Just a decade ago, 3D printers were the hot topic in the town. They were stated as an example of what advanced technologies can bring to us. However, they were mostly reserved for the professional factories, and the price tag that they had was far from the reach of the public consumers.
Well, things changed over time. Now, more manufacturers are providing 3D printers to the market, and it is now possible for public consumers to get their hands on one. It is that much accessible that it is possible to huddle a list of the best 3D printer under 200.
Yes, we are talking under 200! There are a bunch of capable ones in that price range, and this might be your lucky day because we are going to introduce them to you in this article.
List Of Products
1. ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer
2. LONGER LK4 3D Printer 220x220x250mm
3. JGMAKER Magic 3D Printer DIY Kit
4. XVICO X3 Pro 3D Printers 200x200x250mm
5. Kingroon DIY Aluminum 3D Printer 180x180x180mm
6. Creality LD002R UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer
7. ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 3D Printer
8. ETROBOT Sparkmaker SLA 3D Resin Printer
Comparison Chart For Best 3d Printer Under $200
IMAGE | NAME & Details | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
LONGER LK4 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
JGMAKER Magic 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
XVICO X3 Pro 3D Printers |
| Check The Price | |
Kingroon DIY 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
Creality LD002R UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
Sparkmaker SLA 3D Resin Printer |
| Check The Price |
10 Best 3D Printers Under 200 Reviews
Even though the number of options that is available at that price point is huge, not all of them will be worth the money that you are going to spend on them. Well, to make the choosing process easier for you, we went through the most popular ones and made a list with only the recommendation worthy ones. The list is as follows:
1. ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer
3D printers are already a smart device, but ELEGO seems to have made the concept ever smarter by implementing their proprietary technologies in the unit that we are going to look at here.
First of all, this unit comes with the latest version available for the CHITUBOX slicing software.
If you do not have an idea about CHITUBOX, it is the slicing software that can go through 30Mb.stl files in just under a minute. Gone are the days where 3-dimensional printers used to take hours for making a simple sculpture.
Apart from that, the software will also enable you to make holes in your customized model before you start slicing. This ability can lower the use of resin significantly. On that note, as the UV light is 40 watts, if you use a good quality resin, the results that you are going to get will surely surprise you.
Now back to the smart feature that we were talking about in the beginning. It sports a 3.5 inches LCD panel on the front that has the latest CHITUBOX 5.5 system integrated. Because of that, offline printing will be a convenient thing to do with this unit.
As the platform has steel balls to balance the structure on top of it, you can start printing just five minutes after the assembly period. The accuracy that you are going to get for the masking LCD that it features, will boggle your mind.
Highlighted Features:
- Has the lastest CHITUBOX slicing software integrated.
- Can lower the amount of resin used for making structures.
- Integrated with CHITUBOX 5.5 offline printing system.
- Highly accurate thanks to the masking LCD.
- Platform is adequately balanced.
2. LONGER LK4 3D Printer 220x220x250mm
In general, 3D printers consists of intricate parts and PCBs that most of the consumers do not have that much idea about. As a result, the assembly process can become a bit challenging. However, you will not have to worry about that if you opt for this one that LONGER is offering.
Unlike most of the manufacturers, LONGER ships this unit to the consumer by assembling it to 90 percent. That means you will not have to deal with any intricate parts after opening up the box. The things that you have to assemble are going to be simple. In fact, you can assemble it to 100 percent within just a matter of minutes.
Apart from that, the unit sports a 2.8 inches LCD panel on the front. There is a 4.3 inches option available too. As it has full-color support and a touchscreen digitizer, operating it will not be an issue at all.
It also comes with a user-friendly user interface, which is pretty easy to get used to. You can preview the model, see the progress, and do offline printing on the same screen.
The frame that it features is of aluminum. It is sturdy enough to provide an adequate amount of support that these types of tasks require. And the color coating that it has makes it look sleek.
Other than that, it comes with an internal power supply. It is placed under the flatbed to provide optimal safety to the user.
Highlighted Features:
- Ships 90 percent assembled from the manufacturer.
- Two different display size options.
- Features a user-friendly interface.
- Frame that it has is of sturdy aluminum.
- Features a built-in power supply.
3. JGMAKER Magic 3D Printer DIY Kit
The best 3D printer for 200 is not only the ones that are easy to use, but they should also come with adequate safety features too. And a perfect example of such a unit would be this one that JGMAKER is offering.
To begin with, it comes with a built-in power supply. That power supply is placed directly into the base to ensure the maximum amount of user safety and also to eliminate the chances of any accidents occurring. It also utilizes industrial-grade silicone wiring, which is exceptionally durable.
Other than that, it also features a filament detector. It will stop the printing operation if the unit runs out of filament or if it faces any problem in the case of pulling out the filament from the tube. Also, it will enable you to resume right at that point once the issue gets resolved.
