UPDATE INCOMING!!!
Welcome to this somewhat outdated article. Expect a new one coming to replace it. We will be writing a bunch of really good content in our new article, but for now don’t leave with nothing.
Currently my favorite choice is the Ender 3 in this price range. It replaced the Monoprice Maker Select Plus. The Monoprice is still a good machine, but Creatlity Ender 3 wins. The Anycubic Photon is just above the $400 dollar mark, but if you are looking for Resin you’ll want to go that route. I also really like the I3 Mega right now. If you need big build volume, go above the $400 dollar mark again and consider the CR-10s.
What we wrote below was valid, so if you’re interested in slightly older info go ahead, but really, look into the options I listed above.
We Give You The Knowledge to Simplify Your Decision
If you’re looking to find the best cheap 3D printers on sale look no further. There is no question that buying a 3D printer can be a bit intimidating. It’s a relatively new technology on the market with a language that’s all its own. What do you really know about it? Whether you’ve been doing all your research or you’re brand new this is the site for you. We’ve got the best comparisons of 3D printers and links to in depth guides and reviews.
If you’re looking to buy a 3D Printer we’re your number one 3D printer informational resource. Don’t know much about 3D Printers, but want to have the knowledge to make an informed decision? Check out my Ultimate Buyers Guide, or my Anatomy of a 3D Printer Article, then come on back here. It’s amazing with a little knowledge can do for you.
Monoprice Maker Select Plus 3D Printer
Overview
Update 1/12/2018 (This was on Amazon, but is not any longer. You can find it direct from their site for the same price. I chose not to remove it because a friend owns this model, and I like it.)
This is a tinkerer’s model. There is a large community out there, and Monoprice is slowly taking over the market. If you don’t want to tinker this model is not for you, but if you do, this is the best 3D printer at its price point.
If you want something with a good print area, support for all the cool filament types, and great specs at a great price this machine is for you. That being said, there are some specific known issues the community of makers out there has discovered. Monoprice’s support seems to be struggling, but if you turn to google first you likely won’t have any need to deal with Monoprice.
I highly recommend you check out some articles about this model and prepare for some specific, relatively inexpensive upgrades early on to avoid any issues. Check back for links to my planned in depth article on this beautiful model.
Speaking of upgrades, this model is extremely easy to enhance. If you put in a little elbow grease you will end up with a high performing machine at a much lower price point to comparable products on the market. If you aren’t willing to tinker that’s ok, we have other machines coming up that might be for you.
Bottom Line
This is my favorite printer on the list. You have to learn about the machine to tinker correctly, but that learning process will make you better at making high-quality prints. It has the ability to print many different filament types, it has a big print area, and it has future potential through a large community and upgrade possibilities. At this stage in the 3D market, the non-tinker models don’t bring enough to the table to make me pass this one up.
Best Cheap and Inexpensive 3D Printers: Key Features
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA/ABS/Exotic
- Resolution: 100 Microns
- Volume:
- 7.9×7.9×7.1 in
- 200x200x180 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: X 0.012mm, Y 0.012mm
- Open Source: Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- On Printer Controls: Touchscreen
- Connectivity: USB / SD Card
Pros
- Support for all filament types. Specifically supports advanced materials such as conductive PLA, wood and metal composites, or dissolvable PVA
- Ready to print
- Best at the price point, and highly upgradeable if you decide this is more of a passion than a hobby.
- A Large community discussing troubleshooting, upgrades, etc.
Cons
- There are some initial known issues that must be planned for and dealt with very early on.
- This is a tinkerer’s machine and will require some tweaks to be optimal.
- Support isn’t always rapidly responsive but does reach out.
[/one_half_last]
Not currently on Amazon you can find it at Monoprice’s site.
Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer
Overview
This is the printer for you if you’re the type to stick your toe in the water before diving in head first. It’s exactly the right price point to take home immediately, it comes print ready, and it has features other similarly priced models are lacking. Monoprice has taken the industry by storm.
This Mini 3D printer may have a small print volume, but that doesn’t mean it can’t perform spectacularly for your needs. If you want a bigger print volume you should check out it’s larger brother, the Monoprice Maker Select Plus 3D Printer.
Being a less expensive model does come with a trade off, and the primary complaint has been the heat control at the high ends. This lack of refinement can cause some prints to be imperfect. Fortunately for anybody buying this brand the maker community using it is robust and so is the upgradability of the model. The temperature problem, for example, can be solved by simply replacing the hot end with a different model. Luckily, even with the extra expense, the initial price of this model will keep the impact on your piggy bank to a minimum.
