If you’re in search of the best cheap 3D printer 2024, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we have curated a selection of the best budget-friendly filament and resin 3D printers available in various price ranges: under $200, $300, $500, and $1,000. Gone are the days when 3D printers were exclusively expensive industrial equipment. 

Today, you can easily find a high-quality and cost-effective 3D printer that fits your budget. For as little as $200, you can bring home a fantastic beginner-friendly machine that allows you to start printing your creations in no time. In this overview, we will primarily focus on filament-based 3D printers, which offer exceptional value for money and support a wide range of standard thermoplastic filaments like PLA, PETG, and ABS.

BEST BUDGET 3D PRINTER (FDM)

Under $200: Voxelab Aquila X2

– Successor to the discontinued Aquila model, offering enhancements at a slightly higher price.

– Features tempered glass print bed with a textured decal for improved bed adhesion.

– Includes a filament sensor to detect filament depletion during prints and pause for user input.

– Equipped with a 32-bit mainboard and silent stepper motor drivers for smooth and quiet operation.

– Bed leveling probe can be added as an optional upgrade for improved accuracy.

– User-friendly bundled slicing software and compatibility with popular open-source slicers.

– Note: Different variants of the Aquila X2 exist, requiring varying levels of effort for firmware customization.

Under $300: Anycubic Kobra

– The Anycubic Kobra offers advanced features and conveniences uncommon at its price point.

– Priced at $229, it provides a well-rounded 3D printing experience with added value.

– Features a design with print head and bed on V-slot aluminum extrusions, ensuring stability.

– Offers a generous build volume of 222 x 222 x 252 mm, suitable for most average-sized prints.

– Highlights include an easy-to-use direct extruder, reliable automatic bed-leveling, and a removable magnetic PEI-coated spring-steel print bed sheet.

– Compatible with a wide range of materials like PLA, PETG, and TPU.

– Considered a step up from the popular Ender 3 V2 model at a similar price point.

– Allows for potential future mods and upgrades, making it a versatile machine for under $300.

Under $500: Creality Ender 3 S1

– The Creality Ender 3 S1 offers significant improvements compared to previous Ender 3 models.

– Priced at $329, it provides excellent value for its enhanced features and usability.

– Features dual stepper motors for Z-axis movement, a flexible metal removable PC-coated print bed, and a lightweight print head with a dual, reduction-geared extruder.

– Boasts a larger build volume compared to other printers in this category.

– The Sprite extruder enables quick and easy filament loading with reduced chances of clogs or under extrusion.

– Equipped with a CR-Touch auto-bed leveling probe for achieving perfect first layers effortlessly.

– Includes a full-size SD card for data transfer, a tool drawer, and belt tensioners for added convenience.

– Offers a compelling alternative to the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ with a fuss-free printing experience, albeit without the self-diagnostic capabilities and distinct aesthetics.

Under $1,000: Bambu Lab P1P

– The Bambu Lab P1P offers a budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced X1 model and it is one of the best 3d printer under $1000

– Priced at $699, it provides a CoreXY mechanical arrangement with a generous 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume.

– Features a magnetic textured PEI spring steel print bed and compatibility with Bambu Lab’s Automatic Material System (AMS) for multi-material printing.

– Includes auto bed leveling via nozzle probing and supports pressure advance and input shaping out of the box.

– Offers wireless network capabilities for remote management through Bambu Lab’s desktop or mobile applications.

– While lacking some premium features of the X1, the P1P retains important design elements at an affordable price.

– Impressive printing speed (up to 500 mm/s) and a user-friendly interface.

– Provides excellent value considering the features it offers in comparison to the price.

Anycubic Kobra Go: The Best Cheap FDM 3D Printer

– Price: $209

– Print bed size: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches / 220 x 220 x 250mm

– Layer resolution: 0.1mm

– Auto-leveling: Yes

– Reasons to buy: Auto-leveling, excellent print quality, near silent printing

– Reasons to avoid: Self-assembly required

– The Anycubic Kobra Go is our top choice for a low-cost FDM printer.

– Offers impressive print quality and comes with auto-leveling for easy setup.

– Provides near-silent printing, ensuring a quiet printing experience.

– Despite requiring self-assembly, the simple instructions allow for quick and hassle-free setup.

– Suitable for beginners and experienced users alike, offering excellent value for its price.

BEST BUDGET 3D PRINTERS (RESIN)

Under $200: Elegoo Mars 2

– The Elegoo Mars 2 is a reliable and popular budget resin printer.

– Features a mono LCD for fast layer curing and user-friendly functionality.

– Offers a 50-micron resolution, providing impressive detail and fidelity for miniatures and delicate prints.

– Provides a decent build volume of 129 x 80 x 150 mm for producing small batches of parts.