It also supports SD card hot plugin. Because of that, you can remove the SD card when it is printing and insert a new one. This removal and reinstallation of the card will not cause the unit to forget the layout. Once you insert the card back in, it will resume from the same point.
Besides that, the metal base that it has is quite sturdy. It also comes with a filament holder on the side that will allow you to quickly change the filament while the printing process is going on. And as it comes mostly assembled, you will not have to worry about the assembly process that much.
Highlighted Features:
- Features a built-in power supply.
- Utilizes durable industrial-grade silicone wires.
- Supports SD card hot plugin.
- Has a Filament run-out detector.
- Ships almost fully assembled.
4. XVICO X3 Pro 3D Printers 200x200x250mm
Even though most of the 3D printers will come with a highly stable base, one thing that most can not solve is the difficulties that occur when removing the models from the base. Well, XVICO implemented a unique design on this unit that will make the removal task easier for you.
As we mentioned, the unit features a unique design on the base. It has a glass plate on the top, which will make it much easier for you to remove the printed models from it. You will not have to worry about the base of your model not being smooth.
On that note, it boasts a high-quality extruder that will significantly reduce the risk of plugging and bad extrusions that most of the units do. The sturdy aluminum frame will be able to provide enough support to ensure that the printing operation gets carried out smoothly.
As it comes almost fully assembled, you will not have to worry about the assembly process that much. All the intricate parts will ship already installed to the machine, and you will require about half an hour to assemble the rest of the hardware.
Apart from that, it sports a filament run-out detector. That detector will turn off the operation once the machine runs out of filament, which will ensure that the model that it was printing does not get damaged. It will also warn you beforehand if the amount of inserted filament is low for the job that you are planning to carry out.
Highlighted Features:
- Sports a unique glass design for the base.
- Outputs smooth base for the printed models.
- Features a high-quality extruder.
- Boasts a durable aluminum frame.
- Ships almost fully assembled.
5. Kingroon DIY Aluminum 3D Printer 180x180x180mm
One thing that most of the 3D printers struggle with is the power loss mechanism. Not all of them will have resume printing capability. However, this one from Kingroon that we are going to talk about does have that resume printing capability.
Let us start by talking about the most highlighting feature of this unit. It comes integrated with a resume printing capability. This integration will ensure that the machine will be able to pick up from the point that it was working with if a power loss occurs. You will not have to worry about losing progress and wasting filament.
Apart from that, the unit comes about 90 percent assembled. The manufacturer will ship it out with all the intricate parts installed. You can assemble the rest of the hardware without any hassles at all. Those parts will not take that much amount of time to get installed too.
The extruder that it boasts is of high quality. It can significantly reduce the risk of plugging and lower the possibilities of bad extrusions. As it features a guide rail, it will operate at substantially lower noise. The guide will also increase the accuracy of the extruder significantly.
Other than that, the bed has assisted levelers that will make the setup process easy. It will also provide adequate support to the bed for carrying out the printing tasks. You will also have the full freedom of modifying the height of the base by adjusting the nuts at the corner of the base.
Highlighted Features:
- Packs a resume printing capability.
- Easy to assemble as it comes about fully assembled.
- Features a high-quality extruder.
- Unit has assisted levelers for offering adequate support.
- Comes with height adjustment nuts.
- Cheap 3d Printer under $200
6. Creality LD002R UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer
Exposed resin floating in the air can have a significant impact on the output models of a 3D printer. Creality factored that in and implemented an air filter for this model that we are going to dive deep in.
Unlike some of the units that are out there, this one features a carbon activated filter. It has a small box on the rear of the print chamber that does all the air filtration with the help of the activated carbon. This filter allows the unit to remove all the resin element exposed to the air, which will result in cleaner output models.
Other than that, it has the latest CHITUBOX software that enables it to carry it the slicing tasks faster than most of the other units that are out there. It will only take about 1 minute to slice 30Mb.stl files. You will be able to finish your project in no time at all.
It also features a 30 watts UV light that allows it to print faster in comparison. As it boasts the LD002R 2K masking LCD, you can expect it to provide accurate outputs. The anti-aliasing will smooth out the edges and will make your printed model look like it came out of a professional modeling factory.
Apart from that, it sports 3.5 inches of full-color LCD panel on the front. The UI is relatively user-friendly, and you can navigate through the functions easily.
Highlighted Features:
- Features a carbon activated air filter.
- Packs the latest CHITUBOX slicing software.
- Sports a 30 watts UV light.
- Comes with an efficient anti-aliasing algorithm.
- Has a 3.5 inches full-color touchscreen display.
7. ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 3D Printer
While there are a plethora of 3D printers, not all of them are catered towards both the beginners and veterans. Well, that is where this unit from ANYCUBIC steps in.
