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A few years ago, it was almost impossible to find the best 3d printer under 500. Now you have dozens of options. 3D printing for modelers, hobbyists, and small businesses.
Of course, not all cheap 3D printers have the same features. They produce models of different sizes with different levels of detail. Most are textile models, but some resin printers also fall into this price range.
Finding the right balance between cost and performance can be difficult, and technology can be confusing.
In this article, you’ll cut through the jargon and find the best 3D printers under $500 for whatever type of model building you want.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide: How we picked the Best 3d Printer Under 500
For those buying their first 3D printer, we’ve introduced a price cap of $500 to give you a choice within a reasonable price range. The result is today’s most affordable 3D printers. But the price was far from the only consideration.
Build Volume: Many 3D modelers focus on small projects or create complex assemblies from a few small components. Others want to grow as fast as possible. Fortunately, buying a cheap 3D printer doesn’t limit your ambitions. We found a variety of alternatives to cover all potential users.
Set Up and Ease of Use: The best resin 3D printers in our price range are ready to use, but most filament models require some assembly. How easily it works also varies. Our selection reflects this diversity, allowing buyers to choose a model that suits their experience level.
Value: Price does not always equal value. Despite the relatively low cost of our selection, these are not the cheapest 3D printers on the market. However, the ones we have chosen are from brands known for their experience and quality. As a result, it must provide long-term reliability.
Our Top Picks
Model | Ratings | printing speed | Materials | Dimension | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anycubic Photon | MAX 60mm/h | 405nm UV Resin | 9.84 x 7.56 x 4.72 inches | 34.1 Pounds | $449.99 | |
ELEGOO | 30-60mm/s | Steel and aluminum | 21.65 x 14.57 x 8.27 inches | 15.97 pounds | $169.99 | |
Creality | 70-80 mm/s | Aluminum | 16.14 x 16.54 x 18.31 inches | 14.6 Pounds | $189.00 | |
qidi tech | 60 mm/s | Aluminum,Pla,Metal | 5.9 x 5.9 x 9.1 inches | 39.68 Pounds | $399.00 | |
Anycubic Kobra | 80-100mm/s | PEI spring steel | 19.13 x 19.13 x 16.93 inches | 15.4 pounds | $319.99 |
Here we are presenting you the Best 3d Printer Under 500
1. ANYCUBIC PHOTON MONO X 4K RESIN 3D PRINTER
product description:
By all standards, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K is a high-quality best 3d printer under 500. It’s a very good price if you’re looking for under best 3D printers under $500.
Anycubic has long been one of the leading 3D printers with a wide range of innovative high-quality machines. The Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K set new standards for speed and detail at launch, and while bigger and faster models are available today, few can challenge them in the sub-$500 category.
With these resin printers, the screen resolution has a huge impact on the information transmitted. It has an 8.9-inch 4K LCD display that offers 3,840 x 2,400 pixels per inch. It can print layers as small as 50 microns (0.0019 inches) up to 2 inches per hour, making it one of the fastest resin printers in its class.
The overall construction of this 3D printer has the rigidity needed for reliable results, and a built-in fan keeps everything at a constant temperature.
Installation takes time but is easier than most wire patterns. The 2.8-inch touchscreen allows for many functions, but files must be entered via a USB stick.
There are Wi-Fi apps, but they’re limited and can be difficult to set up, so many independent testers don’t think it’s worth it. There are popular alternatives to ChiTuBox and Lychee, but Photon Workshop’s software has its critics.
2. ELEGOO Neptune 2 FDM 3D Printer
product description:
There are many cheap 3D printers on the market, but none offer the clear instructions and high print quality of the Elegoo Neptune 2.
The Elegoo Neptune 2 is the best budget 3D printer in purely monetary terms for less than half of $500.
That alone makes it attractive to newcomers to 3D printing, but the Elegoo Neptune 2 offers more than its affordable price.
Most 3D filament printers come as self-made kits.
Errors can affect performance later, so be careful.
Fortunately, the Elegoo Neptune 2 comes with clear instructions and clear components, so installation is relatively easy.
Bed leveling is not smooth as it must be done manually as an important feature for accurate printing. It can be frustrating for beginners as it takes a lot of time to get them right.
Touch screens provide a wealth of information, but much of it can be confusing and confusing.
Fortunately, the included Cura software is great and very useful. Mechanically and functionally, the Elegoo Neptune 2 is a very good value 3D printer, but unfortunately, it lacks an interface.
There are many online troubleshooting resources available and the results are worth it, but it takes patience to get the most out of your device.
3. Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
product description:
Creality was one of the first companies to produce high-quality, cost-effective 3D printers. Ender 3 has become very popular and has excellent learning resources.
At first glance, the Creality Ender 3 looks like any other low-cost 3D printer. In fact, Creality is famous for its 3D filament printers that combine high-quality parts at a competitive price, and as a result, there are many replicas. The Creality Ender 3 can create layers as thick as 100 microns (0.0038 inches), and while not as high as resin printers, it produces nice and smooth models for cheap 3D printers.
Unlike low-cost competitors that only use PLA filament, the Creality Ender 3 is available in ABS, PETG and TPU. The device is very quiet and heats up quickly, and the user interface is clear and informative.
This is not an easy car to build.
Creality says it will take two hours, but we’re optimistic and think the guidance could definitely be improved. So why recommend one of the best 3D printers for beginners?
The main reasons are their excellent support network and ability to upgrade multiple machines.
