Top 10 Best 3D Printers Under $500 2022

If you are a beginner, you would probably want to start with a simple design. This means that Prusa is a very good option for you. It is not only simple to use but also easy to assemble. Some people feel that getting a printer becomes 10 times more difficult because you need to set aside an entire day for its assembly. Since 3D printers are slightly bigger than your regular kind, it might take some effort to put them together.

However, when it comes to this brand, they have made assembly very easy so you get a large build volume as well as a clear design with lots of advanced features. The best thing is that it is one of the top 3D printers under 500 so it fits your budget very nicely too. It has a high printing speed and you will love the results it produces. We suggest that if you are an Instagram artist or someone who pursues art as a hobby, you should definitely try this.

Features

• Metal body
• Minimizes vibration
• Touch screen
• Interchangeable nozzles
• Three different nozzle sizes
• 20 mm/sec speed
• Large build volume
• 300 x 300 x 400 mm
• 0.05 to 0.4 mm

For people who prioritize reliability over everything else, this is a perfect choice. It is an advanced version of their previous model CRS 10 and is already assembled to some extent. This saves you a lot of time and you don't need to put in half as much effort. All you have to do is bring it home and begin your printing adventure. It is easier to control as well because there is a digital display included in it that assists with the advanced features.

There are 16 positions in total that can be used for pointing the bed in different directions. You get a 12 V power supply with this model which is ideal because the control board makes it easy to operate. The one thing that really impressed our experts with Creality was that it was able to hold the power on its own for long durations pretty well. This adds to the accuracy and shows how well-built the machine actually is so you don’t need to worry about maintenance and repair for a long time.

Features

• 300 x 300 x 400 mm
• 0.4 mm diameter nozzle
• Inbuilt steel build plate
• Aluminum frame
• SD card and USB port
• FDM technology
• Large print space
• Compatible with PLA, ABS, Flexibles, and PETG
• Easily connects to Raspberry PI
• Bowden extruder
• 12 Volt power supply
• Double gear extrusion mechanism

Qidi Tech is a popular Chinese company that is the early pioneer of 3D printers. They have made their name in the manufacturing industry as one of the leading tech businesses and people trust their machines because of how well they operate. The technology is based on FDM and LCD resin and they are not very highly-priced either which makes the products all the more appealing. The FDM tech is what the buyers are most interested in, especially the engineers who want to make slightly high-end products with the help of the printer.

It is extremely useful for professionals but doesn't be intimidated because even if you are a beginner, you can easily use it and produce objects that suit your liking. The printer offers a huge range so whether it is ABS, PLS, TPU, or PETG, you can employ all sorts of techniques and get the desired results. One feature that stands out in this model is the Wi-Fi connectivity because it enables you to hook the printer up to your phone or laptop and do the work with incredible ease.

Features

• FDM or LCD resin tech
• Flagship model
• 170 x 150 x 150 mm
• Layer of resolution of 100 to 140 microns
• 0.4 mm nozzle
• 250 degree Celsius tolerance
• Removable print bed
• Aerospace-grade aluminum plate
• 3.5inches color touch screen
• 150 mm per second speed
• One year warranty
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Built-in 720 HD camera
• Magnetic print bed
• Qidi Print software

Before making the decision, you end up asking yourself what is the best 3D printer under $500 in the market and the answer is always surprising when you actually go out in the market. Well, we are here with an extremely simple solution in the form of a compact lightweight printer that can easily fit on your desk as well. It is the easiest model to install in your workspace because it doesn't require a huge space, to begin with.

We have specifically shortlisted it for people who want to keep it simple and easy while also making use of this great technology. As far as the primary use of this machine is concerned, the target audience for Flashforge is educators and creators. If you are a teacher who loves to educate the kids with the help of visual aid, it would be important to use this kind of technology and install a printer in the classroom or at your home.

We were really impressed with the extrusion system in this one because it has a turbofan, an air guide as well as an exchange of nozzles, in case you need to try different options. It is easy to operate and has a flexible print bed so when you do take out the product after it is printed, you can do so without causing any harm.

Features

• Lightweight desktop
• FFF/FDM technology
• 150 x 150 x 150 mm
• Layer resolution between 0.1 to 0.4 mm
• The single nozzle of 0.4 mm
• 100 mm per second print speed
• Compatible with ABS and PLA
• Operates on FlashPrint software
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Heats up to 200 degrees
• Impressive extrusion system
• 2.8 inches touchscreen
• Flexible print bed

As we mentioned before, people love to buy sleek models of printers because they are much easier to handle. Not only that, if you are a beginner, the simple instructions really help you achieve the target easily and get done with the work in half the time. This model is a great option for professionals as well as beginners. A good thing about the printer is that it is an updated version of the previous machine launched by the company and it has been specially curated as per the needs of the customers. They reviewed the feedback and rolled out this model which covers all the necessary equipment needed in a 3D printer.

The interface is user-friendly and like most modern models, this is also a touch screen. There is an extrude option in the printer which allows you to work with the filament with ease and the fan prevents overheating. You get it half assembled too which is great because it reduced the effort you have to put in so you can get straight to business. The model also packs a filament over-detection feature which comes in handy during power outages.

Features

• Large-volume
• Sleek design
• 2.3 inches full-color screen
• Power recovery
• Large print space
• FDM technology
• One extruder
• 305 x 305 x 320 mm
• Resolution varies between 0.1 to 0.3 mm
• 150 mm per second speed
• 0.4 to 1.75 mm nozzle diameter
• Connect easily via a USB port
• Partially assembled
• Black diamond heated platform
• Layer adhesion
• Print tolerance of 0.2

Here is the most magnanimous machine one could ask for producing some intriguing objects. We have fallen in love with the huge capacity of the Anycubic model because it allows you to print just about anything. Among all the printers we have reviewed, this one stands out the most as the most incredible machine in town. If you are someone who owns a business printing 3D objects and wants to start large-scale production, this should be your go-to option.

