10 Best 3D Printers under $1000 [UPDATED]

From being a sophisticated and unavailable piece of technology to being a readily available gadget, 3D printers have a unique journey. Stratasys, the global leader in 3D printing, came up with the world’s first 3D printer back in 1990. They were the first to print tangible objects from a printer, which did not look less than a science fiction work.

Fast forward to 2021; we have a whole market of commercially available, economical 3D printers. There are so many options that if someone starts looking through them, they would probably be confused. As tech advances, it becomes affordable, and so is the case with 3D printers. Today, there are over hundreds of printers out there.

It does not matter whether your budget is as low as $500; you could still buy a 3D printer. But we do not want you to waste time or money; as such things are usually a long-term investment. We would strongly advise you to put your bucks on one of the devices in this listing as they are the best under $1000. Selecting 10 devices from a product page of thousands on devices is not easy. To sabe your time, we have come with the list of best 3D printers in a budget.

It is not easy to invest a thousand bucks very frequently. And if you are planning to do so, you would also like to utilize them to your benefit. The good news is that features such as heated beds, touch screens, and filament detection are available on 3D printers for under $1000. These are durable, heavy-duty printers here.

Having a 3D printer is not only suitable for a commercial purpose. It helps in various day to day activities that you would not have imagined—for example, a plastic bottle, toys, switches, handles, and whatnot. You can design and print your mobile case, action figures, gifts, etc.

The list contains 3D printers for every need. Whether you need one for your kid, for yourself, or business, we got you covered.

What should you consider before buying a 3D printer

1. Type of printer

There are mainly four types of 3D printers. Stereolithography (SLA) uses photopolymer in liquid form and converts it into a solid object using laser beams. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) also works on the same principle but used thermal plastic. On being exposed to laser beams, both the materials harden.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) sinters and melts the metal powder, respectively. Both use a laser to increase the temperature of metal powder and give them the desired shape.

The type of 3D printer you need depends upon what you want to use them for. If you’re going to buy a good 3D printer for a hobby or casually molding stuff out of plastic, the FDMs or the SLAs will do well for you. Going with the SLS and SLM will be best for you if you want to do heavy-duty metallic printing.

2. Resolution of the printer

If you need your designs and objects to be detailed (e.g., Jewelry, accessories), a 3D printer with a low resolution would help you. The lower the resolution, the higher is the amount of detail that it can produce. Some high-quality printers can print as fine as 50 or 70 microns.

3. Supported Materials

The most common materials used are thermoplastics such as Poly Lactic Acid and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. The materials come as spools of fiber that has to be connected to the printer supply. Printing materials are like ink for your 3D printer.

4. Safety

While using a 3D printer, you should use safety gloves. The objects that you print are essentially molten, re-shaped plastic, which is very hot at first. The printer bed and extruders can also become hot. Do not touch the printer while it’s working. Generally, the printers with a closed structure are safer than those that operate in open printing space.

5. Printer Bed

As the name suggests, this part acts as a support bed for your design. As the printer creates an object over time, it rests on the printer bed. Depending upon the type of printer and material being used, you can get either a heated bed or a non-heated bed. A low-quality bed might harm your design or object, as the hot plastic sticks to them.

In this list, we will be exploring 3D printers in ascending order of prices. Now you know everything about them, how they work, and what you should be looking for, let start with the 10 best 3D printers under $1000.

List of Affordable 3D Printers Under $1000

1. Anycubic Photon S

This 3D resin printer is solely for beginners. It is a simple plug and print machine that helps you turn your imagination into tangible designs. If you are planning to learn 3D printing or are a teacher at a school and need kids to learn about 3D printing, this one is tailor-made for you.

Even though it is an entry-level 3D printer, the Anycubic Photos S comes with a dual Z-axis rail that provides stability while printing. For those who have trouble understanding this, a 3D printer practically melts a material and reshapes it on a plain surface. For the design to come out right, the surface has to be fixed and stable, which otherwise would result in wastage of material.

Using the Photon S Workshop, you can quickly learn and enjoy 3D printing. Unlike other printers in this list, the Anycubic Photos S works on LCD shadow masking. With a 2560*1440 screen, UV lighting helps in increasing precision. The way resin printers work is that they use a UV lamp to cure your design, one layer at a time. Dual fans help keep the temperature under control. You also get a touch screen to control and monitor the operation with this one.

