Table of Contents
Introduction
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of creating three dimensional objects from a digital file. The object is printed in an additive process through successive layering of materials. Every layer can be considered as a horizontal, thinly sliced cross section of the product that is soon to be produced. Many materials are used in this process, including plastic and metal.
3D printing is embraced by many companies. Many have plans to replace subtractive manufacturing with this new and efficient technology. Statistics say that over 70 percent of manufacturers have adopted 3D printing. A 2015 report by a leading 3D printing firm revealed that, from 2014 to 2020, there was a growth of 31 percent in 3D printing industry. In 2014 alone, this industry was able to produce a revenue of $4 billion.
This entire process starts with the production of a digital file. That digital file is then sent to a 3D printer for printing using a simple printing command. Up until recently, 3D printers were considered to be expensive machines and only known by professionals who built and used them. They are not just for professionals – not anymore.
They have now become affordable and widely known amongst engineers, designers, hobbyists, schools, and curious consumers. 3D printers are some of the most exciting machines money can buy right now. 3D printers have phenomenal potential. They enable you to make objects or spare parts from your home office.
The 3D printing world has seen many developments and changes over the span of a few years. You can now find a good 3D printer in a few hundred dollars, which came at the price of thousands before. In this article, we have listed the 10 best 3D printers that come under $500.
However, these printers may not be equal to the best mid-level and high-level 3D printers. Keep reading to find out how.
What Should You Expect From a 3D Printer Under $500 Dollars?
A few years ago, a decent 3D printer with reasonable specs could cost you around $2000. With time, 3D printer choices have increased, which lowered the prices of these printers. They may not be the best available 3D printers but their price is appealing at what they offer. 3D printers are not cheap but, if you can find one that has the basic elements under $500, then you are good to go. They may not have the resolution and speed of some high-end ones but as long as the end product is up to your preference, it’s not a bad bargain.
If the product you have designed doesn’t have any intricate details, then you don’t need the high speed and resolution of high-level 3D printers anyway. A positive of budget-friendly 3D printers is that they are not attached to the company’s software. You can use them with open-source software like Cura, which will allow you more flexibility at your work.
Top 10 Best 3D Printers Under $500
If you are looking for a 3D printer that does a decent job and has an affordable price tag, then you have come to the right place. Below we have listed some of the best 3D printers that you can get for less than $500:
FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer
This compact FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer was released with a few others in 2018. It is lightweight, user-friendly, and suitable for both educators and creators. Its size measures up to 150 X 150 X 150 mm. There is a 2 megapixel camera installed in it with a removable extruder structure. It comes fully assembled.
Due to its enclosed design, users can experiment with various filaments and use high temperature without any worry. The nozzle can reach a temperature of 100⁰C in 50 seconds. The prints can be easily removed from the removable bed.
It has a Cartesian axis system that is more accurate compared to delta and polar configuration. It has an enclosed structure with a casing that has plastic injection molded parts. The enclosure is mostly transparent so it is easy to keep an eye on printing. The printhead moves in z and x axis, while the removable and heated printbed moves in the y axis. Bowden extrusion system feeds the filament, which enables users to increase printing speed and precision.
This company provides its own slicing software, which is useful for both beginners and experts. It has Wi-Fi connectivity, which makes the whole printing process easy. Flashcloud is necessary if you want to manage printing remotely. It can print good quality objects both of small and large size. It can print for long hours without an issue. It especially works the best for ABS prints. It is very quiet during printing except for the sound of a few fans.
