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7 Best 3D Printers Under $300 – Beginners & Advanced (2025 Reviews)

3D Printer on a desk next to a laptop
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So you have decided that the time has finally come to purchase a 3D printer. You’ve heard of all the amazing things it can build, ways it can enhance your business, or the fun it can bring to your family at home and you are ready to take the plunge. There are many different 3D printers on the market, all with varying demands, specifications and all that cater to different demands. Depending on your budget, skill level and the amount of time you want to spend, the options can be quickly overwhelming with no idea where to start.

We have eliminated the guesswork for you! Here are our 7 best 3D printers under $300 to get you started in your new and exciting printing journey.

Best 3D Printers Under $300

  • 1. ANYCUBIC MEGA S 3D Printer

    (Easiest to assemble)

    Why it’s great: If you have an idea that you’d like to bring to life, there is a simple way to make that happen. The Anycubic Mega S 3D Printer is easy to assemble with 3 simple steps to set it up for not only experienced users but beginners as well. The structure is stable and reduces the amount of shaking that can occur during the creation process. It comes with a full color, multi-language touch screen that is quick to navigate and will get you printing your designs faster than ever before!

    Keep in mind: When you’re deciding between other home 3D printers of the same size, it’s important to remember that this machine can print up to 8.27 x 8.27 x 8.07 inches. This provides you with a larger printing area than many other options out there.

    Good for: Individuals who are looking for a good quality printer than can be set up quickly and that is easy to use.

    ANYCUBIC MEGA S 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. JGMAKER Magic Upgraded 3D Printer

    (Most time efficient)

    Why it’s great: This 3D printer is quick, time-efficient, and can keep you creating as long as your heart desires. The JGMAKER Magic Upgraded 3D Printer is fast to assemble, easy to use, and quick to navigate. If there’s ever power failure, the machine will detect that and resume printing from where the last print was stopped. This will not only save you valuable time but filament as well. If you run out of filament in the middle of printing, this machine will beep and allow you to change it to avoid a failed print.

    Keep in mind: This printer uses a built-in power supply. The temperature of the heat bed will reach up to 100℃ within 5 minutes.

    Good for: Individuals who want a 3D printer that will save them time and that will work efficiently.

    JGMAKER Magic Upgraded 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer

    (Best option for kids)

    Why it’s great: If you need a great option for children and students, then look no further. The Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer arrives semi-assembled and can be a great gift to give your kids. It will be a great first step into teaching them about 3D printing, allowing them to explore the basic construction of what it takes to print their creations. It’s also fantastic for students and a wonderful option for STEM projects. Bring innovation, design, and creativity into their world and watch their designs come to life.

    Keep in mind: This printer comes with upgraded extruder technology that greatly reduces the risk of bad extrusion and it also reduces plugging.

    Good for: Children, students or anyone who is a beginner in the world of 3D printing.

    Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. ELEGOO Mars LCD 3D Printer

    (Most professional)

    Why it’s great: If you have experience in 3D printing and desire an industrial design in your printer, then check this out! The ELEGOO Mars LCD 3D printer looks professional and comes equipped with it’s own UV photocurrent technology. It arrives with a very sturdy structure that is quick and easy to assemble and can have you printing within 5 minutes. The precision of this printer is remarkable and uses HD masking and XY axis resolution that is sharp to keep you printing at your best.

    Keep in mind: This printer is also great for anyone who is just starting out in the printing world. Whether you’re experienced or a brand new beginner, this printer will suit the needs of all.

    Good for: Experts and beginners alike, this printer is a great option for anyone who desires an industrial designed printer capable of more.

    ELEGOO Mars LCD 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. LONGER LK4 3D Printer

    (Best gift option)

    Why it’s great: Do you have a designer or inventor in your life? The Longer LK4 3D Printer is a great gift option for the thinker or designer in your family. It’s also great for students who are interested in taking technology courses or who desire to learn about STEM projects. This printer is easy to use with a full-color navigation screen and has a stylish novel appearance. It’s durable and prints reliably and accurately. It has a built-in high-quality power supply design which means it claims to be a safer option compared to others on the market.

    Keep in mind: This printer has a great warranty and support for a lengthy duration after you purchase. They have a professional tech and after-sale team that can provide 12 months of warranty and 24hrs technical support if you should ever need assistance.

    Good for: This is a great option for kids and students who are interested in designing and printing objects that they can create on their own.