Reasons to Buy

• Perfect for kids and 3D printing beginners
• It comes assembled out of the box
• Reliable resin printing solution

Reasons to Avoid

• Functionality and usage limited to resin printing

Specs

• Print Principle: LCD shadow masking
• Print volume: 115*65*165 mm
• Machine size: 230*200*400 mm
• Machine weight: 5.9kg
• Print Resolution: 2K resolution
• Print Speed: 20 mm/h
• Filaments: UV Resin
• Connection: USB Cable
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

If you are a beginner and you wish to learn the basic of 3D printing without experimenting with a really expensive machine, the Anycubic Photon S is the right choice for you.

2. Trony X5SA Pro

A product priced at $399, the Trony X5SA is a mighty machine. Being an FDM machine, the device can print a design as large as 330*330*400mm. With a printing accuracy of up to 125 microns, it comes with a 3.5″ touch screen, making it easy to use. The detachable aluminum plate makes the whole module convenient to use.

You would have to put in some time to assemble this affordable 3D printer. Hence, it is not for complete beginners, but it can be the right choice for someone with prior experience handling printers. The print speed can vary between 20 to 100 mm per second. However, you can work with a large number of filaments. Whether PLA, ABS, wood, polycarbonate, or ABS, you are good to go.

The heated bed can go up to 100C, and the nozzle can handle temperatures as high as 275C. The dual-axis guide rail can slide at high speed, maintaining the precision of your design. The structure is stable and provides high molding accuracy. You can upgrade or even change the accessories that make up the whole printer. The Titan clone extruder is praised by users worldwide, especially with a 1-year warranty.

Subtle features like filament run-out detection and auto-leveling ease the experience. While the company also advertises power cut detection. The Trony X5SA comes with Tronxy slicing software.

Reasons to Buy

• Supports various filaments
• Large print volume
• Intuitive features like filament run-out detection and auto-leveling
• Touch screen functionality

Reasons to Avoid

• Not easy to set up
• The software is lousy
• Motor mounts are not made from metal
• The cable supplied with the machine is not durable

Specs

• Print Principle: FDM
• Print volume: 330*330*400 mm
• Machine size: 580*645*660 mm
• Machine weight: 14kg
• Print Resolution: 125 microns
• Print Speed: 20 – 100 mm/s
• Filaments: TPU, PLA, ABS, Wood, PC, etc.
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

It is a good 3D printer to get hands-on, given that you have previous experience with such machines and want to buy a capable device on a budget.

3. Tiertime UP MINI 2

For beginners, the Tiertime Up Mini 2 is probably the best option. For $520, you get an assembled unit that is ready to print at command. The sleek and versatile design not only looks good but is equally versatile.

Just take out the machine, setup at a plain surface, connect your desktop or laptop, and you are good to go. Interestingly, the compact 3D printer can print as small as 150 microns and go up to 120*120*120 mm. A unique thing about this machine is the presence of the HEPA filter. With the filter in place, little to no fumes are generated while printing.

The perforated bed and closed chamber help maintaining the temperature while printing. It also helps in achieving the optimum print quality. The filament housing is separate from the printing module, which is suitable for its quality. Printing speed is on par with some costly options in the market.

You can use both ABS and PLA materials with the Tiertime UP Mini 2. The company does mention that you can print using PC, Nylon, and even Carbon Fiber can be used as well. It is one of the safest printers out there. The smart software can adjust nozzle height, features 9-point matrix leveling, dimensional and axial calibration, and even mobile functionality. All these features clearly justify the presence of Tiertime UP Mini 2 in the ’10 best 3D printer under $1000′ list.

Reasons to Buy

• Perfect 3D printer for the beginners
• An excellent choice for schools or student’s labs
• Safe design with closed printing module
• Supports a variety of materials such as Nylon, Carbon Fibre, and PC
• Plug and Play functionality
• Touch screen and Wi-Fi Support

Reasons to Avoid

• Small printing volume
• No heated print chamber
• Single extruder

Specs

• Print Principle: FDM
• Print volume: 120*120*120 mm
• Machine size: 255*365*385 mm
• Machine weight: 10kg
• Print Resolution: 150 microns
• Print Speed: 200 mm/s
• Filaments: TPU, PLA, ABS, Nylon, Carbon Fibre, etc.
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable, Wi-Fi
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

The Tiertime UP 2 Mini is one of the most secure, compact and efficient 3D printers out there. The combination of portability with accurate prints is what earns it a place in the 10 best 3D printer under $1000.

4. Monoprice Voxel

Another closed chamber, safe and compact 3D printer on the list, the Monoprice Voxel, is excellent. Due to the enclosed design, the temperature can be regulated during printing, decreasing warping. If you wish to print miniature designs, you are good to go. This machine can print as fine as 50 microns.

