Best Cheap 3D Printer for a Beginner: Affordable Yet with Great Value

With an extensive selection of the best budget 3D printers that support FDM and resin technologies, choosing a cheap 3D printer with great value that is perfect for beginners at first glance might be challenging. Depending on your needs and hobbies, it is always better to explore the pros and cons of different entry-level, easy-to-use starter machines with splendid features in 2025 and then choose.

The best beginner 3D printer offers the best combination of features for that particular user. For each one of us, the valuable features differ a lot. A wide variety of machines in the market, with each potentially being the best budget 3D printer for you in 2025, are:

• Open or fully enclosed;
• With a single or dual extruder;
• The cheapest 3D printer with manual or automatic calibration;
• The best budget 3D printers with limited build volume or large build area;
• Machines with heated and non-heated, removable or non-removable plates;
• Inexpensive 3D printers with or without SD card, USB, Wi-Fi connection, cloud support, etc.;
• Machines that support one type of plastic/resin or various materials (wood, metal, plastic);
• Brands with extra features such as a built-in camera, super fast speed, pause-resume option, user-friendly touch screen controls, and more.

Each cheap 3D printer has its advantages and disadvantages, but most starter options can provide impressive print quality and great value for the money.

Read also: Free Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing.

Cheap 3D Printer

Which is the best beginner 3D printer? The answer is different for each of us because it is based on personal needs, desires, wishes, budget, and expectations.

Some people are looking for large build areas, while others believe that their budget 3D printer should deliver top quality and boast high speeds, even if its size is compact. Some wish to get an automatic leveling system, easy calibration, and simple nozzle change, while others love to adjust all the settings manually.

Still, most consider the best beginner 3D printer to be inexpensive or even cheap, easy-to-use, simple to operate, and affordable in terms of materials used and of decent printing quality.

Looking at the selection of 15 cheap 3D printers for beginners under $200, $250, $300, and $500 can help you choose, especially if your budget is limited and expectations are high.

Read also: 150 Fun 3D Printer Projects.

Best 3D Printers Under 200

What is the best 3D printer for beginners? If your budget is limited to $200, your best choice is a low-cost machine, such as Weedo Tina2 Basic V9 or Creality Ender-3. Both options are worth taking a look at because they can be an excellent starter for a newbie who is not sure how the adventure into the 3D printing world turns out.

1. Weedo Tina2 Basic V9

Tina2 Basic V9 is an upgrade from V7 that weighs only 6.6 lbs (3 kg) and promises a super-easy setup.

Tina2 Basic V9 is a cheap 3D printer that comes with handy features. For example, it has a removable magnetic build plate, meaning the process of removing your finished 3D printed models should be simple. It also comes with an auto-leveling feature, which eliminates the need to level the bed manually after each print. The compact size of just 8.3 x 8.3 x 11.4 inches makes it beginner-friendly because you don’t have to think about where to store the machine when not in use. Honestly, if you are lucky to get a flawless machine, this will be one of the best 3D printers under 200 dollars!

Price: $179.99.

Filament type: PLA (1.75 mm).

Build area: 100 x 120 x 100 mm.

Weight: 3 kg.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• Easy to operate;
• 2.4″ LCD screen;
• Ability to resume printing;
• Fully open-source, supporting Cura, Simplify3D, and other slicers;
• Fully assembled out of the box.

Cons:

• Small filament holder;
• Non-heated build plate;
• Limited build volume;
• Necessity to use glue to adhere the first layers to the print plate;
• Possible errors and issues (rarely reported by users).

Read also: Different 3D Printer Filament Types (Best, Strongest, Most Popular).

2. Creality Ender-3

It is a comparatively light and cheap machine among 3D printers for beginners in 2025, holding its top choice option for several years in a row. You can move it around the house for a better 3D printing experience. At the same time, it boasts a stunning build area of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, allowing you to implement various printing fantasies you might have.

