5 Best 3D Printers under $500 in 2023

The idea of 3D printing is truly revolutionary, and its potential applications are exciting for both hobbyists and creative professionals alike.

Hobbyists can produce their custom parts and tools, while creative professionals can create rapid prototypes or even final products. With the right tools, anyone can now access the technology to create a wide range of products—from intricate jewelry to useful household items.

It’s a great way to bring your ideas to life without investing in expensive machining resources or equipment. Furthermore, it helps to drive innovation by allowing individuals and businesses to quickly test new ideas and designs on a smaller scale before investing in production-level projects. 

While you have many options, getting started with 3D printing can be daunting.

When looking for a 3D printer, you need to consider build volumes, the operation noise it makes, and the printing pace.

You must also consider whether you want an SLA (resin) or FDM (Filament) printer. 

SLA vs. FDM printers

Let’s explain the SLA and FDM argument first. Filament printers are ideal for those who want to build objects and parts to meet functional needs. Whether you are creating a bracket or mount, a Filament printer allows you to create large objects.

On the other hand, SLA printers are for hobbyists who want to create small items. SLA printers can create exceptional quality objects, from a little Yoda to your favorite superhero figure.

Note that SLA printers can be a little messy compared to Filament printers.

Now that you know the difference between an SLA and Filament printer, let’s look at the best 3D printer under $500 for new users looking to buy their first printer for home use.

Note: The prices range in the table is approximate and may vary based on location, retailer, and ongoing promotions or discounts. Please check the current pricing before making a purchase.

What are the best 3D printers under $500 to buy in 2023?

Watch this video first.

1. Creality Ender 3 Pro

Creality Ender 3 Pro is a semi-assembled kit 3D printer and an ideal gift for kids to learn the basics of a 3D printer working.

The hotbed heats up quickly with a stable and sufficient power supply, offering efficient printing and making it the best 3D printer kit for under $500.

Creality Ender 3 Pro features a 40*40 Y-axis frame design suitable for small object production.

It also features the resume printing function to continue printing after a power outage or other unexpected stoppage. Upgraded extruder design reduces the risk of a clogged nozzle and bad extrusion.

If you like to tinker with source codes, you can utilize the open-source nature of the code behind the printer to improve the printer functionalities and share changes within the community.

Here’s what some reviewers on Reddit had to say about their Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer:

Pros:

• Excellent value for money 
• High-quality production 
• Good build volume 

Cons:

• Semi assembled kit 
• Some minor flaws that need to be fixed 

2. Creality Ender 3 V2

The Ender 3 V2 is the successor to the original Ender 3 from Creality. A sub $500 printer offers a decent print volume and is relatively easy to assemble, and offers excellent quality output.

The new Creality Ender 3 V2 comes with a sled-developed silent motherboard and a new detachable 4.3-inch color screen.

It uses the V-guide rail puller for stable printing with low noise and wear-resistant. 

You can adjust the belt tension quickly thanks to the new injection tensioner, and the small add-on toolbox integrated into the machine body is more convenient and quicker for organizing storage. 

Pros:

• High-quality print outputs 
• Easy to assemble and use 
• Silent motherboard 

Cons:

• Slow filament feed
• New based model costs more than the old pro model 

3. Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer

Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer is one of the best fully enclosed dual-extortion 3D printers 2023 under 500 that has been designed for beginners with pro features.

It is a reliable and affordable printer that churns out exceptional quality prints every time. 

With dual extruder support, you can make a dual color print using dual print material to execute more complicated prints.

It is suitable for industrial design, tools design, architectural and mechanical design. The heating bed supports rapid steady heating preventing model wrapping and making it easier to take down the model. 

Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer supports multiple 3D printer filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more.

The intuitive calibration detection system assists leveling, and all the instructions are provided on the touchscreen display.

Pros:

• High-quality prints 
• Built-in touchscreen with clear instructions 
• Beginners friendly 
• Ready to print out of the box

Cons:

• Can get loud 

4. Creality Ender 3 Max

If you are looking for a 3D printer with a generous print volume, then the Creality Ender 3 Max is an excellent 3D printer kit under $500 with its 300*300*340 printing size.

Similar to other Creality machines, it also features a Meanwell power supply ensuring fast heating and stability.

Creality Ender 3 Max features a tempered glass plate above the hotbed, making it easy to remove the model.

It has a reserved room for BLTouch bed-leveling to install yourself; however, it needs to be purchased separately. 

Other notable features of Creality Ender 3 Max include a foldable filament holder that can be rotated 90 degrees in one direction improving your desktop utilization and the resume printing functionality to resume printing after a power outage or filament breakage automatically.

Pros:

• Powerful hot end kit and prices printing 
• Large print size 
• Dual cooling fans for effective heat dissipation 

Cons:

• Outdated UI
• Poor filament loading 

5. ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro

ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro is the successor to the popular budget Mars 3D printer and comes with modest improvements.

The 6.08-inch monochrome LCD of 2K HD resolution only takes 2 seconds per layer exposure to cure the resin.

ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro also comes with a brand new light source structure to provide even more UV light emission, and the CNC machined aluminum body makes it a durable machine.

The new operating system now supports over 13 different languages and comes with built-in active carbon to absorb resin’s fume to prevent irritant odor. 

Pros:

• Excellent layer curing process 
• Good build area 
• ChituBox slicer 

Cons:

• Pixel-density can be improved
• Fans can get loud 

Here is a BONUS 3D printer I can recommend which is quite affordable..

LONGER LK5

LONGER LK5 is for those who know their way around a 3D printer and know precisely what they are doing.

This 3D printer with an open-source nature allows 3D lovers to improve their printer upon the source code, offering greater flexibility.

With a build size of 300*300*400, you can create large objects and reduce vibration and achieve more stable printing due to its diagonal rods form factor.

LONGER LK5 features a 4.3-inch large touch screen, recovery printing function to resume printing after a power outage, and a silent motherboard backed by ultra-silent drivers.

Pros:

• Silent operation with effective cooling 
• Large build area in the segment 
• Affordable 

Cons:

• Requires some knowledge about the 3D printers 

So just to summarize,

Our Best 3D Printers Under $500 Picks 

• Creality Ender 3 Pro – Excellent compact 3D printer in a budget with upgradability 
• Creality Ender 3 V2 – Affordable 3D printer offering decent print volume and print quality.
• Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer – Value for money dual extrusion 3D printer tailored towards beginners 
• Creality Ender 3 Max – Largest budget 3D printer with excellent produce volume and high-quality prints.
• ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro – Fastest 3D printer under $500 with resin printing and monochrome LCDs.
• LONGER LK5 – Lightweight, durable, faster printing speed with a large build volume 

Getting started in the world of 3D printing is exciting, and with the advancement in technology, you can get a high-quality 3D printer that sits on your desk for under $500. This article represents our selections for the best 3D printers under $500.

So which is your pick?

Or do you know of another 3D printer not in my list that is great? Either way let me know in the comments.

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