Your Best Cheap 3D Printer to Get in 2023

Inexpensive does not mean “not good” or “low quality” when discussing 3D printing. Your cheap 3D printer can boast some incredible features that used to be available in high-end devices some years ago. The situation has improved, and the best budget 3D printer can let you create smooth and highly detailed projects.

Gambody wants to discuss what to pay attention to when reading reviews of an inexpensive 3D printer and share a list of affordable machines under $200-$300 to find in 2023.

Cheap 3D Printer

When 3D printing technology was introduced, there were no inexpensive 3D printers. But as decades passed, prices dropped, and desktop devices became affordable. Today, the best cheap 3D printers often offer some stunning features.

Decades ago, the first desktop machines required you to coax the filament feeder to help them run the filament from the spool to the extruder. You had to align the bed manually, position the hot end or extruder, deal with projects stuck to the build plate, etc.

Today, every best budget 3D printer comes with painless features, and if you come across any issues, you can reach support. Manufacturers are willing to advise over the phone, chat, replace parts, and help you set up your low-cost 3D printer.

You might like to read Gambody’s reviews of some best budget 3D printers in 2023:

• Newest Voxelab Aquila D1 3D Printer Unboxing & Review;
• Review of Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer: Cheap 3D Printer for Beginners;
• Anycubic Vyper 3D Printer with Auto-Levelling: Review, Specs, Price, Tests.

Best Affordable 3D Printer: Things to Consider

Often, the best cheap 3D printer in 2023 has an auto bed leveling option, filament detector, and heated and flexible beds with easy removal of 3D prints. In other words, manufacturers resolved many of the common issues from the past.

Companies keep developing 3D printers affordable to many customers with improved software, excellent features and even support for open-source platforms like Cura.

However, you will lack some things when you choose the best budget 3D printer under $300 over an expensive machine above $500. For example, inexpensive 3D printers usually have a different frame type, software, connectivity, small build volume, etc.

Best-Value 3D Printers: Enclosed vs. Open Frame

When looking at cheap 3D printers, you should choose enclosed vs. open-frame. It is easy to distinguish between these two types.

An enclosed machine looks like a box with walls, a top, a front door, or a see-through window. Such a budget 3D printer comes with some excellent advantages. For example, an enclosure helps to protect you from touching a hot extruder and reduces the odor if you are printing with ABS. But to enjoy these pros, you must work with mini build volume.

A cheap 3D printer of an open-frame type offers more building volume. It is usually noisier than enclosed machines and emits odors if you are working with particular plastic materials. Also, you should be careful and avoid touching the hot extruder, often spend time assembling and setting up your machine to make it run smoothly. But as a result, you can also create more significant projects quickly.

Thus, it is your decision which inexpensive 3D printer to get. Think of your budget and desires, then compare the best-value 3D printers and select an open-frame or enclosed machine (or both).

Cheap 3D Printers: Build Volume

Everyone who likes a budget 3D printer with a volume of under 4 x 4 x 4 inches will be happy with any low-cost machine that boasts such parameters. But those who dream of building life-size 3D prints can only be happy with a low-cost 3D printer with a medium or large build volume. In other words, thus enthusiasts can look for a device with parameters of over 6 x 6 x 6, 10 x 10 x 10 inches, and above.

Read also: Best Large 3D Printer for Making Big Objects

Often, cheap 3D printers come with a mini printing volume, especially if a machine is fully enclosed (comes with sides, top, door, or window). At the same time, you can find open-frame 3D printers affordable, which boast an excellent significant build volume.

Budget 3D Printer Filament

The best-value 3D printers are the ones that offer your desired features and support cheap filament. Buying just a device will not help you make objects. You will need to use spools of filament for your collection of 3D prints. That is why finding the best budget 3D printer that can work with various filament brands is so important.

The best cheap 3D printers are usually limited in what 3D printing materials you can use. Many such devices can only print using PLA (and sometimes ABS).

PLA is the most popular and cheap 3D printer filament you can find. This polymer is biodegradable and plant-based. However, ABS is nontoxic and durable but can emit an unpleasant odor as the printer works.

While many machines are limited to this type of material, you can find a cheap 3D printer with a heated bed that supports other filaments. They give you more freedom to experiment, create wood- and metal-like models, and use water-soluble supports and flexible projects.

Inexpensive 3D Printer Software and Connectivity

Most modern 3D printers come with affordable 3D printer software or rely on Cura and other existing solutions.

