The world of 3D printers may at first seem high-tech, and therefore high cost – and the best 3D printers under $200 may seem like too low a price to buy anything of quality. However, there are actually plenty to choose from, so much so that it warrants its own buyer’s guide.
With that in mind, here are our recommendations for the best budget 3D printers on the market today, all for less than $200. Factoring in a range of different considerations and key features, we’ve tried to make our listing as comprehensive as possible and suitable for anyone and everyone interested in 3D printing – from beginners up to professionals!
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Editor’s PickCreality Ender 3
- Build Volume: 220mm x 220mm x 250mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
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Best Resin 3D Printer Under $200Elegoo Mars 3
- Build Volume: 220mm x 120mm x 250mm
- Filament: SLA
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
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Best Compact 3D Printer Under $200Tronxy CRUX1
- Build Volume: 180mm x 180mm x 180mm
- Filament: PLA, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB, TF
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
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Best Fast 3D Printer Under $200Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo
- Build Volume: 245mm × 245mm × 260mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
How We Picked the Best 3D Printer Under $200
When choosing the best 3D printer under $200, thankfully the issue of “cost” is already factored in – it’s much harder to parse the best 3D printer for jewelry, for example, when there’s such a wide range of prices. Along with the general ease-of-use and print quality, our other main considerations were quality of life features: it’s rare for a printer to have many at this price point, so we gave special consideration for the 3D printers that did more for less! We settled on four 3D printers that all matched our budget requirements, whilst also providing high quality and accessible 3D prints!
- Build Volume: 220mm x 220mm x 250mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
We’re always impressed by this budget 3D print solution from Creality: a masterful yet affordable 3D printer that takes the challenge out of even the most complex of designs.
- Sterling build volume – with space for designs up to 220mm x 220mm x 250mm, you have plenty of space to design.
- Advanced features – with a direct-drive extruder and power outage detection, the Ender 3 doesn’t sacrifice functionality for affordability.
- Difficult assembly – though the Ender 3 ships partly pre-assembled, the 3D printer can be difficult to assemble for beginners.
For the best 3D printer under $200, there’s no doubt in our minds that it’s the Creality Ender 3. Ideal for those who want to learn as they build, supported by a bustling community of Ender enthusiasts, this budget 3D printer will serve you well.
With a build volume of 220mm x 220mm x 250mm, the Ender 3 allows for ambitious projects of a decent size, using Creality’s own PLA filament in a range of colors. It also boasts a number of those features that we mentioned, such as a heated bed plate, a power recovery mode and advanced extruders for quick and efficient printing. There’s a reason this 3D printer is one of Amazon’s bestsellers: it boasts incredible print quality for an equally incredible price.
The one downside to this otherwise fantastic offering from Creality is the assembly. Though it is still simpler than many other industrial 3D printers, it is quite an involved process that may alienate some first-time users. Aside from that, the Ender 3 is still a tremendous 3D printer under $200!
- Build Volume: 220mm x 120mm x 250mm
- Filament: SLA
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
An affordable and alternative 3D print solution, this ELEGOO printer is well worth its low cost.
- Intuitive and accessible – the Mars 3’s interface is quick to learn and intuitive for easy SLA printing.
- Quality resin prints – though you’re limited to resin for your prints, the results are quick and accurate.
- Poor build quality – it’s in the physical printer itself that the Mars 3 shows its price.
Resin 3D printers are a worthwhile consideration for those looking for a unique means of 3D printing, and the Elegoo Mars 3 enables you to do so for under $200. Boasting a number of great features at a sterling price point, the Mars 3 is a unique and affordable entry point into 3D printing.
Resin is a unique form of 3D printing, great for small detailed objects such as miniatures, and the quality that the Mars 3 is able to attain with its limited scope is impressive. With a build volume of 220mm x 120mm x 250mm, you can print designs to an impressively large scale. It comes with an intuitive 4K touchscreen for easy control, and the corresponding slicer software is quick and responsive. And with copper lining helping to spread heat more evenly, you’ll have consistently high-quality results.
However, you can’t get such a quality 3D printer under $200 without a catch: the build quality on the Mars 3 is poorer than average for a resin printer, which can lead to leaks or damage if not properly maintained. This can be overcome with due care, though, and the Mars 3 is still the best resin 3D printer under $200!
