Best 3D Printers Under 500 Dollars

Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Ellie Macadam

Are you looking to design your penholders, keys, shoe, figurines, key chains art pieces, or even toys for your children? It’s possible to accomplish this without the financial burden and you can get the Best 3D Printers Under 500.

The advent used in additive production has revolutionized the way manufacturing is conducted. At first, it was only utilized by industrialists and used to cost many thousands. With advancements in technology, it’s currently available for purchase at 500 or less with many modern features.

The need for affordable 3D printers has risen dramatically since they are cost-effective as well as fast and precise. They can be used for many purposes. Like 3D printing is widely used in industry and architecture, businesses nowadays, for instance, and it is also fast becoming a popular pastime for creativity lovers and hobbyists. Miniatures, such as figurines or unique chess pieces and costumes and accessories to cosplay are a popular way to explore 3D printing enthusiasts. There are many designers both amateur and professional printing and selling their designs in their stores. Many who have chosen this route have stated they believe that 3D printers are worth the purchase and can be repaid in a matter of weeks or even a few days.

It’s a great method to fill your spare time, as it improves your creativity and provides more enjoyment than sitting down and watching television. Therefore, factors such as the ease of assembly and usage of the build volume, quality as well as reliability were important in our decision-making process. We’ve tried to stay clear of getting too technical and focus on printers that would suit novices and adventurous newbies with the best.

Although there are many options to choose from, starting in the 3D printing industry isn’t easy. We’ve also looked for brands with a solid track record of high-quality and minimal technical issues, to make sure the 3D printers we suggest scoring additional points for durability and dependability. Naturally, as the title states, we’ve kept the cost to a minimum of $500.

Here is the list of top 10 Best 3D Printers Under 500

1. QIDI TECH 3D Printer, X-Pro 3D Printer with Wi-Fi Function

Within the made of Flexible technology, Qidi Technology produces 3D printer modeling of fused deposition geared to the semi-professional and amateur market. At a cost of about $499, the Qidi Tech X-Pro printer is one of the best and cheapest dual-extrusion printers available.

While Qidi Tech X-One 2 has only one nozzle the X-Pro provides two extrusions through dual nozzles. As per the maker, the device can print ABS, PLA, and PETG.

Is Qidi Tech X-Pro accepting 1.75-millimeter filament that is fed straight into the direct drive extrusion system of the printer head? Cooling is also very important in this QUID Tech Print cooling is controlled via an “air blow turbofan” that surrounds the nozzles and provides cooling on every side (see picture above.) The fan has to be installed when setting up the printer however, the guides (found on the USB sticks) will help you navigate the procedure.

In addition to the sides, the entire printer makes a solid small impression. The body is made of metal and the acrylic enclosure comes with efficient cable management. There aren’t any loose cables that could disrupt the print process. The filament spools sit on the outside of the machine.

Qidi Tech uses an advanced proprietary cutting software, known as Qidi Print which suspiciously appears to be the Cura 3. X version. We found the application to be simple to use with its auto-slice feature or the more sophisticated flexible options that can be customized. It’s available on Windows and Mac OS.

You can easily find test objects, and downloaded tutorials on a USB stick provided which does be provided by Qidi Tech. Qidi Print comes with a compatible version of the X-Pro So slicing your document and transferring it to the printer takes only an issue of a few minutes. In the last, Using the printer is a good experience, especially for those who are using it for the first time who could set it up, provide a design of the model, and start printing.

2. JGAURORA 3D Printer A5S Upgraded

The JGAurora A5 offers a modern design and has a variety of features from its smaller and previous versions. It’s one of the many medium-sized FDM 3D printers that are becoming increasingly popular with those on budgets. It also is equipped with some intriguing variations.

In comparison to its predecessor, it’s a step up from its predecessor. JGAurora A5 has a large capacity, and new features such as power recovery, and a high-definition full-color touchscreen. It sounds intriguing, which is why we have decided to test this amazing printer. After spending the last week installing and printing with this popular 3D printer, We become more familiar with the machine. This is our first impression of JGAurora A5.

Its JGAurora A5 has a simple and elegant appearance. When you first open the box you immediately begin to feel the printer’s large production capacity. The massive frame made of metal is extremely light to the point that it can feel a little thin at times. When you press an unlock lever on the clip for the extruder to start loading filament (which has a surprising quantity of resistance) you will feel the frame’s thinness bending when you press it.

This printer is not a small machine, so if you are planning to include it in your workspace, you’ll have to make space.

