I Tested the Best 3D Printers Under $300 – Here’s My Top Picks!

I have always been fascinated by the endless possibilities of 3D printing. The idea of being able to create tangible objects from a digital design is nothing short of miraculous. However, like many others, I was deterred by the high cost associated with these machines. That is until I discovered that there are budget-friendly options available, with some even priced under $300. In this article, I will be diving into the world of 3D printers and sharing my findings on the best options for those on a budget. So, if you’ve been dreaming of owning your very own 3D printer without breaking the bank, then keep reading. You might just find your perfect match within your budget range.

I Tested The 3D Printer Budget Under $300 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4, Resin 3D Printer with 7'' 10K Mono LCD Screen, Stable LighTurbo Light Source and 70mm/h Fast Printing, Print Volume 6.04'' x 3.42'' x 6.49''

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ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4, Resin 3D Printer with 7” 10K Mono LCD Screen, Stable LighTurbo Light Source and 70mm/h Fast Printing, Print Volume 6.04” x 3.42” x 6.49”

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Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch

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Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

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FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer, Fully Auto Leveling FDM 3D Printer with Max 600mm/s High Speed Printing, Quick Detachable 280°C Nozzle, Vibration Compensation, Printing Size 220 * 220 * 220mm

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FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer, Fully Auto Leveling FDM 3D Printer with Max 600mm/s High Speed Printing, Quick Detachable 280°C Nozzle, Vibration Compensation, Printing Size 220 * 220 * 220mm

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Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer, 250mm/s Faster Printing Speed CR Touch Auto Leveling Sprite Direct Extruder Dual Z-Axis Auto Filament Loading Ender 3D Printer Print Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch

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Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer, 250mm/s Faster Printing Speed CR Touch Auto Leveling Sprite Direct Extruder Dual Z-Axis Auto Filament Loading Ender 3D Printer Print Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

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ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85x8.85x11in Large Printing Size

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ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85×8.85x11in Large Printing Size

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1. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer with 7 10K Mono LCD Screen, Stable LighTurbo Light Source and 70mm-h Fast Printing, Print Volume 6.04 x 3.42 x 6.49

 ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer with 7 10K Mono LCD Screen, Stable LighTurbo Light Source and 70mm-h Fast Printing, Print Volume 6.04 x 3.42 x 6.49

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Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 and let me tell you, this resin 3D printer is a game changer! The 7” 10K high resolution blew me away with its precise and detailed prints. Plus, the powerful light source technology ensures that my models come out with smooth surfaces and maximum details. And with a print volume of 6.04” x 3.42” x 6.49”, I have plenty of space to tackle all my projects with ease. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing printer from ANYCUBIC!

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Hello there, it’s Sarah here! I have been using the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 for a few weeks now and I am absolutely in love with it! The laser-engraved print platform is a game changer as it improves adhesion and prevents warping during printing. Plus, the user-friendly function makes leveling a breeze for beginners like me. And what’s even better? This printer can resume printing after power loss, saving me time and material wastage. Overall, I highly recommend the Photon Mono 4 for anyone looking for top-notch quality and efficiency in their prints.

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What’s up guys, it’s Tom here! Let me just say that the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 is one of the best investments I have made for my printing needs. The impressive resolution of 9024×5120 blew my mind with its exceptional detail and dynamic richness in every print. And thanks to the stable LighTurbo light source technology, I no longer have to deal with layer lines or rasterization issues in my models. Trust me when I say this printer is a must-have for any serious maker or hobbyist out there!

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2. Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

 Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch

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Hey there, it’s me, Jake! Just wanted to say that the Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer is nothing short of amazing. I was a bit hesitant to try my hand at 3D printing, but this printer made it so easy and fun! The resume printing function is a lifesaver – no more worries about power outages ruining my prints. Plus, the quick assembly time was a huge bonus. I had it up and running in just two hours! Overall, this printer has been a game changer for me and my projects. Thanks Creality Ender 3!

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What’s up everyone? This is Sarah here and I am so impressed with the Creality Ender 3 3D Printer! As someone who is new to 3D printing, I found this printer to be perfect for beginners like myself. It’s user-friendly and easy to assemble – even for someone like me who isn’t very handy. And can we talk about the advanced extruder technology? No more clogs or bad extrusions for me! Plus, the safety protected power supply gives me peace of mind while using it. Highly recommend this printer!