Bottom Line
In the end, comparing apples to apples this machine can’t be beaten at the price point. If you are looking for a mini that will get you up and running, but can keep you happy with its performance for years to come, this is the model for you.
Best Cheap 3D Printers: Key Features
[one_half]
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA/ABS/Exotic
- Resolution: 100 Microns
- Volume:
- 4.7×4.7×4.7 in
- 120x120x120 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: X 0.1mm, Y 0.04mm
- Open Source: Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- On Printer Controls: LCD Screen + Controls
- Connectivity: Micro USB / Micro SD Card
[one_half]
Pros
- Support for all filament types. Specifically supports advanced materials such as conductive PLA, wood and metal composites, or dissolvable PVA
- Ready to print
- Perfect, “My First 3D Printer”. Has higher end features at an extremely accessible price point.
- A Large community discussing troubleshooting, upgrades, etc.
[one_half_last]
Cons
- There are some initial known issues that must be planned for and dealt with very early on.
- This isn’t a $1500 dollar machine. It punches above its weight competing with some $400-$600 dollar machines, but it is still entry level.
- Temperature control at the high end could use refinement.
Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer NOW [amazon_link asins=’B01FL49VZE’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’ykie-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’64a80191-776a-11e7-952b-3587f013ae8a’] at Amazon: Buy Today!
New Matter MOD-t 3D Printer
Overview
UPDATE 20 FEB 2018: This was a massively successful 3D Printer with a good following, but the business is closing it’s doors. You might still be able to find the printer, and it will still work. Unfortunately, the WiFi aspect requires company support and will cease working within the next year. I will be removing this printer from the list at a later date, but I wanted to leave it up with this note for those of you that may still come across it.
Inexpensive, solid quality and great support. This is a plug and play machine that should be near the top of your list. It has a modest print size that fits in with most of the other printers in its price range. The clean design is refreshing in the 3D printer market, and the clear case was a great choice as it reduces noise, and avoids any externals getting involved in the print. This machine would be great in a classroom.
Plug and play seems to be the way companies are trying to go, and this machine really achieves it to the max that current 3D printing allows, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to learn what you are doing. The negative reviews I see of this printer could largely be generated by unrealistic expectations. This is an inexpensive 3D printer, and 3D printing is not as developed as regular printing. You have to understand print layers, resolution, temperatures, etc. to at least a minimal degree to avoid making errors that will clog your machine or cause problems. Selecting higher quality filament is a must.
Speaking of the filament, I am sad this machine only prints PLA. That is not unusual at this price point, but with all the other positives, it would be nice to be able to make more choices with filament type.
Most of all I am impressed with the support for this company. If you choose, I suggest looking at the reviews on Amazon. Take a look at the comments appended to the negative reviews. New Matter has taken the time to make real, lengthy, and useful comments. They weren’t snarky, they weren’t there just to appease. I can’t stress enough how much I love companies that give good service.
Bottom Line
If you don’t plan on using anything but PLA this is a great 3D printer choice. Great support, great user experiences, and plug and play capability make this a contender.
Best Cheap 3D Printers: Key Features
[one_half]
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA
- Resolution: 100 Microns
- Volume:
- 6x4x5 in
- 150x100x125 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: Not Available
- Open Source: No
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: No
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- On Printer Controls: No
- Connectivity: Wi Fi, USB
Pros
- Clean minimalist design
- Auto Leveling
- Plug and Play
- Auto leveling
Cons
- Only PLA
- Limited Software
- No SD card
New Matter Mod-t 3D Printer NOW [amazon_link asins=’B01HBZYFT8′ template=’PriceLink’ store=’ykie-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’88617b73-f7c4-11e7-8382-6fe414708753′] at Amazon: Buy Today!
The Micro by M3D – 3D Printer
Overview
This printer really looks sharp. It has plug and play written all over it, and as far as 3D printers are concerned it really is that. Most people report being able to get up and running right away with minimal difficulty. There is minimal setup, and the machine runs quietly, if a bit slow.
As far as minis go, this is one of the few that will allow the use of a large variety of filaments, and this is very important. PLA is fine, but it has pros and cons, just as ABS, and the exotic filaments. Being able to pick a different filament type to fit the job is incredibly useful. It is very important to note that picking good filament is key. It is my opinion that some of the problems encountered by poor reviews I have seen could have been caused by poor filament choice causing different strains on the machine.