Key Features
- Removable nozzle
- Has a built-in 2 megapixel Wi-Fi camera
- Build-plate is removable and flexible
- Print volume is 150 X 150 X 150 mm
- Has a filament detector
- Has a 2.8-inch touch screen
- Filament loading system is automatic
- Doesn’t require leveling of build-plate
- Build speed is 150 mm per second
- Has Wi-Fi, cloud printing, Ethernet, and USB connectivity
Pros
- Precise and high resolution prints can be created with minimal height layering
- Can be used in various printing settings due to its quiet operation
- Filament sensor and automatic resume option lets you continue where you left off even after changing filaments
- Supports third party filaments
- Various connectivity options allow you to print from just about anywhere
Cons
- Removable build-plate can sometimes move around a lot, which disturbs the printing process
- Instructions may be a bit confusing and hard to understand
- Larger filaments may not fit inside the filament compartment
Verdict
The FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer has a sizeable build area, can reach high temperatures in a flash, and is fully enclosed. It has an affordable price and functions smoothly. It allows you to print within minutes of unboxing. It prints with precision and with little to no noise. It is perfect for hobbyists, offices, schools, and homes.
Creality CR-10 V2 FDM 3D Printer
Creality is a Chinese manufacturer. This is a FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer. The method it uses is also called a filament-free form fabrication process, in which a thermoplastic is used. A molten thermoplastic is extruded out through nozzle, which is controlled by the computer continuously. After one layer is made, it is allowed to dry; then another one is made until the object is complete.
It has a triangular design, which reduces vibrations and Z-wobble and allows for a smooth finish. This printer comes attached to the control box. One new feature is its 24 V per 350 W mean well power supply. The printing plate heats up quickly, which is desirable with ABS printing. Its motherboard comes with an ultra-mute driver, which enables you to print without much noise.
This 3D printer has an all metal frame design, a heated bed, Bowden extruder, Carborundum glass platform, a filament sensor, and an all-metal hot end. The parts require some assembly, which is not that hard. The heated bed requires leveling.
Once you are set to go, you can easily load the filaments, set your desired measures, and start printing. The builds can be easily removed from the plate. It makes good prints with a lot of attention to details.
The instruction manual is easy to understand and is well explained. The customer support is friendly and responsive but a little hard to get in touch with. They send you free replacement parts. This printer comes with 1-year warranty and a 30-day payment return policy. You can also upgrade it to your preference as Creality has left a lot of room for improvement.
Key Features
- Has an all-metal hot end
- Profile is high standard V-shaped
- Dual ports cooling fans
- Printing size is 300 X 300 X 400 mm
- Printing speed is 30 to 60 mm per second
- Hot bed temperature can reach up to 100⁰C
- Comes with one nozzle with a diameter of 0.4 mm
- Uses FDM modeling technology
- Has an ultra-quiet motherboard
- Weighs 11.5 kg
Pros
- Easy to use
- Operation is very silent
- Produces good quality prints with a lot of attention to details
- Its build is robust and durable
- You can easily get its replacement parts
Cons
- Assembly can get annoying
- Manual leveling of the bed may not be easy for beginners
Verdict
The Creality CR-10 V2 FDM 3D Printer has a big printing bed that provides good adhesion. It makes good prints without too much effort. The controls are easy to navigate and the Bowden extruder is reliable. Although the design could be improved by getting rid of the attached control box, it still offers some cool features. If you can put up with the assembly process, we think this printer is a good choice.
FLSUN QQ-S 3D Printer
The FLSUN QQ-S 3D Printer is manufactured by a Chinese company and is slightly upgraded from its previous version. It is a delta printer; all delta printers have a circular bed. The extruder suspends above the bed held by a three arms, hence the name “delta”. Delta printers have better speed and an immoveable bed.
The high strength bed with lattice composite coating reduces chances for warping. It also heats up quickly and cools down when the printing is completed. You will not require scrapers or any other material to remove your prints. It takes less than 5 minutes for the bed to reach a temperature of 100⁰C, which allows you to use the filaments properly.
The leveling of the bed is automatic, so you won’t have to do it manually. This is especially useful for beginners. This printer uses a Titan extruder. This extruder has a 0.4 mm nozzle but can also support 0.3 mm and 0.2 mm nozzles. It can work with all standard filaments. This printer comes with a 32-bit motherboard and a MOS module, which gives you faster printing with more stability.