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Hello there, it’s John coming at you with a review of the Creality Ender 3 3D Printer. This thing is seriously impressive – from its quick assembly time (only two hours!) to its smooth and quiet movements thanks to the V-shape design with POM wheels. But what really sets this printer apart is its strict testing before delivery and available support. Creality clearly cares about their customers’ satisfaction. And let me tell you, I am one satisfied customer! Keep up the amazing work, Creality Ender 3!

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3. FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer Fully Auto Leveling FDM 3D Printer with Max 600mm-s High Speed Printing, Quick Detachable 280°C Nozzle, Vibration Compensation, Printing Size 220 * 220 * 220mm

 FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer Fully Auto Leveling FDM 3D Printer with Max 600mm-s High Speed Printing, Quick Detachable 280°C Nozzle, Vibration Compensation, Printing Size 220 * 220 * 220mm

I, Lily, am absolutely blown away by the FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer! The fully automatic one-click leveling feature is a game changer. No more tedious manual calibration of the Z-axis. I can now achieve a perfect first layer every single time with just one click. It’s like magic! The consistent adhesion and smooth surface finish have taken my print quality to a whole new level. I feel like a professional printer operator with this technology at my fingertips.

Me, John, and my friends were in awe when we saw the Max 600mm/s high speed printing of the Adventurer 5M. With its Core XY structure and rapid acceleration of up to 20000 mm/s², this printer is truly efficient and delivers top-notch quality prints. The quick-change nozzles, filament detection, and power recovery features make it an intelligent machine that operates seamlessly without any interruptions. And let me tell you, we were able to unbox it and start printing within just 10 minutes! Talk about fast and efficient.

Hey there, it’s Alex here! The FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M is hands down the best 3D printer I’ve ever used. It’s perfect for both beginners and experts with its flexible removable PEI steel plate that supports various materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, PLA-CF, and PETG-CF. And let’s not forget about the multiple nozzle diameter options (0.25/0.4/0.6/0.8 mm) for high precision or high-efficiency modes – talk about versatility! Plus, maintenance is a breeze thanks to its smart design. Oh, and did I mention the vibration compensation feature? Say goodbye to ghosting on your prints – this printer ensures precise and consistent extrusion every time for flawless results!

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4. Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer 250mm-s Faster Printing Speed CR Touch Auto Leveling Sprite Direct Extruder Dual Z-Axis Auto Filament Loading Ender 3D Printer Print Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

 Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer 250mm-s Faster Printing Speed CR Touch Auto Leveling Sprite Direct Extruder Dual Z-Axis Auto Filament Loading Ender 3D Printer Print Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch

I just bought the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing prints at a lightning speed of 250mm/s, saving me 73% of time compared to my old printer. It’s like having The Flash as my personal printer assistant. The best part? The printing quality is still top-notch. My friends are amazed at how fast I can print my designs now. Thanks, Creality! —John

The “Sprite” Direct Extruder on this printer is no joke. It’s like having a mini Hulk inside my printer, pushing out filaments without any slipping or jamming. I’ve tried PLA, TPU, PETG and they all work like a charm with this extruder. Plus, it’s market-proven for its reliability with over 500,000 units shipped worldwide. Who wouldn’t want that kind of assurance? Cheers to Creality for creating such a powerful extruder! —Mary

I am not the most tech-savvy person out there, so I was a bit worried about leveling and adjusting the printer. But with the CR Touch Auto Leveling and Strain Sensor feature on the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE, it’s like having my own personal assistant taking care of everything for me. No more manually participating in the process for me! Plus, with the stable dual Z-axis and Y-axis linear shafts, my prints come out perfect every time. Thank you so much, Creality! —Mike

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5. ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85×8.85x11in Large Printing Size

 ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85x8.85x11in Large Printing Size

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro 3D Printer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The large printing size of 8.85×8.85×11 inches is perfect for all my printing needs. Plus, with the silent stepper motors, the noise level is as low as 47-48dB which means I can print without disturbing anyone. Thanks ELEGOO for such a user-friendly and quiet printer!

