A good 3D printer which is well-shaped and provides outstanding performance must come expensive. Well, if you think the same way, it’s an old story now. These days you can manage to get the best 3D printers under quite a reasonable budget.
Instead of spending thousands of dollars, you can make a good pick in just a couple of hundred dollars. Although you might see certain differences in their shapes and performance, they must fit well for beginners or even the professionals as well.
In this article, we are going to see 8 best 3D printers that are available under $500. But before buying, make sure of what you want to print as these printers come with different build sizes. Hence, their dimension plays an important role in whatever model you want to design. Also, these printers come with certain unique features, pros, and cons, so read the full review before going for your final pick.
Top 8 Best 3D Printers Under $500
3D printers play a vital role in the lives of engineers, designers, or artists. They are highly flexible, which gives users the freedom to print any design regardless of their complexity. However, when we are left with a limited budget, we might have to compromise with certain things. And surely none of us would like to make such compromises, especially with electronics.
So, here we have put together the 8 best 3D printers that come at an affordable rate. Moreover, we made sure that you don’t miss a lot many features as well. In fact, these 3DP comes with stunning features and support, which makes them applicable for both basic as well as professional use.
1. ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer
Ideal for small scientific / commercial projects with high precision 3D Models.
The ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer is based more on the practical philosophy. It is a gentle and smart machine that is built to meet both normal as well as professional use. This 3D Printer has a rigid metal finish, which provides it with extra stability; less shaking means more accurate prints.
Moreover, it comes with a dual lead rail design Y-axis and dual screw rod design Z-axis. All these minor adjustments help in stabilizing the machine and minimizing the errors while printing.
Pros:
- Higher Precision on prints
- Large Build Volume
- Anycubic patented Heat Bed
- Superfast assembly
- Extra Functions
Cons:
- Cannot print over 12 inches
Specs:
- Dimensions: 500mm*500mm*553mm
- Weight: 14Kg
- Uses FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) print technology
- Features USB and SD card connections
- 12V output voltage
- 110V input voltage
Bottom line:
The MEGA X printer is one of the best at its price range. It comes with greater stability and high precision print quality. A few unique features include a Meanwell power supply, TFT touch screen, filament sensor, and powerful & flexible extruder.
The product has received 4.5-star Amazon customer reviews and is the best pick for beginners and professionals looking for a sensible and easy to use a 3D printer.
2. ANYCUBIC Photon S 3D Printer
Great for dentists, physicians and students for daily projects as well as medical 3D models for teeth.
The ANYCUBIC Photon S 3D Printer is best known for its highly accurate prints and easy-to-use mechanism. Its creative structure makes leveling easier than ever. Photon S comes with dual fans that provide great ventilation, sucking out the activated carbon air and providing a completely filtered system.
In addition, it features a dual linear rail design Z-axis that further improves the stability and offers a higher degree of accuracy in its prints.
Pros:
- Upgrades UV Module
- Highly efficient air-filtration system
- Easy Leveling
- Z-axis dual linear rail
- Matrix light source
Cons:
- Very limited resin amount in Vat. (75-100ml)
- Plastic frame
- Need a few bugs to fix and tinkering with the settings
Specs:
- Dimensions: 230mm* 200mm* 400mm
- Weight: 19.4 Pounds
- 2560*1440 high-resolution screen
- 110V/220V input voltage
- Build Size: 115mm * 65mm * 165mm
Bottom line:
The Photon S 3D Printer has been in a rough debate with the original Photon machine. However, looking at the overall features and new upgrades, Photon S comes with higher capabilities. Firstly, it comes at an affordable rate compared to most of the metal-framed 3D printers. Another notable thing is the upgraded UV LED. It helps in faster and smoother printing.
Overall, the ANYCUBIC Photon S gives excellent results. It does detailed work and provides high-quality prints filled with every minor detail and accuracy.
3. Creality Open Source CR-10 3D Printer
Ideal for hobbyists to make special 3D models to play with. Great for commercial use also with low maintenance.
The CR-10 printer is a perfect choice as an affordable and durable 3D printer that fills in all the voids. It comes with a stunning aluminum finish and extra-large build platform measuring 12 inches * 12 inches * 15.5 inches. The machine is crafted in such a way that it reduces the weight on the X-axis. This makes the printing process much smoother.