Unlike other products in this price range, Monoprice Voxel’s nozzle can be changed in no time. While the machine might look like a small microwave oven, it looks good. You can print a design as large as 150*150*150 mm, which can easily be detached from the removable print plate. That would not take much time, as the machine comes pre-calibrated. Just take it out, plug and print. It makes this device ideal for beginners.

Using the touch screen, one can adjust the distance between the bed and the nozzle. The filament detection sensor automatically pauses the print until reloaded. It features an internal memory, a Wi-Fi Radio (with hotspot), and a camera in the printing module to keep an eye on your design. The Monoprice Voxel 3D printer is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, or Linux. You can visit the official website to download the printer software.

Reasons to Buy

• It comes assembled out of the box
• Looks are good
• It comes with internal storage and Wi-Fi
• 2MP inbuilt camera
• Auto calibration
• Perfect for beginners

Reasons to Avoid                      

• Fewer materials supported
• Small print volume

Specs

• Print Principle: FDM
• Print volume: 150*150*150 mm
• Machine size: 400*380*405 mm
• Machine weight: 9kg
• Print Resolution: 100 – 400 microns
• Print Speed: 100 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA, ABS
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable. 8GB of internal storage. Wi-Fi
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

Considering the price point, the Monoprice Voxel is full of intuitive features that make it a very modern solution to your 3D printing needs. Additionally, it looks really good, making it one of the best affordable 3D printers out there.

5. Dremel Digilab 3D20

Priced around $600, the Dremel Digilab 3D20 is well suited for beginners. Firstly, it comes with an assembled printer module. The quick start guide would make you printing in no time. So, if you are buying your first printer ever, this could be an easy choice. The open system on this one allows you to download and print free models. Otherwise, you are free to create your designs using CAD software.

Secondly, the fully enclosed printing chamber and non-heated bed make this machine one of the safest ones. It also prevents anyone from actually touching the filaments, especially when the printer is working, which otherwise could lead to severe skin burns. Operating the device is no hassle with a large, 4″ color touch screen. The printer comes preloaded with Dremel’s 3D slicer software to assist you with your designs.

In terms of resolution, you can go as sharp as 100 microns. The Dremel Digilab 3D20 comes with a 500g spool of recyclable, non-toxic PLA filament. The material is plant-based and does not harm the environment at all. With a one year warranty, feel free to experiment with different designs and shapes. Dremel is known for its customer support services, which provide a solution for your problem in no time.

Reasons to Buy

• Budget-friendly capable device
• An excellent choice for beginners and students
• Easy to use – comes assembled
• The PLA filament is non-toxic and environment friendly
• Comes with Dremel’s 3D slicer software
• Top pick if safety is a concern for you

Reasons to Avoid

• It might be challenging to find Dremel’s original filament once you run out of the included spool
• No auto-calibration feature

Specs

• Print Principle: FDM
• Print volume: 230*150*140 mm
• Machine size: 400*485*655 mm
• Machine weight: 7kg
• Print Resolution: 100 microns
• Print Speed: 100 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA
• Connection: SD card
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

If you are confused regarding several options and you just want to get started with 3D printing, this is the machine for you. It offers standard quality at a decent price, excelling at being an affordable 3D printer.

6. FlashForge Creator Pro

The device came into existence in 2014, and since then, it has only been improving.  The machine offers you excellent quality and control over your designs. The whole printing mechanism is securely placed inside a stable metal frame. A 6.3mm print bed remains perfectly leveled even under high heat. For a price of $699, the FlashForge Creator Pro is a fantastic product.

 Since its launch, the FlashForge Creator Pro has received tons of updates. With a new front door and a redesigned polycarbonate top, you now have better access to your prints. The new wiring router protects the connection from wear and tear. You can even remove the top door if you are working with PLA. Since it is an open-source machine, you can use your software and hardware.

You can easily use different colors on this 3D printer. Thanks to the dual extruder, it does not even take much time. The dual extruder is more efficient in printing highly detailed designs. And with multiple material support, the printers can run on ABS, PLA, HIPS, and T-glass. The printer comes with an LCD, heated bed, and a plug and plays setup out of the box.

Reasons to Buy

• Easy to use – comes assembled
• A robust metal frame with removable doors
• Metal platform with Z axis movement
• Multiple materials supported
• 100 microns resolution
• Two extruders

Reasons to Avoid

• Poor software support
• No touch screen display

Specs

• Print Principle: FDM
• Print volume: 227*148*150 mm
• Machine size: 476*332*383 mm
• Machine weight: 19kg
• Print Resolution: 100 microns
• Print Speed: 40 – 160 mm/s
• Filaments: TPU, PLA, ABS, Pearl, Metal, etc.
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable
• Touch screen: No

Bottom Line

If you wish to spend $700, this would be the right machine as it supports various printing materials and it comes with a sturdy built. The print volume is significantly larger than what the beginner printers offer, fetching the FlashForge Creator Pro a place in our compilation of the best 3D printers out there.

7. Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D Printer

A true all-rounder on the list, the Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer is much more than a standard printer. You can interchange the module and use it as a CNC carving machine or as a laser engraver. While you usually have to buy three different devices for all that, this highly cost-effective option can do it all. Still not happy? Well, you can upgrade your device by adding another laser cutting module. The introductory price for this machine is $719.

The all-metal build allows it to be perfectly stable while printing. However, if you are a beginner, you might have trouble assembling as the Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D does not come assembled. Nevertheless, you can refer to the instructions given in the manual while putting together this capable device. Work with various materials – Metal, Fabric, Carbon Fiber, Wood, and the most common Poly Lactic Acid.

Now, the first images of this product might make it look like an open unit. But they have slipped in a thin enclosure in the package, which offers you a slight quitter and safer printing process. You can print as fine as 50 microns, engrave using a 200mW laser, and carve using the 3.175mm shank. All in all, if you wish you turn your desktop into a workshop, and you know a thing or two about 3D printing, this one is for you.

Reasons to Buy

• Multifunctional module – 3D printing, CNC carving, Laser engraving
• Good for teaching students
• The metal structure provides additional stability
• 50-micron precision
• Comes with Snapmaker – the built-in software that makes every task easier
• Affordable

Reasons to Avoid

• The machine might be a little too noisy at times
• The enclosure provided does not solve the purpose
• You might want to handle the device carefully, especially while using laser engraving

Specs

• Print Principle: FFF – FDM, CNC Mill
• Print volume: 125*125*125 mm
• Machine size: 272*332*289 mm
• Machine weight: 12kg
• Print Resolution: 50 microns
• Print Speed: 100 mm/s
• Filaments: ABS, PLA, Wood, Leather, Carbon Fibre, Plastic, Metal, etc.
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

Being a printer, engraver, and a CNC mill, the Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer is a multi purpose machine. You can produce highly detailed design with ease. The support for various materials makes this a machine for the experts. That makes it an integral part of this 10 best 3D printers under $1000 list.

8. Bibo Dual Extruder 3D printer

With the help of two extruders, this Bibo 3D printer is capable of copy printing. You can easily print two objects at the same time, which decreases your print time significantly. A significant advantage of a dual extruder 3D printer is – you can print an item in two colors. As with a single extruder, the filament has to be changed whenever you need a different color. Duel extruders carry two other filaments at the same time, just at $680.

The frame is made of a 6mm aluminum composite panel and comes with an acrylic front door and top hood. It ensures temperature control inside the frame, especially while printing with ABS filament. However, you might want to remove them while using PLAs, as it needs better cooling. That being said, it also can engrave on materials like cardboard, wood, and paper. The multi-purpose nature makes it one of the best 3D printers at this price.

Now, the machine can go as fine as 50 microns, which is a good detail. Other than that, you get a full touch panel, Wi-Fi control over this device, filament detection, and print memory. It simply means that you can give print commands to the Bibo Dual Extruder while sitting in your bedroom, using your mobile phone. The printer would stop immediately if you forget to refill the spool, and if the power goes down while printing, it will resume where it left. These features might look to be very simple but come in handy in real-life usage.

Reasons to Buy

• Supports multiple materials – ABS, PLA, TPU, Nylon, Carbon Fiber, etc
• Supports Wi-Fi
• You can do laser engraving on this one
• Dual cooling fans control the temperature
• Spool detection warns and stops when material runs out
• Printing memory resumes if the power goes off when in operation
• Full touch controls

Reasons to Avoid

• Lack of an inbuilt 3D printing software
• While it is 90% assembled, you would have to spend a few hours before printing

Specs

• Print Principle: FFF – FDM
• Print volume: 214*186*160 mm
• Machine size: 476*357*374 mm
• Machine weight: 13kg
• Print Resolution: 50 microns
• Print Speed: 350 mm/s
• Filaments: TPU, PLA, ABS, Nylon, PC, Carbon Fiber, etc.
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable, Wi-Fi
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a durable 3D printer, and you know how to use the third-party standard printing software, the Bibo Dual Extruder is for you.

