns, XY: 10 microns
• Material support: PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, PVA, Flex
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4
• File transfer: SD, USB
• Printing speed: 150 mm/s
• Price: $399.00

Structural features: automated bed leveling, dual Z-axis, a large printing platform, a steel frame, and easy access to components for hardware upgrade. 
 

 

Anet E12

Do-It-Yourself

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Build volume: 300 х 300 х 400 mm
• Print bed temperature: 100℃
• Extruder temperature: 260℃
• Positioning accuracy: XY 12 microns, Z 4 microns
• Material support: ABS, PLA, HIPS
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4
• File transfer: SD
• Printing speed: 40-120 mm/s
• Price: $498.79

This robust 3D printer has a very simplistic construction, and it won’t take you more than 10 minutes to fully assemble the machine. The printer features a heated bed, and it’s capable of creating large prints. 

 

Anet A3

Fully assembled

Technology: FDM
Extruder type: Single
Build volume: 150 х 150 х 150 mm
Material support: PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood
File transfer: SD
Price: $307.95

This machine has an aluminum heatbed, and user-friendly controls. On top of everything, it is also space-effective!

 

Wanhao Duplicator 9/300

Semi-assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Heated bed: Yes
• Build volume: 400 х 400 х 400 mm (300 х 300 х 400 mm)
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Positioning accuracy: XY: 0.012 mm, Z: 0.004 mm
• Material support: PLA, PVA, PEVA, PLA, Nylon
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: USB, SD
• Printing speed: 70 mm/s
• Price: $545.00

The features of this model include: a solid aluminium frame, roller bearings and the Z axis ball screw. The model also comes in multiple types. You can choose the dimensions and build volume you like most.   Both models enjoy a large build volume that allows to create prints of just about any size. For example, take a look at the picture below:

It took 28 hours to print this 30cm tall model in one go. 

A heated bed and a touch screen control panel are featured by default in all Wanhao 3D printers. 

 

Creality CR-20

Semi-assembled

• Build volume: 220 х 220 х 250 mm
• Extruder temperature: 260°C
• Print platform temperature: 100°C
• Print platform: 235 х 235 mm
• Price: $349.00 

A DIY 3D printer which is essentially an alternative and peer competitor to popular Wanhao D9 3D printers.

As you can see in the image below, the printer is supplied in a form of several major components, but rest assured, they are very easy and quick to assemble.

This machine has some unique features, including 

• Quick and stress-free assembly
• Control elements, i.e. display and navigation knob are placed at an angle of 30 degrees for convenience.
• The platform has a flexible coating that will allow you to easily remove your prints from the platform. 
• Print resume after power loss.

 

Creality Ender-5

Semi-assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 220 х 220 х 250 mm
• Print platform temperature: 110°C
• Extruder temperature: 255°C
• Material support: PLA, ABS, TPU
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Printing accuracy: 100 microns
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: 180 mm/s
• File transfer: USB, SD
• Price: $349.99 

This is yet another DIY 3D printer that will not take you much time to assemble. Unlike less advanced Ender 3D printers, this machine is much bigger and features a complete and sturdy metal frame. 

 

Creality CR-10

Semi-assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 300 х 300 х 400 mm
• Extruder temperature: up to 250°C
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Material support: PLA, TPU, Wood, Copper, Rubber, etc
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: ≤200 mm/s
• Price: $379.00

A simple 3D printer with great possibilities. Depending on the version, it can print objects with dimensions up to 500 х 500 х 500 mm. This model offers the build volume of 300 х 300 х 400 mm, which is the most budget-friendly option in this line of 3D printers. 

Despite having quite an ordinary, simplistic appearance, this 3D printer is well-proven and made of top-quality components. 

 

Best 3D printers under $750

Prusa i3 MK3S

Do-It-Yourself

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Print bed temperature: up to 120°С
• Build volume: 200 x 200 x 220 mm
• Layer thickness: 50 microns
• Material support: ABS, PLA, HIPS, FLEX, PVA, RUBBER, RELAX, WOOD
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• Printing speed: 50-120 mm/s
• Price: $749.00

This DIY kit will allow you to assemble a 3D printer of a special quality with your own hands while getting familiar with its every detail: + 50 knowledge, +100 mastery, + 200 charisma. 

Credit: @opermajki / Instagram

Features: rigid metal frame, every part of the kit is safely packed, easy and painless assembly, warranty of quality. You will find a detailed instruction manual inside the box. 

 

Flyingbear P905X

Semi-assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Dual
• Build volume: 280 х 242 х 360 mm
• Print platform temperature: 60-120°C
• Extruder temperature: up to 240°C
• Layer thickness: 50 microns
• Positioning accuracy: Z: 2 microns, XY: 10 microns
• Material support: PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, PVA, Flex
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4
• File transfer: SD, USB
• Printing speed: 150 mm/s
• Price: $555.00

 

In terms of design, this 3D printer is similar to Makerbot, but it works quicker while its cost is significantly lower. 

All major elements of the structure are made of metal. The printer’s controller board features its own cooling system, which increases the printing stability and the machine’s durability. 

The plate metal body frame is equipped with extra installation holes, which allows you to modify the printer -  you can attach side covers or add more components. 

The precision is enhanced due to the Z-axis featuring guides and a drive gear on the two sides of the printing platform. 

 

XYZPrinting da Vinci Junior 1.0 Pro

Fully assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
• Extruder temperature: 190°C ~ 230°C
• Layer thickness: 100 microns
• Material support: PLA
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4, optionally 0.3 (0.4) mm
• File transfer: USB 2.0, SD (USB, SD, Wi-Fi)
• Printing speed: 100 mm/s
• Price: $490.00

 

XYZPrinting da Vinci Junior is a compact 3D printer with enclosure. If you are looking for a good gift for someone, this wonderful machine is a great option to consider - in addition to being powerful, it also looks great. 

