Best Budget FDM 3D Printers

Bambu Lab A1 Combo, A1 3D Printer and AMS lite, Support Multi-Color 3D Printing, High Speed & Precision, Full-Auto Calibration & Active Flow Rate Compensation, ≤48 dB Quiet FDM 3D Printers

(as of December 17, 2024 20:14 GMT +00:00 - )

Have you ever thought of diving into the world of 3D printing but felt deterred by the high costs?

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Best Budget FDM 3D Printers 2024

After a considerable amount of testing and reviewing multiple FDM 3D printers over the years, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the best budget FDM 3D printers available in various categories. Responding to the increasing demand in the DIY market, these advanced technologies have seen continual improvements. Let’s delve into the current market, highlight budget-friendly options, and discuss innovative features and desirable attributes. As usual, we will keep updating this guide with new devices and solutions aiming to meet the needs of both hobbyists and professionals in this exciting area.

What to Consider When Buying Budget 3D Printers

When assembling most budget 3D printers, attention to detail is crucial. Think of it as putting together flat-pack furniture that comes with basic tools and thorough instructions. This will make assembling your 3D printer less strenuous, and it is similarly important to follow the provided instructions meticulously. Watching a video guide and troubleshooting may also be necessary.

Fully or 80% Assembled: Some printers are so straightforward that they require just a few screws to put together. This option can be perfect for beginners, taking no more than 30 minutes to start printing after unboxing.
DIY Kits: In the past, assembling cheap DIY kits was challenging. Today, the experience has improved significantly, with wiring components preassembled, eliminating the need for soldering.
PRO: The term “PRO” usually indicates a slightly more expensive (+$50-200) version with additional features. “Plus” often means extra build volume.

Can a Cheap 3D Printer be a Good Buy?

A decade ago, we advised caution when buying machines cheaper than $500 unless you have a strong tech background. Today, entry-level machines are commonly around the $300 price range, and they indeed get the job done. Such machines can print most objects found on STL file repositories.

FDM 3D Printing Timelapse
©3DWithUs – MP4: Andrew Sink

Nice to Have Features

Manufacturers sometimes sacrifice some nice-to-have features to keep costs low. Here are features that can enhance your 3D printing experience:

Flexible Removable Build Plate: Contemporary flexible build plates have significantly improved, addressing bed adhesion and print removal issues.
Heated Bed: Essential for resolving bed adhesion and material shrinkage issues.
Automatic Bed Leveling: Another popular feature. Manual calibration isn’t bad, but automatic leveling can make the process less overwhelming for beginners.
Community: Active user communities often serve as valuable resources for troubleshooting and support.
Klipper Firmware: This firmware improves print accuracy and reduces errors, making it ideal for budget 3D printers.

Best Budget 3D Printers in the $300 Price Range

We continuously update this list by adding new products tested or showcased at trade shows.

Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini

Price: $399 and $599 for Combo

Bambu Lab stands out for high-quality, multi-color 3D printing. The A1 series, including the A1 Mini, exemplifies their commitment to innovation and affordability. These printers incorporate consumer feedback to create a product that balances cost and features.

A1 Mini: $299-509

The Bambu Lab A1 series has many features catering to both hobbyists and professionals. The company’s commitment to safety and innovation makes this printer a reliable choice in the ever-evolving 3D printing landscape.

Creality Ender-3 Series

Creality Ender 3 V3

Price: $299 – $389

The Ender-3 series stands out as one of the first reliable and affordable 3D printers. The base model is highly customizable, with numerous upgrades available to enhance its performance.

Throughout our testing, the Ender 3 V3 has consistently performed well across a variety of challenging prints. Its CoreXZ configuration and rods offer excellent print quality and stability.

Anycubic Kobra Series

Kobra 3 Combo

Usual Price: $449 – 549

Known for their commitment to speed and quality, the Anycubic Kobra series is designed for high-speed printing while maintaining print quality. The upgraded Kobra OS enhances computing power and motion control accuracy.

Review coming soon… Read more:

Elegoo Neptune 4 Series

Price: $299-330

Elegoo has earned a reputation for quality, affordable 3D printers. The Neptune 4 series is no exception, offering excellent features and performance at a budget-friendly price.

Best Budget 3D Printers in the $600+ Price Range

Even on a higher budget, you can find excellent 3D printers that don’t compromise on quality or features.

Bambu Lab P1S and X1C Combo

Bambu Lab continues to innovate with the P1S and X1C series. These printers offer high-quality builds and fantastic customer support. Despite being slightly more expensive, the features make them worth considering.

Creality K1 and K1 Max

Creality’s K1 series focuses on providing high performance with a larger build volume. Known for their reliability and ease of use, these models are excellent choices for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Prusa i3 MK4

Prusa continues to be a leader in the 3D printing community with the i3 MK4. Famous for its reliability and robust community support, this printer is perfect for serious enthusiasts and professionals.

Sovol SV08

Sovol’s SV08 is another excellent option, known for its reliability and detailed prints. With a slightly higher price tag, it offers great value for its extensive features.

AnkerMake M5

AnkerMake’s M5 provides reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice among professionals looking for a budget-friendly option.

Adventurer 5M Pro

For those looking for a fully enclosed printer, the Adventurer 5M Pro offers safety and high-quality prints. It’s particularly suitable for printing with more demanding filaments.

Buy Photon Mono M5 Get Free 1KG Resin

Other Builds and Systems

Consider exploring different builds and systems if you want to experiment with various 3D printing technologies.

ToolChanger – Prusa XL

The ToolChanger system allows for easy tool swapping, making it ideal for complex, multi-material prints. Prusa’s XL model offers this capability with the renowned reliability of Prusa printers.

3D Printer, Laser, CNC 3-in-1 – Snapmaker

Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 system combines 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving. It’s a versatile tool perfect for a range of creative projects.

Delta – Flsun T1

Delta printers, like the Flsun T1, are known for their speed and unique design. They offer high-quality prints and are ideal for those looking to try something different.

MINI – Original Prusa

For those with limited space or budget, the Original Prusa MINI offers all the reliability of the full-sized models in a compact form. It’s perfect for beginners or those looking to add a secondary printer to their setup.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of budget 3D printers can be daunting, but options today offer impressive quality at affordable prices. From beginner-friendly to professional-grade machines, there’s something for everyone. Remember to consider your specific needs, from build volume to print speed, and don’t hesitate to utilize the robust 3D printing communities available for support and inspiration.

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