You can do miracles using a good cheap 3D printer and reliable software. It is possible to resize, rotate, duplicate, move a 3D printing file, slice it, and then print it into a physical object. Modern processes are seamless and way more effortless than they used to be.

Even the cheapest 3D printer can let you use software with many settings. Still, consider the connection options that vary from device to device. For example, some machines have USB port support; others offer Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, while others are limited to microSD or SD card support only.

In other words, your best cheap 3D printer can have more or fewer choices, offer basic or more advanced connection options, use limited software, or give you access to popular tools such as open-source Cura Slicer.

Low-cost 3D Printer Frame and Printing Speed

Each type of cheap 3D printer has its advantages and disadvantages. Some machines move the bed over the Z-axis (the Ultimaker), and others over the Y-axis (the Prusa Mendel printers). The first type is believed to boast higher 3D printing speed and better accuracy. Still, the second type is believed to be more comfortable maintaining and leveraging weight.

Also, choosing an affordable 3D printer that is easy to calibrate and offers an automatic bed leveling option is better.

Besides, even the best budget 3D printer can shake and might vibrate off the surface if there is not enough weight to keep it in place. Thus, it is essential to look at the list of parts. Avoid getting a machine with a flimsy or thin metal frame with a thickness of under 3 mm (0.12 inches). Instead, choose a firm device with heavy aluminum or wood frames.

Your best cheap 3D printer is a machine that corresponds with your finances and expectations and offers reliable customer support through a forum, social group, phone, etc.

Best Budget 3D Printer 2023

As you search for your cheap 3D printer, you must decide how much you can spend, what options you need, which filament types and connections are supported, etc.

Some users might consider a 3D printer pen for under $50-$100. But while in the hands of professionals, this toy becomes a magic wand that helps build stunning projects, using the best budget 3D printer is easier because it guarantees well-structured results and repeatable copies based on a 3D printing model.

Focus on the features; you will be amazed at how much some affordable machines can offer you. We reviewed some good cheap 3D printers in the guide below.

Seeing the 3D printed models and figurines made on inexpensive 3D printers is a great idea. The finished works speak more than words and can help you decide which brand suits your needs and expectations.

15 Good Cheap 3D Printers

Below you will find a list of resin and filament cheap 3D printers between $200 and slightly above $300. While most inexpensive machines cannot boast the quality of costly 3D printers, they still deliver impressive results for newbies and advanced hobbyists.

Gambody made a selection of the 15 best budget 3D printers, along with images of fantastic models made with them. It will ease your choice.

1. FlashForge Adventurer 3

Users who need to print at high temperatures might enjoy a budget 3D printer FlashForge Adventurer 3. Its print volume is 5.9″ x 5.9″ x 5.9″ (150 x 150 x 150 mm), and the price is nearly $370.

The machine has a nozzle that heats up to 240 °C (464 °F). But you can replace it with a nozzle that will heat up to 265 °C (509 °F) to work with more filaments, including PETG, PC, and others on top of ABS and PLA.

This good cheap leveling-free 3D printer has a 2.8-inch touchscreen, print-resume feature, and support for .STL, .OBJ, 3mf and other files, etc.

2. Easythreed X1 Mini

This machine stands out among the cheapest 3D printers because its price is close to a 3D pen, but Easythreed X1 FDM Mini comes with an extruder, a removable magnetic bed, and a printing volume of 3.94″ x 3.94″ x 3.94″ (100 x 100 x 100 mm).

It can read G-code files. The nozzle can heat up to 356 °C (180 °F); thus, you can use this inexpensive 3D printer to create PLA masterpieces.

This cheap 3D printer costs less than $100, making it affordable for children who love STEM education. But you’ll have to level the bed before every new project, and the final quality differs from what more expensive machines can offer.

3. Sovol SV01

It is another best budget 3D printer available for under $200. Sovol SV01 is an upgraded machine with a heating hotbed, a removable glass plate, a direct drive extruder, and more.

This cheap good 3D printer supports PLA, ABS, TPU, and other 3D printing materials. It arrives partially assembled, so the final assembly should not take too long. According to the manufacturer, the whole process requires around 20-30 minutes.

You must level the machine yourself. The cheap 3D printer can resume printing and detect filament end. It has a full metal frame and allows building objects of up to 11″ x 9.45″ x 11.8″ (280 x 240 x 300 mm).

4. Weedo Tina2S

You can say that Weedo Tina2S is the best cheap 3D printer for children. It is fully assembled, has an automatic bed leveling feature, a mini print volume of 3.94″ x 4.1″ x 3.94″ (100 x 105 x 100 mm), SD card/ USB/ Wi-Fi support, removable PEI magnetic build plate, etc.