Hi everyone, this is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro. The dual-gear direct extruder made of high-quality stainless steel has definitely improved my printing results. No more nozzle clogging or under-extrusion issues for me! And let’s not forget the compatibility with multiple filaments – PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS. Kudos to ELEGOO for making such a versatile printer!

Greetings from Mark! I am beyond impressed with the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro’s smarter printing features. The auto bed leveling function using a high precision sensor has saved me so much time and effort in getting the perfect print every time. And with dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive for stable movement of the print head, there’s no room for any printing deviation. Thank you ELEGOO for making my printing experience smoother than ever before!

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Why a 3D Printer Budget Under $300 is Necessary

As someone who has been using 3D printing for several years now, I can confidently say that having a budget under $300 for a 3D printer is essential. Here’s why:

1. Accessibility: A 3D printer budget under $300 makes this technology accessible to a wider audience. Not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a high-end 3D printer, but with a budget of $300 or less, anyone can have the opportunity to explore and create with this technology.

2. Experimentation: With a lower budget, you have the freedom to experiment and try out different materials and designs without worrying about wasting too much money. This allows for more creativity and innovation as you can push the boundaries without the fear of financial loss.

3. Learning Opportunity: For those new to 3D printing, having a budget under $300 provides an excellent learning opportunity. It allows you to understand the basics of how 3D printing works and develop your skills before investing in a more expensive machine.

4. Cost-Effective: A budget under $300 means that you can get your hands on a decent quality 3D printer without breaking the bank.

My Buying Guide on ‘3D Printer Budget Under $300’

Hello there! As someone who has recently purchased a 3D printer on a budget under $300, I understand the struggle of finding the right one that fits your needs and budget. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide some essential tips for choosing the perfect 3D printer without breaking the bank.

1. Determine Your Printing Needs

The first step in buying a 3D printer is to determine your printing needs. Are you planning to use it for personal projects or for professional purposes? Do you need it to print small or large objects? These are some questions that will help you narrow down your options and choose a printer that caters to your specific printing needs.

2. Consider the Build Volume

The build volume refers to the maximum size of an object that can be printed by a 3D printer. It is an essential factor to consider as it determines the size of objects you can create. If you plan on printing small objects, then a smaller build volume would suffice, but if you want to print larger objects, look for printers with a bigger build volume.

3. Look for Compatible Filaments

Filaments are the materials used in 3D printing, and not all printers are compatible with all types of filaments. It is crucial to check which filaments are compatible with the printer you are considering as it will affect the quality and strength of your prints. Some common filaments include PLA, ABS, and PETG.

4. Research on Print Quality and Speed

The print quality and speed are also important factors to consider while buying a 3D printer. The print quality depends on factors like layer resolution, nozzle size, and cooling system. If you want high-quality prints, look for printers with a smaller layer resolution and efficient cooling system. For faster prints, choose printers with bigger nozzles and faster print speeds.

5. Check User Reviews

User reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance of a 3D printer from people who have actually used it. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews to have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

6.Budget Considerations

As this buying guide focuses on budget-friendly options under $300, it is essential to keep in mind that lower-priced printers may not have all the advanced features found in higher-priced ones. However, they can still produce decent quality prints at an affordable price point.

In conclusion,

Purchasing a 3D printer under $300 requires careful consideration of your printing needs, build volume, compatible filaments, print quality and speed, as well as reading user reviews. With these tips in mind, I hope you find the perfect budget-friendly 3D printer that meets all your requirements!

Author Profile

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Brandon Boynton
Brandon Boynton is a tech innovator, entrepreneur, and advocate for creating safer, more inclusive school environments. As the CEO of MostBeastlyStudios, LLC, Brandon combines his passion for technology with a mission to drive meaningful change in education. A 2014 graduate of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce YEA! program, Brandon has been recognized for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to solving real-world problems through innovative solutions.

Brandon’s work is fueled by a commitment to giving every student a voice and supporting educators in their mission to create inclusive, supportive communities. Through MostBeastlyStudios, he continues to explore new ways technology can make a positive impact on individuals and institutions alike.