Thoughts on Budget 3D Printers
So, you're curious about 3D printing but don’t want to spend a fortune just to see if it’s for you. Good news: there are plenty of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers under $500 that are a great start for beginners and hobbyists alike.
What is an FDM 3D Printer?
FDM printers work by melting plastic filament (like PLA or PETG) and laying it down one layer at a time to create 3D objects. They’re the most common type of consumer 3D printer, and they strike a great balance between affordability, usability, and print quality.
What Do You Get for Under $500?
In this price range, you’re stepping up from bare-bones kits to machines with features that make printing easier and more consistent. Things like auto bed leveling, direct drive extruders, and quieter stepper motors are becoming standard. Many budget printers have smaller print volumes and a more narrow range of possible nozzle and bed temperatures.
At Bellair3D
Many people consider machines from Reality, Bambu, Anycubic and Prusa when looking at budget printer. At Bellair3D we run all Prusa machines as we have found them to be rock solid reliable and produce high quality prints. In December 2019 we purchased a budget Prusa Mini to supplement our other machines and although we used it often at the time we have since moved on to using more advanced FDM machines.
The great part about the Prusa Mini is you can purchase it as a kit and learn a ton about printing and how the machine works just by building the printer.
Features Worth Looking For
When shopping in the sub-$500 range, keep an eye out for:
Auto bed leveling – A huge quality-of-life improvement
Direct drive extruder – Better for flexible filaments and more consistent extrusion
Sturdy build quality – Metal frames are more durable and stable
Active community support – Makes troubleshooting and upgrades much easier
What to Expect
Even under $500, you will need to tinker a bit—like learning how to level the bed, tweak slicer settings, or swap out a worn nozzle. But this hands-on experience is part of what makes 3D printing fun! These machines are capable, versatile, and more plug-and-play than ever before.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to break the bank to get into 3D printing. Printers under $500 offer a ton of value and capability, especially for beginners who want to learn without sacrificing performance. Whether you're making tools, toys, prototypes, or just exploring a new hobby, this price range is a sweet spot for getting started.