Not only is Creality’s customer support excellent, but the popularity of Creality Ender 3 means there are dozens of videos and other resources online. After mastering the basics of 3D printing, additional features are available so users who want to improve their knowledge don’t have to buy a whole new machine. It is a great introduction to 3D printing and there is no better learning platform for the money.
4. QIDI Tech X-Pro 3D Printer
product description:
Why we chose this cut: The QIDI Tech X-Pro offers great versatility for those who want to experiment with monochromatic patterns or multiple threads.
Specification:
— Type: Double thread
— Built-in volume: 5.9″ L x 5.9″ W x 9.1″ H
— Speed: 5.9 inches per second
The QIDI Tech X-Pro has one key feature that sets it apart from other sub-$500 3D printers. This is the ability to create a two-color pattern in one process. You can also combine different filament materials, for example making the main part of the model from PLA, then adding a TPU base for flexibility or ABS for extra strength.
This is an area that will require a lot of research and experimentation to achieve success, but it can be interesting for those who want to increase their knowledge of what is possible with the best 3D printers under $500. QIDI Tech X-Pro is almost ready, all you have to do is turn on the fan and level the bed.
Fully enclosed construction reduces the chance of damage to the model from scratches (ABS is particularly sensitive). Although the manufacturer’s manual is poorly written, the touchscreen interface is easy to use, which can be a little frustrating at first.
5. Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2 3D Printer
product description:
The Artillery Sidewinder offers impressive build volume for a printer at this price point without sacrificing quality or user-friendliness.
With an impressive print volume, the Artillery Sidewinder is undoubtedly the cheapest best 3D printers under $500 for creating large-format models. It’s no surprise that companies are springing from corners elsewhere to offer machines of this capacity for the money, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
There are some areas for improvement, but the issues are minimal. The Artillery Sidewinder isn’t very fast, but it can produce layers of 100 microns (0.0038 inches) each, so the quality is comparable to many small devices.
Almost complete with just the ribbon cable and reel mount installed. The quality of the latter is not the best, so sometimes I get typos, but when the printer crashes, it starts again from there. The touchscreen controls are also very simple.
6. Anycubic Kobra
product description:
The Anycubic Kobra is the newest line of 3D printers from the Anycubic team. Updated with the latest features and conservatively priced, it’s one of the best 3D printers under $500. The Kobra comes with a typical build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, which is enough to 3D print almost any basic design.
Despite the low price, there is no compromise on build quality and durability. The Cobra is made entirely of a metal frame to ensure the stability of the machine during use.
Anycubic incorporates an automatic LeviQ bed leveling feature that calibrates the bed using a 25-point grid to provide superior single-layer print quality and superior bed adhesion. In our tests we found it to work very well.
The Anycubic Kobra also boasts top-notch print quality at a price that’s practically unbeatable. A direct extruder helps with flexible filaments and gives you better control over filament flow.
The LCD touchscreen is impressive, intuitive, and easy to use at this affordable price. The build cost is comparable to most other best 3D printers under $500. It comes partially assembled in a flat pack and takes about 15 minutes to install.
Anycubic Kobra is very noisy. Also, the print cooling fan runs out of power, which can cause printing problems if you don’t pay attention to the settings.
7. FLASHFORGE ADVENTURER 3 PRO
product description:
The Adventurer 3 Pro is the flagship model of Flashforge 3D printers in the Adventurer 3 series. It comes with many unique features that make it a great sealed 3D printer for your budget.
The printer comes with hot tips at 245°C and 265°C to ensure maximum media compatibility. The build plate is made of silicon carbon crystal glass with excellent softness. This improves print quality by reducing distortion and warping.
In addition, the build platform is leveled from the factory, so you don’t have to worry about leveling the print bed before your first 3D print.
To help you get started quickly, Adventurer 3 Pro comes standard. It also includes automatic sealant loading, a sealant leakage sensor, a quick nozzle change system, and a convenient touch screen.
The only drawback is the small construction volume of 150 x 150 x 150 mm. Unfortunately, reduced build volume is a common side effect of embedded 3D printers. You can expect this trade-off, especially on a tight budget.
8. Elegoo Saturn S
product description:
The Elegoo Saturn S is a large format resin 3D printer with a build size of 196 x 122 x 210mm. It is designed as an upgrade to the previous Elegoo Saturn and comes with an improved feature set.
The large 9.1-inch LCD screen is a black-and-white display that allows for fast print speeds and long screen life. Excellent reproduction of fine details in printed models with a print resolution of 0.048 mm on the XY axis.
The Elegoo Saturn S comes with a large build plate. The machine uses dual Z-axis linear rails to support large construction platforms. They add stability and rigidity to the printer’s metal frame while providing a smooth movement. As a result, vibrations and ghosting of the resin substrate are reduced.
The Elegoo Saturn S also has a built-in carbon filter. This will eliminate the unpleasant smell of some 3D printer resins and allow you to print indoors without worry. Given its capabilities and large build volume, the Elegoo Saturn S is an ideal printer for large-scale miniature printing and resin 3D serial printing. Perfect for hobbyists and small businesses looking for a reliable resin best 3D printers under $500.
Conclusion
In this article, we find the best 3d printer under 500 for whatever type of model building you want. As these are the most reliable printer we have tested and easy to use and relatively inexpensive to operate.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are 3D printers illegal?
3D printers are completely legal. It is illegal to copy and sell patented or copyrighted material. For example, it is good to make and use popular game figures yourself. Not trying to sell and can sue the copyright owner. entirely
Are cheap 3D printers worth buying?
As prices have come down significantly in recent years, today's best 3D printers for under $500 can be very capable, fun, and educational.
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