It has a stainless steel metal frame, which doesn’t wobble much during printing. It has a boot and print feature so, whenever you lose power, you will be able to boot and continue printing where you had left off. You will not waste your filament. The cooling system is robust and keeps the system cool. There is also a filament run-out sensor in place. It comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to print from just about anywhere.
Key Features
- Uses FDM technology
- Has an all-metal frame
- Has Wi-Fi, SD, and USB connectivity
- Compatible with third party material
- Accepts material size of 1.7 mm
- Print bed reaches a temperature of 100⁰C
- XY positioning precision is 0.012 mm
- Z positioning precision is 0.004 mm
- Printing volume is 260 X 260 X 260 mm
- Weighs 12 kg
Pros
- Print bed’s leveling is automatic, which allows for precise printing
- It is very quiet in its operation
- The 32-bit motherboard allows for stable and fast printing
- Touch screen is easy to use
- The printer comes with 90% assembly already done and only requires little effort to start printing
Cons
- Instruction manual is difficult to understand
- Printer is not enclosed, which may not be very safe if you have children or pets at home
Verdict
The FLSUN QQ-S 3D Printer makes fast and clean prints. It has many features, considering that you can buy it for under $500. If you don’t mind a tall printer with no enclosure but a vast field of applications, then think about this one. It might surprise you from time to time.
ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro 3D Printer
The ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro 3D Printer is both user-friendly and affordable. It comes almost fully assembled and only requires you to mount it on the base with a few screws. The print bed must be leveled manually and when it’s hot. The process of leveling the bed is well-explained in the instruction manual.
It is perfect for making large objects as the printer accommodates larger designs. The print bed can hold objects of sizes up to 310 X 310 X 410 mm. Glue will help adhere the objects to the base during printing.
You can control the temperature through the control unit. The bed temperature goes up to 100⁰C and the extruder temperature can go up to 260⁰C. It accepts filaments of many types and assures you fun and imaginative experience. The frame of the printer is aluminum and very sturdy. It won’t wobble during printing. There is a light in the nozzle so you can easily track its progress.
It has a motor silencer, which allows you to print quietly. You won’t need expert skill to make your favorite projects with this printer. In case you have any questions or issues with the printer, the customer service is always ready to help and responds quickly.
Key Features
- Uses FDM printing technology and comes semi-assembled
- The mechanical arrangement of this printer is Cartesian XZ-head
- Accepts filaments of 1.75 mm diameter
- Also accepts third party filaments
- Has a single nozzle extruder
- Nozzle size is 0.4 mm
- The bed leveling is manual
- Heated printbed
- It has SD and USB connectivity
- Maximum printing speed is 120 mm per second
Pros
- The build is sturdy and materials used are durable
- Printing speed is fast
- Is suitable for beginners
- Has good customer service
- Comes with 1-year warranty
Cons
- Some customers had issues with temperature control
- Bed leveling is manual
Verdict
The affordable ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro 3D Printer has great features and is a good choice for beginners. The construction is sturdy and the operation is easy. The nozzle light and motor silencer allow you to print with ease. If the manual leveling of the bed is not an issue for you, then you should think about this 3D printer.
QIDI Tech 3D Printer
QIDI is a Chinese based company that made the QIDI Tech 3D Printer, which is recommended for beginners and hobbyists. It has one of the best customer services and responds very quickly. This printer is fully enclosed and has a dual extruder. The frame of the printer is full metal. There are handles on the sides, which make it easy to move the printer around.
The inside of the printer consists of a heated aluminum printbed and lighting system. The LED lights are on as long as the machine is running. The spool holders are metal. It has an open filament system and accepts third party filaments. It has USB and SD card connectivity.
It comes almost assembled and only requires you to put together a few things, which doesn’t require much effort. The bed leveling on it is manual – which is made easy by the manufacturer. It does require a bit of tweaking to make the best prints. It is very fun to use with its dual extruder. It works with a variety of filaments but you may need to upgrade the all-metal hot-end for printing with nylon and TPU. It doesn’t require much maintenance either.
