Looking to get into 3D printing without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. In 2025, there are more high-quality, beginner-friendly 3D printers under $500 than ever before. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you choose the perfect entry-level printer for your needs.
We’ve reviewed and compared the top models based on print quality, ease of use, reliability, and value. Let’s dive in.
Why Under-$500 Printers Are a Smart Choice for Beginners
3D printing technology has matured. What used to cost over $1,000 a few years ago is now available for a fraction of the price—with even better features.
Here’s why this price range is ideal:
- Affordable: Great for students or hobbyists just testing the waters.
- User-Friendly: Most come pre-assembled or with guided setup.
- Feature-Rich: Modern models offer auto-leveling, touchscreen control, and fast printing.
What Beginners Should Look For in a 3D Printer
Before we jump into our top picks, here are the key factors you should consider:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Auto bed leveling, touchscreen UI, and easy setup reduce frustration. |
| Reliability | Consistent results with minimal failures. |
| Community Support | More tutorials, mods, and troubleshooting help. |
| Print Quality | Look for 100–200 micron resolution. |
| Speed | A decent printer should reach at least 150mm/s. |
| Build Volume | More space = more creative freedom. Aim for 220x220x250mm or higher. |
Top 5 Best 3D Printers for Beginners Under $500 (2025 Edition)
Creality Ender-3 V3 SE
- Price: ~$219
- Type: FDM
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Highlights:
- CoreXZ structure for faster and smoother printing
- Auto bed leveling (CR Touch)
- Easy assembly and silent operation
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Ender-3 V3 SE is fast, precise, and extremely popular. It’s perfect for makers who want reliable performance and massive community support.
Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo
- Price: ~$199
- Type: FDM
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Highlights:
- LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling
- High-speed printing (up to 250mm/s)
- Textured PEI build plate
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Offers premium speed and features at an unbeatable price. Ideal for those who value speed and simplicity.
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
- Price: ~$299
- Type: FDM
- Build Volume: 225 x 225 x 265 mm
- Highlights:
- Klipper firmware with touchscreen
- Up to 500mm/s print speed
- Dual-gear direct drive extruder
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Built for speed and smart printing. Neptune 4 Pro gives you the flexibility to scale up while keeping things easy for new users.
Biqu B1 SE Plus
- Price: ~$249
- Type: FDM
- Build Volume: 310 x 310 x 340 mm
- Highlights:
- Large build area
- Removable magnetic bed
- Silent mainboard and color touchscreen
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
If size matters, the Biqu B1 SE Plus gives you the largest build volume in this range—perfect for cosplay props or large functional parts.
Anycubic Photon Mono 2 (Resin Option)
- Price: ~$199
- Type: SLA (resin)
- Build Volume: 165 x 143 x 89 mm
- Highlights:
- 6.6” 4K+ monochrome LCD
- High precision & fast exposure time
- Compact size and quiet operation
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The go-to resin printer under $200. Excellent for miniatures, jewelry, and detailed models. Just be aware of resin handling requirements.
Comparison Table
| Printer | Type | Build Volume (mm) | Speed (mm/s) | Auto-Leveling | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ender-3 V3 SE | FDM | 220×220×250 | 180 | Yes | ~$219 |
| Kobra 2 Neo | FDM | 220×220×250 | 250 | Yes | ~$199 |
| Neptune 4 Pro | FDM | 225×225×265 | 500 | Yes | ~$299 |
| Biqu B1 SE Plus | FDM | 310×310×340 | 100 | Yes | ~$249 |
| Photon Mono 2 | SLA | 165×143×89 | N/A | N/A | ~$199 |
Which One Should You Choose?
- For Overall Value: Ender-3 V3 SE or Kobra 2 Neo
- For Speed & Power: Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
- For Big Prints: Biqu B1 SE Plus
- For Fine Detail Models: Photon Mono 2 (Resin)
Where to Buy + Tips to Save More
Look for deals on:
- Creality Official Store
- Anycubic Store
- Elegoo Official
- Amazon & AliExpress for regional deals
Tip: Use discount codes, sign up for newsletters, or check for seasonal sales to save $20–50 extra. Also, some brands offer bundles with filament or resin.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune to start your 3D printing journey in 2025. With these beginner-friendly printers under $500, you can dive into prototyping, cosplay, miniatures, or simple home projects with confidence.
Just pick the one that fits your goals and budget—and get printing!