The cost is just below $200, making it an affordable solution for families whose little ones love exploring new technologies and diving into STEM.

The features offered by Weedo Tina2S are cool for the cheapest 3D printers. But you can always consider it your introduction to the world of 3D printing, with chances to upgrade to a more expensive product in the future.

5. Entina Tina 2

Your best cheap 3D printer can cost under $160 if you choose Entina Tina 2. This mini machine is fully assembled, so you can start using it right out of the box.

What you’ll like about this mini, is its features. Entina Tina 2 boasts a removable magnetic plate, a 2.4″ LCD screen, resume printing, and an auto-leveling option. This small low-cost 3D printer can only offer a build volume of 3.94″ x 4.72″ x 3.94″ (100 x 120 x 100 mm), which is enough for miniatures and undersized projects.

Hobbyists and kids who are interested in turning 3D models into physical objects might like to start with Tina 2.

6. Anet A8 Plus

This FDM machine is believed to be one of the cheapest 3D printers, with excellent accuracy of 0.1 mm and stunning print quality for its price. The Anet A8 Plus is a self-assembly device made by the Chinese company Shenzhen Anet Technology.

This budget 3D printer features a bed of 11.8″ x 11.8″ x 13.7″ (300 x 300 x 350 mm), an LCD screen, upgraded belt adjustment, and an all-metal frame body. It can print offline, has an auto filament loading/unloading feature, and a heated hotbed up to 100 °C (212 °F).

Its aluminum alloy frame is believed to be stable. And the compatibility with different types of filament (ABS, PLA, PP, HIPS, Nylon) makes it possible to bring the most impressive models and figurines to life.

You can find this cheap 3D printer for under $300. But meanwhile, enjoy the fantastic 3D printed DeLorean time machine tires made in Ninjaflex on the Anet A8 by talented Gambody enthusiast Paul Krupa.

7. Creality Ender-3

Creality Ender-3 is the best-value 3D printer that has many fans worldwide. This open-source, all-metal frame machine requires assembly. But don’t worry because the necessary tools are included.

The coated bed is 8.6″ x 8.6″ x 9.8″ (220 x 220 x 250 mm). You will love the resume print feature designed to eliminate failed prints, the improved MK-8 extruder, and the fast heating speed. It takes about 5 minutes to heat the surface to 90°C (194 °F), which can go up to 115°C (239 °F). The low-priced FDM machine can print with PLA, ABS, PETG, and other filament types.

Often, it is possible to buy the Creality Ender-3 for as low as $189, and sometimes the price sticks to approximately $200. And, of course, be inspired by the stunning 3D printed models made by talented hobbyists Michal Morawski, Fabian Dobbeck, and StudioAgrafka Sowiński on Ender-3. The level of detail wows!

8. Creality Ender-3 Pro

If you are unhappy with your Ender-3, you might want to spend some extra bucks to get an improved Creality Ender-3 Pro version. This cheap 3D printer is offered at under $240.

The printing bed is the same as in Ender-3, 8.6″ x 8.6″ x 9.8″ (220 x 220 x 250 mm). But the build surface plate in Ender-3 Pro is removable, making it easier to remove the 3D printed models. The bed can heat to 100 °C (212 °F) in only five minutes. And you can work with PLA, ABS, and other FDM filaments.

There is no need to worry about unexpected power outages because the cheap Creality Ender-3 Pro will resume printing. Now, it is time to enjoy the photos of 3D printed models made by Kiri Sute, Kurt Prieto, and Jeremy Jochman on Ender-3 Pro.

9. Creality LD-002R

Not only FDM machines are among the cheapest 3D printers. You can also enjoy a mini 3D printer offered by Creality. The LD-002R resin version can be purchased at $139. This low-cost machine has an active carbon air filtering system to remove odor from resin.

The company promises simple assembly and easy operation. This cheap resin 3D printer has a 2K HD masking screen and powerful UV light to improve the printing speed for up to 4s per layer. You can build pieces up to 4.7″ x 2.6″ x 6.3″ (119 x 65 x 160 mm) and print right from USB.

This cheap 3D printer can help you to breathe life into unique models. Look at the stunning Diablo figurine whose orange parts were made on LR-002R by Paul Krupa.