This is one of the best 3d printers under 200 that supports an SD card and works online. It has a heated build plate and works with multiple filament types. Even though Ender-3 has some disadvantages, such as an uneven base and setup issues, it looks like an excellent choice for beginners who are on a budget and wish to achieve a smooth and high-quality printing result in 2025.

Price: $179.

Filament type: ABS, PLA, TPU (1.75 mm).

Build area: 220 x 220 x 250 mm.

Weight: 8 kg.

Pros:

• Low price;
• Resume printing feature;
• Smooth print;
• Big printing area.

Cons:

• Tricky assembly for beginners;
• Settings might be a bit complicated;
• Manual calibration process;
• Uneven base.

Read also: The Best Ender-3 Upgrades to Create Fantastic 3D Prints (V2, Pro, Neo, V3 KE, S1, MAX).

Being one of the best entry-level 3d printer choices in 2025, Creality Ender-3 is also one of the most affordable and popular machines among hobbyists. Here are some examples of prints created by Gambody enthusiasts on Ender-3 and shared on Facebook (where they list various details about the process, settings, guides on painting the figure, etc.).

Incredible Ravager Groot 3D printed figure made by Stuart Hardy:

Download STL files of the Ravager Groot 3D printable model.

Gorgeous Viserion Ice Dragon made by Stuart Hardy:

Download STL files of Viserion Ice Dragon 3D printable model.

An impressive Timber Wolf made by @keikun17‎:

Download STL files to build the Timber Wolf 3D printing model.

3. Elegoo Mars 5

If you are looking for the best budget resin 3D printer and you only have less than $200 for it, look at Elegoo Mars 5. It’s perfect for hobbyists who don’t want to have a hassle with non-stop calibration. The machine comes with an advanced one-click automatic leveling system to let you enjoy the creative process right out of the box.

The machine is equipped with a smart mechanical sensor that tells you when you are low on resin, if you have any residue (to protect your LCD screen in time), and if you experience any leveling failures.

Hobbyists who don’t want to experience any issues or errors while printing using this cheap 3D printer can run a quick self-check, and Elegoo Mars 5 will tell them if anything is wrong. This inexpensive machine also comes with a 4K mono LCD and advanced COB light source to ensure precise printing and incredible results.

Price: $179.99.

Material type: Resin.

Build volume: 143.43 x 89.6 x 150 mm³.

Weight: 6.6 kg.

Pros:

• Automatic leveling system;
• Residue detection;
• Quick self-check;
• Wi-Fi support;
• Textured bed;
• COB Light Source.

Cons:

• Hard replacement of the FEP (if needed);
• Camera located below the vat;
• The lid has no hinges.

4. Anycubic Photon Mono 4

Another cheap resin 3D printer you can look at is Anycubic Photon Mono 4. You can catch it at $200 or way under this price (at $169.99 during sales). It’s an upgrade from Mono 2, offering a 105% increase in print precision.

Anycubic boasts a time-tested LighTurbo matrix light source feature that helps achieve smoother 3D prints, and this cheap 3D printer has this technology. Mono 4 has a re-engineered build platform and an updated laser engraving platform, offering better adhesion to lower the risks of warping and lifting of the model.

Anycubic assures that every Mono 4 is assembled, calibrated, tuned, and tested before shipment. Still, out of the box, hobbyists must manually level the machine before starting their first 3D print.

Price: $169.99 to $200.

Material type: Resin.

Build volume: 153.4mm x 87mm x 165mm.

Weight: 3.5 kg.

Pros:

• Laser engraving platform;
• Resume printing;
• 4-point manual leveling (no need for repeat);
• 10K precision;
• Nice build volume.

Cons:

• Feels cheap and lightweight.

Anycubic Photon Mono has also been a great choice for hobbyists. Only look at this impressive Sauron figure printed by Alex Barichello:

Download Sauron 3D printable figure STL files if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings.

