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Technology has evolved so much over the years that people can do 3D printing in their own homes. 3D printing is pretty complex, and you’ll have to spend big bucks if you want the best of the best. Thankfully, many manufacturers have been making it possible to get 3D technology at lower costs. There are many budget-friendly options on the market these days that don’t sacrifice their performance and quality completely. You have to remember that you can’t expect the same quality of output with these more affordable choices, but they still get the job done at the end of the day. People can use these 3D printers to make cups, pots, figurines, phone cases, toys, spare parts, etc. When you’re looking for the right one to purchase, you should always make sure you check out its specs and reviews online. Here are the best 3D printers that cost under $300, and most of the printers you’ll see here are great picks for those who are beginners when it comes to 3D printing.
Creality is a reputable brand that sells 3D printers at an affordable price. Their Ender 3 has been a best-seller, and the new V2 model comes with impressive improvements. This printer has a self-developed silent motherboard that guarantees better stability and speed with its motion performance and has better anti-interference capabilities. It also comes with low decibel operation and silent printing. You get longevity and fast heating with this printer because of its UL Certified MeanWell Power Supply. Its power supply is not exposed, so you won’t have to worry about feeling unsafe while printing. The Ender 3 V2’s extruder has a new rotary knob that makes feeding and loading filament easier. It also has an upgraded user experience because of the 4.3″ smart color screen and new UI system. If ever you halt your printing process, the printer has a resume printing function that allows you to take off from your last recorded extruder position. You get outstanding smoothness as soon as its first layer comes out since the printer has a carborundum glass platform that provides better print adherence and heating. Users can easily adjust the Ender 3 V2’s belt tension using its XY-axis tensioner. The printer also comes with a toolbox so you can easily keep all your tools at arm’s reach.
Easy to assemble and useUpgraded user interfaceImpressive print quality
Filament loading can get challengingNot compatible with all materials
If the Creality Ender 3 V2 was still too pricey for you, you could opt for its more affordable predecessor, the Creality Ender 3. It’s a beginner-friendly 3D printer with all the basic features you’ll need. It features advanced extruder technology that eliminates any unsatisfactory extrusion and eliminates any plugging risk. It will take about five minutes for its hot bead to heat up to 110℃. Thanks to its V-shape design with upgraded wheels, this printer runs smoothly and quietly. The Ender 3 promises high precision printing, and it’s a great tool for printing STEM projects and different gifts. Its power supply is adequately protected, and it comes with a power cut protection function. This printer also comes with a resume printing feature that allows you to resume your work from where you left off in case of any problems or power outages. Creality says that it will take around two hours to assemble the printer. Upon purchase, you get lifetime technical support from them.
AffordableGreat value for its priceAftermarket upgrade compatible
Extruder doesn't have the best qualityHas an open frame design
The ANYCUBIC Mega S does a great job at delivering fantastic 3D prints while keeping the printer at a low price. It’s an entry-level printer, so you can’t expect it to perform the same way as its more expensive competitors. It’s easy to assemble the printer, so you won’t need to hire an expert for help. This printer delivers precise extrusion thanks to its upgraded Titan extruder. Its mechanical design and filament drive promise compatibility with most filaments, and you get more accurate prints without any clogging issues. If you experience any power outage, you don’t have to worry about losing your work because the printer can resume from your last recorded position. The printer also has a sensor that will pause your prints if your filaments run out. The Mega S can print a max volume of 8.27 x 8.27 x 8.07 inches. The printer’s platform, the ANYCUBIC Ultrabase, is patented, and its microporous coating gives you top-tier adhesion for your prints. It’s easy to operate the printer because it has a user-friendly and responsive TFT touch screen. ANYCUBIC offers their customers 24-hour customer service and lifetime technical support upon every purchase.
Fantastic print quality for its priceEasy to assembleHas a filament sensor
Printer can get loudNot the best build volume
When one of your top priorities is having a 3D printer with a large print area, the Sovol SV01 would be suitable for you. Its 280 x 240 x 300 mm build volume will make it easy and fast for you to print big objects in one session. The printer guarantees superb quality and stability since it has a direct drive extruder and dual Z lead screw. It’s compatible with different filaments like ABS, TPU, PLA, etc. Thanks to its built-in MeanWell power supply, you get sufficient and stable power. Its power also allows you to heat up your nozzle and hotbed quickly, and you’re protected from any problems a random power surge might give you. The heated bed of the SV01 has a removable flat glass plate that makes the printer avoid any warped bed problems. You also get the best precision and accuracy possible because of its dual Z-axis design. This printer will take about 30 minutes to assemble since it gets shipped to you in several partially assembled kits. The other helpful features are a filament detector, resume printing capability, large hand-twist gear, thermal runaway protection, and MeanWell power/cable management. Sovol won’t let you settle for a limited warranty period; they offer their customers lifetime technical assistance.
UpgradeableEasy assemblyTop-notch safety features
Some might think the filament sensor placement is oddFans can get pretty loud
It’s not hard to see why many people would go for the Voxelab Aquila 3D printer. It costs less than $200. This printer is impressively quiet, and it can heat up in five minutes. It has a carbon crystal silicon glass plate, and you can forget about having any warped prints. You get smooth movements from the printer because of its V profile pulley. The Aquila also promises stable feeding through its enhanced feeding module. It comes with a color screen with a rotary knob, so the printer is easy to operate. It has a power-off function to avoid any unexpected shutdowns, and you will quickly get to resume printing from where you last ended once you boot it back up. The Aquila comes with a convenient XY axis adjuster that makes adjusting its belt tightness fast and easy. The printer gets shipped to you semi-assembled, and it won’t take too much time to assemble. Voxelab offers a 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support. The company also says you will always get a guaranteed response from them within 24 hours.
Easy to useBudget-friendlyCarbon crystal silicon glass plate works well with ABS and PLA
Use of Micro SD cards make things complicatedSome think the printer doesn't get hot enough
The Monoprice Maker Select Mini V2 is an attractive choice for beginners because of its low price and functionality. Its heated build plate and various extruder temperatures make it compatible with a wide range of filaments. The printer won’t take much space because of its compact open-frame design. While other printers need you to take time out of your day for its assembly, the Select Mini V2 arrives at your doorstep fully assembled. You can begin printing immediately since the printer comes with a MicroSD card. It features an all-metal nozzle and has cooling fans for its main board and nozzle. It’s easy to learn how to operate the Select Mini since it has a user-friendly 3.7-inch IPS color screen. Monoprice also includes a filament holder, Micro USB cable, bed leveling wrench, sample PLA filament, and plastic bed scraper with the printer.
Sturdy and affordableCompatible with standard filamentsEasy to operate
Inconsistency with its hot end temperaturePrinting at higher speeds can diminish print quality.
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