Key Features
- Has 100 micron resolution
- Build volume is 230 X 150 X 150 mm
- Accepts filaments of 1.75 mm diameter
- Has USB and SD card connectivity
- Uses FDM printing technology
- Has a 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Frame is heat-resistant and made of aluminum
- Printbed can reach a temperature of 120⁰C
- The build volume is 230 X 150 X 150 mm
- Accepts filaments of 1.75 mm diameter
Pros
- Build is sturdy and durable
- Print quality is good
- Slicer software is easy to use
- Has a dual extruder setup
- The customer service is very good
Cons
- LCD interface is limited
- The build-plate is not removable
Verdict
The QIDI Tech 3D Printer is easy to use and to assemble. It runs smoothly and makes accurate prints. The best thing about it is its amazing customer service. You should definitely give this one some consideration.
Anycubic Mega X 3D Printer
The budget-friendly Anycubic Mega X 3D Printer is praised for its good quality printing. It has a high build volume for the price that it comes in. The bed is large at a size of 300 X 300 mm, which can be used to make multiple things at a time. The frame is thick, sturdy, and made of metal. Most of the components of the printer, like the logic board, power supply etc. are located at the base of the printer; this makes its footprint rather small. It is pretty compact.
It comes with a filament sensor that lets you know when the filament has run out. The leveling of the bed is manual, but made easy with the big knob. The bed is made of glass-like material that is covered with a mesh layer. The adhesion of the bed is good. The assembly of the printer is not hard at all. The printing quality is perfect once you understand the printer.
It uses a PSU power supply unit that has its own benefits. It uses Bowden extruder, which allows for fast printing. The 3.5-inch touch screen is easy to use and responsive. You can mute the noise it makes every time you touch the screen.
It supports a number of materials for printing. There is also a print resume option, which comes in handy during power loss.
Key Features
- Uses FDM printing technology
- Layer resolution is 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm
- Print speed can go from 20 mm to 100 mm per second
- Diameter of the nozzle is 0.4 mm
- Build size is 300 X 300 X 305 mm
- The bed can reach a temperature of 100⁰C
- It has USB and SD card connectivity
- Comes with a filament run out sensor
- Has a rigid metal frame
- Weighs 14 kg
Pros
- Print quality is amazing for the price
- Construction is sturdy and reliable
- Smart design has reduced its footprint
- Build volume is large
- Assembly is easy
Cons
- Doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity
- Requires initial fine-tuning to make perfect prints
Verdict
The Anycubic Mega X is a good quality 3D printer. It makes amazing prints at a high speed. The assembly is hard and build volume is huge. If you can overlook the lack of Wi-Fi and put up with manual bed leveling, then this a great purchase.
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
The Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer is a budget-friendly printer but it has all the features of the more expensive options. It is a compact printer, which makes it very easy to handle. The printer area is 220 X 220 X 350 mm. It doesn’t come fully assembled like most printers and requires a little effort to be put together.
It is an FDM printer that has a 0.4 mm nozzle, which can extrude out various types of filaments of 1.75 mm. The minimum layer height is 100 microns; this allows for printing of models with intricate details. The extruder is Bowden, which has advantages and a few disadvantages too. It has a resume printing option that could come in handy during a power outage. The nozzle’s improved design prevents it from clogging, which is a relief.
It is also quick to heat up and reaches 110⁰C in just a few minutes. This printer is very suitable for beginners and hobbyists.
Key Features
- Uses FDM printing technology
- Has a mean well power supply
- Printing size is 220 X 220 X 350 mm
- Bed can reach temperature of 110⁰C under 5 minutes
- Has a resume printing feature
- Accepts filaments of 1.75 mm diameter
- Layer thickness varies from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm
- Maximum print speed is 200 mm per second
- Has USB and SD card connectivity
- Weighs 19 pounds
Pros
- Very suitable for beginners with easy to understand and use navigation controls
- Relatively easy to assemble
- Compact design
- Completely open-source
- Print quality is good
Cons
- Leveling of the bed is manual
- Instructions are not clear
Verdict
If you can’t afford extravagancy right now, the Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer has everything that an affordable but good quality printer should have. Its printing quality is admirable. It is fun to work with and is a great option for beginners and hobbyists.