There are some negatives with this machine as well. You don’t get an affordable plug and play machine in a new tech field without taking a few risks. There are a number of reviews that discuss the printer breaking within a few months. These same individuals report having a poor customer support experience. As a former customer support
As a former customer support rep, I have to say this is very important for a company to have. In the same breath, I saw a number of reviews of people claiming support was amazing. Individual reps, individual problems, and new tech can combine for a mixed support experience.
Regarding build quality, I already referenced the need to select good filaments. Many printers on this list do have problems early on. Another cause of this is the projects being worked on. Consider that different projects require different print durations at different heat levels. Running a machine at max stress will break things. I can’t speak to how people used this machine, but I can say the design does make upgrades and fixes difficult. The more open design of other printers on this list isn’t as attractive on the front end, but easy of upgrade makes them more attractive.
The last con is the lack of a heated bed. On an all PLA machine, I am ok with this decision, but a heated bed becomes more necessary with ABS.
Bottom Line
This is a solid entry level plug and play machine. It has enough good reviews out there to prove it does perform. There are some problems, however, and some disgruntled users. The community seems split on this one, and that implies to me that the problems are a mix between poor expectations on the part of the users, and possible quality issues on some of the printers. If you want plug and play this machine will likely perform for you. If you are one of the unlucky few though, you could be in for a bumpy ride. This is a gamble for the price but has some qualities its competitors lack. Are they worth the gamble to you?
Best Cheap 3D Printers: Key Features
[one_half]
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA/ABS/Exotics
- Resolution: 50 Microns
- Volume: 2 Print Areas
- 4.4×4.3×4.6 in.
- 113x109x116 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: X 0.015mm, Y 0.015mm
- Open Source: No
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: No
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- On Printer Controls: No
- Connectivity: USB
Pros
- Compatible with most filaments including PLA, ABS, HIPS and Nylon
- Plug and play design gets you up and running with minimal fuss.
- Quiet
Cons
- Poor customer service.
- Build quality on parts appears to be lacking, and design makes repairs more difficult.
- Bad print bed.
The Micro 3D Printer NOW [amazon_link asins=’B017MRFFZI’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’ykie-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6a8d869d-776d-11e7-b59a-9be43a64ac39′] at Amazon: Buy Today!
FlashForge Finder 3D Printer
Overview
This is a great printer for the more casual hobbyist. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other 3D printers in this review, but it squeaks under my $500 dollar limit. The extra cost goes into the clean design and proprietary software that make this a great unit for someone that doesn’t want to get tweaky with it.
The print size is modest, but again it will handle most of what a casual user wants to throw at it. This machine cannot use ABS or more exotic filaments as well, so some more unique designs are out of the question.
I can’t help but make a strange comparison here. If 3D printers were phones this would be an early Apple, while something like the Monoprice models would be Samsung. If you don’t plan on using the extra tinkering options offered by other models, this is a great choice. You are limited, but you can accomplish a lot within the limitations provided, and those limitations provide structure that may make you more efficient.
Bottom Line
This is a machine doing a great job providing high quality in an easy to use package at a low price. In order to achieve better results we either need to increase the tinkering required or increase the price.
Best Cheap 3D Printers: Key Features
[one_half]
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA
- Resolution: 100 Microns
- Volume:
- 5.5×5.5×5.5 in
- 140x140x140 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: X 0.01mm, Y 0.002mm
[/one_half][one_half_last]
- Open Source: No
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Bed: No
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- On Printer Controls: Touchscreen
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
Pros
- Clean design
- Proprietary software makes it easier for the casual enthusiast
- Auto-leveling
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Cons
- Only PLA filament type.
- Bed size is low compared to more open designs at similar or lower price point.
- No heated bed support.
[/one_half_last]
FlashForge Finder NOW [amazon_textlink asin=’B016R9E7J2′ text=’Flashforge Finder 3D Printer’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’ykie-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’78853b47-776c-11e7-931b-0d794875b22d’] at Amazon: Buy Today!
XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro 3D Printer
Overview
It appears that XYZprinting has chosen to use the word Pro to indicate a model that has learned from its predecessors. The hardware in this machine is essentially the best from the previous models, and that leads to a much better experience than I have found with other XYZprinting products.
