5 Best Cheap 3D Printers for Beginners – Reviewed and Ranked

5 Best Cheap 3D Printers for Beginners – Reviewed and Ranked

Have you ever thought about getting into 3D printing but were put off by the price tags? You're not alone. When I first dipped my toes into 3D printing, I nearly walked away, thinking it was another expensive hobby I couldn't afford. But here's the thing – the market has changed dramatically.

Today, you can find brilliant, cheap 3D printers that deliver impressive results without demolishing your bank account. I've spent the last six months testing dozens of budget-friendly models to separate the genuine bargains from the false economies.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the five best cheap 3D printers that work, explain what features matter (and which ones don't), and help you get started without making expensive mistakes. Whether you're a curious hobbyist, design student, or small business owner looking to prototype on a budget, there's never been a better time to start.

What Makes a Good Budget 3D Printer in 2025?

Before diving into specific models, we must establish what “cheap” means in 3D printing. For this article, I'm focusing on printers under £500/$600, with many options for significantly less.

But price isn't everything – an outstanding cheap 3D printer balances cost with capability. Here's what matters:

• Print Quality: Even budget models should produce consistent, clean prints with acceptable layer resolution (typically 0.1-0.2mm).
• Build Volume: How large an object can your printer create? Bigger isn't always better if you make small figurines or functional parts, but it determines what projects you can tackle.
• Reliability: A bargain isn't a bargain if it breaks after two weeks. We want machines that keep working reliably through regular use.
• Community Support: This is often overlooked but crucial for beginners. A printer with active forums, YouTube tutorials, and available upgrades makes your learning curve gentler.
• User-Friendliness: Some cheap printers require significant tinkering. That's fine if you enjoy the technical side, but many beginners want something that works out of the box.

The landscape of affordable 3D printing has transformed dramatically over the past few years. What once required £1000+ investment can now be achieved with printers costing a quarter of that price. The democratisation of this technology means more people can experience the satisfaction of bringing digital designs into physical reality.

Types of Cheap 3D Printers: FDM vs Resin

When shopping for affordable 3d printers, you'll encounter two main technologies: FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) and resin-based printing (usually SLA or LCD). Understanding the differences is crucial to picking the right machine for your needs.

FDM Printers (Filament-Based)

FDM printers build objects by laying down thin layers of melted plastic filament, similar to a hot glue gun. They're generally the more affordable option and perfect for beginners.

Advantages:

• Lower upfront costs (both printer and materials)
• Easier maintenance and operation
• The less messy process with fewer chemicals
• Wider material variety including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Generally, larger build volumes for the price

Limitations:

• Visible layer lines (lower resolution)
• Less suitable for highly detailed models
• Support structures can be complex to remove cleanly

Resin Printers

Resin printers use UV light to cure a liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly detailed prints with smooth surfaces.

Advantages:

• Exceptional detail and surface finish
• Better for small, intricate objects like jewellery or miniatures
• Smoother surfaces requiring less post-processing
• Can achieve finer layer heights (often 0.025-0.05mm)

Limitations:

• More expensive resin consumables
• Messy workflow with toxic chemicals
• Additional post-processing requirements (washing and curing)
• Smaller build volumes at budget price points
• Ventilation is needed due to odour and potential health concerns

Start with an FDM printer for most beginners on a budget. They're more forgiving, have simpler workflows, and significantly cheaper materials. That said, saving more for an entry-level resin printer might be worthwhile if your primary interest is highly detailed miniatures or jewellery.

The 5 Best Cheap 3D Printers of 2025

After extensive testing, here are my top picks for affordable 3D printers that offer the best balance of quality, reliability, and value for money. Each has distinct strengths, making them suitable for different users.

1. Creality Ender 3 S1 – Best Overall Budget Printer

Price: £279/$329

Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 270mm

The Ender 3 series has long dominated the budget 3D printing space, and the S1 variant builds upon this legacy with meaningful improvements that address previous limitations.

2024 New Version Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro with 200mm/s Printing Speed, Sprite Direct Extruder CR…

• Faster Printing: 2024 New Version Ender 3 S1 Pro 3d printer, equips printing speed 200 millimeter per second, it is 4 times faster than the other normal 3d printer. Give good printing experience to customers and get a good model in short time

$279.00

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Why I recommend it:

The Ender 3 S1 delivers exceptional print quality that rivals machines costing twice as much. The direct drive extruder easily handles flexible filaments, while the dual Z-axis provides increased stability for cleaner prints. Auto bed-levelling (a feature previously requiring aftermarket upgrades) now comes standard, making setup much more beginner-friendly.