The fresh faced Artillery Sidewinder X1 3D Printer V4 comes with many cool features. The power supply, mainboard and touch screen are stacked in the base of the printer; this gives it a sleek and professional look. It uses ribbon cables that add to its neatness. It has a 20 X 60 mm extrusion for the bed rail and X-axis, which is rare. The printbed is glass with ceramic coating and has a size of 300 X 300 X 400 mm.
The bed heats up quite quickly and expands, which allows for good adhesion of the print and quick extraction on cooling. The extruder of this printer is Titan aero-style and the hot end is Volcano-style. It has a direct drive set-up, which is a nice feature for this price. The extruder has two fans to keep the extruder cool and to cool down the prints. The 3.5-inch color touch screen is easy to use. It comes with USB and SD card connectivity. It does require a little bit of assembly, which is not hard to do.
The printing quality is good, it does well with various types of filaments. Its resume print feature and the filament run out system work flawlessly. It operates very quietly and efficiently.
Key Features
- Has a direct drive Titan extruder
- Maximum print speed is 150 mm per second
- Frame is made of aluminum
- Accepts filaments of 1.75 mm diameter
- Nozzle diameter is 0.4 mm
- Build volume is 300 X 300 X 400 mm
- Maximum temperature of the build plate is 130⁰C
- Has USB, SD card, and TF card connectivity
- It has a filament run out system
- Weighs 36 pounds
Pros
- Very well designed
- Sturdy and reliable build
- Very silent operation
- Has a resume print option
- Clever cable management
Cons
- Filament holder needs a bit improvement
- Heat dissipation is uneven
Verdict
The comes packed with features. The print quality is good, and operation effortless. It comes 95% assembled. It heats up quickly and works very silently. Its sleek design and large build volume are also appreciable.
Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2 3D Printer
The Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2 3D Printer is fully enclosed and doesn’t require much effort to get it running. It has a metal frame that is thick and sturdy. The inside is accessible through the top and front door. There is a sensor, which stops building print when the front door is opened. It has handles on the sides that allow for easy handling of the machine.
It comes with an integrated extruder module. The nozzle changing is made easy with a quick release feature. It also has internal lighting so you can easily keep an eye on your print. It also has a filament run-out sensor in place. The printbed is made of glass and is also removable. You can easily remove to extract your prints, when they are done. The bed leveling is automatic, which is one less of a headache.
The fans make the printer a bit noisy but it is still a good printer. It works best with PLA but also supports various other filaments. The prints turn out quite well thanks to the large fans, which cool down each layer very quickly and properly. This printer comes with a 30-day return policy and a 1-year repair warranty. It comes fully assembled. You just have to load the filament and level the bed. Select the design and print away.
Key Features
- Has internal lighting
- Nozzle is 0.4 mm
- Bed leveling is automatic
- Has a filament run-out detector
- Has a build volume of 200 X 150 X 150 mm
- Layer resolution is 100 to 1400 microns
- Maximum build speed is 150 mm per second
- Has USB and SD card connectivity
- Plate temperature reaches up to 100⁰C
- Weighs 33 pounds
Pros
- Enclosed bed allows for use of temperamental filaments
- Large fans cool down each layer properly
- Print bed is removable, which makes extracting builds easy
- The all-metal frame makes the printer very sturdy
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Build area could be larger
- Large fans make noise
Verdict
The Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2 3D Printer is definitely worthy of a try. It has many features and is easy to assemble and use. Although the large fans help achieve good quality builds, they do make some noise. The enclosed structure makes is suitable for the use of temperamental filaments.
