11 Best 3D Printer Under $500 – Beginner’s Guide In 2024

Are you a small company looking for a product prototyping and development solution? Or, someone looking to upgrade from a basic 3D printer to an advanced one and take creativity to next level.

If yes, then best 3D Printer under 500 are the best fit for you!

At this price range, a 3D Printer offers out-of-the-box performance and gets your job done.

No biggie, but at this price, you don’t have to worry about it,

1. Initial Assembly
2. Calibration
3. Print bed leveling
4. Heated Print Bed
5. Build Volume

You can print excellent quality structures and objects like a commercial-grade printer worth a thousand dollars.

3D Printers at this price range have attracted a huge fan base by offering excellent features.

Unlike tedious traditional prototyping solutions, a 3D Printer is quick and easy to use. People are using them in various applications like,

1. Education
2. Industrial Manufacturing Sectors
3. Household (producing home improvement accessories)
4. Medical
5. More….

List of Best 3D Printer under 500

1. FlashForge Finder – Best Overall
2. Monoprice MP Voxel
3. Creality Ender 5 Pro – Editor’s Choice
4. Artillery Sidewinder X1
5. Creality CR-10 V3
6. ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro
7. Anycubic Chiron – Largest Build Volume
8. Anycubic Photon S – Budget-friendly SLA Printer
9. Original Prusa Mini – Brand Choice
10. Creality Ender 3 V2
11. Qidi Tech X-One2

Now, without any further ado,

1. FlashForge Finder

FlashForge Finder is a value for money deal on this list! It is a beginner-friendly 3D Printer that comes at the price of $299.

This is a fully-assembled 3D printer offering auto-calibration. So you can start printing right out of the box.

The FlashForge Finder is great for printing small structures and objects.

The Wi-Fi allows you to connect the printer to a home network and print from anywhere in your house.

Specification

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, TPU, WOOD
4. Print Speed: 10 to 100 mm/s
5. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
6. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 240ºC
7. Input Formats: 3MF, STL, OBJ, FPP, BMP, PNG, JPG, JPEG
8. Build Volume: 140x140x140 mm
9. Connectivity: USB (Cable or Stick), Wi-Fi, Ethernet, FlashCloud
10. Screen: 3.5-inch Touch Screen
11. Internal Storage: 8 GB
12. Software: FlashPrint
13. Printer Dimensions: 420x420x420 mm
14. Net Weight: 11 kg

The small build volume (140x140x140 mm) and lack of a heated print bed might disappoint you.

The quality of the final print is fantastic as compared to others at this price range.

The 3D Printer has an impressive touch screen display with a simple and intuitive interface. It produces very little noise which makes it perfect for home, office, and educational uses.

2. Monoprice MP Voxel

This 3D Printer from Monoprice is excellent for home and educational use.

It packs a few unique features like Wi-Fi connectivity, a Camera for printing process monitoring, and a removable print bed.

It comes fully assembled and calibrated so that you can start printing immediately. Changing the nozzle is a breeze with Monoprice MP Voxel.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.4 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Exotics
4. Print Speed: 10 to 100 mm/s
5. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
6. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
7. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 250ºC
8. Build Volume: 120x120x120 mm
9. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 60ºC
10. Input Formats: STL, OBJ, 3MF
11. Connectivity: Wi-FI, USB Cable, Ethernet
12. Software: MP FlashPoint
13. Printer Dimensions: 400x380x405 mm
14. Net Weight: 9 kg

You need not worry about filament loading because it comes with an automatic feeder and filament detection sensor.

The only drawback here is the small build volume, which might upset you, but apart from that, it offers excellent features and print quality.

3. Creality Ender 5 Pro

Discussion about the best 3D Printer is incomplete without mentioning the Creality.

If the FlashForge Finder and Monoprice Voxel don’t seem to satisfy your needs because of their small build volume, here is a deal for you with a large build volume of 220x220x300 mm.

The Ender 5 Pro comes semi-assembled, but it will not take more than half an hour to set up.

The Creality Ender 5 Pro has a Double Y-Axis Control System for smooth movements. It reduces vibrations that cause faulty prints.

This 3D Printer is a real bang for the buck!

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
4. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
5. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
6. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 260ºC
7. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 135ºC
8. Build Volume: 220x220x300 mm
9. Input Formats: STL, OBJ, AMF
10. Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
11. Software: Cura, Repitier-Host, Simplify3D
12. Printer Dimensions: 552x485x510 mm
13. Net Weight: 11.8 kg

It has Capricorn Bowden tubing and a metal extruder frame, making more pressure while pushing filament through the nozzle to produce fine-quality prints.