3D Printer Under $250

When your affordable 3D printer budget is up to $250, you have a wider choice of nice machines. A few years ago, most cheap 3D printers had a limited build area, an uneven base, a non-removable plate, and a single extruder. However, today’s market offers more options to impress a hobbyist with excellent results.

Do not worry about the price of a 3D printer under $250 because these machines sound fantastic and offer great features, such as a heat plate and Wi-Fi connection, for their inexpensive cost.

5. Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro

An already impressive Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro has been upgraded to version 4 Pro, and it amazes with all the features it offers while still being the best budget 3D printer option. With Klipper firmware that improves printing speed to up to 500mm/s, you can finish your projects much faster than with other cheap 3D printers in 2025.

Neptune 4 Pro has a segmented heatbed with two independent heating areas, which are activated by your slicer depending on your 3D printable model size.

The upgraded dual-gear direct drive extruder helps to feed filament smoothly, and the special throat pipe is designed to reduce nozzle clogging risks. The extended hot end and high-temperature nozzle (300°C) support faster melting and extrusion, and let you try different filament types.

This cheap 3D printer is a fantastic option for beginners who want to print fast but don’t mind using manual assisted leveling in addition to the 121 (11 x 11) points auto bed leveling.

Price: $229.99.

Filament type: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU (1.75 mm).

Build area: 225 x 225 x 265 mm.

Weight: 9 kg.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• High 3D printing speed of 500mm/s;
• Improved direct drive extruder;
• Segmented heatbed;
• Removable touchscreen;
• Textured PEI build platform;
• Ability to resume printing.

Cons:

• Limited build volume;
• Manual assisted leveling.

Read also: Free STL Editor: How to Edit and Repair STL Files (3D Models).

6. Elegoo Saturn 3

Hobbyists looking for a 3D printer under $250 might like Elegoo Saturn 3 with a 10-inch 12K mono LCD and a fantastic resolution of 11520×5120. It boasts a laser-carved build plate to offer excellent adhesion and a printing speed of up to 70mm/h, which means you can make amazingly detailed 3D printed figures and models pretty fast.

This best budget resin 3D printer comes with a 9H hardness tempered glass, so your LCD screen won’t be scratched or damaged by resin leaks. The build volume is nice, and it lets you print both miniatures and big projects. The support of third-party slice software is also a plus.

Price: $249.99.

Material type: Resin.

Build area: 219 x 123 x 250 mm³.

Weight: 11 kg.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• Nice build volume;
• Open-source slicer support;
• Build plate with a laser-carved surface;
• 12K resolution.

Cons:

• Loud fans;
• Manual leveling;
• Small screen.

An unbelievable Jurassic Park dinosaur figure 3D printed by James Clement:

Download STL files to make your Jurassic Park 3D printable figure.

7. Anycubic Kobra 3

Trying to achieve cheap 3D printing goals, many hobbyists turn to Anycubic Kobra 3, which is often on sale. According to the manufacturer, this FDM machine can reach an impressive print speed of up to 600mm/s! It’s nearly 12 times faster than many other inexpensive 3D printers.

Kobra 3 is equipped with accelerometer G-sensors that help to determine vibration frequencies to improve the quality of your prints and eliminate ringing issues. It has an auto-leveling system, and its full-metal nozzle can be switched without tools.

Hobbyists with Anycubic Kobra 3 who wish to enable four- or eight-color printing will need the additional Anycubic ACE Pro (one or two systems), which costs extra money. This machine will also dry filament while printing.

Price: $229.

Filament type: PLA (1.75 mm).

Build area: 250 x 250 x 260 mm.

Weight: 9.2 kg.

Pros:

• 300℃ metal hotend;
• Auto-leveling system;
• Auto resume option;
• Expansive print volume;
• High printing speed;
• Possibility of upgrading to print up to eight colors;
• User-friendly touch screen.

Cons:

• Limited slicer options;
• ACE Pro costs you an additional $120 if purchased as Combo;
• Some machines have a defective hotend (as reported by users).

