The 3D printer is one of the most innovative and entertaining pieces of technology that you can own. Gone are the days when a 3D printer was a huge device that would cost thousands of dollars. These days, we can easily find amazing 3D printers that cost less than $300. If you’re on the lookout for a printer that is cheap and reliable, check out this in-depth product buying guide for the best 3D printer under $300. Remember to check out our recommendations and FAQs!
Comgrow Creality Ender 3
- Removable build plate for consistent printing
- UL Certified Meanwell power supply
- Open source and compatible with all systems
- Upgraded extruder for smooth printing
- Comes with ‘resume printing’ function
List Of Best 3D Printer Under $300
- Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
- FlashForge Adventurer 3C Auto Leveling 3D Printer
- ANYCUBIC Photon Mono LCD Resin 3D Printer
- Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer
- Creality HALOT 1 Resin 3D Printer
- ELEGOO Neptune 2D 3D Printer
- Voxelab Aquila-M Metal DIY 3D Printer
- Voxelab Proxima LCD UV 3D Printer
- Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer
- Haosegd Mini 3D Printer for Kids
The Best 3D Printer Under $300 for 2022 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
There are thousands of 3D printers available on the internet right now, and it can be very difficult to figure out which is best for you. To help you out, we have come up with a top 10 list for the best 3D printer under $300. We have also included a buying guide later that we’re sure you’ll find informative.
IMAGE | NAME & Details | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
FlashForge Adventurer 3C Auto Leveling & Removable 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono LCD UV Resin 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 V2 Upgraded 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
Creality HALOT ONE Resin 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
ELEGOO Neptune 2D FDM 3D Printer with Silent Kernel |
| Check The Price | |
Voxelab Aquila M FDM Metal Frame DIY 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
Voxelab Proxima 6.0 LCD UV DIY Resin 3D Printer |
| Check The Price | |
Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer V2 |
| Check The Price | |
Haosegd Nano 3D Mini Printer for Kids |
| Check The Price |
1. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- Removable build plate for consistent printing
- UL Certified Meanwell power supply
- Open source and compatible with all systems
- Upgraded extruder for smooth printing
- Comes with ‘resume printing’ function
When we were looking for the best 3D printer under $300, the first name that popped into our head was the Creality Ender 3 Pro. We are huge fans of the Creality 3D printers, and Ender 3 Pro is one of the best products we have worked with. It’s 100% open source and it can be used with all systems. It’s also designed to be efficient, fast, safe, and powerful.
Pros
- The build bed heats upto 110°C in 5 minutes.
- Ender 3 has a C-Magnet build bed for accurate builds.
- The ‘resume printing’ function is great for preserving build quality.
- Ender 3 Pro is compatible with PLA, an affordable build material.
Cons
- It’s somewhat difficult to set up the axes.
2. FlashForge Adventurer 3C Auto Leveling 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- Auto leveling and removable build plate
- Detachable & directly heated extrusion nozzles
- Heated bed for high quality prints
- Compatible with PLA, ABS, PETG filaments
- Compatible with various 3D software
This 3D printer is only $20 above the $300 limit, which is why we have included it in our list. We are huge fans of the FlashForge Adventurer line of 3D printers, so we were very excited when the Adventurer 3C was released. This is a cost-effective desktop printer that can be used with all kinds of filaments. It has an auto leveling and removable heated build plate as well.
Pros
- The detachable nozzles can be heated to 240°C in 50 seconds.
- The build plate of the Adventurer 3C is auto leveling and removable.
- It is compatible with PLA, ABS, PETG, and other materials.
- This is a very simple 3D printer.
Cons
- The Adventurer 3C has a slow build speed.
3. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono LCD Resin 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- 6.08” 2K Monochrome LCD printer
- Overall accuracy of 0.01 mm
- UV blocking cover for resin solidification
- Comes with ANYCUBIC Photon workshop
- Photon Matrix parallel light source
This is definitely the best 3D printer under $300 in the resins section. First of all, the Photon Mono makes use of a 6.08” 2K monochrome LCD, which deposits resin layers 2.5 times faster than a regular printer. Next, the Photon Mono comes with a transparent cover that blocks UV and solidifies resin very fast. With an accuracy level of 0.01 mm, the Photon Mono is fantastic!
Pros
- Photon matrix parallel light sources are uniform and energy-efficient.
- The transparent top cover is fully resistant to UV rays.
- Its 6.08” 2K LCD deposits resins 2.5x faster than usual.
- It is compatible with Photon Workshop and Chitu Box sliders.
Cons
- The build volume can be rather small.
4. Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- Carborundorum glass plate for even heating
- 4.3 inch LCD user interface screen
- XY-axis tensioner for stable printing
- Silent Creality motherboard for quiet printing
- Rotary knob filament feeder
If you are new to the world of 3D printing, then the Creality Ender 3 V2 is the best place to start. This is a stunning 3D printer that is full of features intended to make your life easier. We love how it has a rotary knob to help you feed the filament in easily. It also has a 4.3 inch LCD user interface screen that’s easy to use.
Pros
- The 4.3 inch LCD user interface screen is very simple.
- The carborundorum glass plate provides an even heating.
- It has a Meanwell power supply for effortless and precise printing.
- Creality Ender 3 V2 is compatible with all kinds of software.
Cons
- It’s not compatible with different filament types.
5. Creality HALOT 1 Resin 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- 6.08” 2K monochrome LCD printer
- 5.96” RGB monochrome LCD printer
- Integral light source with 99% saturation
- Normal service life of 2000 hours
- Included Creality HALOT kernel
The Halot One is the best 3D printer under $300, especially if you’re on the lookout for cheap and dependable SLA resin models. This comes with two light sources, a 6.08” 2K LCD and a 5.96” RGB LCD. It has an integral light source with 99% more saturation, 20% more accuracy, and 15% higher build uniformity. It also comes with its very own in-built cooling and filtration system.
Pros
- The integral light source provides 20% more accuracy than normal.
- The HALOT One kernel that processes and develops images faster.
- Creality’s two light sources make the resin deposition faster and better.
- It has a printing speed of 1-4 layers per second.
Cons
- It’s a little hard to set up.
6. ELEGOO Neptune 2D 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- CNC machine aluminium extrusion with roller
- Printing precision size of 0.1 mm
- Nozzle and motherboard cooling fans
- 250W hotbed heats in 3 minutes
- Noise level of 50db
If you are really into board and role playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons), then you are going to love the ELEGOO Neptune 2D model. This is an amazing FDM model that has a print precision of 0.1 mm. This makes it the ideal choice for building small scale models for your D&D game. It has been designed to provide you with a maximum speed of 180 mm/s.
Pros
- Neptune 2D 3D printer has a printing speed of 180 mm/s.
- The nozzles of the printer can be switched up as well.
- It’s compatible with all kinds of slicer software.
- It’s compatible with different kinds of filament materials.
Cons
- The build base tends to wobble and warp sometimes.
7. Voxelab Aquila-M Metal DIY 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- 5 0.4 mm nozzles included
- Printing precision size of 0.2 mm
- 32-bit Aquila kernel
- Max. bed temp. of 110°C
- Max. print speed of 180 mm/s
If you want to get your kids into STEM and engineering from a young age, then you have to encourage them to be creative. You can do that very well with the Voxelab Aquila-M, a small 3D printer that packs a huge punch. It has a maximum printing speed of 180 mm/s and a standard precision of 0.2 mm. It also comes packed with pneumatic joints, nozzles, etc.
Pros
- Voxelab Aquila-M has a max. build volume of 12100 cm3.
- The power supply heats the build bed to a temp. of 110°C.
- The Aquila-M has a standard precision of 0.2 mm.
