A guide to the most cost-effective 3D printers under $300 that still deliver high-quality prints.
Read more on 16 Best 3D Printer Software
3D printing has exploded in popularity in recent years, becoming a favorite hobby for makers, tinkerers, and anyone looking to bring their creative visions to life. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right 3D printer, especially if you’re on a budget.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-quality 3D printer that can handle a variety of projects. There are plenty of excellent options available for under $300 that offer impressive features and performance.
In this article, we’ll take a look at seven of the best 3D printers under $300, considering factors like print quality, ease of use, build volume, and overall value. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced maker looking for a reliable and affordable printer, there’s a model on this list that’s perfect for you.
So, let’s dive in and discover the world of affordable 3D printing!
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Creality Ender 3 |  |
4.2 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ancylon K1 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ELEGOO Mars 2 |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Creality Ender 3 V2 |  |
4.2 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Creality Ender 3
A popular and affordable 3D printer known for its ease of use and reliability.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Print volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.1 mm
- Connectivity: USB
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price: The Ender 3 is one of the most budget-friendly 3D printers on the market.
- Large print volume: It offers a generous print area for a wide range of projects.
- Easy to assemble: The Ender 3 comes with clear instructions and is relatively simple to put together.
- Active community: A large and supportive community provides ample resources and troubleshooting help.
Reasons to avoid:
- Basic features: It lacks advanced features like automatic bed leveling or a heated bed.
- Noisy operation: The Ender 3 can be quite noisy during printing.
- Plastic construction: Some users may find the plastic build quality to be less robust.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for an affordable and reliable 3D printer to get started with.
- You want a printer with a large print volume for bigger projects.
- You're comfortable with basic assembly and troubleshooting.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a printer with advanced features like automatic bed leveling.
- You're sensitive to noise and require a quiet printing experience.
- You want a printer with a more premium build quality.
Bottom Line:
The Creality Ender 3 is a fantastic entry-level 3D printer that offers exceptional value for its price. It's a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who want to dive into 3D printing without breaking the bank. While it lacks some advanced features, its large print volume, ease of use, and active community make it a highly recommended option. Just be prepared for some noise and basic assembly, and you'll be well on your way to creating amazing 3D prints.
Ancylon K1
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A budget-friendly 3D printer that offers a compact design and good print quality for its price.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Print volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.1 mm
- Connectivity: USB
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price: The Ancylon K1 is one of the most affordable 3D printers on the market.
- Compact size: Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight spaces.
- Easy to use: It comes with intuitive software and a user-friendly interface.
- Decent print quality: The K1 delivers good print quality for its price point.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited print volume: The K1's smaller print area may be restrictive for some projects.
- Basic features: It lacks advanced features like automatic bed leveling or a heated bed.
- Limited community support: The K1 has a smaller community compared to other popular models.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a very affordable 3D printer for basic projects.
- You have limited space and need a compact printer.
- You want a simple and easy-to-use printer.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a printer with a larger print volume for bigger projects.
- You want a printer with advanced features like automatic bed leveling.
- You rely heavily on community support and troubleshooting resources.
Bottom Line:
The Ancylon K1 is a decent option for budget-conscious users who want a simple and compact 3D printer. It's suitable for beginners or those with limited space, but its smaller print volume and lack of advanced features may be limiting for more ambitious projects. If you're looking for a barebones printer that gets the job done at an incredibly low price, the K1 might be worth considering. However, if you prioritize features, print volume, or community support, other models may be better choices.
Elegoo Mars 2
A high-resolution 3D printer that utilizes LCD technology for detailed and precise prints.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: LCD (MSLA)
- Print volume: 128 x 76.8 x 155 mm
- Filament: Resin (various types)
- Layer resolution: 0.025 mm
- Connectivity: USB, SD card
- Features: Automatic leveling, touchscreen display
Reasons to buy:
- High-resolution printing: The Mars 2 delivers exceptional detail and accuracy thanks to its LCD technology.