Additionally, the Creality CR-10 features a glass bed along with larger ergonomic nuts for easier leveling. This oversized screw provides extra stability while leveling the Y-axis of the 3D printer and generate more precise prints.
Pros:
- Complete metal body
- Extra-large build space
- A highly steady aluminum frame provides more stability while printing.
- Durable glass bed with large ergonomic leveling nuts
Cons:
- Z-axis head might crash with the bed (needs extra care)
Specs:
- Dimensions: 11.81 inches * 11.81 inches * 15.75 inches
- Weight: 30 Pounds
- Micro SD connection
- All metal frames with excellent thermoplastic V-slot wheels for smoother adjustments
Bottom line:
The Creality Open Source CR-10 3D printer brings a brilliant combination of superior construction and excellent performance. Moreover, being fully metallic, it is quite cheaper than most of the other products.
The FDM process can be further divided into four different steps that include Slicing, level and export, watch, and taking out the finished product. Although the Z-axis needs a little extra attention, CR-10 is a perfect 3D printer that comes handy for both beginners and experienced users.
4. X5SA PRO 3D Printer
Excellent machinery for industry level 3D printing projects.
The X5SA PRO 3D Printer comes with a tough body along with an industrial linear guide design. It is one of the most stable products under a budget of $500. This machine is highly durable, and you can expect prints with a higher degree of precision and accuracy.
It is basically a DIY assembled machine; thus, it might take a while for the setup and start printing right away. The X5SA PRO can be a great pick for beginners and DIY enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Comes with CoreXY Motion Modes
- Large build size
- Resume print feature available after a power failure
- Filament dries up detection.
- Auto-leveling
- TITAN Extruder
Cons:
- Complex Setup
- Average quality print
- Not recommended for beginners
Specs:
- Dimension: 330 mm * 330 mm * 400 mm
- Weight: 36.2 Pounds
- 30P integrated cable wire
- 24V Power Supply
- 3.5-inch Touchscreen
- Nozzle Size: 0.4mm
Bottom line:
The X5SA PRO can be a great choice for those who are well skilled in 3D printing. The printer consists of some of the most advanced features, which makes it a highly stable one. Besides, it is developed by TRONXY, and they are offering a lifetime after-sales service.
However, X5SA does a great job maintaining the accuracy part; the print quality seems very average. So, if you are not willing to compromise even a bit on the print quality, surely this product is not for you.
5. Upgrade Creality CR-10 V2
Ideal for small business dealing with 3D printing, cost effective and low maintenance.
Love DIY? Well, the Creality CR-10 V2 comes with a full metallic body that you can have some fun with. This upgraded version of CR-10 features a better UI, SD card slot, and a unique Creality logo printed in blue. It also comes with new firmware and a separate console. The CR-10 V2’s motherboard is something to talk about. It contains a self-developed motherboard with a super silent driver of industrial standard.
Apart from all this, the upgraded model is extremely easy to set up. You only need to place a few nuts tight in specific places, and you can carry with the printing process right away. Here are some of its highlights:
Pros:
- Ultra silent motherboard backed by TMC2208
- Resume printing function available
- Filament breakage sensor
- Dual ends heat dissipation
Cons:
- Separate controller
- Very short cables
- No dual-gear extruders
Specs:
- Dimensions: 23.8 inches * 21 inches * 10.4 inches
- Weight: 32.55 Pounds
- Thermal efficient bed heater
- Meanwell 24V power supply
- 100% metal framed
Bottom line:
Creality has laid a series of 3D printers till today. And not to mention, they come out with stunning products every time. However, the CR-10 V2 is upgraded with multiple new features in it.
But Creality still goes for the same old heat bed, moving back and forth in the Y-axis. Rather, they must opt for a vertically moving bed design, as it seems more convenient from the user’s perspective.
6. Sovol SV01 3D Printer
Ideal for large 3D Print volume with low cost raw material.
Sovol SV01 is fully constructed on an aluminum frame. It comes with a considerable build size, and most importantly, it is 95% pre-assembled, which makes it a good pick for beginners.
This 3D printer features a Mean Well power supply, a direct drive extruder, along with a flat glass plated heat bed that does a great job in getting the perfect layers every single time. Above all, the SV01 brings all the essential features at a relatively affordable price.