- Build Volume: 180mm x 180mm x 180mm
- Filament: PLA, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB, TF
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
If you need to save space as well as money, the CRUX1 is an ideal 3D printer to suit your needs.
- Highly compact – the CRUX1 is easy to house and transport.
- Quiet and fast – with print speeds up to 150mm/s, prints are rendered quickly.
- Limited build volume – at 180mm x 180mm x 180mm, the build volume is as compressed that the CRUX1 itself.
One of the smallest and most affordable 3D printers on the market, the Tronxy CRUX1 is a great choice for beginners looking for a compact product. Not only is the Tronxy CRUX1 cheap and compact, but it also offers amazing silent printing – making it even better suited for home use.
This high quality in such a small package is made possible thanks to dual-axis metal guide rails. The CRUX1 also comes partially assembled, leaving only a few parts to put in place before getting started. With print speeds of up to 150mm/s and a build volume of 180mm in every direction, you’ve got an impressive level of print possibilities!
However, that size is inherently a limiting factor, and the CRUX1 is inherently limited by its small build volume. If you have plans for small 3D prints on an even smaller budget, then the Tronxy CRUX1 is the best bet under $200 for you!
- Build Volume: 245mm × 245mm × 260mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
This 3D printer is a productivity powerhouse, and one that is well worth its low cost for high-quality prints.
- Fast print speed – at 500mm/s, the Kobra 2 Neo is one of the fastest 3D printers under $200.
- Easy to use – with a direct drive extruder and a magnetic build plate, you get a quality finish and results are easy to remove.
- Limited vibration compensation – be sure to have this printer on a steady surface, as small vibrations can disrupt printing.
Our final pick for the best 3D printer under $200 is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo: a powerfully fast 3D printer from Anycubic. Don’t let the price deceive you: this budget print solution is capable of blisteringly fast print speeds.
Featuring a direct-drive extruder capable of a top speed of 500mm/s, the Kobra 2 Neo is a productivity powerhouse. Prints can be rendered rapidly and in a variety of materials, including ABS and PETG. The magnetic build plate is also appreciated, as you can easily remove your prints without damage or warping them.
What may warp them, however, is any vibrations or movement during the print process. The Kobra 2 Neo isn’t very shock-resistant, and this can cause print issues – particularly at top acceleration. Still, we highly recommend the Kobra 2 Neo as a fast 3D printer – so long as it’s somewhere secure…
Features and Considerations
If you’re looking at another 3D printer under $200, there are a few elements to consider before purchasing:
Build Volume
As mentioned, the build volume (measured generally in millimeters) determines how large a print you can make. For 3D printers under $200, these aren’t too large-scale as they are generally enclosed-frame 3D printers. Regardless, make sure your printer is capable of creating the designs you desire.
Filament Compatibility
There are dozens of possible filament choices to use when 3D printing, from standard favorites such as ABS or PLA to more specialist materials like Nylon. Be sure to choose the right filament for your needs, and that your 3D printer is capable of using it.
Size
Aside from the build volume, the physical space that your 3D printer takes up should be considered. For those working with budgeted space and money, consider a smaller option.
User-Friendliness
3D printing isn’t quite as simple as it seems, and can require some complex tool such as slicer software to function properly – not to mention designing the 3D model itself. For the best results for beginners, look for more intuitive and quick 3D printers with detailed manuals, to help you both troubleshoot and avoid troubles.
FAQs
Yes: There are plenty of 3D printers on the market in 2024, and a number of them are either under $200 or frequently go on sale below their RRP. Keep up-to-date with the latest deals with PC Guide.
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid, and is a form of thermoplastic that can be easily molded, making it highly suitable for 3D printing.
Verdict
- Build Volume: 220mm x 220mm x 250mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB, SD
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
Though the assembly is more involved than we’d like, the Creality Ender 3 is the best 3D printer under $200! Boasting a wide range of useful features and sterling build quality, this budget 3D printer is ideal for newcomers or journeyman 3D printing!
If you’re willing to stretch your budget, why not check out our guide on the best 3D printers under $500?
