5 Best 3D Printer Under $500 in 2024

3D printing is no longer the novelty that it once used to be. Thanks to super aggressive prices and increasing competition, several manufacturers have started offering 3D printers with features to rival the best in the industry. However, pricing remains one of the primary concerns for prospective buyers. Keeping this in mind, we’ve decided to compile a list of some of the best 3D printers out there that are sold for under $500 in the marketplace. While the search was not all too easy, you will find that the offerings mentioned on this list will strike your fancy. So without waiting any further, let’s have a look at the best 3D printers under $500 in 2024.

5 Best 3D Printer Under $500 in 2024

Monoprice Maker Pro

This printer offers a 300 x 300mm build area, giving you enough room to create your favorite objects. The height, however, is stretched out to 400mm, so you’re still capable of making somewhat taller structures. The best part about this printer is that it allows practically anybody to use the printer. So you don’t need to be an expert in order to use the Maker Pro. Power saving and efficiency features allow the printer to resume printing where it left off in the event of a power shutdown. This can be crucial if you’re printing for a long time and the power outages are frequent in your area.

Removing an object from the tray is a very easy process thanks to the flexible magnetic build sheet. The handy LCD panel on the printer gives you all the important directions to ensure a proper print of your dream project. The printer has auto bed leveling enabled as well, which will surely come in handy if you’re a new user. While 3D printers are fun to use, it can be quite tricky if you’re doing it for the first time. So be sure to follow the instructions supplied with the printer before getting started with your prints.

Xvico X3

This comes from a little known company, but still offers great versatility allowing you to create complex and complicated 3D models using the printer. As is the case with most new 3D printers, the X3 offers auto-resume, which automatically resumes printing in case of a power cutoff. The company reportedly undergoes strict testing before each product is shipped, so you can be assured of its good quality out of the box. To help new users, the company offers detailed instructions on how to install the printer and get started.

If you’re still unable to solve your issue, the company is available 24×7 through online chat support. This printer is slightly smaller, however. Offering a printing area of 220*220*240mm, it’s certainly not as big as the Monoprice offering we discussed above. However, this can still make intricate objects, so you’re not limited in any way, unless you specifically want to create larger 3D models. The best part here is that the company offers a 2GB microSD card with the product filled with a few 3D samples to get you started. There’s also a large touchscreen here to help you navigate the features of the printer.

Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro

This is a comprehensive 3D printing solution for those seeking an alternative to expensive printers. This comes with a small printing area, specifically 220*220*250mm. So while you’re unable to create large models with this offering, you can still get a lot done. Thanks to the UL Certified power supply on board here, the Ender 3 Pro is protected against overheating and can safely heat the hot bed to a 110℃ in just five minutes. Moreover, this is a semi-assembled kit, meaning it will not be properly assembled when you get it. But thanks to instructions provided with the product, setting it up is a breeze really. This includes lifetime technical assistance and round-the-clock customer service from the company.

Much like every other printer on this list, the Ender 3 Pro can also pick up where it left off after a power outage. It’s an extremely intricate device made simple for common users, so be sure to follow all the instructions carefully before you’re good to go. At around 19 pounds, this is certainly not the lightest printers out there.

ANYCUBIC Photon

This is one of the expensive models on this list and with good reason. Unlike conventional 3D printers, this one uses a LCD process which basically creates your model by passing light through a resin model by selectively hardening the areas the model requires. This also gives room for precision, allowing you to recreate intricate objects down to the last detail. It comes with a USB slot to let you add your own designs, although it has to be in a certain format before you can get started.

The LCD panel is also capable of showing real time progress of your sculpture, giving you a good idea of how it’s coming along. For this factor alone, this is one of my favorite printers on my list. A printer like this is ideal to create small objects or miniatures in a home or school environment.

Monoprice Maker Ultimate

Given how popular Monoprice is in the 3D printing business, it’s no surprise that a second offering by the company features on our list. Dubbed the Maker Ultimate, this is the top of the line offering by Monoprice and offers great versatility with regards to printing. Moreover, it can support printing in resolutions as fine as 20 microns (0.02mm) giving you precision like no other printer in this price segment.

The versatile all-metal extruder and the heated print bed allows for a wide range of materials to be used in your sculptures, including TPE/TPU, PVA, metal and wood in addition to standard components like ABS and PLA. This is the case with the aforementioned Maker Pro model as well. The geared anti-jam filament ensures that the materials never stop making their way through the nozzle, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free print each time. Be sure to have a closer look.