10. Creality Halot-One CL60

The specs of the Halot-One resin 3D printer remind us of the LD-0002R. This cheap 3D printer boasts a slightly bigger print size of 5 x 3.1 x 6.3 inches (127 x 80 x 160 mm), lower engine noise of under 60dB, 2K LCD screen, and stunning Z-axis positioning accuracy of 0.01 mm.

The Halot-One cheap 3D printer of a new generation can work via Creality Cloud and offline via USB. Creality releases it in a fully assembled state, meaning you can make your first 3D prints right out of the box.

The machine adopts the principle of refraction and reflection of light. Thus, the Creality Halot-One resin 3D printer promises to distribute light on each model’s dimension. It will lead to high-precision 3D printing. Also, the air purification system helps to filter out some of the odors from the resin.

You can enjoy the Gambody and Creality Halot-One bundles and save some money. You can start making your favorite Gambody models in resin with this best budget 3D printer 2023.

11. Creality CR-10 Mini

Creality manufactures many inexpensive 3D printers. Its CR-10 Mini machine is an affordable FDM 3D printer with many features of Ender-3.

You can enjoy the resume print option, an all aluminum frame, manual leveling, and simple assembly. However, this best-value 3D printer comes with a bigger bed of 11.8″ x 8.6″ x 11.8″ (300 x 220 x 300 mm).

It has cut noise, an upgraded control board, and higher printing accuracy. You can work with ABS, PLA, Wood, TPU, Copper, and many other cheap filament types.

Hobbyists 黃巽甫, Brian Nguyen, and Jouko Salminen, who print with CR-10 Mini, enjoy fantastic results that are well worth the machine’s price of $329.

12. Monoprice Mini

This updated version of Monoprice Mini 3D printer comes with a build volume of 4.65 x 2.6 x 4.3 inches (118 x 65 x 110 mm). One of the cheapest 3D printers has an auto-calibration feature promising no issues with bed leveling and supports online printing and resin. It comes fully assembled and can be turned on when you unbox it.

The low cost should not scare you away. Hobbyist Kyle Reiach proved how superb the Monoprice Mini 3D printer can be in action and what great 3D prints it can build.

13. Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is another cheap 3D printer. You can find great deals on Amazon and other stores and get the machine for as low as $195.

The Photon Mono 4K has a 6.23-inch 2K Monochrome LCD screen, impressive accuracy of 0.01 mm, offline-print support, and other features. The possible print size is 5.19 x 3.14 x 6.49 inches (131.8 x 80 x 165 mm), and it takes about 1.5 seconds per layer to cure the resin.

The aluminum frame, upgraded UV light, excellent stability, and fast printing speed make the device a perfect tool for hobbyists. Alex Schneider and Chuck Reaume, who love working with resin, achieved remarkable results on this small 3D printer.

14. LGT Longer LK5 Pro

With up to $300 in your pocket, you can pay attention to the LGT Longer LK5 Pro. This cheap 3D printer often comes with excellent discounts and could cost $299.99 instead of $370.

The machine’s bed is 11.8″ x 11.8″ x 15.7″ (300 x 300 x 400 mm). It comes with updated cooling fans, resume printing, strong adhesion, a filament detector, a full-color touch screen, a lattice glass platform, an open-source motherboard, etc.

The heated bed allows the creation of fantastic 3D printed models. Your projects finished on LGT Longer LK5 Pro could look even better than the ones made with Qidi Tech X-Maker 3D printer:

15. Artillery Genius Pro Inexpensive 3D Printer

If you are searching for a cheap 3D printer and have about $369 to spend on one, look at the Artillery Genius Pro. This inexpensive machine has a print bed of 8.66″ x 8.66″ x 9.84″ (220 x 220 x 250 mm).

The Artillery Genius has an aluminum frame, 0.4 mm nozzle, LED touch screen, automatic bed leveling, filament runout sensor, fast heating bed, and USB support. It boasts a fast printing speed that can reach 150 mm/sec. It takes two minutes for the heated bed to reach 120 °C (248 °F). Thus, it is compatible with ABS, PLA, Flexible PLA, HIPS, and other types of cheap 3D printer filament.

This inexpensive machine can help to make nice-quality 3D prints just like this Groot figurine brought to life by Koldo Valle.

Each cheap 3D printer on our list is worth your attention. Still, you can check many other budget machines, such as Phrozen Sonic Mini 4k, Creality CR-20 Pro, da Vinci mini w+, Monoprice Select Mini V2, Duplicator i3 V2.1, and others. Decide if you prefer FDM or resin printers and create lovely objects to be proud of yourself. Join Gambody 3D Printing Community on Facebook to share your new works.