Best Easy & Budget Beginner 3D Printers Under $500

Besides professional fields, 3D printing is also rising among amateur enthusiasts, while for newbies, how to choose the first printer? Today, we want to introduce some easy-to-use and budget-friendly 3D printers for beginners under $500 (updated in 2025).

Best 3D Printer for Beginners – Easy & Budget 3D Printers Under $500

Below is a list of the best 3D printers in 2024/2025 for beginners, hobbyists, newbies, and kids. These printing machines may not be the newly released products this year, but they are still good to use, and most of them have reduced the prices, which makes them more affordable for newcomers to use. We’ll introduce each 3D printer with its features, advantages, specifications, prices, and images (sourced from Amazon). What to note is that the price may change, and we list the latest prices found while writing this article, as well as the sources of these prices (some 3D printers may be out of stock now, so we add new options here).

1. Original Prusa MINI+ Semi-assembled 3D Printer – Best Budget Compact 3D Printer
The MINI+ is a fully-equipped 3D printer produced by Original Prusa, as a successor to Prusa Mini. The Prusa Mini+ gets upgrades in the Y bracket and a SuperPINDA sensor, which are the differences between them. Original Prusa MINI+ is a small but capable FDM 3D printer kit that is suitable for beginners and enthusiasts due to its accuracy, reliability, quality print results, and customizable with a larger user community. Its auto-leveling sensor and open design make it approachable for beginners while still allowing advanced customization.

Product Specifications

Type: FDM
Build Volume: 7″x7″x7″
Printer dimensions (without spool holder & external PSU): 380×330×380 mm
Layer height: 0.05 to 0.25 mm
Nozzle: 0.4 mm (default)
Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
Materials: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC, CPE, PVA/BVOH, PVB, HIPS, PP, etc.
Nozzle temperature: Up to 280 °C (536 °F)
Heatbed temperature: Up to 100 °C (212 °F)
Connectivity: USB port, RJ-45, Wi-Fi module (optional)

Price

$459 (Prusa3d)

2. Toybox 3D 1-Touch Toy Printer – Best 3D Printer for Kids
This Toybox 3D printer is the best choice for parents with young kids. It provides an easy and engaging way for kids to learn 3d printing with endless possibilities for creativity. It uses biodegradable PLA filament, which is a great material for beginners. PLA has a relatively low printing temperature and is easier to handle compared to other options. And PLA filament is inexpensive and easy to find. The 3D-printed parts made from PLA have good strength and are durable. Users can browse the toy catalog online and download new designs they want to print, it supports any web browser, and the process is fun and simple; you don’t need to install apps, configure slicers, or copy or transfer files. The machine is lightweight and compact, which is ideal for small spaces. The only issue is that we did not find the product for sale on the official website. Now you may need to purchase from other sources.

Product Specifications

Color: white
Dimensions: 7.4″x7.4”x9.05″
Build Volume: 2.76″x3.15″x3.54″
Weight: 15.21 Pounds
Volume: 9x8x10 cm
Speed: 60 mm/s
Resolution: 200 microns
Bed: Easy-Peel Bed
Compatible Systems: STL, OBJ, gCode
WIFI: 2.4GHz
Print Materials: PLA non-toxic plastic
Voltage: AC 100V-240V

Price

$299.00 (Amazon)

3. Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer – Fast Cheap 3D Printer for Beginners
If you want to find the best 3D printer for around $300, the Anycubic Kobra 2 is an affordable option that features lots of high-end features of more expensive models. One of the biggest advantages of it is the fast printing speed, which can achieve up to 250 mm/s, boosted by features like the direct drive extruder and high-power heating, but not commonly used. The easy-to-use setup also makes it suitable for starters; the assembly is quite simple, and the auto-leveling process ensures prints are done properly without needing manual bed leveling. In addition, the Anycubic app and included slicing software are user-friendly and simple to use for novices. Its build quality will never disappoint you. A sturdy build ensures reliable long-term use.

Product Specifications

Type: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Dimensions: 19.1″x17.3″x17.1″
Weight: 18.5 lbs
Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
Build Volume: 8.7″x8.7″x9.84″
Minimum Layer Resolution: 100 microns
Maximum Layer Resolution: 400 microns
Primary Interface(s): microSD card, USB Type-C
Print Speed: Up to 250mm/s

Price

$299.99 (Amazon)

4. Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro 3D Printer – Best 3D Printer for DIY
The Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro is also easy to assemble, as it comes mostly pre-assembled, and the touchscreen makes common controls readily accessible for newcomers or beginners. The CR Touch auto-leveling system helps ensure good first-layer adhesion without manual leveling. Dual-gear direct drive extruder ensures smooth filament feeding and retraction for dimensional accuracy at high speeds. The all-metal hot-end allows for temperatures up to 300°C for more filament options. When it comes to the parts, you can use it to print larger and more complex items compared to lots of other budget options, including functional prototypes. The Ender-3 S1 Pro has a large community for helping with troubleshooting issues.

