10 Best 3D Printers Under 500 2025 in the United States

The FLASHFORGE AD5X is a feature-rich 3D printer that stands out for its ability to print with up to four colors at once, adding creative flexibility that many budget printers don’t offer. Its build volume of 220x220x220mm is good for most hobbyist projects, giving you enough space for medium-sized prints. A highlight is its high print speed — up to 600mm/s — enabled by a stable Core XY design, which makes it great if you want faster results without sacrificing print quality. The 300°C direct-drive extruder supports a range of filaments, including those that need higher temperatures, expanding your material choices. The 1-click auto leveling system is a welcome feature for beginners, simplifying setup and reducing print failures.

You’ll also appreciate the interchangeable nozzles that allow you to balance detail and speed depending on your project. The printer’s metal frame suggests decent build quality, contributing to stable and reliable prints. Connectivity options include PC compatibility and remote control via a mobile app, offering convenience in monitoring prints. Some drawbacks include its relatively modest build volume compared to larger printers, which might limit very big projects. Also, while the auto leveling is helpful, some users may find the learning curve for multi-color printing steeper than single-color machines. The weight and size make it less portable, so it’s better suited for a dedicated workspace.

The AD5X is well-suited for users seeking fast, colorful, and precise prints within a moderate budget, particularly those willing to explore more advanced printing techniques.

The FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M is a compact 3D printer with a decent print volume of 220x220x220 mm, suitable for most hobby and small project needs. It stands out for its very fast printing speed—up to 600 mm/s—with a Core XY metal frame that provides stable and precise movements, making it great for rapid prototyping. The printer features fully automatic bed leveling, which helps beginners avoid the hassle of manual adjustments and ensures better first layers for reliable printing.

It supports a wide variety of filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and even carbon fiber blends, although some advanced materials like PC or ASA require an enclosure for best results. The nozzle heats up quickly, reaches 280°C, and can be swapped out in just 3 seconds, adding to its ease of use and flexibility. Connectivity options include remote monitoring through a mobile app, allowing users to keep an eye on prints without being right next to the machine. Its dual-fan nozzle system and vibration compensation contribute to consistent and high-quality prints.

While the printer excels in speed and automation, the print volume is moderate rather than large, so very big objects might require multiple prints or a larger machine. It weighs nearly 24 pounds and is not the most compact option for limited spaces. Some users may find the need for regular maintenance and occasional troubleshooting a mild inconvenience, but these are common with most 3D printers. The Adventurer 5M delivers a user-friendly, fast, and versatile 3D printing experience with solid build quality that fits well within the under-$500 category, especially for those who value ease of use and speed.

The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 PRO is a resin 3D printer that offers a notably large build volume of about 8.77 x 4.96 x 9.05 inches, giving you room for medium to large prints compared to many entry-level models. Its standout feature is the very high-resolution 14K monochrome LCD screen, which means it can produce extremely detailed prints with fine features as small as 0.3 mm. This makes it a great choice if you want sharp, precise models like miniatures or prototypes.

The printing speed is impressive, reaching up to 170mm per hour when using specific fast resins, which is faster than many similar printers under $500. It also includes smart features like dynamic temperature control for the resin vat to keep printing conditions optimal, and resin auto-fill and recycling to simplify maintenance. The printer has several built-in safety and error detection systems that help prevent failed prints and make setup easier, which is helpful for beginners.

Connectivity options are standard, supporting PC and laptop control via USB. The build quality is solid, using durable materials like aluminum and ABS plastics, though the printer is a bit on the heavier and larger side, which you should consider if space is limited. As a resin printer, it requires handling liquid resin and post-processing your prints, which can be messier and more involved than filament printers. While the printer’s speed and precision are excellent, it comes at a price point on the higher end of the under $500 category, making it best suited for users who prioritize detail and print quality over the absolute lowest cost. This printer is well-suited for hobbyists or small business users looking to create highly detailed resin prints quickly, with smart features that help reduce print errors and improve ease of use.