- Fast printing speeds: Resin printers generally print much faster than FDM printers.
- Automatic bed leveling: It automatically adjusts the printing surface for consistent results.
- Touchscreen interface: Its easy-to-use touchscreen simplifies operation and settings.
Reasons to avoid:
- Resin printing: Using resin can be messy and requires proper ventilation and safety precautions.
- Limited print volume: The Mars 2 has a smaller print area compared to some FDM printers.
- Higher cost: Resin printers are generally more expensive than FDM printers.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want high-resolution prints with exceptional detail.
- You prioritize printing speed and efficiency.
- You're comfortable with resin printing and the necessary precautions.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a strict budget and want the most affordable option.
- You need a printer with a large print volume.
- You're looking for a simple and straightforward printing process.
Bottom Line:
The Elegoo Mars 2 is a powerful 3D printer that excels in detail and accuracy. Its LCD technology allows for breathtaking prints with sharp edges and smooth surfaces. If you prioritize high-resolution printing and are willing to work with resin, the Mars 2 is an excellent choice. However, keep in mind the added cost, potential messiness, and smaller print volume compared to FDM printers. If you're seeking a balance between affordability, ease of use, and detail, other models might be a better fit.
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Creality Ender 3 V2
An upgraded version of the popular Ender 3, offering improved features and better performance.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Print volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.1 mm
- Connectivity: USB
- Features: Silent motherboard, magnetic build plate, filament sensor
Reasons to buy:
- Improved features: The Ender 3 V2 incorporates upgrades like a silent motherboard and a magnetic build plate.
- Larger print volume: It offers the same generous print area as the original Ender 3.
- Easy to assemble: It retains the user-friendly assembly process of the previous model.
- Active community: It benefits from the large and supportive community of the Ender 3 series.
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price: The V2 is slightly more expensive than the original Ender 3.
- No heated bed: It lacks a heated bed, which can be limiting for some materials.
- No automatic bed leveling: The V2 still requires manual bed leveling.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for an improved version of the original Ender 3 with additional features.
- You want a printer with a large print volume for bigger projects.
- You're comfortable with manual bed leveling and basic assembly.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a strict budget and want the most affordable option.
- You need a printer with a heated bed for specific materials.
- You prefer automatic bed leveling for ease of use.
Bottom Line:
The Creality Ender 3 V2 is an excellent upgrade to the original Ender 3, offering better features and performance at a slightly higher price. The silent motherboard, magnetic build plate, and filament sensor make it a more refined printing experience. However, it still lacks a heated bed and automatic bed leveling, which may be dealbreakers for some users. If you're looking for a reliable and feature-rich 3D printer with a large print volume, the Ender 3 V2 is a strong contender. But if you prioritize affordability or advanced features, other models might be better suited to your needs.
Monoprice Mini Delta
A compact and portable 3D printer with a unique delta design for fast printing speeds.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Delta Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Print volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.1 mm
- Connectivity: USB
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and portable: The Mini Delta is small and lightweight, making it easy to move around.
- Fast printing speeds: Its delta design allows for faster printing compared to traditional Cartesian printers.
- Good print quality: The Mini Delta delivers decent print quality for its size.
- Affordable price: It's a budget-friendly option for those seeking a compact and fast printer.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited print volume: The Mini Delta's smaller print area may be restrictive for some projects.
- No heated bed: It lacks a heated bed, which can limit the materials you can use.
- Limited community support: The Mini Delta has a smaller community compared to other popular models.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a compact and portable 3D printer for travel or small spaces.
- You prioritize printing speed and efficiency.
- You're looking for a budget-friendly option with good print quality.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a printer with a large print volume for bigger projects.
- You require a heated bed for specific materials.
- You rely heavily on community support and troubleshooting resources.
