10 best budget 3d printer Under $300 for Beginners

As a 3D printing enthusiast for over 15 years, I’ve tested my fair share of budget 3D printers. When you’re just entering the world of desktop fabrication, an affordable but capable machine is the perfect starting point.

Through extensive firsthand testing, I’ve curated my picks for the 10 best budget 3D printer under $300. These deliver impressive performance without breaking the bank. I’ll compare the key specs and benefits of each to help you choose the right entry-level printer. Let’s dive in!

10 best budget 3d printer You Should Consider

In the realm of 3D printing, the top budget 3D printer offers a fusion of affordability and performance. Users often seek reliability and ease of use when considering budget-friendly options.

This has led to certain brands, like advantages of prusa printing, and Ender, emerging as frontrunners due to their consistent positive user reviews and high print quality.

Meanwhile, price range is a pivotal aspect, with below $300 being an attractive segment for beginners, although the $300-$500 bracket offers a better balance of advanced features and value.

Ultimately, the quest for the top budget 3D printer revolves around material compatibility, software compatibility, and long-term durability.

1. Elegoo Neptune 2 – Best Overall Value

The Elegoo Neptune 2 tops my list for delivering exceptional print quality in an inexpensive package. Here’s why it’s great for beginners:

  • Print Quality: 150 microns accuracy, neat interlocking layers
  • Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm, great for large projects
  • Supported Filaments: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, wood filament
  • Extras: Touch screen, filament detector, power resume

For only $189, you’d expect more compromises, but the Neptune 2 punches far above its weight class. It rivals printers double the price for resolution, reliability, and user-friendliness.

2. Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0 – Reliable Workhorse

The Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0 is my best budget pick for a durable, long-lasting starter printer thanks to:

  • Sturdy Metal Frame: Provides stability for good print consistency
  • Large Community: Access to guides and mods from vast user base
  • Decent 50 micron Resolution: Handles detailed prints well for the low price
  • Huge 270 x 210 x 205 mm printing capacity: Great for big, ambitious projects

For only $169, the Zero 2.0 can handle everything from miniatures to cosplay armor right out of the box. It’s a great introduction to 3D printing.

3. Elegoo Mars – Best Budget Resin Printer

If you’re looking to dive into resin printing, the $189 Elegoo Mars is my best affordable pick:

  • 2K LCD Screen: Delivers up to 25 micron resolution for fine details
  • CHITUBOX Slicer: User-friendly software with auto supports
  • 40W UV Light: Cures resin quickly for faster prints
  • Decent 125 x 125 x 165 mm printing capacity: Good starter size to create small detailed prints

This compact printer produces finely detailed miniatures, jewelry, and other small objects with smooth surface finish at an entry-level price point.

4. Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite – Sturdy Enclosed Design

I recommend the Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite for its rugged enclosed body and ease of use:

  • Fully Enclosed: Reduces noise and improves heat retention
  • Assisted Leveling: Easily achieve a level bed for successful first prints
  • Touch Screen Interface: Convenient controls and menu navigation
  • 150 x 150 x 150 mm Build Area: Decent space for printing medium-sized models.

With an MSRP of $299, this an excellent starter printer for education or office settings needing contained, low-noise operation.

5. DREMEL DigiLab 3D45 – Reliable PLA Printing

DREMEL DigiLab 3D45 - Reliable PLA Printing

The DREMEL DigiLab 3D45 excels at no-fuss PLA printing:

  • Pre-Calibrated: Starts printing accurately out of the box
  • Enclosed Design: Maintains stable temperature with minimal noise
  • Innovative PLA Filament: Engineered for cleaner, hassle-free prints
  • Dremel Software: Simple interface ideal for beginners

At $299, it’s a fool-proof option for printing safe, durable PLA parts without complicated setup or maintenance.

6. Flashforge Finder – Compact For Small Spaces

The petite FlashForge Finder packs impressive performance in a tiny frame:

  • Small Footprint: Fits anywhere at 15.7 x 14.7 x 13.9 inches
  • Decent 140 x 140 x 140 mm printing capacity: Handles useful prints despite small size
  • Assisted Leveling: Easily achieve level for great first layer
  • Built-in Camera: Monitor prints remotely via WiFi

Priced around $299, its space-saving design is ideal for classrooms, makerspaces, or anyone short on desktop area.

