May 2024
Looking for the best 3D printer under 1000 dollars in 2024? Or even a 3D printer under 500, 400, or 300 dollars? We review the best here.
Top Printers
See Our Choices of the 3 Best 3D Printers:
1. Best 3D Printer With Dual Extruder 2024
2. Best 3d Printer Under 1000 Dollars: Reviews
3. Best 3D Printer Under 500 Dollars
TOP SELECTIONS
✅See the printer that is favored by us due to the dual printing, laser engraving and different types of filament that can be used. A dream printer.
It might not be the cheapest 3D printer, but it is hugely popular and delivers superb quality results.
With 3D printing, you cannot really afford not to choose the best printer.
Summary:
From our reviews, it is evident that if you buy a 3D printer under 300 dollars, you are risking your hard earned cash and may end up being frustrated.
For under 400 dollars you can get a decent printer, but the best price range is between 500 – 1000 dollars and if you are looking at the higher end 3D printers, you can get a decent 3D printer for under 2000 dollars.
Although it is not a toy, a 3D printer is one of the ultimate tools to play around with and you can create beautiful intricate designs or objects that you can actually use.
You can experiment with different designs and what you can produce is only limited by your creativity.
If you don’t know what to buy someone as a Christmas or birthday gift, then a 3D printer would be a good choice.
How do 3d Printers Work?
This explanation can be quite technical, but let’s try and simplify it as much as possible.
First, you need a blueprint or a model.
The blueprint can be obtained by using 3D modeling software and designing it yourself, by downloading 3D models or by actually scanning an object by using a 3D laser.
Once you have your blueprint or model, you will need software that will slice it up into several hundred or thousands of layers, since the 3D printer prints the object layer by layer.
Free open source software can be used if not supplied by the printer manufacturer.
The finished model then gets uploaded to the 3D printer via a USB, micro SD card, WiFi, USB cable or any other method that the printer allows.
The printing material is a filament that gets heated up, melted and forced through and opening called an extruder.
Standard filament sizes are 1.75 mm and 3 mm diameter.
There are lots of material types that can be used for printing… certain 3D printers can use more than one type while others can only use one type.
Some examples of filament material include:
- ABS – Plastic.
- PLA – Bio degradable material made from corn starch, sugar cane and other material.
- PVA & HIPS – Special plastic that can be dissolved in water and sometimes used in dual extruder printers.
- TPU – A flexible filament that can produce things like flexible gaskets and a flexible screw driver handle. You can bend the print easily and it will return to its original shape.
The printer will then start printing your model layer by layer and depending on your printer model, settings and complexity of the design, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to finish printing your design.
Helpful hint: If possible, use a USB flash drive or a Micro SD card (preferred) to print your design; a USB cable or WiFi connection may hang up or crash during printing, leaving you to start over again.
The surface that an object is printed on is called a bed or build plate. Beds are usually made of Aluminum that is heated up to prevent warping of the printed 3D object.
Glass beds are also available and some people have switched to a glass bed due to the fact that it provides an extremely smooth bottom finish.
Why Use a Dual Extruder For a 3D Printer?
You may think that 3D printers with a dual extruder will print faster, which can be true depending on what you are trying to do.
One advantage of having a dual extruder is that you can print more than one color without manually having to replace the filament.
This in itself saves time, but the printer head will still move at the same speed.
If you have two colors, a dual extruder will get the job done quicker since you won’t have to stop and then replace the filament reel.
Another advantage of having a dual extruder is that you can print two objects side by side at the same time; provided that they are small enough to fit two of them between the extruders and that they don’t touch each other.
This is known as copy printing.
This effectively doubles the production rate but not the printing speed, and if the object you want to print is too big, there is no advantage here.
Another advantage is that if you want to print complex designs that may need support during printing, you can use PVA or HIPS filaments to support the underlying foundation and then dissolve it in water later.
What Can You Print with a 3D Printer?
Depending on the model you choose, almost anything. Below are a few examples:
- Art – Animals, figurines, flowers
- Jewelry – Arm bands, rings, earrings and more.
- Functional items – Gears, gears within an object such as a heart, drone parts.
- Tools – Shifting spanners, spanners & more.
- Body parts – Functional hands, arms, legs and more.
- Photo frames – Print the frame in any shape or design you like and then add your photos.
- Ornaments – Skulls with intricate designs.
- Household items – Cups, dishes, serving plates, funnels, plastic containers, ice cube holders and more.
- Toys – Toy cars, dolls, etc.
- Food molds – Example: Chocolate molds. Make a “negative negative”, line with a mixture of corn starch and 100% aquarium grade silicon for a food safe mold.
- Other – Trophies, etc.