The S1 consistently produced dimensionally accurate prints with minimal layer lines during my testing. Even when printing at faster speeds of 80-100mm/s, the quality remained impressive. The heated bed reaches temperature quickly and maintains it consistently, which is crucial for preventing warping with materials like ABS.

The machine comes semi-assembled, requiring about 30 minutes of setup. Instructions are significantly more precise than previous Ender models, though the occasional translation oddity remains. The interface is intuitive enough for beginners while offering depth for those who want to fine-tune settings.

One standout feature is the community. The Ender ecosystem has massive online support with endless tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and printable upgrades. This community backdrop provides an invaluable safety net for newcomers.

Drawbacks to consider:

While significantly improved over earlier models, the cooling fan can be noisy during operation. Some users might want to upgrade the Bowden PTFE tube after extended use, as the stock can degrade with higher-temperature materials.

The Ender 3 S1 represents the sweet spot in affordable 3D printing – capable enough for experienced makers while remaining accessible to complete beginners. If you're looking for one printer that can grow with your skills, this is it.

2. Anycubic Kobra Neo – Best Ultra-Budget Option

Price: £169/$199

Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm

Not everyone wants to spend £300 on their first 3D printer. The Anycubic Kobra Neo proves you can get into the hobby for significantly less without sacrificing essential features.

Anycubic Kobra 3 3D Printer Only, Max 600mm/s Print Speed Full-auto Calibration Details Better,…

• 【Note】This product includes only Anycubic Kobra 3 3D printer. It does not include Anycubic ACE Pro. For multi-color printing, you will need the Anycubic ACE Pro as an add-on: 1x ACE Pro → Enables 4-color printing, 2x ACE Pro + 8-Color Filament Hub →Enables 8-color printing. (The official 8-Color Filament Hub is expected to be available for purchase in June.) For the best printing experience, please review all specifications before purchase.

$389.99

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Why I recommend it:

Astonishingly capable for its price point, the Kobra Neo includes auto bed levelling – a feature often missing from printers in this bracket. The LeviQ system makes setup remarkably straightforward, solving one of the biggest frustrations beginners face.

The print quality exceeded my expectations during testing. While not quite matching the precision of the Ender 3 S1, the differences are subtle enough that most hobbyists would be delighted. The PEI-coated spring steel build plate is another premium feature unexpected at this price, making print removal effortless.

The assembly takes about 45 minutes and has clear instructions. The UI is basic but functional, with all essential controls easily accessible. The printer handles standard PLA and PETG filaments with no issues, though more exotic materials might require upgrades.

The Kobra Neo offers tremendous value for classroom settings, maker spaces on tight budgets, or individuals wanting to explore 3D printing without significant investment.

Drawbacks to consider:

The single cooling fan means bridging, and overhangs aren't as clean as on dual-fan setups. While perfectly adequate, the construction uses more plastic components than metal compared to pricier alternatives. Print speeds need to be kept moderate (40-60mm/s) for best results.

The Kobra Neo proves that entry into 3D printing no longer requires significant investment. It's ideal for beginners who want to test the waters before committing to a more advanced setup.

3. Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra – Best Budget Resin Printer

Price: £399/$469

Build Volume: 218 x 123 x 250mm

If detail is your priority and you're willing to deal with a slightly more complex workflow, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra offers remarkable resin printing capabilities at a breakthrough price point.

ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra MSLA 3D Printer with 10″ 12K Monochrome LCD, Wi-Fi Transfer, ACF Release Liner…

• 【10-Inch 12K Mono LCD】With a 10-inch 12K mono LCD boasting an incredible resolution of 11520×5120 and an XY resolution of 19×24μm, you can print highly detailed models with stunning clarity and precision. The 9H tempered glass above the LCD provides excellent durability and scratch resistance, effectively protecting the LCD screen from scratches and damage.

$405.99

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Why I recommend it:

The Saturn 3 Ultra brings an impressive 12K resolution to the affordable resin printing market, delivering stunning detail that FDM printers cannot match. During testing, the 28μm XY resolution allowed me to print tabletop miniatures with facial expressions and textures that looked professionally produced.

The 10″ monochrome LCD screen offers both excellent longevity (rated for 2500+ hours) and faster exposure times than older resin printers. This translates to quicker prints without sacrificing quality. The build volume is generous for a resin printer in this price range, allowing for larger models or batching multiple smaller prints.

Elegoo's Chitubox slicer software is intuitive enough for beginners while offering advanced features for those who want to fine-tune their prints. The printer features a user-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen that makes operation straightforward.

