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Best 3D Printer Under $500 in 2022

The perfect point of entry into the world of 3D printing
Last Updated on March 14, 2022
best 3d printer under 500

Long gone are the days when 3D printers were all DIY kits, endless tinkering, and frustrating troubleshooting. Nowadays, it’s never been easier to start a journey into the marvelous world of 3D printing. Thanks to improvements made since 3D printers rose to prominence over a decade ago, today’s market abounds with well-designed, efficient machines capable of pumping out high-quality custom creations.

Somewhat more importantly, the cost of entry is more reasonable than ever, firmly exiling the extortionate prices of early high-end models to the past. It’s now entirely possible to pick up a sturdy and reliable printer for under $500. Prices soared beyond $1000 in the not too distant past. While this new affordability opens up doors for first-timers to try their hand at 3D printing, numerous questions can put many off making that first step, chiefly what should be my first 3D printer?

Today, we’re honing in on the very best 3D printers under $500, with one key aim: take much of the legwork out of the equation and greatly simplify that first purchase.

Products at a Glance

Our Recommended

Best 3D Printer Under $500 in 2022

1
PROS
  • Excellent print quality for the price
  • Good build volume
  • Easy DIY upgrades
  • Price
CONS
  • Self-assembly
  • No auto bed leveling
2
PROS
  • Large build volume
  • Good print detail
  • Easy assembly for what is ostensibly a kit printer
  • Affordable
CONS
  • Its popularity means availability issues at retailers
  • Struggles with certain materials such as ABS
3
PROS
  • Fast
  • Easy to use
  • Pre-assembled
CONS
  • Noisy
  • Fumes
  • Unshielded LCD
4
PROS
  • Superb detailed/intricate prints
  • Generous build volume
  • Ease of us
  • Quick cure times
CONS
  • Ongoing costs
  • Fumes
  • Flimsy vat
5
best 3d printer under 500

Best 3D Printer Under $500 in 2022

PROS
CONS

Our Verdict

It’s worth noting that our guide features only a limited number of 3D printers, and there are countless others out there. Still, these four top picks are an ideal entry point into 3D printing and produce exceptional results without bleeding you dry financially.

For an excellent filament printer under $500, our money is on the Creality Ender 3 Pro. Reasonably-priced, yet reliable, and capable of delivering quality prints, the Ender 3 Pro’s pseudo-DIY approach should please those interested in tinkering/upgrades and novice alike.

If large scale prints are your cup of tea, then the Creality CR-10 Mini hits the spot with incredible build volume value for the price and overall footprint. It also has the added benefits of easy assembly and good quality prints. Our vote for the best resin 3D printer under $500 goes uncontested to the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro. Definitely one for those hoping for smooth surfaces and flawless detail.

Finally, for those looking for a non-nonsense value resin option, we have the speedy Anycubic Photon Mono. Intricate prints come out great, but getting there is where this printer wins points: it’s effortless to use and intuitive.

With that, our guide to the best 3D printers under $500 comes to an end. Best of luck on your search, and should you have any questions, pop them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to respond.