Best 3D Printers Under $500 in 2019

It’s been a long time since they were introduced, but 3D printers still feel like something out of science fiction. They also get better all the time. Newer models make the units that impressed us a few years ago look like something out of the Stone Age.

If you are interested in 3D printing, there has never been a better time to start. Not only are they better than they’ve ever been, but prices are coming down. You can still spend a lot of money on a 3D printer, but you can also get quality models for pretty cheap.

Best 3D Printer Under $500:
ANYCUBIC Chiron

As the largest model on this list, this is the best 3D printer in this price range if you have big plans. Namely, the ANYCUBIC Chiron prints at a maximum size of 15.75 x 15.75 x 17.72 inches. This gives you room for serious builds.

This model is also surprisingly feature-packed for the price, with a built-in TFT touchscreen, filament detection, and auto-resume printing on power loss. It can also print on a wide range of PLA, ABS, HIPS, Wood and TPU supported filaments.

Best small 3D printer under $500:
Monoprice Voxel Adventurer

Monoprice is known for selling high quality products at low prices and its 3D printers are no exception. The Monoprice Voxel Adventurer has features found in printers that sell for a much higher price. It even arrives calibrated and ready to print out of the box.

The heated flexible build plate makes it easy to remove the model after it is completed. You won’t have to wait too long as Voxel boasts print speeds up to 60mm per second. Lastly, it also features a quick change nozzle that allows you to change nozzles in seconds, as opposed to the 20+ minutes that other printers can take.

Best resin 3D printer under $500:
ELEGOO Mars

Being the only resin 3D printer (also known as SLA printers) on this list, ELEGOO Mars might be amazing to see here. This type of printer is generally known to be more expensive than the filament based printers (also known as FDM) that make up the rest of this list. This is another sign of lower prices across the board.

Not only can this 3D printer produce beautifully detailed models, but it’s also somewhat easier to use than many of the other models on this list. There are fewer settings that can affect the final product, which is good for beginners.

Best 3D printer under $300:
ANYCUBIC Mega-S

Like its more expensive cousin higher up on this list, the ANYCUBIC Mega-S has a heavy duty look. While it may look like it belongs in a factory, it is easy to use and much more accessible than its appearance suggests.

This model has more than just handy features. The built-in filament sensor detects when you’re running low on filament and pauses printing. It also features a patented print platform that ensures models stay in place while printing, but are easy to remove when finished.

Alternative best 3D printer under $300:
Flash Forge Finder

3D printers are not known for being quiet. If you want to print models in the middle of the night without waking anyone up, this might be for you. FlashForge Finder prints as quietly as 50 dB, which is about as loud as a muffled home conversation.

This model also has a retractable plate that makes it easy to remove models. It also has an assisted leveling system to help you set up a perfectly flat print surface. This is limited to PLA filament, but if you’re just starting out, this won’t be a problem.

Best 3D printer for money under $300:
Comgrow Creality Ender 3

Comgrow Creality Ender 3 contains more than just a feature set, but there is a small catch. This printer comes bundled and you will need to assemble it before printing. However, if you’re taking your time, this is a great way to make sure your printer is securely assembled.

With this model, it only takes five minutes for the greenhouse to reach print temperature, which means you can get started quickly. It also has the same auto-resume feature as some of the other models on this list. This means you don’t have to worry about power outages destroying your partially completed model.

Best semi-assembled 3D printer under $300:
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro

It’s not a mistake — we didn’t accidentally install the same printer here twice. The Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro is an updated version of the model above. To start with, it’s mostly built out of the box, so installation time is less. It also has some additional features.

The main upgrade here is the build surface plate, which helps protect your 3D printer and makes it easier to remove models once they’ve cooled down. That’s plus a 10-minute set-up time, making it more valuable than the standard model.

Best Mini 3D Printer Under $300:
Monoprice Select Mini Pro

Depending on your needs, you may not even need a larger 3D printer. For example, if you’re printing miniature board game figures, you don’t need much. There are some great options for small 3D printers, but the Monoprice Select Mini Pro is one of the best.

This model has many features found on larger, more expensive printers. These include automatic layer alignment, which allows you to quickly get a flat print surface, as well as a removable magnetic plate. This model also comes fully assembled so you can focus on printing.

Best Alternative Mini 3D Printer Under $300
Da Vinci Mini

If you prefer 3D printing to be not only eco-friendly but also environmentally friendly, this is the one for you. This model can print PLA and PETG, but it also comes with proprietary filament. It’s made from corn starch and other biodegradable materials instead of the commonly used plastic.

This model is also extremely light, weighing less than 18 pounds. If you find yourself needing to move the printer frequently, this is a definite bonus.