While 3D printing can often be an expensive hobby, it doesn’t have to be. There are many fantastic printers available for under $500, so we wanted to focus on those in this article. You can be just starting out with 3D printing or looking to expand your collection with a few workhorses, but either way, we have something for you in our list of the best budget 3D printers.
Types of 3D printers
There are two basic types of 3D printers: FDM and resin. While we’ll explain filament-based and resin-based printing in another article, I’ll try to give you a quick overview of the difference here.
FDM (filament based)
FDM printing is the most common type of 3D printing and is used to make large-scale models of any category. It can make practical prints like stands and boxes, fun prints like cosplay armor, or even 3D printed dresses. It seems like almost every day someone is pushing the boundaries of what they can do with an FDM printer. If you’re looking for the most versatile 3D printer, go with an FDM printer. They’re also safer, which makes them an excellent choice if you and the younger members of your family want to try it together.
Resin
Resin 3D printing differs from the standard FDM style mentioned above. While it has a list of must-have accessories for success, resin printing allows for much more precise detail. It is perfect for those who want to print miniature games, jewelry or highly detailed statues. You will need to use a liquid polymer to print these models, though, so be sure to protect yourself; it can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
Cheap and powerful
Elegoo Neptune 2
Choosing by our staff
For a first-time 3D printer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as powerful as the Neptune 2. Although it’s based on the Creality Ender 3, it has some high-end additions, like a filament end sensor and power loss protection. It has become one of the most used machines in my shop for a printer that costs so little. If you are just starting out or looking to build a print farm, the Neptune 2 is a fantastic choice.
Value Resin
Phrozen Sonic Mini
The Phrozen Sonic Mini also has a monochrome screen for quick prints and is incredibly low prices for a resin 3D printer. The budget for this printer is so low that it would be worth buying two at once to get a good start on this wonderful new hobby you are about to embrace.
The big one or the little one
Anycubic Vyper
While there are many clones of the Ender 3, few come with as many useful enhancements as the Anycubic Vyper. With automatic bed leveling, filament flow sensors, and blackout protection, to name a few, the Vyper has high-end smart features at a great price.
Cheap doesn’t have to mean poor quality
3D printing is one of the few hobbies where cheaper doesn’t always mean worse. While many low-end printers require a bit more tweaking than their more expensive counterparts, they can produce fantastic prints with a little work.
My favorite 3D printer in the low budget realm is the Elegoo Neptune 2. Elegoo has taken all the best elements of the Ender 3 - a great budget printer in its own right - and tweak them into a machine that is easy to set up and produces excellent prints right out of the box.
If you’re looking to get into resin printing instead of FDM, look to the Anycubic Mono 2k. It represents the perfect balance between budget and quality. You can expect blazing fast prints with exquisite attention to detail.
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