Most notably this model no longer requires the chipped filament meaning you can finally use better, and less expensive, third party filaments. It is important to note that you have to be careful buying the third party filaments and make sure you get good quality. People have experienced some extreme jams that cause catastrophic problems. This isn’t solely an XYZprinting problem. I’ve seen this on many models, and I suspect it has to do with the poor makeup of some filament.
Perhaps the biggest pro for this machine is its quiet ease of use. For the general hobbyist, you should be able to obtain solid prints with minimal effort in comparison to other printers. Of course, I don’t condone 3D printing without a significant understanding of what is going on.
The two biggest drawbacks for me are the use of PLA only and the lack of a heated bed. I know PLA doesn’t need a heated bed, but that requires you to find a work around to get the first layer to stick. Boxlike models like this are difficult to upgrade with heated beds as well.
Bottom Line
Simply taking away the requirement to use their filament makes this model take a major leap above other models by XYZprinting. I am still not sure how I feel about the company in general though. This model does perform very well if you pay attention and run with the right settings using the correct filaments. If you don’t pay attention you can give yourself quite a few headaches.
Best Cheap 3D Printers: Key Features
[one_half]
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA
- Resolution: 100 Microns
- Volume:
- 5.9×5.9×5.9 in
- 150x150x150 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: Not Available
[/one_half][one_half_last]
- Open Source: Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: No
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- On Printer Controls: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD Card
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
Pros
- Quiet.
- Learned from mistakes of earlier models.
- Auto-calibration.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Cons
- Only PLA.
- No heated bed.
- Jams with third party filament sometimes.
[/one_half_last]
XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro 3D Printer [amazon_textlink asin=’B01MUBKPFC’ text=’XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro 3D Printer’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’ykie-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’aec775d4-776c-11e7-a352-d3e46a55fef3′] NOW at Amazon: Buy Today!
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D Printer
Overview
XYZprinting set out to make a one button print style 3D Printer with this mini. We’ve become conditioned to our tech being incredibly easy to use, but the 3D printer market hasn’t really met the level of simplicity we seek yet. XYZprinting set out to fix this.
Unfortunately, this little printer is plagued with a few issues that prevent it from truly reaching its lofty goals. The primary problem for most users is the requirement to use a proprietary filament which is protected by an irritating DRM. There is a chip inside the spool, and it counts your roll usage and doesn’t allow for third party filament. The filament is reported to be about 20% more expensive than other filaments. One positive from using a proprietary filament is the knowledge that the filament does meet the companies standards, and will always perform with this printer. This is not always the case with third party filaments on other printers.
Some users complained there was no heated bed, but this is a very common choice for PLA printers. PLA does benefit from a heated bed but doesn’t require it as much as ABS. Of course, when making a cheap 3D printer choosing not to use a heated bed saves money on a myriad of other options, like the power supply.
Wi-Fi usage is very nice and makes this printer very accessible. Once you get used to the software the process isn’t that difficult, and the print quality has been reported to be both good and bad depending on the print job difficulty, learning curve, etc.
Bottom Line
This printer is made to be easy to use. It is not meant for real hobbyists, and the proprietary filament is a deal breaker for many users. In order to make things, easier XYZprinting decided to make this 3D printer more restrictive. This printer is for people that plan only simple print jobs, and want to know everything is designed to work easily together and will have a minimum of hassles. It’s not a horrible printer, as long as you go in aware of its issues.
Best Cheap 3D Printers: Key Features
[one_half]
- Type: FFF
- Materials: PLA
- Resolution: 100 Microns
- Volume:
- 5.9×5.9×5.9 in
- 150x150x150 mm
- Extruder Heads: 1
- XY Precision: Not Provided
[/one_half][one_half_last]
- Open Source: No
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: No
- Heated Platform: Yes/No
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- On Printer Controls: Single button
- Connectivity: Wi Fi
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
Pros
- Wi-Fi means easy file transmission.
- Start printing with the push of a button.
- Inexpensive.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Cons
- Requires use of more expensive proprietary filament, and protects that with irritating DRM process.
- Poor support.
- Ease of use comes with incredibly restrictive options.
[/one_half_last]
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D Printer NOW [amazon_link asins=’B01IXVXV9Y’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’ykie-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’27d217bc-776d-11e7-8deb-59225e18f247′] at Amazon: Buy Today!