Product Specifications

Type: FDM
Build Volume: 8.5″ x 8.5″ x 10.5″
Dimensions: 490 x 455 x 305 mm
Weight: 8.6 kg
Material: PLA/PETG/TPU/ABS
Extruder: Direct Drive
Print Precision: ±0.1 mm
Layer Height: 0.1- 0.35 mm
Nozzle size: 0.04 mm
Max print speed: 150 mm/s
Nozzle temperature: 300 °C
Bed temperature: 110 °C
Connectivity: SD Card, USB-C

Price

$284 (3duncle)

5. AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer – Fast 3D Printer Under $300
AnkerMake M5C is a strong contender among the best cheap 3D printers for beginners. It comes with clear assembly instructions and can be set up in about 20 minutes, even by those new to 3D printing. The design of the M5C is compact yet efficient, with a combination of user-friendly features and robust construction. The direct drive extruder allows for better handling of flexible materials like TPU, which is an advantage for users looking to experiment with different filaments. All-metal hotend with bi-metallic heat break ensures high-quality print outcomes with various materials. The PEI print surface improves adhesion during printing and eases model removal after cooling, reducing the likelihood of damaging prints when removing them from the build plate. This printer operates at relatively low noise levels and can produce high-quality prints across a variety of tests.

Product Specifications

Print Size: 8.7×8.7×9.8
Print Speed: 500 mm/s
Benchy Print (Max): 17 Min
Filament: 1.75 mm
Plate Temperature (Max): 100℃
Hotend: All-Metal
Nozzle: Brass, 0.4 mm
Extrusion Flow: 35 mm³/s
Hotend Temperature (Max): 300℃
Equipment Size: 466×374×480 mm³ (Without Filament Holder)
Materials: PLA, PETG / PET, ABS, PA, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA-CF

Price

$260 (AnkerMake)

6. ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra – Entry Level 3D Printer with AI Camera

The ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra is a fantastic choice for beginners who want sharp, detailed 3D resin prints. It features a super clear 7-inch 9K mono LCD screen, which means your tiny design details will show up clearly. This printer works fast for resin printing, and it has a smart tilt release that helps your prints come off smoothly without rough edges. What makes it really beginner-friendly is its automatic leveling and AI camera that watches your prints and alerts you if something goes wrong. Plus, it can connect to Wi-Fi so you can control several printers at once. Even though it doesn’t have a built-in heater, its easy setup and smart features make it a great way to start 3D printing.

Product Specifications

Build Volume: 153.36 × 77.76 × 165 mm
Printing Speed: MAX 150 mm/h
Layer Thickness: 0.01–0.2 mm
XY Resolution: 18 μm (8520 × 4320)
Z-Axis Accuracy: 0.02 mm
Printing Technology: MSLA
Light Source: COB Light Source (wavelength 405nm)
LCD Screen Size: 7-inch 9K Mono LCD
LCD Screen Protector: 9H hardness tempered glass
Connection Method: Wi-Fi, USB
System: EL3D-4.0
Slicer Software: Chitubox

Price

$259.99 (Elegoo)

7. Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo – Multi-Color 3D Printer for Beginners

The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo is also a brilliant pick for entry-level users who want to get creative with colors. This printer can print up to four colors at once, with plans to support even eight colors later, making your projects bright and exciting. It has a smart filament storage system that keeps the material dry, avoids clogs, and alerts you if something’s wrong. The printer is also very fast and uses special sensors to reduce vibrations, so your prints come out smooth and detailed. Although it doesn’t have an extra tray for more filament, it’s easy to manage and perfect for anyone who wants quick, colorful, and high-quality prints.

Product Specifications

Build Volume: 250*250*260mm³
Structure: i3 Cartesian，Injection-Molded Base & Aluminum Construction
Max. Print Speed: 600mm/s
Hot End: All Metal
Extruder Gears: Hardened Steel
LED Light: Supported
Max Nozzle Temperature: 300℃, that is 572℉
Max Heat bed Temperature: 110 ℃, that is 230℉
LAN Mode: Supported
Multi-Color Printing: 4 colors, Extending to 8* colors

Price

$359.99 (Amazon)

8. FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M – Auto-Leveling High-Speed 3D Printer

The FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M is a solid beginner 3D printer under $500 with ease of use and great speed. It has a fully automatic leveling system, so you just press a button and it’s ready to print without complicated adjustments. This printer reaches high speeds without losing accuracy, and its quick nozzle swap system means you can change parts in just a few seconds. It heats up fast and has a removable dual-sided platform that makes it easy to take off your finished prints. Plus, it uses vibration compensation to keep your prints neat and detailed. You can even monitor your printing progress with an app on your phone.

Product Specifications

Display Screen: 4.3-inch
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm/0.6mm/0.8mm/0.25mm
Compatible Slicing Software: FlashPrint 5/Orca-Flashforge/Orca Slicer
Build Volume: 220 × 220 × 220 mm
Build Plate: Flexible removable PEI steel plate
Power Supply: AC100~120/200~240V，50/60Hz，350W
Platform Temperature: 100ºC
Shell: Open
Acceleration: Max acceleration: 20000mm/s²
Device Size: 363*376*413mm (excluding the display screen and spool holder)
Direct drive; Qty: 1
Extruder Temperature: 280°C
Connectivity” Wi-Fi; Ethernet; USB
Max travel speed: 600mm/s

Price

$259.00 (Amazon)

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Best 3D Printer for Beginners – Easy & Budget 3D Printers Under $500

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Best 3D Printer for Beginners – Easy & Budget 3D Printers Under $500

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