The 7 Best 3D Printers Under $1000 in 2024

3D printing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, bringing high-quality and affordable desktop 3D printers within reach of hobbyists, makers, and small businesses. With a budget of $1000 or less, you can get a capable 3D printer that produces detailed prints at decent speeds.

In this guide, we’ll help you find the best 3D printer under $1000 for your needs and budget. We’ve researched the latest models on the market and narrow it down to 7 excellent choices across key categories:

• Best Overall: Creality Ender 3 V2
• Best for Beginners: FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite
• Best for Flexible Filaments: Artillery Sidewinder X1
• Most Reliable: Prusa Mini+
• Best Large Format: Creality CR-10 V3
• Best Enclosed 3D Printer: QIDI Tech X-Max
• Best for Kids: Monoprice Voxel

We’ll cover the key features, pros and cons, and ideal uses for each printer. Let’s dive in!

Best Overall: Creality Ender 3 V2

The Creality Ender 3 V2 is our top pick for best overall 3D printer under $1000. It’s an upgraded version of the hugely popular original Ender 3, offering better print quality, reliability, and usability right out of the box.

Key specs:

• Build Volume: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
• Layer Resolution: 0.1 – 0.4mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, Wood, etc.
• Connectivity: Micro SD, USB
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: No
• Price: $279

This partially assembled kit is easy to set up in under 2 hours. It ships with several upgrades over the base Ender 3: a 32-bit silent motherboard, upgraded power supply, tool kit, detachable magnetic build surface, andMEAN WELL power supply.

The V2 delivers excellent print quality for the price thanks to the precision machined Y-axis aluminum extrusion frame. It has a moderately-sized 8.7″ cubic build area, 0.4mm nozzle (can be swapped for smaller nozzles), and 100-400 micron resolution. Print speeds up to 180mm/s are possible.

It has a heated print bed, allowing you to print with exotic filaments like ABS. The V2 also does a decent job printing flexible filaments like TPU after some firmware tweaks.

Reliability is decent but you may need to occasionally tighten screws and belts. Overall the V2 is a great starter printer with impressive capabilities out of the box. It’s one of the best values for under $300.

Best for Beginners: FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite

The FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is designed to be easy to use for beginners but still flexible enough for more advanced users. It’s compact, stylish, and optimized for PLA printing.

Key Specs:

• Build Volume: 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
• Layer Resolution: 50 – 300 microns
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ABS
• Connectivity: USB, WiFi, FlashDrive
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: No
• Price: $349

This is a cartesian direct drive 3D printer with an aluminum frame. It comes mostly assembled and is ready to print within minutes after quick hardware setup. The color touchscreen allows for straightforward operation and calibration.

It can produce highly detailed miniatures and prototypes with a resolution as low as 50 microns. Print speed is decent at 100mm/s maximum. The heated print bed and full metal hotend allow you to print with exotic materials like ABS with minimal warping.

The Adventurer 3 Lite excels at printing with PLA right out of the box. It’s beginner-friendly yet also gives you room to grow your skills and applications. Reliability is also great with the enclosed design protecting key components. For hassle-free printing, the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is a great choice.

Best for Flexible Filaments: Artillery Sidewinder X1

Need a 3D printer that can handle flexible filaments like TPU with ease? The Artillery Sidewinder X1 is specially designed for printing high-quality flexible objects.

Key Specs:

• Build Volume: 11.8 x 11.8 x 15.8 inches
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 – 0.4 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, etc.
• Connectivity: MicroSD, USB
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: No
• Price: $399

The Sidewinder X1 is Artillery’s largest printer with a huge 300 x 300 x 400mm build volume. It uses a direct Titan extruder that’s optimized for flexible filaments. The all-metal hotend can reach 260C temperatures needed for exotic filaments.

It produces very detailed prints thanks to the 0.4mm Volcano nozzle and 50 micron resolution. Maximum print speed is a fast 180mm/s. The printer frame features dual Z-axis lead screws for excellent stability and precision on large prints.

The removable heated glass print bed, touchscreen LCD interface, and included filament sensor make printing easier. For printing large, flexible objects, the Artillery Sidewinder X1 is an excellent choice.

Most Reliable: Prusa Mini+

Prusa 3D printers are known for their reliability and consistent print quality. The Prusa Mini+ is their latest compact machine perfect for designers, engineers, and hobbyists wanting worry-free operation.

Key Specs:

• Build Volume: 7.3 x 7.3 x 7.3 inches
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 – 0.35mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ASA, Flex
• Connectivity: USB, WiFi
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: No
• Price: $399

This is a refreshed version of the Prusa Mini with upgrades for reliability. It now features a Bondtech extruder, updated motherboard cooling, SuperPINDA probe, and 32-bit silent mainboard. The printer is partially assembled but easy to set up.

