Printing isn't just about paper anymore. 3D printing has reached new heights in recent years, allowing for fun and creative ways to create objects and designs. 

Recommends

The best 3D printers

If you're in the market for a 3D printer, you'll find one here that fits your needs.

Read now

Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing takes your digital file into three dimensions. It allows you to print more complex, detailed images than you get with a traditional printer. That's why it has become the go-to printing tool for beginner and advanced artists and engineers alike. 

But getting started can be daunting. What printer should you get? How much should you spend? 

A 3D printer doesn't have to cost a fortune. We scoured the market to find the best 3D printers under$300 based on features, performance, and user reviews. 

Also:We ranked the best inkjet, photo, and laser printers

Creality Ender 3 V2

Best cheap 3D printer overall

Creality/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Affordable
• Excellent print quality
• Open design

Cons

• Users complain of durability
• Minimal set up instructions

More Details

Tech Specs: Weight:17.19 poundsDimensions:18.5 x 18.7 x 24.41 inchesFrame design:Open

Comgrow's Creality Ender 3 V2 wins our award for the best cheap 3D printer overall. Priced at$280, this cheap 3D printer is compatible with laptops and PCs. The printer is made of tempered glass and aluminum, and it includes a self-developed silent motherboard that significantly enhances performance with more stable, soundless printing.

The device features a 4.3-inch smart color screen for ease of use. For added safety, it uses a UL-certified MeanWell power supply that's concealed within the machine. And in the event of a power outage or other interruption, it can automatically resume printing so you won't lose progress. 

View now at Amazon

3Doodler Create Plus

Best portable cheap 3D printer

3Doodler Pros & Cons Pros

• Dual settings
• Stencils included
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Slight learning curve
• Reloading can be finicky

More Details

Tech Specs: Weight:1 poundDimensions:4.45 x 3.15 x 0.2 inchesFrame design:Pen

3Doodler Create Plus takes a different approach to 3D printing with a pen design. The device utilizes dual-drive technology for faster, better 3D prints. How does it work? The pen heats up plastic so you can create 3D drawings and doodles.

The plastic hardens almost instantly, giving you a 3D picture of your design. It works on clothing, as well as many other surfaces, to give you a custom-made image you can't get anywhere else. 

View now at Amazon View now at Target more buying choices

Toybox 3D Printer

Best for children

Pros & Cons Pros

• One-touch printing
• Child-friendly options
• Easy to set up

Cons

• On the pricier end
• Requires internet

More Details

Tech Specs: Weight:15.21 poundsDimensions:7.4 x 7.4 x 9.05 inchesFrame design:Open

Toybox 3D Printer is a cheap 3D printer made specifically for children. The easy, one-touch control makes it self-sufficient for younger children, especially with its WiFi connection. No adjustments are needed while it runs, and the small size makes it easy to handle. Plus, thousands of toys are available within the Toybox catalog to keep your child busy for weeks to come. 

View now at Amazon

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

Best for beginners

Pros & Cons Pros

• Affordable
• Fast printing
• No setup needed

Cons

• Some glitches
• USB cable required for wireless connection

More Details

Tech Specs: Weight:22.1 poundsDimensions:20 x 16 x 18 inchesFrame design:Open

If you're new to 3D printing, XYZprinting da Vinci Mini is our pick for the best cheap 3D printer. It couldn't be easier to use. No assembly is required with a plug-and-play design. Plus, it offers super-fast printing with a 200-micron resolution. Simply connect to WiFi, and you're well on your way. 

View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy View now at Walmart more buying choices

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Best cheap 3D printer for SLA printing

Pros & Cons Pros

• Simple build platform leveling
• Integrated air filtration
• High resolution printing

Cons

• A bit noisy
• Resin vat on side

More Details

Tech Specs: Weight:13.67 poundsDimensions:22.44 x 11.42 x 11.42 inchesFrame design:Closed

SLA printing is a type of special industrial printing, and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is the best at it. It offers a monochrome LCD screen with 2K HD resolution for easy viewing. It's super fast, requiring just two seconds to create each layer of your design. Plus, it uses an even UV light emissions for improved detail. The machine itself has a solid, sturdy build, and it comes with a one-year warranty.

View now at Amazon

What is the best cheap 3D printer?

The Creality Ender 3 V2 wins our pick for the best 3D printer, thanks to its overall affordability and reliable performance. To see how it compares, these are the best cheap 3D printers you can buy broken down by price and type of frame.

Best cheap 3D printer	Cost	Frame type
Creality Ender 3 V2	$280	Open frame
3Doodler Create Plus	$77	Pen
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro	$200	Closed frame
Toybox 3D Printer	$300	Open frame
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini	$200	Open frame

Which is the right best cheap 3D printer for you?

It can be confusing trying to sort through so many models. Here are our recommendations for the best cheap 3D printers based on priorities.

Choose this best cheap 3D printer...	If you want...
Creality Ender 3 V2	An open-frame printer with incredible value and performance
3Doodler Create Plus	Portability above else
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro	An SLA printer
Toybox 3D Printer	A kid-friendly 3D printer
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini	A beginner-friendly 3D printer

How did we choose these best cheap 3D printers?

There are several factors we consider when choosing the best cheap 3D printer. 

• Build volume:A finished project's size is crucial to many users, so we look for cheap 3D printers of all shapes and sizes.
• Use:Ease of use is an important factor, especially if you are a beginner. We look for 3D printers that accommodate a variety of experience levels.
• User reviews:No one knows a product like those who use it, so we look to real customers for their input on overall user experience. It helps give a realistic portrait of what to expect with each cheap 3D printer.
• Cost:We look for budget-friendly 3D printers that are affordably priced without sacrificing quality. After all, these are the best cheap 3D printers for your budget.  

Is a cheap 3D printer worth it?

There are many affordable 3D printers, but not all of them offer high-quality performance. We look for cheap 3D printers that don't skimp on features, so you don't have to spend a fortune.

What material does a cheap 3D printer use?

Most 3D printers use either PLA or ABS plastic to create your design. You may see some printers with liquid resin, which is more suitable for advanced users but delivers excellent results. PLA, made of a combination of cornstarch and sugarcane, tends to be the more beginner-friendly option for most users. 

How much do cheap 3D printers cost?

The best cheap 3D printers all cost less than$300, ranging in price from$77 to$299, depending on the model you choose.  

Are there alternative best cheap 3D printers worth considering?

In our search, we also found these alternative best cheap 3D printers for your consideration.

XYZprinting da Vinci Junior: Best alternative under$200

$199.95 at Amazon

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K: Best 3D printer for miniatures and jewelry

$129.99 at Amazon

For other types of printers, check out our picks for the best inkjet printers, the best laser printers, and the best photo printers!

Recommends

The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more comparedThe 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)

• The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more compared
• The 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)
• The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)
• The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)