3D printers have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the decreasing cost of printers and the increasing availability of filament materials. Today, it is possible to purchase a high-quality 3D printer for under $500, making them accessible to a wide range of homeowners. If you are a homeowner or renter, who is interested in getting started with 3D printing, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a printer.
First, consider the build volume. This is the maximum size of object that the printer can print. For most home users, a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm will be sufficient.
Second, consider the features that are important to you. Some printers have features such as automatic bed leveling, filament run-out sensors, and direct drive extruders. These features can make 3D printing easier and more reliable.
Finally, consider your budget. 3D printers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to choose a printer that fits your budget and needs.
The following list includes the top 10 affordable 3D printers for homeowners to purchase in 2023. These printers offer a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Creality Ender 3 V2
Creality Ender 3 V2 3D printer
Price: $199.00
Description: The Creality Ender 3 V2 is one of the most popular 3D printers on the market, and for good reason. It is a well-built and reliable printer that is perfect for beginners and experienced users alike. It also has a very affordable price tag.
Features:
- Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Silent motherboard
- Easy to assemble and use
Elegoo Neptune X
Elegoo Neptune X 3D printer
Price: $269.99
Description: The Elegoo Neptune X is a newer 3D printer on the market, but it has quickly become a favorite among hobbyists and home users. It is a well-rounded printer that offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Features:
- Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Direct drive extruder
Artillery Sidewinder X1
Artillery Sidewinder X1 3D printer
Price: $259.99
Description: The Artillery Sidewinder X1 is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a 3D printer with a large build volume. It has a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm, which is significantly larger than most other affordable 3D printers on the market.
Features:
- Large build volume (300 x 300 x 400 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Direct drive extruder
Flashforge Finder 3 V2
Flashforge Finder 3 V2 3D printer
Price: $299.99
Description: The Flashforge Finder 3 V2 is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a 3D printer that is easy to use. It comes pre-assembled and calibrated, so you can start printing right away.
Features:
- Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Easy to assemble and use
Creality Ender 5 Plus
Creality Ender 5 Plus 3D printer
Price: $399.99
Description: The Creality Ender 5 Plus is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a 3D printer with a large build volume. It has a build volume of 350 x 350 x 400 mm, which is larger than most other affordable 3D printers on the market.
Features:
- Large build volume (350 x 350 x 400 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Dual Z-axis for better stability
Anycubic Kobra 3D Printer
Anycubic Kobra 3D printer
Price: $289.99
Description: The Anycubic Kobra is a newer 3D printer on the market, but it has quickly become a favorite among hobbyists and home users. It is a well-rounded printer that offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Features:
- Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Direct drive extruder
- Easy to assemble and use
Creality Ender 3 Pro
Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer
Price: $209.99
Description: The Creality Ender 3 Pro is an updated version of the popular Ender 3 V2 3D printer. It has a number of features that make it a better choice for home users, including a silent motherboard, a filament runout sensor, and a direct drive extruder.
Features:
- Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Silent motherboard
- Direct drive extruder
Voxelab Aquila X2
Voxelab Aquila X2 3D printer
Price: $169.99
Description: The Voxelab Aquila X2 is a great option for budget-minded homeowners who are looking for a well-built and reliable 3D printer. It is easy to assemble and use, and it produces high-quality prints.
Features:
- Large build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm)
- Heated bed
- Filament runout sensor
- Silent motherboard
- Easy to assemble and use
Elegoo Mars 3
Elegoo Mars 3 3D printer
Price: $225.00
Description: The Elegoo Mars 3 is a great option for homeowners who are interested in printing with resin. It is a fast and accurate printer that produces high-quality prints.
Features:
- Large build volume (143 x 89 x 165 mm)
- High-resolution display (4K)
- Fast print speeds
- Easy to use
Anycubic Photon Mono SE
Anycubic Photon Mono SE 3D printer
Price: $299.99
Description: The Anycubic Photon Mono SE is another great option for homeowners who are interested in printing with resin. It is a fast and accurate printer that produces high-quality prints.
Features:
- Large build volume (192 x 120 x 245 mm)
- High-resolution display (6K)
- Fast print speeds
- Easy to use
Just in case you’re wondering what exactly can be done with a 3D printer, check out this previous post on How to use 3D printing to live more sustainably.
*Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other great 3D printers on the market. It is important to do your own research to choose the best printer for your needs.*