Many members of Gambody FB Community enjoyed creating impressive 3D models on a cheap 3D printer Anycubic i3 Mega, which is no longer available for sale. But it gives you an idea of how Anycubic machines can amaze you.

Fantastic Gul’dan built by Sascha Wesler:

Download STL files to print Gul’dan 3D figure.

Heisei Godzilla 3D printed figure made by Joe Broggio:

Download STL files for Godzilla 3D printing figure.

Best 3D Printer Under 300

Your cheap 3D printer that is perfect for beginners and still great for advanced hobbyists can cost less than $300. In this price range, many machines support FDM and SLS/SLA technology and can offer you an incredible experience of working with different materials (ABS, PLA, Wood, resin, etc.). You can also enjoy touch screen controls, simple setup, remote monitoring features, and smooth print quality.

This pricing category has its pros and cons, such as a single extruder and limited upgrade options, but the number of advantages is well worth the money.

8. Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S

You can enjoy high-detailed 22 µm 8K resolution even with the best 3D printer under 300 dollars. Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is an interesting resin machine in the market that lets you print highly precise 3D models and enjoy the quality of every project.

This small-sized, cheap 3D printer is one of the best entry-level options in 2025. It helps you achieve smooth results by reducing the number of layer lines. It’s perfect for creating miniatures and even jewelry pieces.

Phrozen supports open-source projects, so your Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S lets you work with your most beloved slicers, such as Chitubox, Lychee, and Tango.

Price: $279.99.

Material type: Resin.

Build area: 165 x 72 x 170 mm.

Weight: 10 kg.

Pros:

• Best entry level 3D printer in 2025;
• Incredible resolution of 22 µm;
• Up to 50% fewer layer lines;
• Open-source slicer support.

Cons:

• The build plate is difficult to clean;
• Needs frequent calibration;
• A single Z rail.

9. FlashForge Adventurer 5

This entry-level 3D printer has some fun features, such as an advanced Automatic Datum Management (ADM) system to auto-level your bed and avoid manual calibration, detachable and one-click-to-remove nozzle for easy cleaning and clog prevention, a great vibration compensation technology to reduce ringing, etc. These options make it one of the great cheap 3D printers in 2025.

This intelligent machine offers lovely quality prints. It is user-friendly, simple and comparatively lightweight. It supports various filament types and works with third-party materials. Its maximum printing speed reaches up to 600 mm/s!

Overall, this starter 3D printer has a friendly price and offers great value for the money.

Price: $279.

Filament type: PLA, PETG, TPU (1.75 mm).

Build area: 220 x 220 x 220 mm.

Weight: 10 kg.

Pros:

• PEI print bed;
• 3-second nozzle change;
• Print resume feature;
• Extruder vibration suppression algorithm;
• AD5M quick-heating extruder;
• High speeds up to 600mm/s;
• Any filament brand support;
• Easy to use out of the box.

Cons:

• Buggy firmware;
• Needs some setting adjustments.

10. Sovol SV06 ACE

Sovol SV06 ACE can be your best 3D printer under 300 if you are a fan of fast printing. This machine can reach speeds of up to 600mm/s, offering impressive results. Only imagine spending just under 13 minutes on printing a #3DBenchy test!

The manufacturer assures that in under 15 minutes, your Sovol SV06 ACE can be fully assembled even if you are a newbie. No skills are required! It also features a one-click self-check option to ensure your assembly is correct and the cheap 3D printer is ready to run.

The auto-leveling system, open-source platform (you can upgrade your machine however you wish), and a dual-axis profile with metal bearings and tracks ensure a smooth printing experience, reduced noise, and excellent reliability. You can also enjoy over-the-air upgrades and the Obico app, which allows you to monitor your ACE remotely.

Price: $259.

Filament type: ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU, WOOD (1.75 mm).

Build area: 220 x 220 x 250 mm.