This printer is ideal for hobbyists focusing on highly detailed miniatures, jewellery design, dental applications, or other projects where surface finish and fine detail are paramount.

Drawbacks to consider:

Like all resin printers, a more involved workflow includes safety considerations (nitrile gloves and good ventilation are must-haves). The ongoing resin cost is higher than filament, and post-processing requires isopropyl alcohol for washing prints and additional UV curing.

For those willing to accept the additional complexity of resin printing, the Saturn 3 Ultra delivers exceptional detail at a price point that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

4. Voxelab Aquila X2 – Best Ender 3 Alternative

Price: £189/$219

Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm

The Voxelab Aquila X2 has earned a reputation as the “smart shopper's Ender 3” by offering comparable features and compatibility at a lower price point.

Why I recommend it:

The Aquila X2 borrows heavily from the Ender 3's design philosophy while incorporating some quality-of-life improvements and maintaining a lower price tag. The 32-bit silent motherboard delivers quieter operation than many competitors, making it suitable for home offices or shared spaces.

The most compelling aspect of the Aquila X2 is its compatibility with the Ender 3 ecosystem. This printer allows you to use most Ender 3 upgrades, modifications, and profiles. It's essentially getting access to the massive Ender community support network at a discounted entry price.

Print quality is solid for the price bracket. I achieved clean, consistent layers with good dimensional accuracy during my testing. The filament runout sensor is a thoughtful inclusion that saved several of my longer prints when running low on material.

The carborundum glass build plate provides good adhesion while hot and easy removal when cool, though I would recommend a PEI-coated spring steel sheet as an early upgrade for those who can afford it.

Drawbacks to consider:

Manual bed levelling requires patience during initial setup (though this is true of many printers in this category). The included slicer software is functional but basic – most users will want to upgrade to Cura or PrusaSlicer. The Bowden extruder setup may struggle with flexible filaments without modifications.

For the budget-conscious maker who still wants access to a robust community and upgrade path, the Aquila X2 represents excellent value.

5. Monoprice Voxel – Best Compact Option

Price: £499/$519

Build Volume: 150 x 150 x 150mm

Sometimes, space constraints are as crucial as budget constraints. The Monoprice Voxel remains the benchmark for compact, affordable 3D printing.

Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer – Fully Enclosed with Removable Heated Build Plate (150 x 150 x 150 mm)…

• Quick change nozzle: unlike other 3D printers, which require tools and 20-40 minutes of work to replace the nozzle, The voxel has a quick change nozzle that allows you to change the nozzle in seconds, without the need for tools of any kind

$519.00

Buy on Amazon

Why I recommend it:

Despite its diminutive size, the Voxel packs impressive capabilities into a desktop-friendly package. It arrives fully assembled – a significant advantage for absolute beginners who might be intimidated by the construction process of larger machines.

The all-metal hot end can handle temperatures up to 250°C, allowing experimentation with materials beyond basic PLA. The heated build plate supports printing with PETG, ABS (with some limitations due to the open design), and other materials requiring bed heat.

During testing, print quality was surprisingly good, considering the price point. While the small build volume limits what you can create, print resolution and layer consistency were comparable to larger machines, which cost significantly more.

Wi-Fi connectivity (though sometimes finicky) and the ability to print directly from a microsd card add convenience. The simple but effective UI is among the most approachable I've encountered for complete beginners.

For students with limited dorm space, urban dwellers in small flats, or anyone needing occasional access to 3d printing without dedicating significant space, the Voxel offers remarkable versatility in a package smaller than a kettle.

Drawbacks to consider:

The obvious limitation is build volume – complex projects require splitting models into smaller parts. The single cooling fan struggles with bridging and overhangs on more challenging geometries. The build platform connector wires are prone to breaking with heavy use. However, there are community-developed solutions to reinforce this weak point.

Despite being around for several years, the Voxel remains relevant because it fills a specific niche so effectively – affordable, compact, and beginner-friendly 3D printing with minimal setup required.

Key Features to Look for in Cheap 3D Printers

When shopping for budget 3D printers, certain features provide disproportionate value. Here's what to prioritise:

Auto Bed Levelling

Once a premium feature, auto bed levelling has trickled down to many budget printers. This technology uses sensors to measure the distance between the nozzle and bed at multiple points, creating a height map that compensates for any unevenness in the print surface.

This solves one of the most frustrating aspects of 3D printing for beginners – achieving that perfect first layer. A printer with this feature will save you countless hours of manual adjustments and failed prints.

