If you’re in a hurry and just want to know what the best cheap 3D printer is, then we recommend the Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro as the best one.
The world of 3D printing is growing, and they are becoming more popular. Whether you want to try it as a new hobby, or you have another purpose in mind, you probably want to find a cheap 3D printer to start out with, in the beginning. Perhaps you want one for your kids to introduce them to this technology. Of course, you want the best value for your money, and you want one that will perform the way you expect. This guide will help you find the best inexpensive 3D printer.
In this article we will review some of the best cheap 3d printers:
Things to Consider
When you start looking for the cheapest 3D printer, you might be surprised at the range of prices and the number of different models available. The selection can be intimidating when you are trying to narrow it down to the best inexpensive 3D printer for you. Here are some things that you need to know to make your choice a bit easier.
Categories of 3D Printers
First off, you can find 3D printers ranging in price from around $100 up to $100,000 for an industrial machine. There are several different categories of 3D printers.
Entry Level
Entry-level printers are a great way to learn about 3D printing without breaking the budget. They are easy to use and understand. They typically do not have many settings, but they will not allow you to print very large objects. This level of 3D printer is often restricted in the types of materials that can be used. They are often slower than higher-level models, but they are a good place to start. They are generally in the $100-$400 range.
Hobby
Hobby printers are for those who have a bit of experience and want to upgrade. They will allow you to build larger models and are often faster than entry-level machines. On the high end of this category, some models are quite capable and will allow you to use a variety of filaments. These are typically in the $300-$1,500 3D printer price range.
Semi-Professional
Perhaps you are ready to take your hobby to a bit higher level. You might also want to start printing a few things to sell online for a small business. This level of printer can typically print between an 8”-12” model and is a bit faster than the lower-level models. They can also use many different filaments, but they also sometimes only work with branded filaments. They are not made for larger production runs and will break if used in this manner. The cheapest 3D printer price in this category is about $1,500-$3,500.
Professional
Professional printers are typically purchased by schools, universities, clubs, and businesses. They are a bit more difficult to set up and can be picky when it comes to operating them. This category is not beginner-friendly. This 3D printer price range is between about $3,500-$6,000 and up.
Industrial
This level of printer is for industrial runs. They print consistently high quality, and they are fast. They range between about $20,000 to $100,000.
Who needs a cheap 3D printer?
If you are just starting out, you are probably looking for an entry-level machine. Starting with a more expensive category can be frustrating because there is a steep learning curve. If you just want a machine that is easy to set up and will give you a start, a cheap printer is a place to start. If you only want to print something for fun occasionally, or you need something budget-friendly, an entry-level machine may be perfect for you.
How we selected the best cheap 3D Printers
Of course, the first criterion was that the printers selected were all considered entry-level printers. Aside from that, we looked at how much assembly was needed, how quickly you can print out of the box, and how user-friendly they are for a beginner.
What specs are important, even for a cheap printer?
Of course, an entry-level printer cannot be compared to a higher-level printer, but within its own category, each printer was compared on the following factors.
Build Volume
In general, entry-level printers have quite a small build volume. The maximum for this level is about 4” x 4” x 4” on most, but some entry-level models are a bit larger. This limits what you can build with the printer. You may be able to do small toys, but a larger doll or model car might not be possible.
Layer Resolution
Even in a budget 3D printer, you still want one with a decent layer resolution. You have to be happy with the results of your hard work. Many factors go into layer resolution, but you want the finest detail possible, and you also want a consistent quality from print to print.
Filament Types
Many entry-level 3D printers only use PLA. This is because PLA is the most beginner-friendly and does not require a heated build plate or enclosure. Almost all printers can use PLA filament, but some entry-level models allow you to extend your capabilities and use other filaments such as ABS or PET.
If you are just getting started into the world of 3D printing, check out this article to learn more.
Cheap 3D Printer Review
Now, let’s explore some of our top picks for budget 3D printers.
1. Qidi Technology X one 2
The Qidi Technology X-one is built on an open source hardware design that is tops in the industry. The developers of this model built the platform on older versions of Makerbot, which is a top industry brand. The goal was to create a 3D printer that is easy to use for beginners. It has a sturdy design and produces decent quality models. This one has a small touchscreen with only four icons that are easy to understand. It will work with Cura, Simplify3D and some earlier Makerbot designs.
