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The Best Affordable 3D Printer: Our Top Picks for 2023

best affordable 3D printer

The popularity of 3D printers has turned into an obsession among its users. Although many desires to have the best ones but remain content with an average 3D printer due to its price. But now you no more have to make adjustments to yourself.  Read this buying guide and review about the best affordable 3D printer. Here you will find a list of handpicked 3D printers that are very reasonable and also has some of the best features.

Product

Features

Anycubic Kobra Go, FMD 3D Printer

  • Printer Bed Levels Automatically

  • Easy To Assemble

  • Filament Detection System

Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer

  • Open Source Design For Ease Of Use

  • Resume printing Option After Power Cuts

  • Upgraded Extruder

Longer Orange 30 Resin 3D Printer

  • Fast Slicing

  • Easy To Operate

  • Automatic Cooling System

ELEGOO, Saturn S Mono MSLA Resin 3D Printer

  • Great Print Speed

  • Pleasant User Experience

  • Capable Of Printing Large Volumes

Longer LK5 Pro FMD Large Size 3D Printer

  • Dual Blower Kit To Cool The 3D Printer Quickly

  • Color Touchscreen of 4.3 Inches

  • Stable Printing Performance

The Future Of 3D Printing

At first, when 3D printing came around in the market, many people were a little apprehensive about its features. The general idea that went around it was that it is only needed for a specific type of industry. But things soon changed when more advanced-level 3D printers began to get manufactured. Now there are 3D printers that are lightweight, easy to use, and budget-friendly too. 

3D printing is no longer restricted to mainstream technology. People have understood its usefulness in every sector. Nowadays buying the best affordable 3D printer has become well within reach. Its immense usefulness in every sector has made 3D printing a good career option for many.

Best Affordable 3D Printer – Buying Guide

While reading through this buying guide it will become easier for you to choose the best affordable 3D printer. But before we dive into it, let us check some of the factors to look for while you are buying the 3D printer.

  1. Your Goals: Before you go ahead to buy a 3D printer, first have clarity on your ultimate goals. Once you know your purpose for buying a 3D printer, it shall be easier for you to choose the one that you require. 
  2. Type of 3D Printer: There are different types of 3D printers available in the market and each of the three types takes care of certain specific 3D printing and uses different filaments too. You shall find FDM 3D printers, SLS 3D printers, and SLA 3D printers. Depending on your need you can choose the one which is best suited for you.
  3. Features: Features are very important for 3D printing. Speed, printing field, number of extruders, filaments used, printing interface, and many other such factors call for consideration. So, learning about the features a 3D printer brings you is a must so that you can choose the one that you need.
  4. Safety Features: 3D printers uses harmful materials. You need to see what type of materials the printer uses. You also need to find out if it has an inbuilt filtration system that will keep your printing area fresh and safe. If you are buying a 3D printer for home use then check if the printer is good to be used indoors especially if you have children at home. Learn about its wiring and other factors to ensure that there will not be a short circuit. Even the design of 3D printers has variations too. Some have closed chambers while others have an open panel design. After making every consideration, choose.
  5. Replacement Parts and Filament: Can you easily get the printing filament from the market when needed? How easy will it be for you to buy the replacement parts for the 3D printer if something gets damaged? Have clarity about a good backup plan while choosing.
  6. Brand and Budget: The brand of the 3D printer is very important too. Now you can get good brands of 3D printers within an affordable budget. Research well before you choose so that you can get the best results whenever you are using it.

Now that you are aware of the factors to check, let us look at the reviews of some of the best 3D printers.

Best Affordable 3D Printer Reviews

1. Anycubic Kobra Go, FMD 3D Printer

Description:

  • Brand: ANYCUBIC
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Steel, Polylactic Acid
  • Weight: 19.8 Pounds
  • Special Feature: The Supported File Formats Are AMF, STL, STEP, OBJ

Performance: This is surely the best budget 3D printer that you can buy. It is amazing how dynamic this 3D printer is.  There are times when one has to struggle to level the printer bed but with it, you will not have such an issue. The auto-leveling feature detects on its own and levels the 3D printer bed with accuracy within 5 minutes. Surely, this is the best budget 3D printer to buy.

Comparison: If you compare the price range of this 3D printer with others in the market, you will see that it is the cheap 3D printer that you can find. Being a very user-friendly 3D printer, it will not take much time for you to assemble this cheap 3D printer. You will get video guidance and a tutorial manual for doing so.

Usage: In this best cheap 3D printer, you can achieve a large printing size because the printing bed is much bigger. Even the printing speed is one of the best in the industry. It prints with a speed up to 60mm/s second and it can further stretch up to 100mm/s too. If you are thinking of large volumes of 3D prints then be assured using this best cheap 3D printer, that shall be possible too.  Now make bigger sized models with ease and also of large quantity. 

Pros:

  • Printer Bed Levels Automatically
  • Easy To Assemble
  • Filament Detection System

Cons:

  • Parts Get Damaged Quickly

What’s New?