- The in-built kernel/motherboard is high speed and quiet.
Cons
- The nozzles take time to warm up.
8. Voxelab Proxima LCD UV 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- 6.08” 2K Monochrome LCD printer
- Z-axis linear rail structure with V-rail
- Uniform light emission UV source
- Precision of 0.025-0.01 mm
- Chitu Box & VoxelPrint slicer software
Engineers and architects need to work with models to provide a firm proof of concept. Even the largest bridges and buildings have their roots in a humble desktop 3D printer. The Voxelab Proxima is our favourite choice when it comes to building realistic models with resin. It has a unique rail structure and an in-built UV light source. It also comes with a 6.08” 2K monochrome LCD for accuracy.
Pros
- Proxima 3D printers have a precision of 0.01-0.025 mm.
- It comes with Chitu Box and VoxelPrint slicer software.
- It is compatible with all kinds of 405 nm photopolymer resin.
- This 3D printer comes assembled and 100% ready to use.
Cons
- The USB connectivity can be unreliable sometimes.
9. Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer
Highlighted features
- Compatible with all 1.75 mm filaments
- Compact design best for the desktop
- Max. extruder temp. of 250°C
- 3.7” IPS color screen
- In-built nozzle/plate cooling system
In our opinion, the Monoprice is the best 3D printer under $300 that you can buy, especially if you are looking for something compact. This is a versatile device that works with all kinds of filament types – they only have to be 1.75 mm in size. It has a maximum extruder temp. of 250°C, which speeds up the printing process. This printer is compatible with WiFi, USB, and microSD.
Pros
- The Monoprice Mini is compatible with WiFi, USB, and MicroSD cards.
- Its power supply can guarantee a max. extruder temp. of 250°C.
- The 3.7” IPS color screen makes control very simple.
- It is compatible with all kinds of 1.75 mm filaments.
Cons
- The bed heats up slowly.
10. Haosegd Mini 3D Printer for Kids
Highlighted features
- Comes with one key printing setup
- Compatible with 1.75 mm PLA filament
- No assembly required at all
- Visible window for keeping watch
- Automatic filament loading system included
If you have a child or a nephew/niece that you want to win over, then this Mini 3D printer for kids is the best gift. With this cute little printer, kids who are 7 and above can make their own toys, study materials, and more. It works with cheap 1.75 mm PLA filament and it has a build precision of 0.05 mm. There is no assembly required.
Pros
- The simple mini 3D printer does not need any assembly.
- The filament gets loaded into the extruder of the printer automatically.
- This is a simple machine that is extremely easy to operate.
- Its cute design will be loved by any kid.
Cons
- The included instruction manual is not helpful.
Buying Guide
Here is a buying guide that you can use if you want to know about what factors to keep in mind while looking for the best 3D printer under $300.
Filament Material
We would recommend you to go with printers like the ELEGOO Neptune or the FlashForge Adventurer 3C, since these printers are compatible with ABS, PLA, PETG, wood, etc. You can also go for the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono or the Creality Halot One, which make use of photosensitive resin.
Build Volume
Depending on what you are intending to build, you need to choose a printer with the right build volume. If you want to build figurines for games or toys, then the Creality Ender 3 Pro or the Voxelab Proxima 6.0 are solid choices. If you want something more professional, then we would recommend the Ender 3 V2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Ender 3 Pro or V2 better?
In terms of build quality, we would recommend the Ender 3 V2 over the Ender 3 Pro. However, if maintenance and running costs matter to you, then we’d recommend the latter printer.
Q: Is a $300 3D printer worth it?
Yes! The market is full of amazing 3D printers that are cheap but effective. That’s why we have tried to come up with 10 amazing recommendations for the best 3D printer under $300.
Conclusion
This is all of the information that you will need to buy the best 3D printer under $300. Make sure to go through our reviews and buying guide for the latest advice and the best tips!