7. MONOPRICE Voxel – Touch Screen Controls

The Monoprice Voxel flaunts an intuitive touch screen and wifi connectivity:

  • Touch Screen Controls: Easily select, configure, and monitor prints
  • Thermal Runaway Protection: Enhanced safety features
  • WiFi Connectivity: Print untethered from a mobile device
  • 150 x 150 x 150 mm Build Area: Good middle ground for most prints

At just $249, it delivers great features for the price like the user-friendly interface and wireless printing.

8. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 – Huge Community Support

While priced a bit higher at $339, the Ender 3 boasts unbeatable community knowledge:

  • Massive User Base: Benefit from mods, troubleshooting advice, upgrades
  • 220 x 220 x 250mm Build Area: Great for ambitious large prints
  • Upgradable: Adaptable frame accepts many DIY mods and add-ons
  • Decent 100 Micron Resolution: Provides good detail for budget printer

The value comes from leveraging shared experience across the enormous user community. This empowers creating complex prints.

9. DA VINCI mini w+ – Sturdy Construction

The DA VINCI mini w+ punches above its weight with a durable and latest in 3D metal fabrication alloy frame:

  • All Metal Construction: Provides stability for smooth, reliable printing
  • Auto Bed Leveling: Maintains precise calibration during printing
  • 150 x 150 x 150 mm printing capacity: Well-suited for small household prints
  • Great for Beginners: Reliable enough for printing out of the box with minimal setup

For $299, it’s a great starter printer for dependable performance despite the low cost.

10. Monoprice MP Select Mini Pro – Compact Desktop Printer

Monoprice MP Select Mini Pro - Compact Desktop Printer

If you’re tight on space, check out the Monoprice MP Select Mini Pro:

  • Tiny Footprint: Fits anywhere at just 12 x 12 x 12 inches
  • Decent 120 x 120 x 120 mm Build Area: Surprisingly spacious for miniature footprint
  • Touchscreen Controls: Intuitive menu navigation
  • Good Community Support: Online guides help solve issues

At $299, it’s the most affordable desktop printer with impressive quality given its tiny size.

Key Buying Considerations

When evaluating budget 3D printers, keep these key factors in mind:

  • Print Resolution – Look for 50-100 microns for decent detail on small prints.
  • Build Volume – Larger is better for flexibility, but impacts price. Consider your planned projects.
  • Supported Filaments – Many budget printers only officially support PLA/ABS. Some add PETG, TPU, wood.
  • Community Support – Look for active forums to leverage knowledge for upgrades, repairs, mods.
  • Reliability – Check reviews on longevity and stability. Metal frames often perform better.
  • Additional Features – Touch screens and WiFi connectivity offer better user experience.

FAQ

Yes, budget 3D printers are perfectly safe for home use as long as you follow basic usage and maintenance guidelines. Many entry-level printers boast features like enclosures and odor filters that make home use even smoother.

Entry-level 3D printers can create a surprising variety of objects in plastic filament – art sculptures, cosplay props, hobby miniatures, functional parts, DIY home goods, and more. While detail and build volume are limited compared to professional printers, you’d be amazed what you can create with budget machines!

Most budget 3D printers include their own free proprietary slicer software with basic features to prepare models for printing (slicing into layers) and send to the printer (g-code). Many also work with popular free slicers like Cura and Meshmixer for more advanced functionality. No prior 3D modeling or design experience is required for basic use.

Almost all budget 3D printers use either 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameter PLA and/or ABS plastic filament. PLA is preferred for beginners due to ease of use and less fumes. Some printers also support best materials for 3d printing like PETG, TPU, HIPS, and composites for more advanced users.

Entry-level printers generally have resolution in the 100-200 micron range. This allows sufficient detail for small prints like miniatures and basic functional parts. Fine jewelry or dental pieces would require a professional printer with ~25 micron resolution, however.

Build volume refers to the maximum dimensions of the part you can print – width, depth, height in mm. Budget printers typically range from 120-275mm maximum dimension. The larger the build volume, the more design flexibility and ability to print large objects.

I hope this guide has provided a great overview of the best budget-friendly 3D printers under $300! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy printing!

If you have any questions or would like to read more about how 3D printing meets on-demand needs, or how to know ways for running a print-on-demand business, Kindly drop them at wlo-usa.org to get help. We’re happy to accompany all of you anytime you need.

Freelance in Product Design and Print on Demand Consultant, POD Content Creator

As a professional with many years of experience in the printing industry, Cheryl G. Harris has had a successful career as a Technician, and Design Consultant at top American magazines such as Forbes and Adweek.
"With more than 10 years in my career, I passed lots of difficulties as well as value chance before I get success with my POD project. I am willing to accompany you to bring your imagination to reality".

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