Introduction
So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of 3D printing, whether as a hobbyist or an aspiring small business owner. You’re excited about bringing your creative visions to life but don’t want to break the bank in the process. Good news! Budget 3D printers have come a long way and offer you a cost-effective way to get started.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker looking to expand your 3D printing farm, there’s a budget-friendly option for you. But with so many choices on the market, finding the right one can be a challenge.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best budget 3D printers currently available, along with their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look.
The Anycubic Kobra Neo: Best Low-Cost FDM 3D Printer
The Anycubic Kobra Neo is a game-changer in the world of budget 3D printing.
Priced at just $169, this printer is the ideal choice for budget-conscious beginners and even experienced makers looking for a reliable backup machine. The Kobra Neo boasts features that are usually found in more expensive models, such as automatic bed levelling, a direct drive extruder, and a heated double-sided PEI build platform.
Ease of Use and Impressive Results
This printer is shipped 90 per cent assembled, so you can start your print projects right away.
With a spacious 220 x 220 x 250 mm build volume and a PEI flex plate, removing your prints is a breeze, and you won’t risk damaging your build surface.
In our tests, the Kobra Neo impressed us with its ability to produce highly detailed prints with minimal stringing and incredible precision.
The only downside is the lack of a touch screen for configuration, but the 2.4-inch colour screen and knob navigation get the job done. The Anycubic Kobra Neo is an affordable and feature-packed option for anyone looking to start their 3D printing journey.
Anycubic Kobra Go: Best Value FDM 3D Printer
The Anycubic Kobra Go is very similar to the Kobra Neo in terms of design and features.
It offers the same 220 x 220 x 250 mm build volume, a 2.4-inch colour LCD with a knob interface, and automatic bed levelling.
However, what sets it apart is that it comes as a DIY kit, which means you’ll need to spend a bit of time assembling it.
If you enjoy the challenge and don’t mind the extra 40 minutes of setup,
the Kobra Go is an excellent choice.
In terms of output, it excels at detailed prints when using good-quality filament and slowing down the print speed. It’s a versatile option, supporting various file formats and filament types. Priced at $179, the Anycubic Kobra Go offers fantastic value for your investment.
Creality Ender 2 Pro: Best Budget FDM for Beginners
The Creality Ender 2 Pro is a fantastic choice for those just starting their 3D printing journey. Easy to assemble and operate, it’s designed for portability and delivers high-quality prints.
Weighing less than 10 pounds and featuring a top-mounted handle,
this printer is easy to transport and can fit into small workspaces.
Despite its compact size, the Ender 2 Pro impresses with its reliable performance and interruption recovery feature, ensuring you won’t lose your work in the middle of a print. It’s shipped 90% pre-assembled, making setup a breeze.
The Ender 2 Pro also supports third-party upgrades, so it can grow with you as you hone your 3D printing skills. Priced at $179, it’s a solid choice for beginners.
Anycubic Photon M3: Best Budget Resin 3D Printer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly resin 3D printer, the Anycubic Photon M3 is a top contender. Offering excellent 4K+ prints, a roomy build volume, and easy setup, it’s an outstanding entry-level option.
What sets the Photon M3 apart is its wide 163 x 102 x 180 mm build plate, allowing for the production of larger models with incredible detail.
Our tests produced impressive results with models like Louise Driggers’s Unicorn of Darkness. The build plate holds models securely during printing and allows for easy removal.
With an attractive price point, now $70 less than the original MSRP, the Anycubic Photon M3 is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro: Best Value Resin 3D Printer
The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro offers premium features like integrated air filtration, 2K mono LCD resolution, and solid metal construction, all without the premium price tag.
Its spring-loaded self-levelling build platform simplifies setup and calibration, and the built-in air filter is a significant advantage for those sensitive to resin fumes.
In our tests, it produced high-quality prints with ease
, making it a top choice for those who want fast, high-resolution resin 3D printing without breaking the bank.
Anycubic Photon Mono 2: Best Budget Resin for Beginners
For those starting with resin 3D printing, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a fantastic option. Designed with beginners in mind, it’s easy to set up, user-friendly and includes an anti-scratch film screen protector. While it’s lightweight and small,
it offers a larger build volume than its Photon Mono counterparts, making it a great choice for small builds and miniatures.
Sovol SV07: Fastest Budget 3D Printer
If you’re in search of speed and affordability, the Sovol SV07 is the solution. At $339, it’s a loud but extremely fast 3D printer, capable of speeds up to 500mm/s in draft mode. With Klipper firmware and a direct drive, it can handle various filaments, including TPU when slowed down.
Top Tips for Shopping for a Budget 3D Printer
When shopping for a budget 3D printer, keep these important points in mind:
- Determine your budget: Decide how much you can afford to spend, with a sub-$300 budget offering more options.
- Choose between FDM and Resin: Consider whether you prefer fused deposition modeling (FDM) or Resin printing. FDM printers are easier to use and safer, while resin offers more detail for miniatures.
- Look for key features: Prioritize features like auto bed levelling, easy setup, and a user-friendly interface for a smoother 3D printing experience.
Remember that the right budget 3D printer for you depends on your specific needs, so take your time to explore these options and find the perfect fit for your projects.
