best budget 3d printer review of 2023

Ready to take the plunge into the world of 3D printing but have no idea where to start looking? We’ve compiled five of the best budget 3d printer, and even if you’re an experienced user who has printed thousands of objects, the world of printing is changing at a breakneck speed. These are the best consumer models on the market available today:

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best budget 3d printer

Flashforge® 3D Printer Finder Single Extruder

best budget 3d printer

Flashforge is widely known and respected as one of the first 3D printer manufacturers to bring these devices down to an affordable price range for most consumers — not just for hobbyists and professionals. As the least expensive printer on this list, you would be forgiven for thinking that its performance can’t possibly match that of more expensive models, but thousands of consumers would disagree.

The unit’s reliability and the quality of its end products stack up favourably with units five times as expensive. Some features common on more expensive printers such as heated beds are lacking, but if you’re looking for a quality printer at the cost of a typical tablet computer, the Finder offers the single best value for money on the market.

Pros

  • One of the most affordable 3D printers on the market
  • Model quality typical of £2000 plus printers
  • Easy to use but versatile for power users

Cons

  • Build volume could be larger
  • Lack of heated bed
  • Filament can be tricky to feed properly
FLASHFORGE Upgraded Version Finder 3 3D Printer with Direct Driver Extruder, Wi-Fi Connection, Silent Operation, 260℃ Nozzle Supports TPU Printing, Print Size 190 x 195 x 200mm
  • 【Continuation of the Classic】Finder 3 retains the classic red and black color scheme of Finder 2.0 and features an integrated structure design. With no assembly required, it's easy to use in a second after being unpacked; smaller equipment size and large volume for higher volume utilization.
  • 【Dual Platform Options for Individual Needs】Glass platform provides a strong adhesion, so the printing model will not easily become warped. PEI magnetic steel plate platform, gold PEI plate, anti-warping edge, magnetic sticker owns a strong magnetic force to make sure it is durable. Both plate can be easily removed and replaced to meet diversified printing needs.
  • 【Intelligent Sensor Technology】Newly added functions of power loss recovery and filament run-out detection: In the event of an unexpected power failure, it can save the printing status and continue printing after the power is restored. When the filament is used up or accidentally broken, it will alarm and pause printing, and then continue printing after the filament is replenished or replaced.
  • 【Compatible with Multi-types Filaments】Its direct drive extruder design and the heating temperature up to 260℃ achieve smoother filament feeding. Finder 3 not only supports printing ABS/HIPS/PETG/PETG PRO filaments but also meets the printing requirements of TPU 95A flexible filament and third-party filaments. It offers stronger compatibility and a wider application range.
  • 【What You Get】Flashforge 3d printer Finder 3 ,12 months warranty, lifetime technical assistance and 24 hours professional customer service.

XYZprinting 3F20AXEU00D da Vinci 2.0A Printer

3D-Printers-under-£500

The da Vinci 2.0A by XYZprinting features a novel design with two nozzles, so consumers can print two colours at the same time. Printing resolutions as fine as 100 microns provide satisfactory performance — especially considering the relatively inexpensive price tag. Just like the Flashforge Finder, the da Vinci 2.0A lacks a heated bed, and objects can cool at different rates.

We recommend updating the firmware and software immediately to get the most out of this model, and while the initial calibration requires some patience, the process is simple enough that novices and experienced users alike shouldn’t have any trouble getting the printer set up.
Pros

  • Large build volume of 150mm x 200mm x 200m
  • Two nozzles allow you to print two different colours at the same time
  • Low price tag

Cons

  • Lack of heated bed
  • Some firmware and software issues
  • Calibration required
XYZPrinting Da Vinci EVO 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function 3rd Generation Hardened Steel Nozzle DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 8.6 x 8.6 x 8.6 inches
  • Accuracy - This fifty-five pound machine is the ultimate powerhouse in precision printing; It has 0.05mm layer resolution.
  • Speed - An acceleration speed of 3000mm/s2, the Pro EVO will have you working on your next project in minutes.
  • Calibration - Pro EVO calibrates itself under four minutes with 440 touch points. It features an auto-calibration mode that detects the position of the extruder and the print bed for superior accuracy when printing.
  • Feeding System - Being the third generation feeding system, Pro EVO offers simpler ways of loading filament. Supporting over ten materials, the device is compatible with third party filaments for all your printing needs.
  • Quick Dry Function - Need a place to keep spare filaments No problem. XYZ included a built-in storage system. If you’d like your materials to be manufactured in pristine condition, try the Filament Quick Dry function for higher quality prints..Interface - With a five inch interactive touch screen, the biggest provided by XYZ so far, and step by step instructions on display at a moments notice, it’s never been easier to work with a 3D printer..

