Best 3D Printer Under $300

Hey there, friend! If you’re just starting out in 3D printing and don’t want to spend a fortune, you might be asking: Best 3D Printer Under $300, which one should I choose? Grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s chat about the top budget-friendly picks that give you good quality, ease of use, and real bang for your buck.

Why Look for the Best 3D Printer Under $300

3D printers can cost thousands. Yikes! But you don’t need to break the bank to get decent prints. A good sub-$300 machine hits a sweet spot:

• Affordable start: You won’t weep if you ding a corner.
• Learning tool: Mistakes are part of the fun, and cheaper printers let you learn without fear.
• Decent quality: Many budget machines now match features of pricier models from just a few years ago.

Really, what could be simpler? You pick a printer, follow the steps, and watch your creations appear layer by layer. But which one is the Best 3D Printer Under $300? Let’s peek at our top favorites.

Top Picks for Best 3D Printer Under $300

Below are six machines I’ve tested or researched. Each link goes to Amazon so you can compare current prices and reviews.

1. Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer

• Price: $180
• Why we love it: Reliable community support and upgrade paths.
• Build volume: 220×220×250 mm
• Features: Manual leveling, open frame, silent motherboard.
• Amazon link: Creality Ender 3

Because the Ender 3’s huge user base shares mods and fixes, you’ll never feel stuck. A true classic for beginners.

2. FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer

• Price: $280
• Why we love it: Fully auto leveling and enclosed chamber.
• Build volume: 220×220×250 mm
• Features: Removable nozzle, Wi-Fi, touchscreen.
• Amazon link: Adventurer 5M

And with its front-loading filament slot, you pop in spools like changing batteries. So easy!

3. ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer

• Price: $210
• Why we love it: Fast heating, direct-drive extruder.
• Build volume: 220×220×250 mm
• Features: Quiet stepper drivers, large touchscreen.
• Amazon link: Neptune 3 Pro

But note: it likes a glass bed for best adhesion. Grab a glue stick or hairspray and you’re set.

4. Sovol T300 3D Printer Max Speed

• Price: $260
• Why we love it: CoreXY design for speed and strength.
• Build volume: 255×255×260 mm
• Features: Auto bed leveling, sturdy metal frame.
• Amazon link: Sovol T300

(Yikes, that CoreXY belt tension took me a minute to nail—but once you do, prints fly.)

5. ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro 3D Printer

• Price: $300
• Why we love it: 500 mm/s high-speed printing.
• Build volume: 220×220×250 mm
• Features: Direct drive, fast heating bed.
• Amazon link: Neptune 4 Pro

And because Neptune 4 Pro heats the bed in under 2 minutes, you waste less time waiting and more time printing.

6. ELEGOO Mars 5 Resin 3D Printer

• Price: $200
• Why we love it: 4K mono LCD for ultra-fine detail.
• Build volume: 130×82×160 mm
• Features: UV-protected screen, sturdy Z-axis.
• Amazon link: Mars 5 Resin

But resin needs gloves and rinse gear. If tiny figures thrill you, resin’s detail can’t be beat.

What to Look for in a Budget 3D Printer

When hunting for the Best 3D Printer Under $300, ask yourself:

1. Build Volume: How big are your ideas?
2. Ease of Use: Auto leveling vs. manual bed leveling.
3. Speed vs. Quality: Faster prints often need finer tuning.
4. Community & Support: Big user groups mean quick solutions.
5. Materials: PLA is easiest. PETG, TPU, ABS need tweaks.

Because every maker’s journey is unique, balance features with comfort level. You can upgrade bells and whistles later.

Beginner Print Settings

To get your first layers right, try these settings:

• PLA: 200 °C nozzle, 60 °C bed, 50 mm/s speed.
• PETG: 240 °C nozzle, 70 °C bed, 30 mm/s speed.
• TPU: 220 °C nozzle, 40 °C bed, 15 mm/s speed.

A few bullet points help when you’re clicking through Cura or PrusaSlicer.

Upgrades Worth Considering

After you’ve mastered the basics, these mods keep prints rolling:

• Glass bed or PEI sheet for better adhesion.
• All-metal hot end for higher temp filaments.
• OctoPrint/Raspberry Pi for remote monitoring.
• Enclosure for ABS or nylon prints.

And for more help, visit our resin vs filament tutorial.

Common Beginner Pitfalls

No one nails it first try. Watch out for:

• First-layer poor adhesion: Level bed and clean surface.
• Stringing: Tweak retraction in 3–5 mm range.
• Under-extrusion: Check nozzle, filament path, and tension.
• Overheating small parts: Add or increase fan after layer two.

But stick with it. Each fix is a tiny win.

Resin vs. FDM Under $300

If you love detail, the ELEGOO Mars 5 Resin 3D Printer wows with cookie-crumb fine layers (35 µm). Yet resin needs post-wash and cure gear. FDM printers like the Ender 3 or Adventurer 5M print bigger parts and simpler shapes, but layer lines are visible. Choose resin for miniatures and FDM for functional parts.

Really, what could be simpler?

Wrapping Up Your Choice

So that’s our friendly tour of the Best 3D Printer Under $300. Whether you pick the tried-and-true Ender 3 or the speedy Neptune 4 Pro, you’re on the path to making cool stuff. Start small, learn fast, and upgrade as you grow.

Friendly sign-off: happy printing—I can’t wait to see your first creations!

‍