Build Plate Material

The build surface dramatically affects both print adhesion and removal. Budget printers typically offer:

• Glass plates are excellent for flat bottom surfaces but require adhesion helpers like glue sticks.
• PEI sheets: Provide superior adhesion when hot and easy release when cool.
• Removable flexible plates: Allow you to bend the surface to pop prints off easily.

A magnetic PEI-coated spring steel sheet is ideal for beginners, offering the best combination of adhesion and easy print removal.

Extruder Type

Two main extruder designs dominate affordable printers:

• Bowden: Places the extruder motor away from the print head, which is connected by a PTFE tube. This creates a lighter print head that can move faster but struggles with flexible filaments.
• Direct drive: Mounts the extruder directly above the hot end. This provides better control for flexible filaments but adds weight to the moving assembly.

Direct drive systems generally offer fewer complications for beginners, though either style can produce excellent results when properly tuned.

All-Metal Hot End

An all-metal hot end allows printing at higher temperatures (typically up to 260-300°C), enabling engineering-grade filaments like nylon, polycarbonate, and carbon fibre composites. While you might start with PLA, having this capability provides room to grow.

32-bit Mainboard with Silent Stepper Drivers

Newer 32-bit boards with TMC2208/2209 stepper drivers dramatically reduce noise levels while providing headroom for firmware improvements. This can transform the printing experience from disturbingly loud to whisper-quiet operation.

Community and Support

This isn't a physical feature but might be the most valuable aspect of any printer purchase. Machines with active communities provide an invaluable knowledge base when you encounter issues. Consider researching available tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and upgrade options before committing to a specific model.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Budget 3D Printers

While today's affordable printers can produce remarkable results, understanding their limitations helps avoid disappointment:

Print Speed vs Quality Tradeoff: Budget printers can achieve the same quality as expensive models but typically require slower print speeds. Expect good quality prints to take time – a detailed 15cm model might require 12+ hours of printing.

Setup and Learning Curve: Even the most user-friendly printers involve learning slicer settings, bed levelling, and basic maintenance. Allocate time for this learning process rather than expecting instant perfection.

Ongoing Adjustments: 3D printers require periodic maintenance and tuning. Belt tension, eccentric nut adjustments, and occasional part replacements are part of the hobby.

Material Limitations: High-end machines can easily print exotic materials, but budget printers typically perform best with standard PLA and PETG filaments. Specialised materials might require upgrades or modifications.

With proper expectations and a willingness to learn, today's budget printers can produce results that would have been impossible at this price point just a few years ago.

Cost Beyond the Printer: Filament and Accessories

The printer itself is just the beginning of your 3D printing journey. When budgeting, consider these additional costs:

Filament Costs

PLA filament typically costs £15-30 per 1kg spool, with speciality filaments costing more. A single kilogram can produce numerous small to medium-sized projects. For beginners, I recommend starting with standard PLA from reputable brands like eSUN, Polyterra, or Sunlu rather than the cheapest options, which can cause frustrating inconsistencies.

Standard resins cost approximately £30-45 per litre for resin printers, with speciality resins (flexible, tough, etc.) costing significantly more.

Essential Accessories

A complete setup typically requires:

• Filament storage solution: Moisture can ruin filament quality; airtight containers with desiccant help protect your investment.
• Spatula/scraper: Removing stubborn prints (though less necessary with PEI surfaces).
• Side cutters: For trimming filament and support structures.
• Replacement nozzles: Brass nozzles wear out, particularly when printing abrasive materials.
• Build surface adhesives: Options include glue sticks, hairspray, or specialised solutions, depending on your printer and materials.

For resin printers, you'll also need:

• Nitrile gloves: These are used to handle uncured resin safely.
• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA): For washing prints.
• UV curing station: This is for post-processing (though DIY solutions using UV lights exist).
• Ventilation solution: To manage fumes.

Budget approximately £50-100 for a basic starter kit of accessories to complement your printer purchase.

Software Options for Budget 3D Printing

The software ecosystem is a crucial part of your 3D printing workflow. Most budget printers are compatible with various slicers, giving you flexibility based on your needs and preferences:

Beginner-Friendly Options

Ultimaker Cura (Free): The most popular option for beginners, Cura offers excellent default profiles for many budget printers and an intuitive interface that grows with your expertise. The built-in marketplace of plugins extends functionality as your needs evolve.

PrusaSlicer (Free): Developed by Prusa Research, this slicer offers excellent out-of-box settings and unique features like paint-on supports. Many users find it easier to remove than Cura's.

Creality Slicer (Free): A rebranded version of an older Cura build bundled with many budget printers. While functional, I generally recommend upgrading to the whole Cura experience.

Advanced Options

SuperSlicer (Free): A PrusaSlicer fork with additional calibration tools and fine-grained control options. Excellent for users ready to dive deeper into optimisation.