The hot end of the printer is an E3D hot-end clone, which includes a customized heatsink. This heated is a glass plate, with an extra coating that is similar to that of Anycubic Ultrabase.

The printer is partially assembled and the assembly process is quite easy. The frame and base of the printer could be connected by a couple of turns of bolts and screws. We had this printer put together and turned on in around 15 minutes. But, ultimately it appears that the JGAurora 3d printer presents itself as an affordable knock-off of the CR-10 Technology. It can be able to take steps on some massive prints, however, glaring design flaws are the reason we are hesitant to make a decision.

3. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K, Resin 3D Printer

It is the first Anycubic Photon Mono 4K the first photo printer. This is the latest addition to the cost-effective Photon 3D printer line produced by ANYCUBIC and is an upgraded version of the Photon Mono. In particular, it has been upgraded to 4K from the (2560x 1620) of the prior Mono 3D printer which was a resin.

Does this need to be a factor that warrants the need for a whole new printer? It is important because you can get more pixels in the same space (as the original Photon printer) and the models will be much more precise (there is a vast difference between the 2K as well as 4K). If the cost remains about the same, its Anycubic Photon Mono 4K will likely fantastic replacement for the nearly five years old 3D printer made of resin.

This other’s 3D printers are fully assembled and everything is in a case, meaning there is no need to work with rods or wires. For the Photon Anycubic Mono printer, the process of installing it is extremely easy and the initial footstep is to turn it on by connecting the cable to the port on the back and hitting the Power button. The display will light up and display options for print, System, and Tools options.

Does the Anycubic Photon 4K worth the price? Absolutely. It’s a great printer. Photon Mono 4K worked right from the beginning It was simple to set up and it printed very well. It’s got everything you’d want in an entry-level 3D printer, and at a reasonable price. Although this Photon Mono still performs considerably well, there’s no substitute for the quality the Photon Mono 4K can create.

Although the build quality is superb, however, the build plate is the same size as that of the first Photon Mono with dimensions of 6.5 inches. You are still able to print huge miniatures, but not many at the same time. If you’re looking to print more real space, we’ll be analyzing our review of the Photon Mono X soon, and also our Wash & Cure station! If you’re keen to get into the realm of 3D printing, then Photon Mono 4K is an excellent starter unit.

4. ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer Large Metal FDM 3D Printer

Anycubic MEGA X is a reputable 3D printer maker based in China and they produce top-quality equipment. They have the Anycubic Mega X is one of the most advanced models they’ve developed and fulfills many needs that users have had in mind for 3D printers.

The Anycubic Mega X is built to handle massive volumes of build measuring (300 x 300 x 305mm) which can print 3D models that the large majority of 3D printers wouldn’t be able to print. It’s a fantastic option for both beginners and also professionals in the field of 3D printing Don’t be overwhelmed by the size now.

In addition to the enormous build capacity, other attributes like accuracy, precision, and high quality truly put this 3D printer at the top of the field list.

Normally, If you purchase a 3D printer you’ll want it to be robust so that it reduces vibrations, which can result in superior-quality prints. If you have an unstable, vibration-prone frame, it could directly affect printing quality since your nozzle isn’t as precise. It is the Anycubic Mega X that has made certain to solve this issue with solid, high-quality parts.

The Dual Sideways Design feature has positively impacted its printing accuracy and allows it to produce amazing textures and details within your print. Anycubic-made custom aluminum modules to support the Y-axis at the base of the head bed along with a double lead rail to greatly increase its stability on the bed. In this day and age of smartphones and fast technology, we prefer flexible screens everywhere we go. The Anycubic MegaX’s touchscreen should be the same. It’s extremely responsive to touch, very comparable to high-end devices, and makes it easy to use from beginning to end.

The cost-effectiveness of this printer can be hard to believe, however, it’s a reliable printer that delivers excellent results. The size of its build is what makes it an exceptional printer when compared to other printers. The users of this printer are awestruck because of its extremely robust design and its no movement when printing, resulting in high-quality prints. The build quality of this printer is impressive.

5. Mingda Upgrade Magician X 3D Printer

Sometimes it’s the small things that many people wish for, such as a 3D printer that can handle a large SD card. It also has an auto-balance system that can get it right on the first try without fussing about Z height.

The one device that is doing a lot of things is The Mingda Magician X 3d printer. The price is $399. It is equipped with a simple-to-load direct drive and an auto-leveling system that is extremely effective, and ports for USB sticks and as well as full-sized SD cards. It’s ideal for newbies or those who wish to use less time working with a wrench and spend more time printing cool items.