The thing that makes this one stick out the most is how easy it is to get it assembled. It basically comes almost fully assembled from the manufacturer. You will just have to install some basic parts on the body, and you will be good to operate it at full-fledge. This assembly process makes this a perfect choice for beginners.
Apart from that, it implements a dual Y-axis sideway design. This design can improve overall printing precision substantially. Veterans will be able to implement their own printing technique for this sideway design.
The frame that it features is of aluminum, which is exceptionally sturdy. And as it has a closed-loop design, it will ensure that the structure is highly stable, which will eventually improve the out of the printer.
Other than that, the base has assisted levelers that will make sure that it remains stable during the printing process. It also has four fully adjustable nuts, which will enable you to modify the height of the bed according to your preference.
The unit also boasts a built-in power supply that is placed at a secure place. It also features a resume print capability that will let you pick up from the last recorded position in case of power failure. And the extruder that it utilizes is of double gear.
Highlighted Features:
- Features a dual gear extruder.
- Comes with assisted levelers on the base.
- Sports adjustable height mechanism.
- Boasts a dual Y-axis sideway design.
- Capable of storing the last position in case of power failures.
8. ETROBOT Sparkmaker SLA 3D Resin Printer
In your search for a decent cheap 3D printer, you are going to stumble upon a plethora of units. But not all of them will be as easy to use as this one from ETROBOT is.
Unlike most of the units, this one has a hassle-free operation mode. With just a click of a button, you can make the machine start, stop, and pause. You will not have to waste your valuable time reading manuals just to understand how to operate the machine.
Apart from that, you will not have to worry about the assembly process, because it will ship to you being fully assembled. The Z-axis linear guide that it boasts is of industry-grade. For that reason, you can expect the outputs to be highly precise and identical to the model that you have inserted in the machine.
The slicing software that it packs is the latest one that is from CHITUBOX. That software is well known for taking a lower amount of time for creating resin models. Because of that, it will not take that much amount of time to finish off your 3D printing project.
Besides that, the UV LED light source that it boasts is 24 watts. The source will be able to distribute the light uniformly to each of the parallel panels. That means you can expect it to output models that will have proper shaping and even edges. Your 3D prints will look more professional for the precision that it has to offer.
Highlighted Features:
- One button hassle-free operation.
- Ships fully assembled.
- Features an industry-grade Z-axis guide.
- Sports the latest CHITUBOX slicing software.
- Comes with a 24 watts UV light source for even edges.
9. Anet A8 3D Printer 2004 LCD
Most of the 3D printers that are out there will be directly compatible with one or two filament source. But Anet took that up a notch with this unit that they are offering in the market.
First of all, the unit is exceptionally versatile. It is not only compatible with the XYZ bio-degradable filaments but also supports ABS, PLA, HIP, PRTG, PTU, WOOD, PP, and many more. You will have a lot of options in the case of what you want to work with for this unit.
Apart from that, the nozzle that it comes along is of brass. The precision of that is 0.04mm. That much amount of precision means that the 3D prints that you are going to get out of the unit are going to look highly identical to the model that you are going to input.
It also features a built-in power supply. The power supply is installed inside the frame, which will ensure the maximum safety of the user. It also boasts a double Z stepper motor. This motor will make sure that the structure that you are printing is balanced and has an adequate amount of stability.
The base that the machine utilizes is of aluminum alloy. It is exceptionally durable and will be able to provide enough support for printing 3D models that are a bit heavy in comparison. Also, it has an adjustable screw that will let you adjust the height of the table according to your preference.
Highlighted Features:
- Compatible with a bunch of filaments.
- Features a highly precise extruder.
- Has a durable base.
- Height of the base is adjustable.
- Boasts a double Z stepper motor.
10. LGT Longer Cube 2 Entry-Level Mini 3D Printer
We are going to finish off our review section with this unit that is from LGT. If you were looking for a 3D printer but did not have enough space to accommodate one, then you should definitely put this one under your consideration.
To begin with, it has an easy one-button operation. And to make operating it more straightforward, it has a reasonably large HD touchscreen on the front. The interface that it sports is user-friendly, which means you can get used to the navigation pretty quickly.
Apart from that, the overall footprint of the unit sets it apart the most. It has a light and compact body. For that reason, it will come fully assembled, and you will not have to fiddle with any intricate parts. It has a magnetic printing surface that is removable.
Because of that, taking off the models that you are going to print on them will be an easy task.
Just like some of the high-end devices, this one is also capable of resuming from the last stored point. That means you will not have to worry about losing progress if power failure does occur. It will also stop operating if the filament amount is low on the cartridge, which will protect the printed model from getting damaged.
It also comes with a built-in power supply. And it is placed at a location where it will be hidden from the working surface.
