Starting with a 3D printer that’s hard to use can be really frustrating. You might spend hours trying to get it to work, only to end up with poor prints and wasted materials.
It feels like a hobby, but becomes a headache. Choosing the right 3D printer changes all that. It makes printing easier, faster, and more fun. A good beginner printer helps you learn without stress. It saves time and gives you better results.
If you want to enjoy 3D printing and create amazing things from home, picking the right machine is key. In this article, you’ll find some of the best cheap 3D printers for beginners. These models are easy to set up and reliable. Keep reading to find the perfect one for your creative journey.
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 is ideal for hobbyists, designers, and professionals who need a high-resolution resin 3D printer that offers fast printing speeds and exceptional detail. If you are looking to create intricate models, prototypes, or miniatures with precision and efficiency, this printer is designed to meet those needs. Its compact size and advanced features make it suitable for both beginners and experienced users who want reliable and consistent printing results.
Pros:
- High-resolution 7” 10K Mono LCD screen for ultra-detailed prints
- Stable LighTurbo light source ensures even curing and consistent quality
- Fast printing speed of up to 70mm/h reduces production time
- Decent print volume of 6.04” x 3.42” x 6.49” for various projects
- Compact and lightweight design (15.0 x 10.0 x 10.0 inches, 7.7 pounds) fits well in small workspaces
Cons:
- Limited print volume compared to some larger resin printers
- Requires regular maintenance to keep the LighTurbo light source performing optimally
- Resin handling and post-processing can be messy and require safety precautions
The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 features a cutting-edge 10K Mono LCD screen, which delivers incredibly sharp and precise details, making it perfect for applications where fine resolution is critical. The LighTurbo light source technology provides stable and uniform light distribution, resulting in flawless layer curing and improved print consistency. This combination ensures that each printed model is highly accurate and visually stunning.
Additionally, the printer’s capability to achieve a fast print speed of 70mm/h means users can complete projects more quickly without sacrificing quality. Its compact dimensions and manageable weight make it an excellent choice for users with limited workspace who still demand professional-grade results. Overall, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 balances precision, speed, and convenience, making it a valuable tool for creative professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Creality Ender 3 3d Printer
The Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer is ideal for hobbyists, educators, and DIY enthusiasts who want an affordable yet reliable entry into the world of 3D printing. If you are looking for a versatile printer with a decent build volume and open-source capabilities, this model is perfect for you. It suits users who value customization and want to resume printing after power interruptions without losing progress.
Pros:
- Fully open source design allows for extensive customization and community support
- Resume printing function ensures prints can continue after power outages
- Decent build volume of 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches, suitable for a wide range of projects
- Compact and lightweight design with dimensions 18.31 x 16.54 x 16.14 inches and weight of 15.43 pounds
- Reliable brand Comgrow manufactured by Creality 3D
Cons:
- Assembly required, which may be challenging for absolute beginners
- Limited to black color options, reducing customization on appearance
- Build volume may be smaller compared to some high-end 3D printers
The Creality Ender 3 3D Printer features a sturdy frame and a user-friendly interface that appeals to both beginners and experienced users. Its open-source nature means you can upgrade components or tweak settings to improve print quality or adapt to specific project needs. The printer’s ability to resume printing after power failures is a significant advantage, preventing waste of materials and time.
With a build volume of 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches, this printer offers enough space to create intricate designs or multiple smaller objects in one session. Its compact size and relatively light weight make it easy to fit into home workshops or classrooms. Overall, this 3D printer balances affordability, functionality, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for those starting or expanding their 3D printing journey.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro 3d Printer
The ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro 3D Printer is ideal for hobbyists, educators, and small business owners who seek a reliable and efficient 3D printing solution. If you are looking for a printer with quick assembly, auto leveling, and a user-friendly interface, this model is perfect for you. It suits both beginners and experienced users who want to produce detailed and high-quality prints with ease.