The Magician X comes with tools that you’ll need to set up your printer. It also comes with an extra nozzle, an additional part of the Teflon tube, and a large SD card. You can also get a tiny sample made of PLA that you can print out your very first prototype. The attractive-looking 3D printer with an elongated footprint and clear lines. It comes with only a single ribbon cable, not bundled wires, and also a drawer that can be used to store your equipment. It’s so quiet, that you’ll barely even be aware of its operation.

I hope you were very happy to discover slots that could accommodate both the full-sized SD card and USB stick – something that isn’t exactly what you would want to be cheering on, especially if you’ve accidentally lost one of your microSDs when you transferred it from your PC to the printer.

Other small details add to the Magician X fun to use. It comes with belt tension knobs in case you have to alter the degree of tightness, a frame that protects the glass plate using only one clip, as well as an upper handle in case you want it to be moved around.

Some options function behind the scenes: two z rods for an even print, and double gears in a direct drive that smoothly load filament. However, you had to tighten the screw that holds one of those gears at the beginning of testing however, after that the printer was working perfectly.

With a price tag of $399, Mingda Magician X is a simple-to-use, free printer for those who need a high-end printer without the cost. It’s easy to put together and has an easy-to-load direct drive and an automatic leveling system that gets it in the first attempt.

6. ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer Mars 2 Pro

The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is the current king flagship of the ELEGOO Mars series, featuring CNC machined rock-solid aluminum construction, and a 2000 pixels resolution mono LCD This is easily capable to do a 2.5-second cure time per layer. For quick dryness, an advanced air filtration unit has been fitted in. This printer Mars 2 Pro easily impressed you with its strong build quality and ease of setup and use from the moment it was unboxed to the first finished print. The Mars 2 Pro’s build volume is comparable to other printers in this price range, such as the Photon printers, but it may be limiting if you want to make larger creations.

The Mars 2 Pro is currently available for $261.99 on Amazon, making it one of the Best 3D Printers Under Dollars 500 and an excellent choice for those looking for resin quality on a budget. From the outside, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro appears to be a standard resin 3D printer, a front-facing LCD screen, with an acrylic UV-resistant lid, , and a build platform also suspended from a Z-axis linear rail. Unlike similar printers in this price range that use a plastic base (such as the Anycubic Photon), the Mars 2 Pro’s base is made of metal, giving it a solid, bottom-heavy feel. Protective stickers are applied to both the masking LCD and the resin vat, and removing them is as simple as grabbing the red tab and peeling. The Mars 2 Pro’s base features a groove that allows the resin vat to self-locate and also with masking LCD of sit flush.

Because there are so many MSLA resin 3D printers on the market right now, it can be difficult for manufacturers to release one that stands out. Elegoo has a long history of successful machines, and this Pro 3d printer easily is fit in with these printers’ lists. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a fantastic value for anyone with a budget of $500 or less, thanks to its ease of use, solid construction, and high-quality components.

7. Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer Pre-Assembled

The Longer LK5 Pro is the type of 3D printer that you purchase once you’ve learned how to solve problems. It’s a middle ground between pre-built, high-end 3D printers from a brand name that is expensive, as well as the DIY 3D printers that are incredibly cheap since you must know what you’re doing from the beginning. Printing requires you to feed an x-ray length made of PLA by means of a machine which is then fed the line of PLA through a Teflon tube. At the point that the PLA is introduced to the tube, the printer includes a material detector for printing.

Similar to the majority of 3D printers, the quality of the print is directly related to how well the design are printed as well as the technical knowledge that the person using it. If the printer’s print bed wasn’t required to be leveled and was automatically set, the whole process would be much easier. Due to the sensitive nature of the 3D printing process, which involves the X, Y, and Z extrusion of hot liquid plastic, a bed that’s just a tiny little off-kilter could result in an unbalanced print at the very least, or a damaged print (and temporarily unusable printer) at the very worst.

This printer can be adjusted and fixed, and prints using the standard 1.75mm material (like PLA, like we’ve tried here) It is also cost-effective. If you’re looking for a good quality PLA extrusion machine and don’t wish to blow your budget the LONGER L5 Pro is a good option. The model is far more advanced than your typical low-cost 3D printer. It is ideal for enthusiasts of many types. This isn’t a plug-and-play solution. Instead, it’s a cost-effective solution that ensures that the user will be able to use and adapt to the system on the spot.

8. Creality Ender 3 S1 3D Printer Official FDM Direct

It’s not a secret and everyone knows that the Ender 3 is the most well-known 3D printer on the market. Therefore, when Creality released its Ender 3 S1, I was tempted to think it could be a worthwhile upgrade. I wasn’t a fan of that version of the Ender because it’s a little expensive and has too few enhancements to be worth the cost.