These are just a few examples of what you can print these days and industrial printers are already printing houses and apartment buildings within a few days or less.
The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination.
Best 3D Printer Under 1000 Dollars – Reviews
Updated May 2024So, you have already seen what a 3D printer can do and want to try it out for yourself, but what printer should you buy?
3D Printers have been around for a while now and quite a few people have bought them.
The reviews and ratings left behind by people who have actually purchased a 3D printer is very helpful in helping you to make a decision about what printer you should buy.
Sometimes, a product is very popular due to a perceived low price, but if you have a look at customer complaints, it may just not be worth the price.
As with some products, there are certain brands that dominate a market and with the best 3D printers it is no surprise that some brands dominate here.
For our reviews, we have considered factors such as consumer reports and reviews, the price, customer service as well as other factors.
You may be looking for a model that we have not listed here, such as the Robo 3d r1 +plus, and although it is a good 3D printer, there were others that are just better.
Below is a comparison table of the various 3D printers that we have chosen. Reviews are below the table.
3D Printer Comparison Table
| Rank | Brand | Build Volume (gal. / l) | Build Dimensions (L x W x H) (inch / mm) | Extruders (No.) | Price $ (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
BIBO Dual & Laser 3D Printer Review | 1.68 gal. / 6.37 l | 8.4 x 7.3 x 6.3" / 214 x 186 x 160 mm | 2 | See Price |
  |
FlashForge Creator Pro 3D Printer Review | 1.37 gal. / 5.18 l | 9.1 x 5.9 x 5.9" / 230 x 150 x 150 mm | 2 | See Price |
  |
Flsun Cube DIY 3D Printer Review | 6.25 gal. / 23.66 l | 10.2 x 10.2 x 13.8 " / 260 x 260 x 350 mm | 1 | See Price |
  |
FlashForge Finder 3D Printer Review | 0.72 gal. / 2.74 l | 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 " / 140 x 140 x 140 mm | 1 | See Price |
 |
JGAURORA Prusa i3 3D Printer Review | 1.92 gal. / 7.22 l | 7.9 x 7.9 x 7.1" / 200 x 200 x 180 mm | 1 | See Price |
| Best 3D Printer Under 2000 Dollars | |||||
|
JennyPrinter Z360 3D Printer Review | 4.82 gal. / 18.23 l | 8.9 x 8.9 x 14.2" / 225 x 225 x 360 mm | 2 | See Price |
 |
DMS DP7 3D Printer Review | 33.02 gal. / 125 l | 19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7" / 500 x 500 x 500 mm | 1 | See Price |
3D Printer Comparison Chart
You can use this comparison chart for a quick reference to see which printer can print the largest object. This is referred to as build volume.
Our Top Choices
Find below our top three personal choices of the printers we like and recommend. The reasons are excellent reviews from consumers, the size of the object that can be printed, the range of printing materials (filaments) that can be used as well as quality. Dual extruders were also considered as a factor. Updated May 2024
✅ BIBO Laser Engraving: Best 3D Printer With Dual Extruder
With this printer, you can create beautiful two color designs due to the dual extruder.
This is the only 3D printer on this list that has a laser engraver as well.
You can engrave things such as your face on wood, plastic, leather and other types of material.
If the material is thin enough, such as thin plastic, it can also be cut by the laser.
The dual extruder ensures that you can print two objects (called copy printing) at once; thereby effectively doubling your production rate.
This 3D printer uses a glass bed that will give you a better and smoother finish at the bottom.
Specifications:
- Extruders: Dual extruder.
- Filaments that can be used: ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS, TPU (Flex)
- Communication: SD card, USB cable to PC, WiFi, U Disk.
This is the best 3D printer for schools and business due to the range of printed materials that the printer can use as well as the production efficiency.
This is a serious printer with all the necessary qualities needed for a professional finish.
If ever there was a near perfect 3D printer for under 1000 dollars, then this is printer has to be it. Highly recommended.
✅ See more beautiful high resolution pictures here as well as consumer reports, reviews and the price.
Video: Bibo 3D Printer Printing a Lamp Shade for 27 Hours
Video: The Bibo Doing Some of its Laser Mojo (no sound)
- Double printing.
- Glass bed for a smooth bottom finish.
- Very easy to remove the print from the glass.
- Laser engraving and cutting.
- Different range of filaments that can be used.
- Can print metal and carbon fiber mixed with PVA.
- Some units may have small issues, but it is sorted out quickly through excellent customer service.
✅ FlashForge Creator Pro – Best 3D Printer Under 1000 Dollars
This printer is a popular choice and has received excellent reviews.
It also has a dual extruder and is therefore ideal for printing more complex objects as well as objects with multi colors.