Pros:
- Quick assembly saves time and effort in setup
- Auto leveling ensures precise print bed calibration
- Direct drive extruder improves filament control and supports flexible materials
- PEI flexible platform allows easy removal of prints without damage
- Removable touchscreen enhances user interaction and control
- Generous 8.85×8.85×11 inch printing size accommodates larger projects
Cons:
- Relatively large footprint may require ample workspace
- Weight of 22 pounds can affect portability
- Some users may find the learning curve steep for advanced features
The ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro features a streamlined design with an emphasis on ease of use. The auto leveling system automatically calibrates the print bed, reducing manual adjustments and improving print accuracy. This feature is particularly beneficial for newcomers who want to avoid the frustration of misaligned prints. Additionally, the direct drive extruder provides better filament feeding, enabling the printer to handle a variety of filaments including flexible types that are challenging for other machines.
Equipped with a PEI flexible platform, the printer allows users to easily remove finished models without risking damage. The removable touchscreen enhances the user experience by offering intuitive controls and the flexibility to operate the printer from different angles. With its sizable printing volume, this 3D printer is capable of producing complex and larger-scale projects, making it an excellent tool for creative professionals and educators alike.
Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3d Printer
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer is ideal for hobbyists, educators, and professionals seeking a compact yet powerful 3D printing solution. If you value high-speed printing, multi-color capabilities, and easy setup without compromising on precision, this printer is designed to meet your needs. Its quiet operation and user-friendly features make it suitable for both home and office environments.
Pros:
- Supports multi-color 3D printing for vibrant, detailed models
- Quick set up in 20 minutes with full-auto calibration
- High speed combined with precision printing ensures quality results
- Active flow rate compensation for consistent extrusion
- Extremely quiet operation at ≤48 dB, ideal for shared spaces
- Compact design with dimensions Height: 17.94″, Width: 16.77″, Length: 15.21″ and manageable weight
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at nearly 18 pounds, which may limit portability
- Limited to FDM printing technology, so not suitable for resin-based precision tasks
- Multi-color printing setup can be complex for beginners despite automation
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer stands out with its ability to deliver multi-color prints in a compact form factor. Its full-auto calibration feature significantly reduces the time and effort usually required to get started, making it accessible for users with varying levels of experience. The printer’s active flow rate compensation technology ensures smooth and consistent filament extrusion, which translates to higher print quality and fewer errors.
Additionally, the printer operates at an impressively low noise level of ≤48 dB, making it suitable for environments where quiet operation is essential, such as classrooms or shared workspaces. The combination of high-speed printing and precision allows users to complete projects faster without sacrificing detail, making it a versatile tool for creative professionals and educators alike. Overall, the Bambu Lab A1 Mini offers a balanced blend of performance, ease of use, and innovative features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Beginner 3d Printer Under Budget?
The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono offers high resolution and fast printing. It’s affordable and ideal for beginners wanting quality resin prints.
How Does Creality Ender 3 Support New Users?
Creality Ender 3 features open-source firmware and resume printing. Its large build volume suits beginners learning FDM printing basics.
Why Choose Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro For Beginners?
ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro boasts quick assembly, auto leveling, and a flexible platform. It simplifies the printing process for novices.
Can Bambu Lab A1 Mini Print Multi-color Models?
Yes, the Bambu Lab A1 Mini supports multi-color printing. It also offers fast setup, quiet operation, and precise calibration.
Which 3d Printer Offers Fastest Print Speed?
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono prints up to 70mm/h, making it the fastest. It’s perfect for beginners needing quick results.
Are These Printers Easy To Assemble And Calibrate?
Yes, most models like ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro and Bambu Lab A1 Mini include auto-leveling and quick setup for ease.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cheap 3D printer for beginners depends on your needs and budget. Each printer listed offers unique features that help you start printing quickly and easily. The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono provides sharp resin prints with fast speed. Creality Ender 3 is a popular open-source option with a large build volume.
ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro offers smooth assembly and reliable printing with its direct drive extruder. The Bambu Lab A1 Mini stands out for multi-color printing and quiet operation. All these printers are beginner-friendly and affordable. They make learning 3D printing simple and fun.
Think about what matters most: print quality, speed, or ease of use. This will guide you to the right choice. With the right printer, your 3D printing journey will be rewarding and creative. Start small, learn fast, and enjoy making your ideas come to life.