The printer has a resume function. It pauses whenever the power goes OFF and starts again automatically once the power is back. This feature is beneficial in multi-color printing as well.

If you are willing to have a superb 3D Printer from a trusted brand, then this is the right choice for you.

4. Artillery Sidewinder X1

Those who are planning to print big structures and objects must go with a printer with a larger build volume. The Sidewinder X1 3D Printer from Artillery is an excellent choice for them because it offers a build volume of 300x300x400 mm.

This printer comes semi-assembled. In my experience, it takes around half an hour for completing the assembly.

It offers thermal protection, so if you plan to work continuously for a long then no need to worry about heating problems.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.05 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, Flexible PLA, TPU, Wood, PVA, HIPS
4. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
5. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
6. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 240ºC
7. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 80ºC
8. Build Volume: 300x300x400 mm
9. Input Formats: STL, OBJ
10. Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
11. Software: Cura, Slic3r, Simplify3D
12. Printer Dimensions: 550x405x640 mm
13. Net Weight: 16.5 kg

Also, the filament detection sensor will indicate if the filament is running out while printing.

The printer has a resume function. It pauses whenever the power goes OFF and starts again automatically once the power is back. This feature is beneficial in multi-color printing as well.

5. Creality CR-10 V3

Creality CR-10 is another 3D Printer on this list with a large build volume.

This workhorse is made to run continuously for a few days without any issues. It comes with a filament detection sensor and resumes function for making it reliable in long run.

This printer comes semi-assembled, and it will take around half an hour to assemble, thanks to its nicely designed instruction manual.

It comes with auto bed leveling! So that you can start printing quickly.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
4. Max. Print Speed: 180 mm/s
5. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
6. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
7. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 260ºC
8. Build Volume: 300x300x400 mm
9. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 100ºC
10. Input Formats: STL, OBJ, AMF
11. Connectivity: USB Cable, SD Card
12. Software: Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify 3D
13. Printer Dimensions: 420x550x650 mm
14. Net Weight: 11.5 kg

Previously it used to have Bowden-style filament feeding, but now you will have the choice to opt-in for imported Titan Direct Drive style feeding.

The Creality CR-10 is upgraded with an ultra-silent TMC2208 V2.5 motherboard and Dual-Cooling Fan technology for making it whisper-quiet.

If you are willing to buy a branded 3D Printer with a large build volume, this one is the right choice for you.

6. ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro

This 3D Printer is on our list because of its relatively large print volume compared to previously discussed Artillery Sidewinder X1 and Creality CR-10 V2.

The printer comes semi-assembled, and you need to do some good work to set it up.

The user manual is well-written, and they also have a prompt and intelligent customer support team to assist you throughout the process.

So assembling and running the ADIMLab 3D Printer is a breeze.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.3 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
4. Max. Print Speed: 150 mm/s
5. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
6. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
7. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 260ºC
8. Build Volume: 310x310x410 mm
9. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 100ºC
10. Input Formats: STL, G-Code, OBJ, AMF
11. Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
12. Software: Cura, Repitier-Host
13. Printer Dimensions: 584x640x220 mm
14. Net Weight: 11 kg

The nozzle comes with an LED indicator. It will help you in detecting issues associated with the nozzle.

However, If you are about to use this printer continuously for a long period of time then you need to consider heating problems.

The best thing that separates ADIMLab from the rest of the printers on this list is the availability of a stepper motor silencer for reducing noise.

Overall this 3D Printer produces superb quality prints at this price range.

7. Anycubic Chiron

The ANYCUBIC Chiron is cracking the 3D Printer market with its massive build volume of 400x400x450 mm. At this price, there is no other 3D Printer with as large a build volume as Anycubic Chiron.

It comes in a semi-assembled state offering automatic bed leveling to start printing quickly.

The printer equips a filament detection sensor.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.3 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, WOOD, TPU
4. Max. Print Speed: 100 mm/s
5. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
6. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
7. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 260ºC
8. Build Volume: 400x400x450 mm
9. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 100ºC
10. Input Formats: STL, OBJ, G-Code, JPG, PNG
11. Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
12. Printer Dimensions: 651x612x720 mm
13. Net Weight: 15 kg

The Chiron users claim to have problems with automatic bed leveling.

It produces decent-quality prints and can be used for printing large structures and objects.

Though the Anycubic Chiron is not the highly-rated 3D Printer under this $500 category we suggest you opt-in for it if you have the largest build volume requirement.

8. Anycubic Photon S

Unlike others (using FDM technology) discussed in this article, the Photon S uses SLA (Stereolithography) technology.

The SLA printers dominate FDM printers because of the higher layer resolution and smooth surface finish.