Weight: 11 kg.

Pros:

• High printing speed;
• Fast assembly;
• Removable print sheets;
• One-click self-check;
• Easy over-the-air upgrades;
• 300℃ high-temperature nozzle with support for many filament types;
• Real-time monitoring;
• Auto bed leveling;
• Upgraded frame;
• Open-source platform.

Cons:

• Nothing is known yet.

11. Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro

Creality has many cheap 3D printers within the $200, $250, and $300 range and above. This company upgrades its machines yearly, offering improved features, faster speeds, and better performance. If you are familiar with the good old Ender-3, you might like to upgrade to Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro.

It boasts a full-metal dual-gear direct extruder, support for multiple filaments, speed of up to 200 mm/s, six-step assembly, user-friendly interface, a 6-point auto-leveling system, and a 4.3-inch color-touch screen.

Price: $285.

Filament type: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PA, WOOD (1.75 mm).

Build area: 220 x 220 x 270 mm.

Weight: 8.7 kg.

Pros:

• Auto-leveling system;
• 300℃ nozzle to support multiple filaments;
• User-friendly controls;
• Filament detection sensor;
• Resume printing option;
• Easy-to-find replacement parts (if needed);
• Faster printing speeds than previous models;
• Color-touch screen.

Cons:

• Faulty belt issues (happen a lot);
• Multiple problems reported by users.

Many hobbyists from Gambody FB Community love the older Creality machines, such as CR-10 cheap 3D printer that was beginner-friendly and delivered great results.

Detailed Aquaman 3D printed figure made by Rob Kottenbrock:

Download STL files of the Aquaman King of Atlantis 3D printing figure.

Excellent Thor with Stormbreaker 3D printed figure finished by Péter Bene:

Download Thor 3D model STL files.

Best 3D Printer Under 500

If you have a bigger budget, check out these best 3D printers under 500. They do offer many similar features to cheap machines, but they usually function much better and last longer, meaning you have to spend less money on constantly upgrading the broken parts and spend more time enjoying outstanding results, breathing life into fantastic 3D printed figures and models from your favorite universes, films, cartoons, comics, video games, etc.

12. Bambu Lab A1 Mini

Bambu Lab A1 Mini that used to be one of the best 3D printers under 200 in 2024, jumped into a new pricing category in 2025. Now, you can buy this user-friendly machine for $359.

This best entry-level 3D printer boasts full-metal linear rails and bearings, fast yet accurate printing (it will take you only 14 minutes to recreate the popular #3DBenchy testing model), auto calibration before each print, quiet work, one-click quick swap nozzle, and a user-friendly interface. If you like color printing, you can also get an additional AMS lite system that lets you add up to four spools to use simultaneously. Such a combo will cost you $549.

Price: $359 (without AMS lite).

Filament type: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA (1.75 mm).

Build area: 180 x 180 x 180 mm.

Weight: 5.5 kg.

Pros:

• PEI plate;
• Printing speed up to 500 mm/s;
• Auto calibration;
• One-click quick swap nozzle;
• User-friendly interface;
• Ability to monitor your cheap 3D printer via a mobile app;
• Wi-Fi support.

Cons:

• Small print area;
• Limited to Bambu slicer only (even though many believe it’s the best in the market).

This terrifying Xenomorph Lurker was made by Ian Hanrahan. The details achieved with Bambu Lab A1 Mini amaze:

You can download Xenomorph Lurker STL files to breathe life into this printable figure yourself.

Read also: 7 Methods of How to 3D Print 2 Colors with 1 Extruder.

13. Creality K1

Offering a wide cheap 3D printer selection, Creality keeps conquering the market with its new releases. Creality K1 is a speedy 3D printer under 500 that might interest you with some must-have features.