Most 3D printers are prone to accidents but, with this affordable 3D printer there are smart sensors that will protect against accidents. It also has a filament detection feature that lets you know in advance when your filament is about to run out. Having failed prints is one of the concerns always but here you will not have to worry. During power cuts, the printer can save your last printed record so that you can pick it up from there. The adjustment knob in this affordable 3D printer makes it comfortable for adjusting the printer belts when needed. 

Why You Should Buy It?

It is the best budget-friendly 3D printer you can have that will take care of all your 3D printing needs very easily. No matter what size of the model you may print, you will always find this 3D printer handy with precision and speed. You also have the option of connecting it to your personal computer. Because this 3D printer uses a variety of filaments, you can make multiple types of models with ease now.

2. Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer

Description:

  • Brand: Comgrow
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 14.6 Pounds
  • Special Feature: Supported File Format is Gcode

Performance: If you are looking for a best value 3d printer then this is th perfect one to buy. It brings you advanced technology for its extruder that reduces the risk of plugging in which may lead to bad extrusion. The V-shaped POM wheels have been given in this best value 3D printer so that you can move it around noiselessly. 

Comparison: If you compare this to other 3D printers you will see that it falls amongst good cheap 3D printers. The printer is much smoother to operate, cutting down on the idle time of the machine. It is also very much durable, having a solid stable open-source design. Once you buy this printer, it will last you for a long time making it one of the good cheap 3D printers to have.

Usage: You will never face any issues while assembling this one of the best budget 3D printers because it is very easy to do so. The quality of 3D prints that it makes is of high precision with minute detailing, making your models stand out amongst the rest. Surely this is one of the best user-friendly budget 3D printers that you can take home.  The fully open-source body makes it very easy to handle and keep track of its specific parts. 

Pros:

  • Open Source Design For Ease Of Use
  • Resume printing Option After Power Cuts
  • Upgraded Extruder

Cons:

  • Printer Instructions Are Complicated

What’s New?

Advanced technology for the extruder has been brought in this best inexpensive 3D printer. Safety measures in the 3D printer are always a thing of concern and so it has safety protection for the power supply. Within 5 minutes you can get the print bed to teach a temperature of hundred and ten degrees making it print-ready. If you value quality then, this is the best inexpensive 3D printer you can choose.

Why You Should Buy It?

This is the best 3D printer that you can choose from. The upgraded extruder design cuts down the risk of bad extrusion and nozzle clogging. This will enable you to have a greater quality of 3D prints. It brings you the power of high-quality precise printing. Now even children too can use this 3D printer very easily. Buy this 3D printer if you wish to achieve a stress-free printing experience. 

3. Longer Orange 30 Resin 3D Printer

Description:

  • Brand: Longer
  • Material: Resin
  • Weight: 19.1 Pounds
  • Special Feature: Compatible With Linux

Performance: Your search for the best cheap resin 3D printer is taken care of by this 3D printer. Along with precise print quality, you can even make large 3D prints very comfortably too. it has a 2K LCD screen with a great resolution and improved quality. Having a 3D printer with a great resolution is always an advantage because it brings quality to the finished outcome. This best cheap resin 3D printer shall never be a letdown where performance is concerned.

Comparison: Resin printers are normally a little more expensive than other normal 3D printers. But this is one of the most inexpensive 3D printers you can have. Here in this 3D printer, you will get a liner guide along with a very special slider design. Now you will have better stability of the Z axis with this 3D printer. It surely is one of the best inexpensive 3D printers on the market.

Usage: Here in this affordable resin 3D printer, you will get the option for both fast cooling and warning for high temperature too. Not many 3D printers have a similar quality to this affordable resin 3D printer. Now, whenever this cheap resin printer will turn high, the intelligent automatic system shall turn it down so that there is no fire. The efficient cooling system in this cheap resin printer will help in maintaining a balance in its interior chambers making the 3D printer last longer. 

Pros:

  • Fast Slicing
  • Easy To Operate
  • Automatic Cooling System

Cons:

  • A Bit Tricky To Operate

What’s New? 

In this cheap resin 3D printer, a uniform matrix of lighting has been given. Due to this uniformity in the lighting, you can achieve a greater printing performance this time.  Even this cheap 3D printer takes a much shorter time for curation now. A color screen has been added so that it becomes easier for you to keep a track of the printing results. CHITUBOX makes the slicing easier. It brings you a 100M slicing file in just one minute, which happens to be three times faster than the other regular resin 3D printer.

Why You Should Buy It?

This 3D printer brings you the best cheap SLA printer that you can ask for. In comparison to other traditional SLA printers, this cheap SLA printer brings you some advanced features. Using the leading 3D printing technology adds greater fitness and quality to your prints, and you can be assured because it uses the CHITUBOX. This 3D performs slicing with a great speed which is three times more than other resin printers. 

The upgraded user-friendly industrial design makes it very easy to operate. You will find an easy touchscreen system that allows you to choose the print files more comfortably. Now you can even monitor your real-time printing status using this resin 3D printer. This 3D printer has multiple benefits to offer within a very affordable range, making it the best 3D printer to buy.