The Anycubic Photon S is a popular SLA printer under the $500 category.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: SLA
2. Light Source: UV integrated light
3. Wavelength: 405 nm
4. XY DPI: 47 um (2560×1440)
5. Y-Axis Resolution: 1.25 um
6. Layer Resolution: 25-100 um
7. Printing Speed: 20 mm/h
8. Build Volume: 115x165x165 mm
9. Rated Power: 50 W
10. Printing Material: 405 nm Photosensitive Resin
11. Connectivity: USB Port
12. Printer Size: 230x200x400 mm
13. Net Weight: 9.5 Kg

This printer has improved Z-Axis stability for more detailing and smooth surfacing.

The provision of a Carbon Air Filter and Dual-Fan technology significantly reduces the divergence of odor in the surrounding environment.

SIDENOTE: I am not recommending Anycubic Photon S for rapid prototyping.

Overall, if you are willing to have a quick and smoothest final product, then give a chance to this printer.

9. Original Prusa Mini

The brand name Prusa is famous for supplying high-end 3D Printers. It is dominating Chinese 3D Printer manufacturers over the last few years!

This brand has a massive community of users who continuously contribute to improving its products.

The Original Prusa Mini is developed considering mid-range users.

The company says, “We did our best to squeeze as many features into the lowest possible price as possible.”

The printer comes in a semi-assembled state. But with a few simple steps, you can complete the set-up. Print bed leveling is automatic. So for Prusa Mini users, assembling and starting with the first print is a breeze.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.25 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, FLEX
4. Max. Print Speed: 200 mm/s
5. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
6. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 280ºC
7. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 100ºC
8. Build Volume: 180x180x180 mm
9. Input Formats: STL, G-Code, OBJ
10. Connectivity: LAN, USB Cable, Wi-Fi (optional upgrade)
11. Software: Prusa Slic3r
12. Printer Dimensions: 380x380x330 mm
13. Net Weight: 9 kg

This 3D Printer is compact enough to fit anywhere at your workplace.

The print quality is impressive.

If you are stuck at any point in the printing process, then Prusa’s honest and knowledgeable customer support team will be always there to help you.

Prusa Mini is an excellent printer for small companies as well as home and educational uses.

10. Creality Ender 3 V2

The Creality Ender 3 V2 is our top pick under the $300 category. It is well-known for its best performance at the price of $279 only.

This 3D Printer is the best fit for home and educational use. It comes semi-assembled and you need to put in some work before starting to print.

The Creality Ender 3 V2 comes with a heated bed, meaning that you will be able to process a wide range of filaments.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.1 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
4. Max. Print Speed: 180 mm/s
5. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
6. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 255ºC
7. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 100ºC
8. Build Volume: 220x220x250 mm
9. Input Formats: STL, OBJ
10. Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
11. Software: Cura, Simplify 3D
12. Printer Dimensions: 475x470x620 mm
13. Net Weight: 7.8 kg

It offers an upgraded TMC2208 Driver, XY-Axis Tensioner, New UI, etc.

The printer has a resume function. It pauses whenever the power goes OFF and starts again automatically once the power is back. This feature is beneficial in multi-color printing as well.

11. Qidi Tech X-One2

The Qidi is manufacturing the best quality budget-friendly 3D Printers for home and educational uses.

The Tech X-One2 from Qidi is an easy-to-use fully-enclosed 3D Printer that requires no initial assembly.

It comes with a 3.5-inch intuitive touch screen interface.

Specifications

1. Printing Technology: FDM
2. Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.4 mm
3. Supported Print Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Flexible
4. Recommended Print Speed: 60 mm/s
5. Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
6. Operational Extruder Temperature: Max 250ºC
7. Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 110ºC
8. Build Volume: 145x145x145 mm
9. Input Formats: STL, OBJ
10. Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
11. Software: Cura, Qidi Print
12. Printer Dimensions: 380x320x360 mm
13. Net Weight: 19 kg

The enclosed build chamber ensures constant inner temperature while printing with the materials like ABS.

At the price of $249, the Qidi Tech X-one2 packs a big punch.

If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to FlashForge Finder and Monoprice Voxel, then this one is a good deal for you.

Now, let us overlook the fundamental concepts of 3D Printing. They will help you choose the best 3D printer.

Things to know before buying a 3D Printer

1. Printing Technology
2. Build Volume
3. Filaments (Printing Materials)
4. Heated Bed
5. Calibration
6. Bed Leveling
7. Layer Resolution
8. Input File Formats
9. Slicing Software
10. Connectivity
11. Extra Features

Let we discuss them in short,

#1 – Printing Technology

Depending upon the methods of printing, there are seven types of 3D Printers.