ROBO 3D R1 Plus

3D Printers under £1000

The Robo R1 Plus comes with a number of features that make it an attractive purchase. The heated plate prevents any warping or uneven cooling, and the automatic calibration ensures that every print is as good as the first.

The printing volume of 203mm x 229mm x 254mm is substantially larger than any other printer on this list, so if you need the extra space, the Robo R1 Plus is a no-brainer. However, it does cost more than 50 percent more than the Flashforge Finder while providing the same 100-micron maximum resolution, so unless you need a larger printing volume, we recommend saving.

Pros

  • One of the largest printing volumes on the market
  • Heated plate provides even cooling
  • Automatic calibration and levelling

Cons

  • Resolution still capped at 100 microns
  • May still require some first-time calibration
  • Reported problems with z-axis
Creality Ender-3 S1 3D Printer with Direct Drive Extruder CR Touch Auto Leveling High Precision Double Z-axis Screw Silent Board Printing Size 8.6X8.6X10.6in, Upgrade Ender 3 V2 for Beginners
  • 🤗 OPEN SOURCE COMMITMENT - Experience the full power of open-source with the Ender-3 S1! Benefit from advanced features including G-code file preview, blazing-fast printing speeds of up to 160mm/s with resonance compensation, effortless temperature control with automatic PID settings, customizable bed leveling using editable mesh data, and the added versatility of an FDM/laser module option upon boot-up. Plus, enjoy the convenience of navigating in your preferred language with support for 9 UI languages. Don't wait, seize the opportunity and get your hands on the Ender-3 S1 now!
  • 🤗 DUAL-GEAR DIRECT DRIVE EXTRUDER - Compatible with more filaments, Ender 3 S1 3d printer can print PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS.etc. It is more lighter and features less inertia and more precise positioning. Upgraded dual-gear direct extruder features two chrome steel gears that are engaged at a 1:3.5 gear ratio. With a pushing force of up to 80N, the extruder realizes smooth feeding and discharging of flaments without slipping and works extremely well in printing flexible flaments such as TPU.
  • 🤗 REMOVABLE SPRING STEEL PRINT SHEET - Different from ender3, ender 3 pro and ender 3 v2, this new-released FDM 3d printer comes with a removable PC spring steel platform. The innovative printing platform is a combination of a PC coating, a spring steel sheet and a magnetic sticker, which sticks to the surface immediately when released. The PC coating brings good adhesion and printed models can easily be removed by bending the print sheet. Upgraded CR Touch 16-point automatic bed leveling technology saves you the trouble of manual leveling.
  • 🤗 HIGHER PRECISION & EASY INSTALLATION - With a Z-axis dual-screw+Z-axis dual-motor design, Ender-3 S1 works smoother and more synchronously to lower the possibility of lines and ridges on the sides of your print, thus improvingthe printing quality. And 96% of the printer body is pre-installed, making assembling extremely convenient with only 6 steps and the maintenance of the printer is simple and easy.
  • 🤗 RESUME PRINTING FILAMENT SENSOR - Ender-3 S1 features the function of detecting filament runout or breakage/power loss and resume printing after recovery. By accurately recording the printing data at the time of power outage/filament runout or breakage, it helps to avoid the waste of filaments and time caused by accidents.(Note: We provide 24h after service and 1 year warranty, feel free to contact us anytime!)