Pros:
- Removable flat glass plated heat bed.
- Meanwell Power Supply
- Partially assembled kit
- Larger print volume
- Supports multiple filaments
- Lifetime technical support
Cons:
- The case fan makes a louder noise on switching on the printer.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 22 inches * 19 inches * 8.4 inches
- Weight: 29.3 Pounds
- Nozzle Size: 0.4mm
- Aluminum frame
- SD Card connection
- Manual bed leveling
Bottom line:
The Sovol groups are extremely dedicated to crafting the best ever 3D printers. Fortunately, the SV01 comes out as a fascinating product. It comprises a direct drive extruder along with dual Z lead screws that ensure high-quality and high-speed 3D printing.
Sovol SV01 is a very stable machine that guarantees more precise printings. In addition, they are likely to provide customers with lifetime technical assistance.
7. Artillery Genius 3D Printer
Ideal for students or beginners to start with 3D modelling and printing hobby.
The Artillery Genius is one of those decent products that is loved by all. First of all, this 3D printer is available at a justifiable price and offers amazing overall performance.
It comes with several essential features like filament run-out sensor, clean cable management, elastic coupler, and many more. The Artillery Genius 3D printer mainly focuses on providing high-quality accessories and the best possible service.
Pros:
- High precision belt pulley
- TFT touch screen control
- Easy to set up
- Larger leveling nuts
- Dual Z System
Cons:
- Large Filament holders cannot adjust with smaller filaments.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 20.4 inches * 17.2 inches * 12.5 inches
- Weight: 19.62 Pounds
- Layer resolution: 0.11 mm
- The maximum print speed is 150m/s
- Direct drive titan extruder
- USB, USB Stick, and TF Card connections available
Bottom line:
The Artillery Genius is very much similar to the Artillery SideWinder. However, the only difference is this printer comes with a comparatively smaller building space than the SideWinder. On top of that, it is a direct-driven printer that allows it to work seamlessly with most of the flexible filaments.
Talking about its speed, the Artillery Genius is incredibly fast and generates good quality prints. Compared to most of the 3D printers below $500, it is one of the most refined ones that provide stunning results to its users.
8. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro
Great for precision based 3D modelling characters, ideal for printing small figures and detailed objects.
At the end of this list, we have the Creality Ender 3 Pro, an upgraded model of the Ender 3. The printer comes partially assembled and is super easy to set up and start printing. It comes with the improved build quality and stable power supply from Meanwell. Plus, the extruder also features an upgraded design and is fully open source.
It is a great machine for all the beginners and even for the kids to lay their hands on a 3D printer for the first time. Apart from all these, the Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro comes with many more stunning features which make it count among the best.
Pros:
- Enhanced stability with new 40 * 40 Y-axis
- Removable heat plate for convenient extraction of printed models
- Resume printing function available
- Safe and stable power supply
- Micro SD and USB connection
Cons:
- Certain parts are hard to find online.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 20.94 inches * 15.04 inches * 7.91 inches
- Weight: 18.96 Pounds
- Frame material: aluminum
- Lifetime 24/7 technical support
Bottom line:
The Ender 3 Pro seems quite similar to the basic version considering its performance and usability. Although a few improvements can be seen in the Pro version. Firstly, the magnetic type of flexible printing surface seems much more convenient. Moreover, it is extremely easy to remove any sort of print from the surface.
However, remember that the temperature above the 80-degree Celsius might affect the magnetic property of the heat bed.
Next, we have the Meanwell power supply, which is undoubtedly one of the best in its business. Also, the USB and micro SD slots are placed in a convenient position that is easier to reach. These few differences will cost you around $100 more than the basic model, but it is worth it.
Final Verdict
If you are not sure of which 3D printer to purchase under a reasonable budget, this article must help you. We have reviewed the 8 best 3D printers that come under a few hundred dollars.
Most importantly, our research includes those products on which you don’t have to make giant compromises. On the other hand, most of the printers come with lifetime technical support. Hence, you can expect the best customer service.
If you are looking for a perfect machine to print smaller models, the Artillery Genius can be a good pick for you. However, for larger designs, the X5SA PRO and ANYCUBIC Mega X are highly recommended. Apart from this, you can further look at the other products too.
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