Tiertime Cetus MK3 Standard 3D Printer
The Tiertime Cetus MK3 Standard 3D Printer is a well-engineered and compact 3D printer. The packaging of this printer is secure. It comes with a power cable, an adapter, and other screws and tools for setting the printer up. It also comes with filaments and three nozzles. The assembly of this product is easy – you won’t face any issue. It comes partially assembled and pre-calibrated from the company. The linear rails of the printer are stainless steel, which makes it stable and accurate.
You will have to download the company’s software to use Wi-Fi. It will also help you level the bed. The software is simple to understand and use. It comes with a direct drive extruder, which has many benefits in the printing process. When it comes to the use of filaments, this printer is versatile. It has Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. The special coating of the build plate makes removing the build easier. This printer has a feature of dividing the platform in to nine different regions before leveling; this increases accuracy.
Key Features
- Uses FFF printing technology
- Build volume is 7 X 11 X 7 inches
- Layer resolution is 50 microns
- Print speed is 10 mm per second
- Nozzle has three diameters (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mm)
- Accepts filaments of 1.75 mm
- Has Wi-Fi and USB connectivity
- Has 9 point matrix leveling
- Weighs 12 pounds
Pros
- Due to its compact design, it will occupy little space on the desk
- Printing precision is high amongst its contenders
- Construction is durable and sturdy
- Assembly is easy
- Instructions and guiding material is well explained
Cons
- Is not enclosed, which might be required for ABS printing
- Doesn’t have an interface
Verdict
The Tiertime Cetus MK3 Standard 3D Printer doesn’t have fancy aesthetics but there are no complaints about its functionality. It will work for you for a long time without any hitch. The setup and assembly is quite easy and the print quality is amazing. This compact little printer will do a good job and keep you happy.
What to Look for When Choosing a 3D Printers Under $500
3D printing sounds a lot like magic; you just need to decide on a design and the rest of the work will be done by the machine. While the idea is still in its infancy, it is growing fast. You can now find good quality printers with much more affordable prices. You can find machines with lots of modern features and good printing abilities.
Below are the few things you should keep in mind while on the hunt for a 3D printer under $500:
Size
3D printers range in size. Some are bigger with the size of a mini fridge and others are compact and can easily be accommodated on your desk. Research the printer you like and see if the size is appropriate for you. Most of the above listed printers are compact and have a small foot print.
Flexibility
Are you a novice? Do you just want to have fun with your printer and use the plans available on the internet? If you would like to make your own plans and explore your creativity with this amazing device, then we recommend buying a printer that has more granular control and flexibility to adjust the various options. You can then set it up according to your preference and play with the printer.
Features
3D printers under $500 come with many modern features. There are printers available with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to pint from just about anywhere. If you have decided on what type of filaments you want to use, then check if the printer you selected is compatible with it. Or you could opt for one that is compatible with the maximum amount of filaments.
Touchscreen is another modern feature on 2D printers. They make the operation process easier to understand. Also pay attention to what software is compatible with your printer. Choose one with an interface that is easy for you to understand.
Safety
If you are looking for a printer with a heated bed, then opt for one that has a cooling system as well. You should always be careful around hot objects. Enclosed printers are also a good idea in this regard. You can safely allow your print to build and inspect it when it has cooled down.
Recommendation
These affordable 3D printers are among the best available in market. Some are a tad better than others. If we had to choose, we would recommend the following three:
Best Overall
Our top pick is the Creality CR-10 V2 FDM 3D Printer. It is easy to use and assemble. Its operation is very silent and smooth, plus the printing quality is very good.
Runner Up
Our second pick is the FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer. This printer has a removable bed, which is very useful in removing completed builds. It is good printer but we like the good customer service of the former company better.
Best Value for Money
The printer with decent print quality that is also packed with features is the FLSUN QQ-S. It has Wi-Fi connectivity and prints in large volumes.
Final Words
3D printers are fun little inventions and now they are more affordable than ever. You can find printers with many useful features and great print quality under $500. We have listed above some of the best 3D printers just for you. We hope you find the one you like best among them.
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