Though the 3D printer market has an air of exclusivity and futurism to it, it is possible to find one of the best 3D printers under $1000. The technology is becoming more consumer-grade by the day, with advances in affordability and ease of use. For a midpoint between quality and price, $1000 is a good benchmark to aim for.
In this guide, we’ve put together the best options to stretch that budget – there are even more affordable 3D printers on the market, but today’s choices provide an upgrade in quality that only a higher price tag can accommodate. So whether you’re a keen amateur with a high budget or a veteran looking for an update, these 3D printers under $1000 are ideal choices for you!
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Editor’s PickFlashForge Creator Pro 2
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 325mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, HIPS
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
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Best Fast 3D Printer Under $1000QIDI Technology X-Plus 3
- Build Volume: 270mm x 200mm x 200mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PA, ASA, Carbon Fiber
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
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Best Premium 3D Printer Under $1000Creality K1 Max
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 300mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PET, TPU, Nylon
- Connectivity Technology : USB, Ethernet, WiFi
- Filetype: STL, OBJ, AMF
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Best Versatile 3D Printer Under $1000Entina X40 V3
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 400mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, Metal, Nylon, Wood
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi, TF Card
- Filetype: STL, OBJ, G-code
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Best Quiet 3D Printer Under $1000QIDI MAX3
- Build Volume: 325mm x 325mm x 315mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Carbon Fiber
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Ethernet
- Filetype: STL
How We Picked the Best 3D Printer Under $1000
Naturally, the first element that decides the best 3D printer under $1000 is the price point: we looked for 3D printers across the $500-$1000 price range, in order to satisfy different budget requirements. This means that no matter where you fall between those two figures, you’ll find a suitable 3D printer!
Alongside this, we considered the usual suspects that go into a quality 3D printer: print speeds, different filament compatibilities, the possible build volume – these all factor into the overall value of your device. Then there are quality-of-life features that we appreciate seeing, such as a filament run-out detection system for saving progress or automated leveling to speed up the set-up. With all of those considered, we condensed our list down to five top 3D printers, across a range of different requirements, but all for under $1000.
It’s worth noting that 3D printers are not built equally: there are some that are best for specific uses. For specific applications, check out our other guides, such as 3D printers for cosplay. We reliably include a budget-friendly pick there as well, so you’ll never be without a choice!
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 325mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, HIPS
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
For a highly capable mid-range 3D printer, the Creator Pro 2 is a top option.
- IDEX systems – print with even more versatility thanks to the Creator Pro 2’s dual extruders.
- Fast assembly – though not quite ready out-the-box, this 3D printer is easy to assemble.
- Loud – despite the enclosed design, the Creator Pro 2 is still noisy when in operation.
An absolute powerhouse of printing, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is easily the best 3D printer under $1000! With a brilliant dual extruder design and remarkable quality across the board, we’re surprised at how cheap this 3D printer is!
“Ease” is the word of the day when it comes to the Creator Pro 2: the instructions are quick to comprehend, making assembly a breeze. Once it’s up and running, the IDEX design allows for multi-color 3D printing in a range of filament types. Whilst the Creator Pro 2 does lack automated leveling, the assistance feature makes it much easier than manual leveling. Factor that in with a low price point and a great design, and there’s a lot to love about this 3D printer!
However, the Creator Pro 2 does have a drawback in its noise level. It isn’t the worst in the industry, but it is a literal headache to spend too long near this printer. It still has a lot to offer 3D print enthusiasts of any level, however, and we highly rate the Creator Pro 2 as a 3D printer for under $1000!
- Build Volume: 270mm x 200mm x 200mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PA, ASA, Carbon Fiber
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
Featuring blisteringly high speeds at a blisteringly low price, this unit is a productivity powerhouse for those wanting to experiment with 3D printing.
- Highly stable – the rigid frame and build plate ensures that designs are unaffected by movement or sudden jolts.
- Fast speeds – reaching 60℃ in 25 minutes and the whopping 600mm/s print speed means you aren’t waiting long.
- Smaller build volume – though not the smallest on the market, the X-Plus 3’s volume limits its overall usefulness.
For speed and quality in an affordable package, the Qidi X-Plus 3 is a top-notch 3D printer for far less than $1000. Designed as a consumer-grade solution with commercial technology, we’re big fans of this multi-faceted 3D printer!
You have a gamut of filament choices to pick from when designing your 3D models: from olfactory favorites like ABS, all the way through to more intensive materials like carbon fiber – though you’ll need to do some tweaking to get it configured! The all-metal framing of this 3D printer makes for superb stability, and the heat is segregated between hotbed and chamber to minimize warping mid-print. But the real selling point is speed: the X-Plus 3 prints at a whopping 600mm/s, allowing for fully-realized models in record-low time and money.
What somewhat hamstrings the success of this 3D printer is its size: as an enclosed-frame model, the build volume is inherently limited by the form. But for small-scale and business-quality models, the X-Plus 3 is a hard-to-beat 3D printer for under $1000!
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 300mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PET, TPU, Nylon
- Connectivity Technology : USB, Ethernet, WiFi
- Filetype: STL, OBJ, AMF
This Creality 3D printer is a hair below $1000, but compensates with near-unrivalled quality.
- Highly automated – beginners will find the K1 Max to be approachable and versatile.
- Large build volume – the 300mm x 300mm x 300mm build volume makes for plenty of room to print.