– Compatible with ChiTuBox slicer, a free and easy-to-use software.

– Equipped with an easy-level single-bolt print plate system for convenience.

– Offers excellent value for its price compared to higher-priced alternatives.

– Features a stylish transparent green design with a clear-craze resin vat and lid.

Under $300: Elegoo Mars 3

– The Elegoo Mars 3 combines the best features of previous Mars printers into a well-rounded package.

– Offers a large build volume of 143 x 90 x 165 mm and a high resolution of 35 microns.

– Utilizes a powerful COB light source with 36 LEDs for fast layer curing times of up to 1.5 seconds per layer.

– Features a stylish design with a 3.5-inch color touchscreen and a metal resin vat for durability.

– Improved FEP film thickness and sandblasted print plate surface enhance print adhesion.

– Comes with a one-year subscription to ChiTuBox Pro, a value of $169.

– Priced around $209, making it a compelling option for high-detail prints on a budget.

– Offers a user-friendly experience with excellent print quality, making it a top choice for budget 3D printers.

Under $500: Creality Halot-One Pro

– The Creality Halot-One Pro stands out among the best affordable 3D printers with its near-square build volume, Wi-Fi capabilities, and sleek user interface.

– Priced at just $249, it offers an excellent value with advanced features.

– The 130 x 122 mm near-square print plate provides a practical volume for printing larger pieces at different angles.

– Offers a printable Z-axis height of 160 mm, allowing for taller prints.

– Provides a modern experience with Wi-Fi connectivity and cloud operability through the Creality Cloud platform.

– Features a 5-inch color touchscreen that offers a smooth and enjoyable user interface.

– While the resolution of 51 microns may not be the highest, the Halot-One Pro excels in usability and connectivity.

– The print vat and print plate may be less user-friendly compared to competitors like Elegoo’s Mars series.

– Despite concerns about the cloud model library, the Halot-One Pro remains an innovative and unique choice for resin printing.

Under $1,000: Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

– The defining feature of the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is its astonishing resolution, with 7500 x 3240 pixels packed into a 165 x 72 mm build area.

– Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is a one of the best 3d printers under $1000 for Resin 

– Offers a pixel size of 22 microns, resulting in crisper detail and reduced “staircase” effect in prints.

– Ideal for those seeking the ultimate resolution for professional or high-quality prints.

– While lacking some comfort features, the Mini 8K maintains good usability and hardware for a well-balanced resin 3D printing experience.

– Features an improved resin vat design with convenient corner pegs for alignment and stability.

– The print plate leveling may require adjustments using machine screws, but the textured print plate surface ensures print adhesion.

– Provides a comfortable and modern resin printing experience with cutting-edge resolution, despite not being the most feature-rich option.

Anycubic Photon M3 Premium: 

– Price: $639

– Print bed size: 9.9 x 4.9 x 8.6 inches / 123 x 219 x 250 mm

– Layer resolution: 8K (7680 x 4320 px)

– Technology: MSLA

– Reasons to buy: Large print volume, 8K LCD with Anycubic Lighturbo 2.0, Dual air purifiers

– Reasons to avoid: Very big and bulky

– Rated as the best resin 3D printer tested, providing sharp and clear prints.

– Features an 8K LCD and Anycubic Lighturbo 2.0 system for excellent print quality.

– Offers a large print volume, fast printing speeds, and a large resin tank.

– Built-in dual air purifiers ensure a clean printing environment.

– Wi-Fi functionality expected to be available in early 2024.

– Suitable for a wide range of printing needs, from full-sized models to tabletop gaming pieces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Best Cheap 3D printer 2024 showcases how the world of 3D printing has become increasingly accessible with a wide range of budget-friendly options available. Whether you prefer filament-based or resin-based printers, there are excellent choices to fit different price ranges. 

For under $200, the Voxelab Aquila X2 emerges as a top contender, offering great value and features that make it an ideal entry-level option in the Best Cheap 3D printer 2024 category. Moving up to the $300 range, the Anycubic Kobra stands out with its reliability and user-friendly design, solidifying its position among the Best Cheap 3D printer 2024 choices. Regardless of your budget, you can find a suitable 3D printer that meets your needs and allows you to explore the exciting world of 3D printing.

For those willing to spend up to $500, the Creality Ender 3 S1 provides a larger build volume and enhanced functionality, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Stepping up to the $1,000 range, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K offers astonishing resolution, making it a perfect choice for those seeking the highest level of print detail.

Overall, the evolution of 3D printing technology has made it more affordable and accessible. Enthusiasts can now explore their creativity without exceeding their budgets. With a wide range of options available, you can find a budget-friendly 3D printer that suits your needs and allows you to bring your ideas to life.