This is a good 3D printer for schools and can be used by business as well as the more experienced and seasoned printing enthusiast.
Specifications:
- Extruders: Dual extruder.
- Filaments that can be used: ABS, PLA
- Communication: USB & micro SD card.
Powerful in-house FlashPrint software is provided.
This 3D printer is for someone who is serious about printing 3D designs.
✅ See beautiful high resolution images here as well as reviews, reports, ratings and the price.
- Duel extruder.
- Excellent customer support.
- Lifetime support!
- Can be used for serious projects.
- Here and there, some parts may fail, but will get replaced quickly.
- A bit limited in the type of filament it can use.
Flsun Cube – Best 3D Printer Under 400 Dollars
For the price, this model has a very high and excellent build volume of 6.25 gal. (23.66 l).
Specifications:
- Uses PLA, wood and ABS
- Communicates via: USB & Micro SD card.
This printer is ideal for home use and can be used by hobbyists, artists and for general or complex items that you want to print.
This is the perfect 3D printer to buy as a Christmas or birthday present and the ideal printer to get your feet wet.
Not recommended for schools or businesses.
This 3D printer has received excellent customer reviews and has achieved top ratings.
Get more information here as well as consumer reports, reviews and prices.
- Easy to use.
- Good build volume.
- Good price.
- Only 1 extruder.
- Not suitable for school or business.
- Limited range of filaments.
- Some reviews are highly critical and this could be a risky purchase due to less than stellar quality.
FlashForge Finder: Best 3D Printer Under 500 Dollars
This is a beautifully designed compact 3D printer that is easy to set up.
It uses a brass nozzle that gives better prints and a thermal barrier linear tube which causes less jamming.
This is one of the few 3D printers that uses a non-heated build plate.
Specifications:
- Extruders: 1
- Only PLA filaments can be used.
- Communication: USB flash drive, USB cable, WiFi.
Recommended for home use only and is ideal for beginners.
This is the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for someone just getting started with 3D printing.
This is a popular printer, but it has its limitations.
See the price here as well as consumer reports and reviews.
- Gives a good quality print.
- Pre-assembled printer that will have you up and running quickly (Could be within 15 minutes; some people do it quick, others take longer).
- Small build volume.
- No option to use a Micro SD card. Risk of crash during printing.
JGAURORA Prusa i3 3D Printer Kit: Best 3d Printer Under 300 Dollars
Please note: The price may fluctuate and may not be under 300 dollars.
If your budget is still under 300 dollars, then have a look here.
This printer is not fully assembled but sold as a 3D printer kit.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, then this is the 3D printer for you.
Specifications:
- Extruders: 1
- Filaments that can be used: ABS, PLA, WOOD filament(1.75mm), TPU
- Communication: USB flash drive, USB cable, WiFi.
Not recommended for schools or businesses.
- Nice build volume.
- Diversity of printing materials.
- Price
- Some customer reviews are highly critical.
- No Micro SD card option.
JennyPrinter Z360: Best 3D Printer Under 1500 Dollars
If you are the type of person who likes to fiddle, then this 3D printer is for you.
This is an excellent 3D printer that will deliver and has a dual extruder to double your production rate.
It’s a DIY 3D printer kit that you will have to assemble when receiving it.
It may take a while to assemble and you may need to do some minor adjustments during assembly.
If you want to print a large Eiffel tower or even vases, then this is the printer you need.
Specifications:
- Extruders: 2
- Uses PLA and ABS filaments.
- Connection: USB Micro SD card.
- Dual extruder.
- Can print very large objects.
- Minor modifications needed during assembly.
- Can have issues with ball bearings.
✅ DMS DP7: Best 3D Printer Under 2000 Dollars
The final 3D printer on our list is the most expensive but can also print the largest objects.
This is also the recommended and preferred best 3D printer for schools and businesses.
You can use almost any type of material to print and are not restricted by one or two filament types.
Specifications:
- Extruders: 1
- Uses PLA, ABS, PETG (plastic also used in plastic bottles), Wood, Nylon & other materials.
✅ See more details here as well as consumer reports and reviews.
- High quality.
- Excellent prints.
- Massive build volume.
- Diversity of materials used.
- Only one extruder.
Today’s Best List:
Best 3D printer under 1000 dollars
List updated:
May 2024
Conclusion
The best 3D printer under 1000 Dollars is the Bibo dual extractor due to the versatility of materials used, production rate as well as the laser engraving capability.
With 3D printers, you are taking a risk when you buy a printer under 500 dollars and an even greater risk when you buy a 3D printer under 300 dollars.
The safe zone seems to be between 500 and 1000 dollars.