- Limited configuration – more seasoned 3D printer enthusiasts may be disappointed at the level of customization available on the K1 Max.
The Creality K1 Max may be a hair’s breadth away from the $1000 mark, but every dollar is on display. This 3D printer is a productivity powerhouse and a premium print solution for 3D models.
Newcomers shouldn’t be alienated by this intense-looking 3D printer. It comes with automated calibration settings to make 3D printing quicker and easier, tailoring settings to match the filament. Speaking of, you’ll have plenty to choose from, with the K1 Max being rated for everything from PLA to Nylon. With a 300mm build volume in every direction, you’ll have plenty of space to print. On top of all that, the AI camera tracks your model’s progress and can stop the print process should it detect any issues.
All this automation isn’t always the best, however. Veteran 3D printers may be frustrated with the inability to fine-tune your print. And despite enclosed 3D printers generally being quieter, the K1 Max runs quite loud. For versatile 3D printing and innovative technology for less than $1000, we still think that the K1 Max is worth the cost!
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 400mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, Metal, Nylon, Wood
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi, TF Card
- Filetype: STL, OBJ, G-code
With dual extruders and an open-frame design, this Entina 3D printer is highly suited to a wide range of 3D printing scenarios.
- Versatile print options – with IDEX technology and a wide range of compatible filament, the X40 V3 is a highly useful 3D printer.
- Robust design – durable and with a large build volume, you’ve liberty to experiment using this printer.
- Inconsistent bed heating – with uneven print bed heating, some elements are prone to warping.
A dynamic and affordable 3D print solution, the Entina X40 V3 combines a lot of the strengths of our other ranked 3D printers under $1000.
With the benefit of IDEX printing, the X40 V3 allows for simultaneous or multi-color 3D printing with ease. With WiFi connectivity included as standard, you also have access to a huge library of models, for when you’re lacking inspiration. That WiFi connection also allows you to wirelessly monitor the built-in camera, to keep an eye on your print from a different room.
In terms of downsides, the open-frame design is both a blessing and a curse. It means that you have slightly larger options for 3D printing, but the model runs louder than the closed-frame picks. The X40 V3 is by no means as loud as an industrial 3D printer, but can be detrimental. Still, at an affordable median between quality and price, the X40 V3 is still a top-tier 3D print option!
- Build Volume: 325mm x 325mm x 315mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Carbon Fiber
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Ethernet
- Filetype: STL
Quiet-running yet capable, the MAX3 is another tremendous 3D print solution from Qidi that’s under $1000.
- Quiet running – the enclosed design coupled with an innovative motor make this 3D printer run smoothly and quietly.
- Innovative design – the outer casing of the MAX3 is vibration resistant, whilst a magnetic build plate makes for easily-removed designs.
- Design flaw – though the design is largely practical, the internal light is a notable exception.
Our final choice for best 3D printer under $1000 is another great product from Qidi. The MAX3 is a fantastic option for newcomers and journeyman 3D printers alike, with a gamut of great features at a great price point.
This is a printer packed with quality-of-life features in order to help new print enthusiasts learn and veterans print easier. The intuitive touchscreen makes for easy configuration, and the dual Z-axis extruder structure makes for quick acceleration. A pause functionality allows you to easily refill or replace filament mid-print, and the magnetic plate leads to damage-free removal once the model is complete. It’s also worth mentioning that this is one of the quietest 3D printers under $1000.
However, it’s not the smallest: the MAX3 is bulky and heavy, which can make it difficult to store. It also comes with an irritating internal light that can’t be switched off, so we don’t recommend sleeping in the same room as it. Overall, though, this 3D printer is still a versatile and affordable option for those with a sub-$1000 budget!
Features and Considerations
Finding the best 3D printer under $1000 is no easy task, especially if you’re sticking to a specific budget, so here are some key considerations you’ll want to make as you go about your search:
Build Volume
Like a standard printer’s print size, a 3D printer will have a maximum build volume – normally measured in millimeters. Depending on what you plan to make with your unit, ensure that your choice has a suitable volume.
Print Speed
3D printing is a slow process at the best of times, but some units run faster than others – generally measured in millimeters per second (mm/s), with acceleration determining how quickly the 3D printer can reach those speeds when changing direction. Dual extruder 3D printers tend to be the fastest.
Filament
There are a wide range of different filaments available for 3D printers. From standard PLA to more specialist options like Nylon. Depending on your specific build plan, be sure your 3D printer has the compatible filament listed. For instance, food-safe molds such as cookie cutters require non-toxic filaments, so be sure to double-check what you’re printing with!
Leveling
If you are inexperienced with 3D printing, manual leveling can be an annoyance. Auto-leveling 3D printers cross one frustrating pre-print check off the list, but tend to be more expensive.
FAQs
A slicer is a form of software that interfaces between a 3D printer and a 3D modeling software, to translate the data. Different units have different compatible slicers, but the best 3D printer manufacturers ensure compatibility across the board.
There are a number of different price points for 3D printers, ranging from as low as $300 all the way up to the tens of thousands. We’d say that between $500 and $1000 is a reasonable starting point for 3D printers.
Verdict
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 325mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, HIPS
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 makes a sub-$1000 3D printer budget go a long way. With an array of functions and features to help realise your vision, this unit is ideal for 3D print enthusiasts both new and old – even if it isn’t the quietest!
If you need a small form factor as well as a small price, why not check out our guide on the best small 3D printers available?
