While a few years ago 3D printers were mainly targeted at professional users and ambitious makers, quite a few manufacturers now offer affordable consumer 3D printers for home use. Below we provide you with a list of devices that are available for less than 500 Dollars.
The following list is an entirely subjective selection of entry-level 3D printers that are all based on FDM technology. A more extensive list of devices also featuring other printing technologies can be found in our 3D printer directory.
The following printers are available from manufacturers as well as retailers. You can find a retailer near you in our directory.
8XYZprinting da Vinci Jr.1.0w
Founded in 2013, XYZprinting is a subsidiary of Taiwan-based New Kinpo Group. The company specialises in consumer 3D printers, offering a variety of affordable devices.
The XYZ printing da Vinci Jr.1.0w is available from 349 Dollar. Unlike many other models, this printer features WiFi connectivity.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 15 x 15 x 15 cm |
| Resolution | 0.1 – 0.4 mm |
| Filament | PLA Filament by XYZprinting, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | up to 100mm/s |
| Heated print bed | No |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, SD Card, Wifi |
| Price | 349 Dollar |
7M3D: The Micro 3D Printer
The M3D was first unveiled in 2014, with the aim to offer users a low-cost 3D printer. The developers were able to source a total of $ 3.4 million through 11.000 backers on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to bring the printer to market.
Meanwhile the desktop 3D printer is available from $ 349 and the company has also recently launched a Pro-version of the device.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 10.9 x 11,3 x 11.6 cm |
| Resolution | 0.05 – 0.35 mm |
| Filament | PLA/ABS, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | – |
| Heated print bed | No |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Price | 349 Dollar |
6New Matter: MOD-t
As many other 3D printers, the MOD-t has also been funded and released to market through a crowdfunding campaign. New Matter was focused on developing an affordable device and was able to raise $ 680,000 through Indiegogo in 2014.
The MOD-t 3D printer is now available for $ 399 through selected retailers.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 15 x 10 x 12,5 cm |
| Resolution | 0.1 – 0.4 mm |
| Filament | PLA Filament, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | – |
| Heated print bed | No |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wifi |
| Price | 399 Dollar |
5UP! mini
The UP! mini is the most affordable device of Chinese manufacturer Tiertime. Various reseller offer the printer for under 500 Dollar.
The company recently also unveiled an updated version of the printer, the UP! mini 2.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 12 x 12 x 12 cm |
| Resolution | 0.2 – 0.35 mm |
| Filament | PLA/ABS Filament, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | – |
| Heated print bed | yes |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Price | 500 Dollar |
4Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus
Like its predecessor, the third generation of the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus is based on the RepRap Prusa i3. The updates in the latest version were made thanks to feedback from users.
Priced at $ 499, the 3D printer is equipped with an SD card slot and can be controlled through its touch screen.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 20 x 20 x 18 cm |
| Resolution | 0.1mm |
| Filament | PLA/ABS Filament, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | – |
| Heated print bed | yes |
| Connectivity | USB, SD |
| Price | 499 Dollar |
3Printrbot Play
California-based company Printrbot has unveiled their first 3D printer on Kickstarter in 2011. Following a successful campaign, further versions of the printer were launched.
Available at $ 399, Printrbot Play is the most affordable printer of the company’s portfolio.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 10 x 10.5 x 13 cm |
| Resolution | 0.05 mm |
| Filament | PLA/flexible Filament, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | up to 80mm/s |
| Heated print bed | optional |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Price | 399 Dollar |
2Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer
Monoprice is an American online retailer selling generic branded consumer electronics under its namesake private label, among them the Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer. With a price tag of only $ 200, it is one of the cheapest entry-level 3D printers available on the market. In the store of online retailer Amazon the printer is the most popular model in the category for 3D printers. Reviews of users are mainly positive.
Files can be transferred to the printer using either an SD card or USB cable. A larger and faster version of the device has been released with the Maker Select 3D Printer, available for under € 500.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 12 x 12 x 12 cm |
| Resolution | 0.1mm |
| Filament | PLA/ABS Filament, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | 55 mm/sec |
| Heated print bed | yes |
| Connectivity | USB, MicroSD |
| Price | 349 Dollar |
1FlashForge Finder
Founded in 2011, Chinese company FlashForge produces prosumer and consumer 3D printers. The Finder is the entry-level version available for $ 499.
Like all 3D printers by the manufacturer, the FlashForge Finder features WiFi connectivity.
Technical Specifications
| Build area | 14 x 14 x 14 cm |
| Resolutions | 0,1 – 0,5 mm |
| Filament | PLA Filament, 1.75mm |
| Printing speed | – |
| Heated print bed | no |
| Connectivity | USB, WiFi |
| Price | 499 Dollar |