Bottom Line:
The Monoprice Mini Delta is a unique and portable 3D printer that offers fast printing speeds and decent print quality for its compact size. It's a great choice for those who value portability and speed. However, its smaller print volume and lack of a heated bed may be limiting for certain projects. If you need a larger print area or require a heated bed, other models might be a better fit. But if you're looking for a compact and quick printer for small projects, the Mini Delta could be a good option.
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Flashforge Adventurer 4
A user-friendly 3D printer with automatic bed leveling and a closed printing chamber for consistent results.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Print volume: 140 x 140 x 140 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.1 mm
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
- Features: Automatic bed leveling, closed printing chamber, heated bed
Reasons to buy:
- Automatic bed leveling: It automatically adjusts the printing surface for consistent results.
- Closed printing chamber: The chamber helps regulate temperature and reduce warping for better print quality.
- Heated bed: The heated bed allows you to print with a wider range of materials.
- User-friendly interface: The Adventurer 4 features a simple and intuitive touchscreen interface.
Reasons to avoid:
- Smaller print volume: The Adventurer 4 has a smaller print area compared to some other models.
- Higher price: It's one of the more expensive options in this price range.
- Limited community support: The Adventurer 4 has a smaller community compared to other popular models.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a 3D printer with automatic bed leveling for easy and consistent prints.
- You prefer a closed printing chamber for better print quality and reduced warping.
- You need a printer with a heated bed for a wider range of materials.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a strict budget and want the most affordable option.
- You need a printer with a large print volume for bigger projects.
- You rely heavily on community support and troubleshooting resources.
Bottom Line:
The Flashforge Adventurer 4 is a well-rounded 3D printer that offers a number of user-friendly features, including automatic bed leveling, a closed printing chamber, and a heated bed. While it comes with a smaller print volume and a higher price tag than some other models, it's a great choice for users who prioritize ease of use and consistent results. Its user-friendly interface and features make it a good option for beginners and hobbyists who want a reliable and convenient printing experience. However, if you prioritize affordability or a larger print volume, other models might be more suitable.
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Creality Sermoon D1
A versatile 3D printer with a direct drive extruder and a large print volume, making it ideal for a variety of projects.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Print volume: 235 x 235 x 250 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.1 mm
- Connectivity: USB, SD card
- Features: Direct drive extruder, heated bed, filament sensor
Reasons to buy:
- Large print volume: The Sermoon D1 offers a generous print area for a wide range of projects.
- Direct drive extruder: The direct drive design improves filament feeding and reduces extrusion issues.
- Heated bed: The heated bed allows for printing with a wider range of materials.
- Versatile features: It includes features like a filament sensor and a touchscreen display.
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price: The Sermoon D1 is one of the more expensive options in this price range.
- No automatic bed leveling: It requires manual bed leveling, which can be time-consuming.
- Limited community support: The Sermoon D1 has a smaller community compared to other popular models.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a 3D printer with a large print volume for ambitious projects.
- You prefer a direct drive extruder for improved filament feeding.
- You need a printer with a heated bed for a wider range of materials.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a strict budget and want the most affordable option.
- You prefer automatic bed leveling for ease of use.
- You rely heavily on community support and troubleshooting resources.
Bottom Line:
The Creality Sermoon D1 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that boasts a large print volume, a direct drive extruder, and a heated bed. It's a great choice for users who want to tackle bigger projects and explore a wider range of materials. However, its lack of automatic bed leveling and smaller community may be drawbacks for some users. If you prioritize affordability or ease of use, other models might be more suitable. But if you're looking for a printer with a large print volume, a direct drive extruder, and a heated bed, the Sermoon D1 is a strong contender.
There you have it, the seven best 3D printers under $300! Whether you're a hobbyist looking to explore the world of 3D printing or a seasoned maker seeking a budget-friendly option, these printers offer a fantastic blend of affordability and performance.
Keep in mind that the best printer for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like print volume, print quality, ease of use, and available features when making your decision.
Finally, don't forget to invest in some high-quality filament to ensure optimal results. With a little research and careful consideration, you can find the perfect 3D printer for your next project.
Happy printing!
Karim 
Bilal