The style that is featured in The design of the Ender 3 S1 is what attracted my attention the first time. It is much cleaner than other printers and this is due to the sleek aluminum extrusions. In addition to making the printer appear cleaner in appearance, these smooth extrusions aid to keep the printer tidy. They also make it appear like The Anycubic Vyper. It’s obvious that Creality took more time and thought in the design of their Ender 3 S1, because the attention to the smallest of details is apparent. The spool holder, as well as the filament sensor, are designed to be able to be adjusted and utilized on either side, which is beneficial based on the position of the printer.

A silicone cover is put on the wire connectors, which is not necessary as it protects them from dust and dirt even when they’re not in use. It is worth noting that the Ender 3 S1 is quieter when compared to other Creality 3D printers. When it’s idle, it’s silent, however, when printing the heat break and the part cooling fans make more noise. There is also some sound in the printing process but this is largely controlled by the table you select to print on this printer.

I’ve used this printer nearly every day in the past few months, due to the quality of prints and the fact that it’s a reliable printer. The majority of printers I review require some tweaking after printing a few times, however, this printer Ender 3 S1 has been one of the most reliable printers I’ve reviewed recently that has proven results repeatedly and over.

9. Flashforge Adventurer 3 3D Printer Leveling-Free

The first test we conducted for these printers was focused at the design and quality models that were produced. Because it is the case that the FlashForge Adventurer 3 is a printer that uses a filament, we utilized the two types of filaments, PLA and ABS to conduct our tests. We tested a variety of test models that were made to test various types of geometric shapes that filament printers be challenged with. For instance, the FlashForge Adventurer 3 delivered solid prints, earning the top score.

We started by looking at a typical 3D printer test of torture, that of the 3D Benchy. The PLA boat created with Adventurer 3 looks pretty good however some of the overhangs dropped somewhat as well as the font was difficult to read. However, the ABS version performed much better and has a smoother surface and more overhangs. The bottom, however, is slightly stretched.

The printer also comes with an integrated camera, which allows you to watch your printing while it is in process which is a very useful option for you. This printer manages its bed-leveling procedure by itself, however, it does come with an option to calibrate that Z=0-level. It arrives completely assembled and ready to print after you’ve removed all packaging materials. Files can be uploaded through USB as well as an SD card. Additionally, the screen of the printer shows the current status as well as the time remaining.

If you’re looking for a 3D printer that’s convenient and simple to use above all else, we strongly recommend looking into FlashForge Adventurer 3. FlashForge Adventurer 3. This printer is fully enclosed, making it ideal for classrooms and other places where you must shield your children from the hot end of the printer as well as other moving components. It’s a decent printer with decent print quality as well as a good set of features, even though support for customers could be a little lacking. Plus, it’s an affordable option!

10. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K

The world of 3D printing is advancing rapidly. It wasn’t too long before monochrome masking LCDs were the hottest new trend. As is the norm the boundary-pushing lies solely from the number of pixels that can fit into that area.

In the competitive world of 3d printers along with other models like Longer as well as Epax, Anycubic has now joined the 4K club and has introduced an updated version of its first 3D printer that is budget-friendly The Photon Mono.

When it comes to reassembling It is not necessary to set up the Photon 4k straight out of the box. The machine is fully assembled, including the resin vat and build plate which are simply put onto the printer and secured with screws. Before printing the build plate, it needs to be leveled. This is easy to do (the same as of the other SLA printers) by manually shifting the loosening plate to level it and tightening it to the desired size. Additionally, there is screen protectors that can be put on before starting this is a wonderful option.

With the huge success of the prior Photon Mono models as well as their expanded selection of higher-end sizes and specifications along with their wash-and-cure models to be matched, they have the Photon Mono 4K is the most natural next step in the series. With a size that is budget-friendly we put this printer in our list of Best 3D Printers Under 500 Dollars, and also a screen that is capable of amazing detail, and all for only a fraction more than the mono model that is based it is an easy choice for all miniature lovers of all sorts and for anyone who wants to begin printing precise models with no cost.

The Ending words

There are plenty of excellent 3D printers available within a budget of $500, the absolute most effective are the three mentioned above. If none of them tickle your interest for any reason, there are other alternatives. This list is updated on an ongoing basis, so any time we discover any printer worthy of being added to this list, we’ll move into the list. If a printer is removed from this list don’t fret that doesn’t mean it’s not good, it likely was being surpassed by something different or more sophisticated.