On top of that, the printer is powered by sophisticated XYZware Pro software, while the optional 0.3 mm nozzle allows you to print with PLA with resolution of 50 microns and printing speed up to 100 mm per sec.

On the image below, you can see the details printed by the 0.4 mm and 0.3 mm nozzles.

Advantages of the PRO version: automated bed leveling, advanced software and the ability to install a 0.3 mm nozzle.

There is also a Wi-Fi version that offers wireless connection with a PC.

 

Best 3D printers under $1000 

Flyingbear Tornado

Semi-assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Dual
• Build volume: 350 х 300 х 300 mm
• Extruder temperature: up to 240 °C
• Print platform temperature: 60-120°C
• Layer thickness: 50 microns
• Positioning accuracy: Z: 2 microns, XY: 10 microns
• Material support: PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, PVA, Flex
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 (optionally 0.2, 0.3 mm)
• File transfer: SD, USB
• Printing speed: 150 mm/s
• Price: $799.00

Printer Features: metal frame, large build volume, big belts, silent-running stepper motors, large touch-screen control panel and a big cooler attached to the system unit. 

High-quality prints.

 

Wanhao Duplicator 4S

Fully assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Dual
• Build volume: 225 х 150 х 145 mm
• Extruder temperature: 260°C
• Material support: ABS, PVA
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: USB, SD
• Printing speed: 40 mm/s
• Laser power: 220 W
• Price: $999,99

This 3D printer features a metal frame and acrylic body panels. Though it does not offer the highest printing speed, it always produces awesome prints. The machine can also print with two materials at once, which allows you to create bicolored models or print with soluble support materials. 

 

Wanhao Duplicator 6

Fully assembled

 

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 200 х 200 х 200 mm
• Extruder temperature: 260°C
• Layer thickness: 20 microns
• Material support: PLA, PVA, HIPS, ABS
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: USB, SD
• Printing speed: 30-150 mm/s
• Price: $675.00

This model features: advanced design of the metal frame, high printing speed, reliable industrial-grade components, open-source software, and the ability to use any suitable program.
 

 

Best MFDs under $1000

Snapmaker

Fully assembled

• Technology: FDM
• Extruder type: Single
• Build volume: 125 х 125 х 125 mm
• Extruder temperature: 250°C
• Layer thickness: 50 microns
• Material support: PLA, ABS, Wood, Flex 
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4 
• File transfer: USB, Wi-Fi
• Printing speed: 100 mm/s
• Price: $799.00

Besides 3D printing this machine is also capable of CNC milling and laser engraving. This is achieved with 3 interchangeable modules that can be set via the X-axis rail. The wide variety of functions made this device popular among 3D printing enthusiasts all over the world. 

 

Resin 3D printers under $800

Wanhao Duplicator 7

Resin 3D Printer, Fully assembled

• Technology: LCD/DLP
• Laser: 405 Nm
• Build volume: 120 х 68 х 200 mm
• Layer thickness: 35 microns
• Printing accuracy: 0.04 mm
• Resolution: 2560 х 1440 pixels
• File transfer: USB
• Printing speed: 30 mm/h
• Price: $449.00

Wanhao Duplicator 7 (D7 1.5) 3D printer is one of the cheapest on the market of resin 3D printers with the stable printing quality. The device also features a rigid metal frame. 

Given the price, the device provides a very high quality of prints.

The machine can be used in jewelry manufacturing to print full molds for casting. In the picture below, you can see casts made with the D7 molds without post processing. 

 

One significant disadvantage of this machine is that in order to be able to print, it requires a continuous transmission of images from a computer while being connected to the PC as the second monitor. It means that you will need a separate computer without third-party programs. It’s imperative that you disable auto updates and sleep mode if you want to work with D7.

However, this drawback is eliminated in the next model — D7 Plus.

 

Wanhao Duplicator 7 Plus

Resin 3D Printer, Fully assembled

• Technology: LCD/DLP
• Laser: 405 Nm
• Build volume: 120 х 68 х 200 mm
• Layer thickness: 35 microns
• Printing accuracy: 0.04 mm
• Print definition: 2560 х 1440 pixels
• File transfer: USB
• Printing speed: 30 mm/h
• Price: $468.99

 
This device is the modified and enhanced version of the D7 and comes with touch-screen control panel. The machine can print pre-loaded models without a computer.

 

Anycubic Photon S

Resin 3D Printer, Fully assembled

 

• Technology: DLP
• Laser: 405 Nm
• Build volume: 115 х 65 х 165 mm
• Layer thickness: 25 microns
• Printing accuracy: XY- 47 microns, Z-1.25 microns
• Resolution: 2560 х 1440 pixels
• File transfer: USB
• Printing speed: 20 mm/h
• Price: $459.99

It’s a bit more advanced machine similar to the D7 Plus but from another manufacturer. Its main features include:

• Layer thickness: 25 microns (compared to Wanhao’s 35 ), which is a remarkable advantage;
• Proprietary software, which works faster and supported by the manufacturer. However, it won’t be pretty if the manufacturer stops the support. Therefore, it’s for you to decide whether it’s a drawback or an advantage.
• Transparent door instead of a completely removable top cover typical for the D7. On the one hand, it is, surely, much more convenient. On the other hand, it results in less secure isolation of the print from the outer light.

We can’t tell you which one is better. It’s up to you to decide. 

 

Final thoughts

Today’s market has plenty of affordable 3D printers. Whether you are an entry-level enthusiast looking for a cheap machine to use at home, a professional with solid 3D printing experience looking for a sophisticated machine for high quality production or just trying to find an unusual gift for someone who matters, all the 3D printers mentioned above will easily fulfill any of these tasks.