Qidi Technology X one 2 Technical Specifications
- Build Size: 5.5” x 5.5” x 5.5” (140 x 140 x 140 mm)
- Layer thickness: 100-500 mm
- Printing Material: PLA, PVA, ABS, TPU
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Connectivity: SD card or USB Flash Drive
2. da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer
The da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D is made for home users and beginners. It is best for small toys and other small objects. It is wireless, so you do not have to have it right next to your internet connection. It has an aluminum print bed and produces excellent, detailed prints. This is a beginner-friendly model. All of the settings are already calculated. All you have to do is to load your model and press print. It is as easy as a flat printer to operate. This one was also relatively fast at 120 mm/s, but to produce better prints, you might want to slow it down.
da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer Technical Specifications
- Build Size: 5.9″ x 5.9″ x 5.9″ (150 x 150 x 150 mm)
- Layer thickness: 100-400 mm
- Printing Material: PLA, PETG, Tough PLA, Antibacterial PLA, Premium Metallic PLA, XYZ Carbon fiber (with an optional extruder)
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
3. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro
The Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer is one that is a contender for one of our top picks. It has a larger build area, and it is as precise as some professional models. Another thing that we liked about it is that it has a resume print after a power outage. This is something that almost all more expensive professional models have, but not all in the cheaper categories have this feature. It also comes mostly assembled and within a few minutes, you can be making your first print. It also heats up quickly and is ready to print in about five minutes. It also has a quick print speed at 180 mm/s.
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro Technical Specifications
- Build Size: 8.7” x 8.7” x 8.7” (220 x 220 x 220 mm)
- Layer thickness: 0.1-.04 mm
- Printing Material: PLA
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Connectivity: SD card or Online
4. Monoprice Select Mini V2
This is an excellent first printer. Even though it does not have a large build area, it is easy to use and makes good, consistent prints. This one is a bit slow and can only print at 55 mm/s, but it produces a good quality print. It is easy to set up and only takes about 20 minutes. One of its drawbacks is that it does not come with very clear instructions, but it does point you to a URL online that has more detailed instructions. There are plenty of instructional videos available, too. Overall, this is a good-quality, lower-price printer.
Monoprice Select Mini V2 Technical Specifications
- Build Size: 4.7” x 4.7” x 4.7” (120 x 120 x 120 mm)
- Layer thickness: Between 0.2 mm and 0.087 mm
- Printing Material: PLA, ABS, Wood Fill, Copper Fill, Steel Fill, Bronze Fill
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, MicroSD, Wi-Fi
5. Flashforge Finder Lite
Flashforge is known for high-quality printers. This is an excellent choice for beginners for several reasons. It comes fully assembled and set up is easy. It has a sliding build plate that makes model removal easy. This one also has a range of print speeds that can be adjusted to the quality that you would like. It can operate between 10-100 mm/s. This one is easy to operate but also gives you a bit more control to play with. It also accepts some fun filament types. The models are excellent and consistent.
Flashforge Finder Lite Technical Specifications
- Build Size: 5.5” x 5.5” x 5.5” (140 x 140 x 140 mm)
- Layer thickness: 100-500 mm
- Printing Material: PLA, PLA Color Change, Pearl, Elastic, TPU, Metal Filled, Flexible Filament, Wood Filled Filament
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Heated Bed: No
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, USB Flash Drive, Ethernet
Conclusion
Even among the best cheap 3D printer models, the cheapest 3D printer is not always the best. You still want to get the best value for your money. Getting a budget 3D printer that produces poor quality models or that is difficult to operate will only lead to a frustrating first experience. When it comes to our pick for the best inexpensive 3D printer, we have to choose the Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro. This is our top pick because it is as close to a professional quality printer as you can get at this price range.
This is a good purchase because you can extend the life of this beginning model. You will not be likely to have to replace it as soon because it can grow with you as your skills increase. All of the ones on the list are a good choice, but the Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro is the best cheap 3D printer and the one that we place at the top.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
