The Best 3D Printers of 2024 for Under 300$

Are you looking for an affordable and reliable 3D printer to kickstart your journey into the world of 3D printing? You’re in the right place! In this article, we present the 5 best 3D printers of 2024 for under 300$, all available on Amazon. These printers not only boast excellent reviews but also offer unbeatable value for money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these options will let you explore 3D printing without breaking the bank.

1. Creality Ender 3 V3 SE

Technical Specifications:

• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1 – 0.4 mm
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Extruders: 1
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Heated Bed: Yes, up to 100°C
• Maximum Extruder Temperature: 260°C
• Print Speed: 30-250 mm/s
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG
• Software: Creality Print, Cura
• File Formats: STL, OBJ, AMF
• Connectivity: USB, MicroSD
• Printer Dimensions: 490 x 452 x 621 mm
• Noise Level: ~50 dB

Pros:

• Automatic bed leveling, making it more user-friendly.
• Easy to assemble, perfect for beginners.
• Faster print speeds than earlier models.

Cons:

• May still require manual tweaks for optimal precision.
• Lacks some premium features like dual extruders.

Ideal for: Beginners who want an affordable 3D printer with automatic leveling for a smoother printing experience.

2. ANYCUBIC Kobra 2 Pro

Technical Specifications:

• Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 350 mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 – 0.3 mm
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Extruders: 1
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (compatible with various sizes)
• Heated Bed: Yes, up to 110°C
• Maximum Extruder Temperature: 260°C
• Print Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, ASA, HIPS
• Software: Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-HOST
• File Formats: STL, OBJ, AMF
• Connectivity: SD card, USB
• Printer Dimensions: 580 x 520 x 650 mm
• Noise Level: ~50 dB

Pros:

• Large build volume, ideal for big projects.
• High print speed, reducing production times.
• Compatible with a wide range of filaments and nozzles.

Cons:

• Larger size takes up more space.
• More expensive than the Kobra 2 Neo, though justified by its superior features.

Ideal for: Advanced users or those seeking a powerful 3D printer for large and complex projects.

3. AnkerMake M5C

Technische Daten:

• Bauvolumen: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Schichtauflösung: 0,1 – 0,4 mm
• Filamentdurchmesser: 1,75 mm
• Extruder: 1
• Düsendurchmesser: 0,4 mm
• Beheiztes Druckbett: Ja, bis 100°C
• Extrudertemperatur max.: 260°C
• Druckgeschwindigkeit: Bis zu 500 mm/s
• Filamentkompatibilität: PLA, ABS, PETG
• Konnektivität: Wi-Fi, USB
• Geräuschpegel: ~50 dB

Vorteile:

• Schneller Druck mit bis zu 500 mm/s.
• KI-Überwachung zur Erkennung von Druckfehlern.
• Einfach einzurichten, ideal für Anfänger.

Nachteile:

• Kleineres Bauvolumen im Vergleich zu anderen Modellen.
• Kein Touchscreen, Steuerung per App.

Ideal für: Nutzer, die einen schnellen und benutzerfreundlichen Drucker mit smarter Technologie suchen.

4. Elegoo Neptune 4

Technical Specifications:

• Build Volume: 225 x 225 x 270 mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 – 0.3 mm
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Extruders: 1
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Heated Bed: Yes, up to 110°C
• Maximum Extruder Temperature: 260°C
• Print Speed: 30-150 mm/s
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Software: Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify3D
• File Formats: STL, OBJ, AMF
• Connectivity: SD card, USB
• Printer Dimensions: 490 x 485 x 565 mm
• Noise Level: ~50 dB

Pros:

• Precise and easy-to-use automatic leveling.
• Larger build volume than many models in its price range.
• Sturdy and durable design.

Cons:

• Requires more space due to its size.
• Maximum speed may not suit all materials.

Ideal for: Users seeking a 3D printer with a good balance of ease of use, build size, and precision

5. Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra

Technical Specifications:

• Printing Technology: MSLA (Stereolithography)
• Build Volume: 143 x 89 x 175 mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.01 – 0.2 mm
• XY Resolution: 35 microns (4098 x 2560 pixels)
• Extruders: N/A (uses resin instead of filament)
• Resin Type: 405 nm UV-sensitive resin
• Print Speed: 1.5 – 3 s per layer
• Resin Compatibility: 405 nm resins
• Software: ChiTuBox
• File Formats: STL, OBJ
• Connectivity: USB
• Printer Dimensions: 227 x 227 x 430 mm
• Noise Level: ~50 dB

Pros:

• High resolution for extremely fine details.
• 4K monochrome screen for faster printing.
• Compact and suitable for small spaces.

Cons:

• Smaller build volume compared to FDM printers.
• Requires handling and post-processing of liquid resin.

Ideal for: Users who prioritize top-notch print quality with fine details.

Conclusion: Which 3D Printer Should You Choose?

When selecting a 3D printer under $300, it’s important to assess your specific needs and the type of projects you plan to undertake. Below is a summary to guide you in making the best decision:

• Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is ideal for beginners who want a reliable printer with decent build volume and excellent value for money. It’s a safe choice for those seeking a versatile printer with a large user community and the added convenience of automatic bed leveling for a smoother printing experience.
• ANYCUBIC Kobra 2 Pro stands out for its large build volume, high printing speeds, and compatibility with a wide range of filaments. It’s perfect for advanced users who need a powerful, versatile printer for complex projects that demand precision and scale.
• AnkerMake M5C offers a balanced mix of speed and smart features at an affordable price. With AI-powered print monitoring and fast printing speeds, it’s a great option for beginners and intermediate users seeking modern tech features with reliable performance.
• Elegoo Neptune 4 excels in ease of use and precision, with a larger build volume and advanced features like automatic bed leveling. It’s an excellent choice for users looking for a robust, intuitive machine capable of handling medium to large-scale projects effortlessly.
• Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is the best choice for those who prioritize print quality with extreme detail. As a next-generation resin printer, it offers superior resolution, making it ideal for projects requiring ultra-smooth finishes and fine detailing.

In the end, choosing the right 3D printer depends on your specific needs and how you intend to use it. If ease of use and versatility are your priorities, FDM printers like the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or ANYCUBIC Kobra 2 Pro are excellent choices. On the other hand, if your focus is on achieving the highest level of detail for smaller prints, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is unbeatable. All of these options will let you explore the exciting world of 3D printing without breaking the bank.

Note: This article is intended as a purchase suggestion based on product features and user feedback. We recommend researching further to ensure the printer you choose aligns with your specific project needs before making a final purchase.

Personal Note:

If you’re just starting with 3D printing, opting for a more affordable printer is a smart way to get familiar with the process without making a significant upfront investment. This approach allows you to experiment and learn at your own pace. However, if you plan to work on more demanding projects or use the printer professionally, investing in a higher-end model with advanced features might be worth considering.

For home or small projects, keep in mind that 3D printers can take up considerable space, so it’s a good idea to dedicate a specific area for your setup. Additionally, learning to use 3D design software will be key to creating your own models, though downloading free designs online is a great way to start developing your skills while enjoying your first steps into 3D printing.