Get Started with 3D Printing on a Budget: The 5 Best 3D Printers Under $500

3D printing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, bringing desktop 3D printers well within the budget of hobbyists, educators, small businesses, and anyone else interested in bringing their creative ideas to life. While professional-grade 3D printers can cost thousands of dollars, there are now many excellent entry-level and mid-range models available for under $500.

This buying guide covers the key factors to consider when choosing a 3D printer for under $500. We’ll provide an overview of the different types of affordable 3D printers, their key features and specifications, and our top 5 recommendations based on research of expert reviews and user experiences. Whether you’re looking to experiment with 3D printing for the first time or want an affordable workhorse printer for small projects, read on to find the best 3D printer for your needs and budget.

What to Look for in an Affordable 3D Printer

When evaluating 3D printers under $500, there are several important criteria to keep in mind:

• Print Quality – The resolution of the printer determines how detailed and smooth the finished prints will be. Look for printers with resolution of at least 100 microns (0.1mm) or better.
• Print Bed Size – The maximum print size is limited by the printer’s build area or print bed size. Larger beds allow you to print bigger objects. For under $500, build volumes of 200 x 200 x 200mm or more are common.
• Filament Type – Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most common 3D printing process used in affordable printers. They use spools of thermoplastic filament, usually ABS or PLA. Each has pros and cons.
• Reliability & Ease of Use – Check reviews to make sure the printer is reliable and has good customer support if issues arise. Ease of setup, calibration, and use are also important for beginners.
• Extras – Consider conveniences like heated print beds, touchscreens, WiFi connectivity, filament runout detection and more.

With an overview of what to look for, let’s get into the top 5 3D printer recommendations under $500 for 2023.

1. Creality Ender 3 V2 – Best Overall Value

The Creality Ender 3 V2 tops our list as the best overall 3D printer under $500 for its combination of excellent print quality, large build volume, reliability, features and value. An upgrade over the original, extremely popular Ender 3, the V2 version improves on some minor flaws while retaining the core design that made this a budget 3D printing favorite.

For the price, the Ender 3 V2 delivers outstanding print quality. Its 0.4mm nozzle extruder and 100 micron resolution allow for intricate, detailed prints. The build volume measures 220 x 220 x 250mm, which is quite substantial for a sub-$500 printer. The V2 now includes a glass print bed, making removal of prints easier while still retaining good adhesion during printing.

Many users praise the Ender 3 V2 as a workhorse 3D printer that just works consistently well print after print. It has a massive user community, so help is easy to find. Assembly is straightforward with detailed instructions. Numerous upgrades like silent stepper drivers enhance functionality. If you want great quality and reliable performance without breaking the bank, the Ender 3 V2 is a fantastic choice.

• Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1mm (100 microns)
• Extras: Carborundum Glass Print Bed, Silent Stepper Drivers, Meanwell Power Supply

2. Elegoo Neptune 2 – Excellent Value for Beginners

Elegoo’s Neptune 2 takes the winning formula of their very popular Neptune 3D printer and adds some nice upgrades at a still very wallet-friendly price. It’s an excellent entry-level printer, great for beginners or schools. Right out of the box, the Neptune 2 delivers high quality, detailed prints that rival more expensive printers.

Some of the biggest upgrades over the original Neptune include quieter stepper motor drivers for smoother, quieter operation and a new motherboard equipped with silent TMC2208 drivers. The print bed is now a flexible, removable textured plate that helps prints adhere while printing, but pop off easily when finished.

Despite the upgrades, Elegoo manages to keep the Neptune 2 very affordably priced under $200. It’s very easy to setup and use, with great documentation and customer support. The compact, all-metal construction feels solid. Overall, if you’re looking to get started with higher-end features at a minimal cost, the Neptune 2 is one of the best values around.

• Print Technology: FFF (FDM)
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1mm (100 microns)
• Extras: Removable Print Bed, Ultra-quiet Stepper Drivers

3. ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0 – Reliable Workhorse

The ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0 is a minor upgrade over the original Mega Zero, which was one of the most popular budget printers for good reason – it just works consistently well. The 2.0 version keeps the same proven core design while upgrading some key components.

