The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2018
This guide to the best budget 3D printers in 2018 details our top picks for beginners and those with tight budgets alike. Whether you’re looking for your first 3D printer or a back-up machine for your main 3D printer, this list has you covered with affordable options under $500.
| Picture | Name | Resolution (microns) | Build Volume | Supported Filaments | Price |
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XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro | 20-400 | 5.9”X5.9”X5.9” | PLA | $$ |
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QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-ONE2 | 100-400 | 5.5”x5.5”x5.5” | ABS, PLA, TPU, PETG | $$ |
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Anycubic Upgraded Full Metal I3 Mega | 50-300 | 8”x8”x8” | ABS, PLA, TPU, PETG | $$$ |
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Monoprice Mini Delta | 50-400 | ø110 x 120mm | ABS, PLA | $ |
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Monoprice Maker Select V2 | 100-400 | 7.9”x7.9”x7” | ABS, PLA, TPU, PETG | $$ |
About the Best 3D Printers Under $500
XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro
Despite its filament limitations, the XYZpriting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro earned our highest score this year in mini 3D printers. Selling for under $300, this awesome enclosed 3D printer achieves resolutions as high as 20 microns, maching it the most precise printer on our list.
Enjoy other features, too, like automatic bed calibration and ultra-quiet operation. This 3D printer is perfect for in-home or classroom use where noise is a consideration. We also praise XYZprinting for their slicing program and easy-to-use model Gallery where users can choose from thousands of free 3D models to download. Read our full XYZpriting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro review here.
QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-ONE2
QIDI TECH are well known for their well-made, dependable 3D printers and the X-one2 is no exception. Not much has changed since the original X-one, but that’s not a bad thing. This 3D printer provides an optionally enclosed printing space depending on whether you use PLA, ABS, or other tricky filaments.
The X-one2 prints at passable 100-400 micron resolutions to produce surprisingly accurate, high tolerance builds. Although the build volume is a bit smaller than we’d like to see, this cheap 3D printer is still suitable for most home users. We think that the reliability and over-all build quality of this machine more than makes up for its lacking volume. Get the whole story by reading our QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-one2 review.
Anycubic Upgraded Full Metal I3 Mega
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you don’t have access to full-sized 3D printers. The Anycubic i3 Mega’s rugged, all-metal open-framed design speaks to its quality construction and overall longevity, even if it doesn’t look as “pretty” as other 3D printers on this list. It even includes user-friendly features that are perfect for beginners like assisted bed leveling, Ultrabase build plate for superior adhesion, automatic filament detection, and a print-pause feature in case you run out of filament or the power goes out. As if that weren’t enough, the Anycubic i3 Mega prints in a wide variety of filaments over an 8”³ build volume. Read more about this printer in our Anycubic i3 Mega review.
Monoprice Mini Delta
The Monoprice Mini Delta may well be the best value among all 3D printers. Since our review of the Mini Delta, we’ve only grown more impressed by this cheap little 3D printer. If you can overlook the tiny ø110 x 120mm build volume, the Mini Delta has plenty of other great features. First, this is the quickest 3D printer on our list, allowing you to print more in less time.
The MP Mini Delta also prints at high 50 micron resolutions and produces consistent, above-average results. With its heated print bed and high-temp extruder, users may experiment with either PLA or ABS. Made with a heavy-duty metal frame that comes complete with carrying handle for ultimate portability, this veratile 3D printer can be yours for around $150. We take a more thorough look at this machine in our Monoprice Mini Delta review.
Monoprice Maker Select V2
Similar to the Anycubic i3 Mega, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a budget option for those who need a full-sized build volume. Without any of the Anycubic’s fancy bells and whistles, the MP Select Mini V2 is a simple machine that saves you about $100. We like that it’s well-constructed and that it offers a wide variety of filament options, including ABS, PLA, PET, TPU, and other flexible filaments. If you don’t mind the dated UI and barebones frame, the MP Select Mini V2 is a solid value. Read more about this 3D printer at our full-length Monoprice Maker Select V2 review.