Simplify3D (Paid): At £149, this premium slicer offers advanced support generation and greater control over print parameters. While once the gold standard, many free slicers have implemented similar functionality.

For beginners, I recommend starting with Cura or PrusaSlicer. Both are actively developed, have extensive community support, and can grow with your skills from basic to advanced usage.

Learn More About 3D Printing and Design.

3D printing naturally complements other design disciplines. Explore complementary skills like graphic design fundamentals or logo design principles to expand your creative toolkit. These disciplines often inform successful 3D printing projects, especially for those interested in product design or custom branding applications.

Common Challenges with Budget 3D Printers (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best affordable printers come with everyday challenges. Here's how to address the most frequent issues:

Bed Adhesion Problems

Symptoms: The print doesn't stick to the bed, the corners warp upward, and the entire print detaches mid-print.

Solutions:

1. Re-level your bed, ensuring the nozzle-to-bed gap is consistent (about the thickness of standard copy paper).
2. Clean the build surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove oils and residue.
3. Adjust first layer settings: try printing slower (20mm/s), hotter (+5°C), and with increased width (110-120%).
4. Use adhesion helpers like glue sticks, hairspray, or specialised 3D printing adhesives for stubborn materials.
5. Check bed temperature – PLA works well at 60°C, PETG at 70-80°C.

Layer Shifting

Symptoms: Print appears to “shift” partway through, creating a stair-step effect.

Solutions:

1. Check belt tension – belts should be tight enough to produce a low “twang” when plucked.
2. Ensure all pulley set screws are tight on motor shafts.
3. Verify that the print head moves smoothly on all axes without binding.
4. Reduce print speed, especially for tall prints that may experience more momentum forces.
5. Check to cool – overheating stepper drivers can cause missed steps.

Stringing or Oozing

Symptoms: Thin strands of filament between separate parts of the print.

Solutions:

1. Optimise retraction settings – try 5mm distance at 45mm/s for Bowden setups or 1.5mm at 35mm/s for direct drive.
2. Lower printing temperature by 5-10°C.
3. Enable “combing” in your slicer to keep travel moves within already-printed areas.
4. Print a temperature tower to find the ideal temperature for your specific filament.
5. Ensure the filament is dry – absorbed moisture can cause stringing.

Under-Extrusion

Symptoms: Gaps between perimeters, visible holes in top layers, general weakness.

Solutions:

1. Check for partial nozzle clogs using the “cold pull” technique.
2. Verify that your filament diameter settings in the slicer match your actual filament (typically 1.75mm).
3. Calibrate your extruder steps/mm (E-steps).
4. Increase printing temperature by 5-10°C.
5. Slow down print speed, especially for intricate details.

Z-Banding

Symptoms: Visible horizontal lines or inconsistencies at regular intervals.

Solutions:

1. Check for bent lead screws or binding in the Z-axis movement.
2. Lubricate Z rods with appropriate machine oil.
3. Ensure Z motors/screws are correctly aligned.
4. Verify that the printer is on a stable surface.
5. Consider enabling Z-hop during retraction if lines correspond with layer changes.

Many issues with budget printers can be resolved through proper calibration and maintenance. The 3D printing community has developed excellent troubleshooting guides for specific models, making solutions readily available with a quick search.

FAQs About Cheap 3D Printers

Final Thoughts

The democratisation of 3D printing technology has been nothing short of revolutionary. What was once accessible only to engineering firms with five-figure budgets is now available to hobbyists, students, and small businesses for less than the cost of a gaming console.

Today's budget 3D printers deliver capabilities that seemed impossible at their price point just a few years ago. Auto bed-levelling, all-metal hot ends, silent operation, and user-friendly interfaces have transformed the beginner experience from frustrating to fulfilling.

For those just starting their 3D printing journey, I recommend the Creality Ender 3 S1 for its exceptional balance of quality, community support, and value. However, depending on your specific needs and budget constraints, each printer on this list represents a valid entry point.

Remember that 3D printing is both a tool and a hobby. The learning process can be rewarding, and the community surrounding these machines is generally helpful and welcoming to newcomers. With patience and the right expectations, these affordable machines can open up a world of creative and practical possibilities.

Whether you're prototyping an invention, creating custom gaming accessories, producing small-batch products for an Etsy shop, or simply enjoying bringing digital designs into physical reality, there's never been a better time to get started with affordable 3D printing.

Need custom designs to print on your new machine? Consider contacting professional designers who can help translate your ideas into print-ready 3D models.

Last update on 2025-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API