The Mega Zero 2.0 delivers excellent print quality for the price, with 0.1mm resolution on its FDM extruder. Print speed is also improved, up to 200mm/s now. The build volume is a generous 210 x 210 x 205mm, enabling larger prints. ANYCUBIC’s automatic bed leveling and resume print features make printing more reliable and hassle-free.

Overall, users praise the Mega Zero 2.0 for itsconsistent performance and quality. Its sturdy metal frame feels premium. Setup and calibration are straightforward. ANYCUBIC’s responsive customer service is also a plus. If you want a dependable, quality printer without breaking the bank, the Mega Zero 2.0 is a tried and true choice.

• Print Technology: FDM
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood PLA, Carbon Fiber PLA
• Build Volume: 210 x 210 x 205mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1mm (100 microns)
• **Extras:**resume print, ultraquiet motherboard

4. Monoprice Voxel – Convenient and Reliable

As a trusted name in affordable electronics, Monoprice brings their reputation for value to 3D printing with the Voxel. It’s a fully-enclosed 3D printer that’s easy to use right out of the box, great for beginners and schools.

The Voxel delivers good print quality at 0.1mm/100 micron resolution. Print speed is a little on the slower side at 55mm/s maximum. The build volume is 150 x 150 x 150mm, decent for smaller prints. Where the Voxel shines is its reliability and convenience features. The fully enclosed body minimizes noise and shields the hot components. The touchscreen interface and WiFi connectivity for wireless printing make it very user-friendly.

Overall, if you want a 3D printer that just works reliably for smaller prints without much fuss, the pre-calibrated Voxel is a great plug-and-play option. Monoprice’s responsive customer service is a nice perk too.

• Print Technology: FDM
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS, Wood PLA, Copperfill PLA
• Build Volume: 150 x 150 x 150mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1mm (100 microns)
• Extras: Fully Enclosed Body, Touchscreen, WiFi, 7 Material Profiles

5. FlashForge Adventurer 3 – Reliable Enclosed Printer

FlashForge has been making quality, user-friendly 3D printers for years, and the Adventurer 3 continues that trend. It’s a fully-enclosed printer perfect for beginners, schools, or office settings where a contained, low-noise printer is desired.

Print quality on the Adventurer 3 is quite good for the price range. It can achieve 0.1mm resolution on its FDM extruder and prints accurately with even, consistent layering. The build volume of 150 x 150 x 150mm is decent for smaller prints. Noise levels are low thanks to the enclosed body and insulated walls.

While not as feature-packed as FlashForge’s more premium models, the Adventurer 3 focuses on being a reliable, easy to use printer right out of the box. Setup is simple with included tools. Print bed leveling is automatic and hassle-free. There are conveniences like an LCD control screen, USB and WiFi connectivity, and an integrated camera for remote monitoring. For a quality contained printer under $500, the Adventurer 3 is a great choice.

• Print Technology: FDM
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS
• Build Volume: 150 x 150 x 150mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1mm (100 microns)
• Extras: Enclosed Body, Automatic Bed Leveling, Camera Monitoring

What’s the Best Affordable 3D Printer for You?

While today’s entry-level and mid-range 3D printers under $500 can’t match the speed, build volumes, and durability of high-end industrial machines, they provide an excellent, affordable way to experience the creativity and fun of desktop 3D printing.

For its combination of excellent print quality, large print volume, reliability, features and sheer value, the Creality Ender 3 V2 stands out as the best overall choice. But any of the top-recommended printers above will prove satisfying for different needs and budgets. Spending time to learn 3D printing basics and honing your skills will help you get the most out of an affordable 3D printer.

The world of desktop 3D printing places creativity and production literally in your hands. Without having to invest thousands of dollars as in the past, these capable yet inexpensive 3D printers let anyone transform digital files into physical objects for work, education or your next big idea.