4. ELEGOO, Saturn S Mono MSLA Resin 3D Printer

Description:

  • Brand: ELEGOO
  • Material: Resin
  • Weight: 29 Pounds
  • Special Feature: Supported File Format is STL

Performance: In this best cheap resin printer, you will have some of the best features. The 4K LCD monochrome screen is 9.1 inches long, giving you a better view of the printing process. In this best cheap resin printer, you will also get a great resolution that pulls up vivid details on your printed models. It even shortens the curing time per layer limiting it between 2-3 seconds. 

Comparison: It is a guarantee that you can never find another resin 3D printer for sale cheap as this. It has been meant to give you a bigger print volume.  Along with printing bigger complex models, you can also print multiple 3D models at a time saving you time and effort. Surely, this 3D printer for sale cheap is the best one you can have to obtain a greater print frequency.

Usage: Do you wish to have a pleasing printing experience? Then look no further than this 3D printer. This 3D printer cheap but good has an activated carbon filter over the USB board. What this replaceable filter does is, absorbs the odor and pungent smell of the resin fumes and stop it from affecting you. Every time you can have a great and healthy printing experience using this 3D printer cheap but good.

A double linear guide too has been given in the Z axis of this 3D printer to make it shockproof. You do not have to fear getting shocks due to this protection. Even the structure of this 3D printer has been made with greater stability so that the vibration of the machine does not disturb the printing result. This leads to a lesser risk of layer shifts too. Sandblasted build plate surface has been given this time so that it brings a stronger adhesion this time. The set screws also add to the longevity of the level performance without calibrating frequently. 

Pros:

  • Great Print Speed
  • Pleasant User Experience
  • Capable Of Printing Large Volumes

Cons:

  • Makes A Lot Of Failed Prints

What’s New:

In this 3D printer, a greater level of stability has been built so that you can enjoy a great printing experience.  It also consumes very less energy in comparison to other resin 3D printers. A feature for heat emission has also been installed in this resin 3D printer. Whenever the inner temperature gets too much hot, the heat emission mode may help in bringing down the temperature. This will help the printer to work for a long time.

Why You Should Buy It?

This Saturn S 3D resin 3D printer from ELEGOO is a budget-friendly best-in-performance one. It prints having 0.048mm of accuracy. The linear railway on the dual Z axis makes the printer steady while it is functioning. This helps in bringing out the outcome having precision and quality. Now you can make multiple 3D models at the same time having bigger volume. Surely this is the right pick for you if your work demands huge volumes of 3D prints.

5. Longer LK5 Pro FMD Large Size 3D Printer

Description:

  • Brand: Longer
  • Material: Metal
  • Weight: 26.4 Pounds
  • Special Feature: Compatible with Personal Computers and Laptop

Performance: Here in this best cheap 3D printer for beginners, you will find a dual blower kit. It helps in cooling down the filaments quickly after extrusion. Due to this, the 3D-printed model comes out in perfect shape without any deformities. This best cheap 3D printer for beginners surely contributes a lot to your perfect printing experience. 

Comparison: In this cheap large 3D printer, most of its parts come pre-assembled. The triangular structure has been made using a reinforced design. It helps in maintaining greater stability in this cheap large 3D printer while it is functioning. As it effectively keeps the level of vibration low, you can always expect to have the best 3D-printed outcomes every time.

Usage: This 3D printer is backed by a silent driver and an open-source motherboard. Not only does it displays firm properties but also keeps the noise levels low. It is the perfect choice for 3D printers if you are trying it for the first time. By changing the Gcode you will also get the freedom of implying new printing ideas. It is a very easy and simple-to-use open-source 3D printer that will not take much of your desk space too.

Pros: 

  • Dual Blower Kit To Cool The 3D Printer Quickly
  • Color Touchscreen of 4.3 Inches
  • Stable Printing Performance

Cons:

  • Cooling Fans Are Loud

What’s New?

Here in this 3D printer, lattice glass plates have been introduced. This helps to dissemble the models much more easily but at the same time keeps the hotbed flatter as well. This enhances the overall printing results. If suddenly you encounter a power loss you need not that fear encountering failed prints. The printer supports a backup option that saves the print. In this 3D printer, a filament detection system has also been introduced. It gives you a timely reminder as the filament is about to run out and stops the printing process. 

Why You Should Buy It?

This is one such 3D printer that gives you great 3D printing results within a very affordable budget. It is the best 3D printer you can choose for achieving high volumes of 3D prints. It prints with precision and quality. But the most amazing fact about it is that it creates 3D prints having detailing. In this 3D printer, you will find the body having open source. It not only gives you greater freedom to operate but also leaves scope for you to bring upgrades too.

Now no more will you have to worry about making failed prints during sudden power cuts. The printer can save the last printed results so that you print from the last printed spot. There is even a filament detection system that stops the printing process when the 3D printer runs out of filament. Surely this is one of the best 3D printers to choose from within a very reasonable budget. 

FAQs

1. What is the best affordable 3D printer?

One of the best affordable 3D printers that you can choose from is the Official Creality Ender 3 3D printer. This 3D printer has some of the most user-friendly features that elevate your 3D printing experience much higher.

2. What is the most affordable technology for 3D printing? 

The FDM or the Fused Deposition Modeling technology is the most affordable one. It creates a product by depositing selective molten materials in layers.