Highlighted Features:
- Features a compact and lightweight body.
- Has an adequate amount of protection.
- Interface is easy to get used to.
- Sports a removable build surface.
- Boasts a built-in power supply.
What Makes a Perfect 3D Printer?
You might already have a general idea about what you can expect from a decent cheap 3D printer in the market. Well, to solidify that even further, you need to keep these factors in mind. These points will allow you to efficiently scrutinize the units and choose the perfect one for your workload:
User Interface
The first thing that you would want to factor in is the user interface. You might think that you are not going to get a polished UI from a printer that is in this price point, but that is not the case.
There are many out there there that has a user-friendly UI. If you opt for a unit that has a polished overall UI, carrying out 3D printing tasks will feel like taking a walk in the park.
Slicing Software
Apart from the UI, the slicing software that the device is going to integrate is important too. Most of the manufacturers out there will ship out their machines by installing an open-source slicing software.
Those will take a load of time in the case of finishing a simple 3D printing task. And the output that you are going to get from that will also not be that much praiseworthy.
What we would recommend looking for in the printers of this price point is whether they come with CHITUBOX slicing software or not. In comparison, this software will be able to finish off a 30Mb .stl file in just a minuter, whereas the other open-source software is going to take about 10 minutes.
The Display
The display panel on the front has a significant role in the case of making printing tasks easier. Keeping that in mind, we would recommend you to opt for the ones that sport a bright, reasonably large and colored panel. With those, navigating through the different functions that the printer has to offer will feel hassle-free.
Size
Professional 3D printers are usually large in size. However, most of the ones that you are going to stumble upon for this price point will be small to medium-large size. In this case, what you have to consider is whether you have an adequate amount of space to accommodate the device or not.
Without proper setup, the device is not going to work optimally. And if you do not have the appropriate amount of space, then you will not be able to set it up properly. That is why you should keep the size in mind before buying one.
Filmanet Compatibility
The amount of filament that you can choose from for the printers that are at this price point is pretty limited. However, there are many that are compatible with multiple filaments that are out in the market. The most common one is ABS filament. It is cheap and highly accessible.
But ABS e will require a device that has a higher heating capability. So if you plan to use this, you will have to purchase accordingly.
On the other hand, the filament that most are compatible with is the PLA. But they are a bit brittle in nature, and the objects that you are going to print with them will not be that flexible. So, if you want to be on the safe side, we would recommend you to shoot for the ones that are compatible with both the ABS and PLA filament.
Connectivity Options
Last but not least, you will have to factor in the connectivity options. While most of them will have a USB cord for connecting it to the PC, some will feature an SD card slot. And the ones that do support SD cards will be able to work without a PC.
However, if you want to get into serious 3D printing, we would recommend you to opt for the ones that have a USB port alongside the USB cord and an SD card slot. Those will offer you multiple options in the case of exporting the model file, which is a convenient thing to have.
Why Do You Need a Budget 3D Printer?
Getting a full-fledged professional option might sound great, but there are many reasons why you should opt for a budget 3D printer instead. They are:
For Newbies
If you are relatively new to 3D printing, you will find it reasonably hard to understand how these machines work and how to operate. However, that is a thing you will not have to face if you are opting for a budget 3D printer.
These will usually have basic features and will have an easy to use UI. You will not have to worry about getting baffled by seeing an intricate function in these printers.
For the Children
3D printing can boost up the creativity level of the children. And as they are going to be fairly new to the concept, you would want to make then start the venture with something that has all the basic functions, which can only be found in budget 3D printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I 3D print anything?
3D printers can print almost everything. From all shapes to structures to objects, they can print all of it. However, the two limitations that you will have to keep in mind is the build volume and stability. You can print anything by checking those two factors.
2. What are things difficult to 3D print?
Usually, it is difficult to print the models that have a not flat base. Those are pretty hard to stabilize, and as a result, they will fall off during the printing process.
3. Is getting a 3d printer worth it?
3D printers will allow you to build everything if you can keep the stability and the volume in check. You can make useful objects and even tools for different purposes using them. So we would say that they are very much worth it.
4. Is it hard to get into 3D printing?
If you get a printer that has a user-friendly interface, then you will not find 3D printing that hard in the beginning. And as time will go by, things will become easier for you.
5. Can I leave the 3D printer tuned on overnight?
It is not safe to leave the 3D printer unattended for a whole night. If the project that you are carrying out is large in size, set up phases, and carry it out accordingly.
Final Words
3D printers are not only for professionals. It is becoming more accessible nowadays, and even the budget options boast a lot of features. And now that you have a general idea about the best 3d printer under 200 that are in the market, we hope that choosing one will not be that of a difficult task for you anymore.
With that being said, we would like to wrap it up here by wishing you good luck and hoping that all the models that you print have fine edges and have enough stability.