    LONGER LK4 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Icstation Mini Desktop 3D Printer

    (Best for beginners)

    Why it’s great: If your interest has been peaked by the idea of 3D printing, but you aren’t sure where to start then this will help. The Icstation Mini Desktop 3D Printer is the best option for anyone who wants to begin their journey in the world of 3D printing. It’s small in size but mighty in printing capabilities and can sit easily on any desk. It boasts all the features of a full-size printer but can allow you to dip your toe in the waters with minimal commitments. It’s sleek, technologically up to date, easy to use, and creates beautiful objects. You can’t go wrong with this one!

    Keep in mind: This 3D printer is compact enough to be placed on an office, classroom or even studio desk. The body won’t take up much space and it’s easy to carry. It’s dimensions are 19.5*19*27cm.

    Good for: Any and all beginners who are interested in 3D printing but want to start with a smaller printer.

    Icstation Mini Desktop 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. ANYCUBIC Photon UV LCD 3D Printer

    (Highest precision)

    Why it’s great: The quality of the designs you create are important. With the ANYCUBIC Photon UV LCD 3D Printer, quality matters. With focus on extreme precision and detail, this 3D printer will produce layers that are so fine that they can’t be noticed by the naked eye and which cannot be easily replicated by other 3d printers on the market. This printer can deliver high-speed printing of up to 20-30mm/h, no matter how much of the workspace is used. It also will come with the latest in-house designed slicer software, which will give you the greatest experience possible.

    Keep in mind: The printer size is 220mm*200mm*400mm which will fit nicely in any selected space that you’ve designated.

    Good for: Individuals who are interested in high quality design and the greatest capacity for precision printing.

    ANYCUBIC Photon UV LCD 3D Printer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

ANYCUBIC MEGA S 3D Printer

The ANYCUBIC MEGA S 3D Printer is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

ANYCUBIC MEGA S 3D Printer

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about 3D printers

  • 1. What is a 3D printer?

    3D printing is the ability to manufacture and print three-dimensional objects from a digital file. The process is achieved by laying down layers of material until the object is created, one layer at a time. This gives you the ability to bring digital files to life and to print in a third dimension instead of traditional printing.

  • 2. How does a 3D printer work?

    It’s a fairly simple process to use and can make everything from ceramic cups to plastic toys, metal machine parts, and many different things in-between. You start by designing the object on a PC. Once you’re ready to print, you connect your PC to a 3d printer to print your object in real life. A 3d printer is capable of creating items that are simple in addition to those that are much more complex. It all depends on how it’s designed in the digital phase and that will help determine what is printed.

  • 3. How is a 3D printer different from a regular printer?

    A regular printer creates a document by depositing ink onto a blank sheet of paper in whatever design or document you created on the computer. a 3D printer creates a physical object by depositing a variety of layers of materials onto a print bed. You can then use that physical object for many different things and are not limited to just sheets of paper.

  • 4. How long does it take to learn 3D printing?

    You can begin learning how to print with a 3D printer right away. Depending on the complexity of what you’re trying to print, you can be actively printing your object within 30 minutes. For projects with more details or difficulties, the process can take longer.

  • 5. What are the drawbacks of 3D printing?

    There aren’t many drawbacks of 3D printing as it can be a very useful technology to begin to learn and understand. With it being a newly emerging technology, there is much to know and learn about 3D printing and that can take a little while to understand fully. Also, many materials can be printed with a 3D printer, but it’s not comprehensive with all materials. It is an amazing tool if you’re wanting to create a handful of items, but it isn’t great for mass production- at least not yet!

  • 6. What can be 3D printed today?

    3D printers are used worldwide today to print all kinds of objects with a large variety of materials. The options really are endless. 3D printers can print many functional parts and full-color objects from over 250 different materials. These materials can include metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, rubber, leather, stem cells, and even chocolate!

  • 7. What cannot be 3D printed?

    There are a few limitations with 3D printing. The technology is still developing and ever-changing. Currently, very small parts that are needed to replace or fix certain objects such as the shutter speed of a camera are not able to be produced. You also can’t print items that don’t have any flat parts or that have very large overhangs. You have to use a nozzle or syringe to print the parts, so that makes it not possible to print large hanging parts without the parts dropping in the middle of printing.

Conclusion

3D printing is a revolutionary and exciting new industry that is still developing in many ways. There are so many benefits to educating yourself with this amazing technology. Not to mention, it’s an excellent skill for children, teenagers, and young adults to learn to. It’s also wildly fun to watch your creations come to life! It doesn’t have to require a huge investment initially to begin to step into the world of 3D printing. You can find exactly what you’re looking for in a 3D printer and all without breaking the bank.