It uses Prusa’s proven Original Prusa i3 design with a 180x180x180mm build volume. Print speed is 60mm/s default but can be tuned higher. The 0.4mm nozzle, PINDA auto bed leveling, and steel sheet print bed allow for great first layer adhesion.

Reliability is excellent thanks to high component quality and integrated monitoring systems that catch errors. If you want a compact, hassle-free printer from a leading 3D printing brand, the Prusa Mini+ is a superb choice.

Best Large Format: Creality CR-10 V3

Need the ability to print super large objects? The Creality CR-10 V3 gives you a massive 300 x 300 x 400 mm build area at an affordable price.

Key Specs:

• Build Volume: 11.8 x 11.8 x 15.7 inches
• Layer Resolution: 0.1 – 0.4mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, Exotics
• Connectivity: MicroSD, USB
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: No
• Price: $589

This printer uses Creality’s proven CR-10 design upgraded with key improvements. Dual lead screws on the Z-axis improve stability for tall prints. The direct Titan extruder provides better torque. Volcano style hotend enables faster print speeds, and the PEI print surface texture helps adhesion.

It can print layers from 0.1 to 0.4mm, allowing fairly fine details. Print speed is 180mm/s maximum. The large 310 x 310mm heated bed is ideal for printing multiple objects in one go. Overall reliability is decent but may need occasional adjustments.

If you need to print very large scale cosplay props, architectural models, or multi-part assemblies, the huge build volume of the CR-10 V3 is extremely useful.

Best Enclosed 3D Printer: QIDI Tech X-Max

Printing high-temperature filaments like ABS benefits greatly from an enclosed chamber that prevents warping. The QIDI Tech X-Max has a rigid metal enclosure to provide optimal heating.

Key Specs:

• Build Volume: 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 – 0.4 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
• Connectivity: MicroSD, USB
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: Yes
• Price: $699

This printer has an all-metal construction with detachable acrylic door panels. The enclosed chamber allows temperatures up to 60°C to prevent warping with ABS. Dual cooling fans provide active cooling.

It uses a direct drive Titan extruder and full metal hotend for printing exotic filaments like carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The max 0.4mm nozzle and 50 micron resolution allow for great print quality. Magnetic flex bed aids first layer adhesion.

Overall the X-Max produces very consistent, high-quality prints when working with tricky materials like ABS. Reliability is also enhanced by the rigid metal body. If you need to print with ABS or nylon filaments, the QIDI X-Max is a great enclosed 3D printer.

Best for Kids: Monoprice Voxel

The Monoprice Voxel is designed to be an easy-to-use and safe 3D printer for kids. It has an enclosed body, touchscreen controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a small footprint.

Key Specs:

• Build Volume: 6.9 x 6.9 x 6.9 inches
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 – 0.3 mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG
• Connectivity: WiFi, MicroSD, USB
• Heated Bed: Yes
• Enclosed: Yes
• Price: $379

This printer features an auto-leveling heated print bed, removable magnetic build plate, and precision extruder feeder. It has a maximum 150mm/s print speed. The 0.4mm nozzle can achieve up to 30 micron resolution for highly detailed prints.

The Voxel has a fully enclosed body to prevent fingers from touching hot components. The responsive touchscreen lets kids easily select, load, and monitor prints. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi allow remote monitoring.

Reliability is decent but kids may need supervision for maintenance. Monoprice provides great product support if issues arise. Overall the Voxel is the safest and most beginner-friendly 3D printer for kids interested in the technology.

Key Considerations for Picking the Right 3D Printer

With many great options under $1000, choosing the right 3D printer depends on your needs:

• Print Volume – Larger build areas allow bigger objects but small volumes are fine for miniatures.
• Supported Filaments – Check which filaments the printer can handle well, especially if you want to print with flexible, high-temp materials.
• Reliability – More expensive printers tend to be more trouble-free and need less tinkering.
• Supported Materials – Important if you need to use specific materials like carbon fiber composites.
• Resolution – Look at nozzle size and minimum layer height. 0.1mm or lower is preferred for highly detailed prints.
• Community Support – Having an active user community helps troubleshooting issues. Brands like Prusa and Creality have great support.

The Bottom Line

This wraps up our picks for the top 7 best 3D printers under $1000 for different needs and applications. Models like the Creality Ender 3 V2, Prusa Mini+, and Artillery Sidewinder X1 combine excellent print quality, good reliability, and strong value. There are also great choices if you need a large print volume, kid-friendly printer, or enclosure for printing in high-temp filaments.

Do you own any of these affordable 3D printers? Let us know your experience in the comments!