Aleph Objects Inc. Lulzbot Mini

3D-Printers-under-£2000

You’d think that for more than £1,400, the Aleph Objects Lulzbot Mini would be one of the easiest-to-use and most powerful models on the market, and you’d be right. We can’t exactly call it a value buy due to its price tag, and it certainly won’t win any awards for its small printing volume, but if you need to make detailed objects at a 50-micron resolution, the Lulzbot Mini will get the job done.

A heated bed and excellent compatibility with most printing software programs make the Lulzbot Mini a pleasure to use, and the auto-cleaning nozzle and auto-calibration make maintenance a breeze. However, users who need only a 100-micron resolution can save up to by going with a cheaper model.

Pros

  • Detailed resolution of 50 microns
  • Comparable to printers that cost twice as much
  • Lots of useful features

Cons

  • Tiny printing volume
  • Relatively expensive
  • Almost no filament ships with the printer
Official Creality 3D Printer Ender-3 FDM DIY Printers High-Precision Printing Stable Power Supply Rapid Heating Up Quality Extruder Resume Printing High-standard V-profile Printing Size: 220x220x250mm
  • 1.【Stable Printing with Creality Ender 3 3D Printer】Ender 3 adopts patented technology and V-Slot+precision pulley, which effectively reduces noise and make it running more smoothly and more wear-resistant.
  • 2.【MK8 Technology used in Ender 3 3D Printer】MK8 extrusion mechanism, a brand-new patented infrastructure that effectively reduces the risk of plugging and poor spillage and can print most of 3d printer filament on the market, such as 1.75MM PLA/ABS/TPU.
  • 3.【Advanced Configuration in Ender 3 3D Printer】CNC machining of the Y-rail mounting groove to make sure precise positioning and keep the solid frame with the high-precision printing quality. And big hand twist nut makes the print platform easier to level.
  • 4.【Fast Heating & Open Source】Creality Ender-3 3D Printer can Reach 110℃ for hotbed in about 5 minutes. Which meets the needs of fast heating. Besides, Creality Ender-3 is an open-sourced 3d printer for every community of users and contributors.
  • 5.【Why 3D Printer, Why us?】You (and your kids,families) can experience the charm and infinite fun created by Technoloy with a 3D Printer. We are Creality Official Online Shop, we provide a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime technical assistance.

MakerBot Replicator+

3D Printers under £3000

MakerBot is one of the better-known names in the industry, and the Replicator+ represents a sizable improvement over the older Replicator printer. With a 30 percent larger printing volume, flexible build plate that eliminates any need for adhesive tape, and Smart Extruder+ that automatically detects slips and other printing issues, the Replicator+ is loaded with helpful features to ensure a quality end product.

Unfortunately, many users report extremely noisy printing, which isn’t a problem if you set your printer up in a different room, but it might be an issue if you’re trying to work in your office at the same time. We also wish that we could have seen a 50-micron resolution for the price tag.

Pros

  • Good reliability
  • Smart Extruder+ significantly reduces printing mistakes
  • Flexible build plate with adequate printing volume

Cons

  • No 50-micron resolution
  • Noisy operation
  • Could include more software for the price
Sale
FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro2, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Independent Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA
  • 【Independent dual extruder】Double efficiency of the mirror printing. Creator Pro2 make it come true that more complicated prints can be printed perfectly
  • 【Heating bed】 Rapid steady heating prevent model warping much easier to take down models.It's suitable for various 3d printer filament PLA,ABS,PETG,TPU etc
  • 【Anti-scrape Design】Avoid scrap in the process of printing to get better printed results
  • 【Out of box】Creator Pro is suitable for industrial design,tool design,architecture designer,mechanical designer etc
  • 【What you get】Flashforge 3d printer Creator Pro2 12 months warranty, lifetime technical assistance and 24 hours professional customer service

Final Thoughts

These five units all provide excellent general use performance, but at the end of the day, we’re most comfortable recommending the least expensive model: the Flashforge Finder. It offers the best value for money on the market while meeting or surpassing our expectations.

Although some of the other units come with special features that allow them to better complete specific tasks, those extra features don’t justify price tags that are hundreds or even thousands of pounds higher.

Unless you’re the rare consumer who absolutely needs a 50-micron resolution or auto-calibration, the Flashforge Finder will get the job done at a fraction of the cost.

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