Budget Printers (Under $300 USD)

Note

Just because you buy a budget printer doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade it later to be even better! (Take a look at Common Upgrades)


Creality Ender-3/Pro/V2 ($100-$250)

If you’re looking for the most cost effective printer that will still do a great job, this is a great option. The Ender-3 series is an open source classic in the FTC and 3D printing community. It has a huge support network and despite it’s low cost, has proven itself to be a very capable printer.

Ender 3 Features

All Ender 3s have:

  • A huge support network

  • Tons of printable and purchasable upgrades

  • Open Source Hardware

  • 220mm x 220mm x 250mm Print Volume

The Ender 3 Pro has:

  • A more stable Y axis

  • A more powerful power supply

  • A flexible bed

The Ender 3 v2 has:

  • A glass bed

  • Built in belt tensioners

  • The power supply and Y axis from the Pro

Note

The V2 and Pro can often be found on sale for the same price as the base model, making them very good options.

Ender 3 Drawbacks

  • Technology is dated due to initial release in 2018 (Lack of Auto Bed Leveling)

  • PTFE Lined Hotend

  • Bowden Style Extruder

  • V-Roller Motion system and singular lead screw setup causes frame flexing.

  • Can take a bit of tweaking/upgrading to work consistently.

Picture of a Creality Ender 3

Creality Ender 3 Base Model


Sovol SV06 ($259)

If you’re willing to spend just a little bit more money for more quality of life features out of the box, the Sovol SV06 is a good option. It maintains an Ender-like frame but adds in modern features that the Ender lacks which can save tinkering and maintenance time down the road.

SV06 Features

  • Auto Bed Leveling

  • Flexible Bed

  • All-Metal Direct Drive Extruder

  • Built in Belt Tensioners

  • Dual Z-Axis

  • 220mm x 220mm x 250mm Print Volume

SV06 Drawbacks

  • Known Quality Control Issues from factory (X-Axis not flat)

  • Not many slicer profiles available (Slowly being solved)

Picture of a Sovol SV06

Other Budget Printers/Ender Clones ($150-$300)

If you’re ok with forgoing the huge knowledge base behind the Ender-3 series in exchange for a few more features out of the box, some Ender-3 clones can be a good option. Notable ones include the Elegoo Neptune, Anycubic Vyper, and Voxelab Aquila. It’s notable that while these are more or less “Ender 3 Clones”, all three companies and printer models listed here are still established companies with community trust and acceptable customer service. These printers can be a great buy and are often cheaper but make sure to do research before purchasing.

Common Features

Ender 3 Clones typically have at least a couple of the following…

  • Auto Bed Leveling

  • Upgraded Print Surface

  • Built in Belt Tensioners

  • Colored Touchscreen

Common Drawbacks

  • Less troubleshooting help/knowledge base compared to the Ender 3

  • Any drawbacks of the individual printer. Make sure you keep an eye out for things you want in a printer when researching.

Picture of an Anycubic Viper

Anycubic’s Viper