The design is so amazing that you cannot help but be in awe of its construction. The features are just as incredible. It lowers the cost of printing to an impressive extent and all you have to do is select the items of your choice and print them for use. This is the kind of model that was used in producing ventilators when there was a shortage during the pandemic. You would be glad to know that there is an ultra-base coating on the machine that ensures that such a huge structure remains intact and lasts for a long time.

Features

• Enormous model
• FDM technology
• Fast and accurate
• Sleek black and yellow extruded aluminum frame
• 400 x 400 x 450 mm
• 0.05 to 0.3 mm accuracy variation
• 0.4 mm nozzle
• 20 to 100 mm per second speed
• 1-year warranty
• Ultra-base coating
• ABS, TPU, PETG, Wood, HIPS, and TPU compatible
• Easy to assemble
• Manual instructions

Our primary goal here is to find the best 3D printer under $500 and this machine fits the objective perfectly. It is a DLP-tech-based printer that has a great knack for attention and the users were delighted to use it. It pays attention to even the most minute details and you would be impressed with how accurately it copies them. If you run a jewelry store or have another artistic pursuit, you should definitely consider going for Anycubic because of the detail-oriented feature.

Our experts recommend it for figurines and other small complex objects which is ideal with the precise printing it offers. You will find it to be extremely user-friendly that has a highly responsive screen. It is another product that we have included from the same company which means that they are quite professional when it comes to 3D printers and their products have been getting a lot of attention in the market. A carbon air filtration comes with the model that ensures that all kinds of dust particles and odors are removed from the surface and remain in pristine condition.

Features

• FDM technology
• Uses UV rays
• 4.5 x 2.5 x 6.4 inches
• 10W power
• UV matrix
• Compatible with Photon slicer software
• USB port
• 12 months warranty
• DLP
• 2.8 inches color TFT touchscreen
• Auto-leveling feature
• Offers stability
• Enhances surface quality
• 2560 x 1440 resolution
• Carbon air filtration

Let's talk about a cult classic that doesn't need any introduction and is already quite popular among the customers for being a reliable option. Voxel is a brand that has made its name in the market as one of the most amazing printers and the reason is simple. It is easy to use and once you purchase it all you have to do is click on the screen and begin the printing process. It is made for people who are new to the 3D printing business and even though there are lots of advanced features that eventually become easier to use with time, anyone can operate this device.

It is safe for home as well so if you run a business from your apartment, you can easily install it in your workstation and you wouldn't have to worry about overheating as well. It has a temperature-sensitive filament that enables you to work on so many different kinds of projects and miraculously, the temperature on the inside remains consistent. Isn't that incredible. The nozzles are easy to change as well and don't require any outside help. You are notified when the filament runs out so you can take care of that easily. Seriously, what more could a beginner want?

Features

• Cubic shape
• Prominent 2.8 inches touchscreen
• Minimal setup requirements
• 150 x 150 x 150 mm
• Uses a nozzle of 0.4 mm
• 10 to 100 mm per second speed
• 0.05 to 0.4 mm resolution
• Temperature-sensitive filament
• Heated print bed
• Flexible and easy removal of models
• Filament sensor
• Built-in HD camera
• PolarCloud app
• 8 GB internal memory

Sometimes, the accessories that accompany a certain model become more appealing than the device itself and this is the case with this model. Even though it packs a lot of fantastic features, the electronic accessories that come with it are just as desirable. It is made of a metal frame and has a black anodized covering that adds to the aesthetic. What we love about the Monoprice is that it has an enclosed chamber which allows it to keep a constant temperature while you are working.

Plus, even if you install it at home, you can safely use it around kids and not worry about overheating. The airflow is also quite impressive and there is an extruder that makes for a very comfortable experience overall. The nozzles can be swapped easily and the inbuilt LED light is great when it comes to providing visibility inside the machine. You also get a filament detector in this model so every time it runs out of it, you are notified which is an excellent feature for people who are new to using 3D printers.

Features

• High quality affordable electronic accessories
• Looks professional
• Black anodized metal frame
• 200 x 200 x 115 mm
• 55 mm per second speed
• 20 microns resolution
• User-friendly software
• USB port and SD slot
• One year warranty
• Enclosed chamber
• Inbuilt LED light
• Filament detector
• Heated print bed

We have another Monoprice model on the list but this one specifically targets small businesses and people who are new to the whole process of 3D printing. However, unlike the previous machine, this one advances in large volume so if you want objects that are not jewelry and ornaments, you can print them with this machine. It is useful for students of engineering and architecture who are constantly looking for raw materials to build something new.

Now they can have a 3D printer and have the item in front of them within minutes. This model has been used in the toy industry as well so if you have any interest in that, you can get one for yourself. With this model, you get an open-frame design which is incredible because it keeps the machine from heating up and maintains a good airflow. The LCD screen enables you to work more efficiently and the third-party filament notifies you when it runs out.

Features

• Pre-assembled
• Aluminum frame design
• FDM technology
• 300 x 300 x 400 mm
• 70 mm per second speed
• Large build volume
• Open-frame
• Filament detector
• LCD screen
• The magnetic removable print bed
• Auto-calibration
• Third-party filament
• Compatible with PLA, PETG, ABS