This machine can reach speeds up to 600 mm/s, which seems to be more and more common in 2025. The 300℃ nozzle lets you print many different filaments that require higher temperatures, including TPU, PETG, PLA, ABS, and more. Creality K1 features a dual-gear direct drive extruder, a full auto-leveling system, a flexible build plate, incredible printing accuracy, and dual fans to cool your projects in the chamber easily. It also has an intelligent self-test function that can diagnose any issues on the go, helping you with troubleshooting. It’s a good entry-level 3D printer for hobbyists.

Price: $389.

Filament type: ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU, PC, ASA, PA (1.75 mm).

Build area: 220 x 220 x 250 mm.

Weight: 12.5 kg.

Pros:

• Auto leveling system;
• Printing speed up to 600mm/s;
• Support for various types of filament;
• Wi-Fi connection support;
• User-friendly touch screen;
• Intelligent self-test function;
• Completely assembled.

Cons:

• Sometimes needs glue on the print bed;
• The spool holder and power switch are awkwardly located.

14. Anycubic Kobra S1

Anycubic Kobra S1 may be another great choice among the best 3D printers under 500. This fully enclosed machine features a CoreXY construction. It can also achieve an incredible printing speed of up to 600 mm/s, meaning you can create 3D printed figures and models approximately six times faster than many other cheap 3D printers.

The 320°C all-metal nozzle works with different types of filaments and helps prevent clogs. Thanks to a built-in camera, you can follow the progress of 3D printing your projects. The low print noise won’t bother you at all!

If you are willing to spend more money to enjoy 4-color printing, you can get the Anycubic ACE PRO, or use two systems for 8-color printing. ACE PRO dries your filament as the S1 printer prints it. It’s an excellent addition. However, it can be pricey because the Combo of Kobra S1 + one ACE PRO costs nearly $700.

Price: $499.

Filament type: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, ASA (1.75 mm).

Build area: 250 x 250 x 250 mm.

Weight: 18 kg.

Pros:

• Fully enclosed;
• Super-fast printing speed;
• PEI-coated flexible build plate;
• 320°C nozzle;
• Ultra-quiet printing;
• Built-in camera;
• Auto bed leveling system;
• Support for multiple filament types;
• An optional upgrade possibility to print up to 8 colors.

Cons:

• Limited customization;
• Filament waste with 4- or 8-color printing;
• Hard to repair.

15. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra

The new 2025 reality is that you can enjoy jaw-dropping 12K prints using the best 3D printer under 500, Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra. This fully enclosed resin machine needs common resin brands and works great with PFA films, which worked well for Elegoo cheap 3D printers for years.

Featuring all the great options that simplify your experience, such as an auto leveling system, a power loss resume printing, and a print monitoring camera, Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra also brings innovative things that truly deliver value for your money.

The machine comes fully assembled. It is ready to use right out of the box. Its vat has the innovative tilt release technology, meaning you simply need to tilt it to easily peel your 3D printed figure or model off the release film, and a smart self-check function. The fast speed of up to 150mm/h and a 10-inch 12K mono LCD add precision and clarity as well as save you time. The AI camera allows you to monitor your prints in real life while a mechanical sensor keeps an eye on potential residue to prevent damage to the LCD screen.

Price: $379.

Material type: Resin.

Build area: 219 x 123 x 220 mm.

Weight: 14.5 kg.

Pros:

• Incredible 12K prints;
• Camera for real-time monitoring;
• Automatic leveling system;
• Tilt release technology;
• Resume printing;
• Smart self-check function;
• Fast printing speed.

Cons:

• The lid has no handle;
• Camera usage is limited to Chitubox.

This fantastic T-65B X-Wing 3D printable model was made at 135% by Jon Bassi:

Download T-65B X-Wing STL files for printing.

Choosing a cheap 3D printer that is best for beginners among the most affordable and user-friendly is not an easy task. Think of what suits your needs in 2025 and make your dreams come true. With your entry-level and inexpensive machine, you can create impressive 3D prints, develop your business or hobby at home or work, and share the pictures of your results with Gambody 3D Printing Community.