9. Creality CR-10 Plus

At $799, the Creality CR-10 Plus offers a large printing volume. Differentiating it from others in the list, a large printing area allows you to print real-life objects. You can print a 1:1 human figure in just 3 drills.

You might have to spend some time before the Creality CR-10 Plus gets up and running. Unlike other gadgets, one has to read the user manual before messing with these giant, expensive machines. The wires are labeled, with only 3 parts that have to be put together.

During printing, the dual Z-axis screw rods help maintain stability and ensure high printing quality. Another cool feature here is the printing memory. As discussed earlier, if the power goes out during printing your favorite action character, the printer would immediately resume once it comes back. You do not need to start over again. It also saves printing material.

Creality CR-10 Plus is compatible with Linux OS, which gives it an edge over other options in the price range. You can connect the machine directly to your computer via USB or use an SD card to upload your designs to the printer directly. The largest printing volume in the price range, along with other features makes the Creality CR-10 Plus a favorite pick in 10 best 3D printers under $1000.

Reason to Buy

• Supports a wide range of materials: PLA, Carbon Fiber, Wood, Copper etc
• Large printing size: 500*500*500mm
• Can print for longer durations
• The MK10 nozzle extrusion can print with all materials
• Up to 100-micron resolution
• Linux Compatible – supports a bunch of software such as UG, 3D Max, Rhino 3D etc.
• Dual Axis Z-axis provides stability while printing

Reasons to Avoid

• Does not come with a touch screen
• Absence of Wi-Fi
• Does not come with an enclosure, (handle carefully as the module gets hot while printing)

Specs:

• Print Principle: FFF – FDM
• Print volume: 500*500*500 mm
• Machine size: 878*340*759 mm
• Machine weight: 14kg
• Print Resolution: 50 microns
• Print Speed: 40 – 160 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA, Copper, Carbon Fiber, Wood, etc.
• Connection: SD card, USB Cable
• Touch screen: No

Bottom Line

Fun Fact: The Creality CR-10 Plus comes in three colors – Orange, Blue, and Black. So if you need a capable 3D printer in a unique color that can print large objects with ease, this one is for you.

10. Qidi Tech X Plus

A machine from the Qidi family, the Tech X Plus is a decent offering for $799. For starters, you can print as fine as 50 microns or as large as 270*200*200 mm. However, the price keeps fluctuating up to $999. Nevertheless, even then, it is one of the most advanced and feature-rich 3D printers.

The Qidi Tech X Plus comes with a dual extruder. As also discussed above, the second extruder allows a 3D printer to use two colors simultaneously. Well, that is not enough! With a dual filament compartment, you can use a combination of materials. The dual-heated print bed increases the printing speed and allows for precise control over the design.

The slicer software is quite capable. Qidi says that they have redesigned the software to improve features and usability. The latest version enhances the print quality and speed by 30% and 20%, respectively. The software support is free for a lifetime, with regular updates.

You can print with PLA, ABS, Nylon, TPU, Carbon Fiber, and several other materials. As far as external connectivity is concerned, the device comes with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and even USB ports for wired connections. The best part is, you can control all the aspects using a 4.3″ touch screen panel.

While the printer kit has two different extruders, the machine ships with extruder A to support general materials. If you wish to print with Nylon or other advanced materials, you can switch to the extruder B. Depending upon your needs, you can place the filaments either inside or outside of the printing chamber.  If you face any issue or need guidance for assembly, please contact Qidi Tech Team.

Reasons to Buy

• Dual Extruder for using different colors
• Two Filament Compartment for using different materials
• Z-axis calibration for additional stability
• Dual heated bed for quick printing
• Large touch screen for controlling the machine
• Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB port
• Supports a variety of materials

Reasons to Avoid

• Not for beginners
• No laser engraving
• No SD card support

Specs

• Print Principle: FFF – FDM
• Print volume: 270*200*100 mm
• Machine size: 710*540*520 mm
• Machine weight: 23kg
• Print Resolution: 100 microns
• Print Speed: 100 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA, Copper, Wood, Carbon Fiber, etc.
• Connection: USB Cable, Wi-Fi
• Touch screen: Yes

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an all purpose 3D printer, this one is the right choice for you. Enjoy printing with multiple materials over Wi-Fi, get the Qidi Tech X Plus. With this, we end the 10 best 3D printers under $1000 list.

So, there it is. The list of 10 best 3D printers under $1000. We have covered a diverse price range, making this the only buyer guide you would need to read before getting your first 3D printer. Whether you are a beginner, or you have a certain experience, the devices in this list cover all your needs. We sincerely hope that this guide was able to solve your doubts and suggest you something worth your time.

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