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
2. Stereolithography (SLA)
3. Digital Light Processing (DLP)
4. Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
5. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
6. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
7. Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

In this article, we will be discussing FDM 3D Printers because they are affordable and produce excellent quality prints.

In Fused Deposition Modeling, the printing material is heated to its melting point and extruded layer by layer through a nozzle to form structures and objects.

FDM Printers are capable of processing industry-grade thermoplastic, this feature makes them unique over other types of 3D Printers.

#2 – Build Volume

Also known as a print volume. It represents the maximum size of an object that can be 3D printed.

Build volume is measured in mm. At a minimum, you can have a build volume of 100x100x100 (length x width x height) mm.

Under $500, a 3D Printer offers a maximum print volume of 400x400x450 (length x width x height) mm which is more than sufficient for product prototyping and manufacturing.

#3 – Printing Materials

Also known as the “3D Printing Filaments”. They are thermoplastics that are heated and shaped.

There are numerous filaments available in the market boasting unique properties over each other. The most common types of printing filaments are PLA, ABS, HIPS, etc.

Filaments are classified into two categories according to their diameters; 1.75mm and 2.85mm (known as 3mm).

#4 – Heated Bed

The printer Bed is the plane surface on which the fused material is deposited.

You can purchase either a non-heated or heated bed 3D printer as per your choice.

Heated beds are mostly preferred because they allow people to 3D print a wide range of filaments. Also, they are great at preventing adhesion issues and wrapping prints at the edges during cooling.

In the case of a non-heated bed, you can only print filaments similar to PLA.

#5 – Calibration

Calibration includes adjusting the distance between nozzle and print bed, stepper motor settings, filament settings, extruder, temperature, etc.

Beginners have to spend significant time on calibration. But, it depends on their understanding and passion! It is a one-time learning process that everyone should go through to master 3D Printing.

You will find a lot of videos about 3D Printer calibration, so don’t worry!

At this price range, 3D Printers comes with the auto-calibration feature so that you can start printing right out of the box.

#6 – Bed Leveling

It is a part of the calibration process. But we are separately discussing it because of its importance in obtaining superb quality prints.

You must be very accurate while adjusting the distance between the nozzle and print bed.

If the nozzle is so close to the print bed, the first layer will be squeezed. As well, if the nozzle is a bit away from the print bed, then there will be adhesion problems.

To avoid this squeezing and adhesion issue, the z-axis needs to be adjusted very carefully at an optimum distance. It will not take too long once you get your hands on it!

#7 – Layer Resolution

Layer resolution is the measure of the thickness of the layer. The lowest resolution ensures the smoothness of the final print.

An FDM 3D Printer offers layer resolution between 0.1-0.3 mm. It is affected by nozzle size and extruder movements along the X and Y-axis.

#8 – Input File Formats

To print three-dimensional objects, a 3D Printer requires a digital blueprint (model) of the object.

You need to render the 3D model in one of the accepted file formats. The “STL” and “OBJ” are the popular and universal file formats.

Many other 3D Printer input file formats are available.

#9 – Slicing Software

Slicing Software converts a 3D model into an instruction set that a 3D Printer can understand and print.

For example, the Slicer turns an STL Input File into G-Code before printing.

The Slic3r, Cura, Simplify3D, etc. are the different types of Slicing Software. Many of the 3D Printing brands offers proprietary Slicing Software to improve print quality.

#10 – Connectivity

3D Printers are connected via a USB or LAN cable to computers.

Recent advancement in 3D Printing technology lets you connect 3D Printers to your home Wi-Fi network so that you can print from anywhere in your home.

Most of the printers have an SD card slot to get your file to the machine.

#11 – Extra Features

Resume Function: You can pause the printing process whenever you want. This is beneficial in multi-color printing and during power-cut.

Sensors: 3D Printer comes with the filament detection sensor, temperature sensor, etc.

Low Noise: For both office and home use, 3D Printers should operate with as much less noise as possible. Few 3D Printers are not quiet at all, so you need to choose carefully.

Print Speed: The 3D Printers have a standard print speed between 50-150 mm/s. Some 3D printers offer excellent speed for reducing total printing time.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fully-enclosed 3D Printer then FlashForge Finder is an excellent choice for you.

For large build (print) volume requirements, you can choose from Artillery Sidewinder X1 and Anycubic Chiron.

If you want a branded 3D Printer at this price, you must go for Creality Ender 5 Pro, Creality CR-10 V3, and Original Prusa Mini.

Finally, let me know if I am missing any fantastic 3D Printer under $500. I will look forward to adding it to this list.

Read more of our articles

• 7 Best 3D Printer Under $1000 
• 4 Best 3D Printer under $200