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

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Anycubic Kobra 3 Max 3D Printer Only, Support Multicolor Needs ACE Pro, 600mm/s High-Speed Printing Large Build Volume 420x420x500mm Auto Leveling & Smart Vibration

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,311
Filament Compatibility
Bed Leveling

Most important from
1293 reviews

Filament Compatibility
While it prints PLA well, the printer struggles with ABS, suggesting it may not be the best choice for those focusing on this filament type.
Bed Leveling
Effortless 3D printing with advanced features like vibration compensation and auto-leveling lets you focus on creativity over technical details.

The Anycubic Kobra 3 Max 3D Printer offers a substantial build volume of 450x450x500mm, making it ideal for users looking to create large-scale projects. With a layer resolution that produces detailed prints, it promises high precision. The printer’s standout feature is its capability to print at speeds up to 600mm/s, significantly reducing printing time for larger models. This high-speed performance is supported by a robust firmware platform and precision bearings, ensuring stability and accuracy during the printing process.

Additionally, the printer supports a wide range of filament types, including PLA, TPU, ABS, and PETG, offering versatility for different project needs. The auto-leveling feature simplifies bed calibration, leading to more consistent print quality without much manual intervention. Connectivity-wise, it is compatible with personal computers and supports common file formats such as STL and OBJ, making it accessible for most users. One notable addition is its ability to print in multiple colors, though this requires additional equipment (Anycubic ACE Pro units), which may be a downside for those looking for a standalone multicolor solution.

The intelligent AI monitoring feature adds a layer of security by detecting and alerting users of printing issues in real-time. However, at 47.9 pounds, the printer is relatively heavy, potentially limiting portability. It comes with a one-year warranty and responsive customer support, which can offer peace of mind for new users. This product is a strong contender for hobbyists and professionals alike, particularly those in need of a high-speed, large-volume printer with advanced monitoring capabilities.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,311
Filament Compatibility
Bed Leveling

Most important from
1293 reviews

Filament Compatibility
While it prints PLA well, the printer struggles with ABS, suggesting it may not be the best choice for those focusing on this filament type.
Bed Leveling
Effortless 3D printing with advanced features like vibration compensation and auto-leveling lets you focus on creativity over technical details.
#2

FLASHFORGE 3D Printer AD5M, CoreXY 600mm/s High-Speed Printer with 1-Click Auto Leveling, High-Temp Direct Drive Extruder, 3s Quick-Swap Nozzle, 220×220×220mm Build Volume

Rating
9.8
Print Volume
Print Speed
Filament Compatibility

Most important from
512 reviews

Print Volume
The build volume is adequate for most home projects but may feel limiting for larger prints.
Print Speed
Overall, the printer balances speed, versatility, and features well for its price, making it a solid choice for hobbyists willing to invest a bit of time in setup.
Filament Compatibility
Changing filament mid-print is simple and reliable, allowing for color swaps without print errors.
Bed Leveling
The 1-click auto leveling effectively ensures consistent first-layer adhesion without hassle.
Connectivity
WiFi connectivity works reliably but requires manual IP entry, lacking modern discoverability features.
Build Quality
The all-metal frame and dual cooling fans contribute to stable, high-quality prints even at high speeds.

The FLASHFORGE AD5M stands out in the budget-friendly 3D printer category by offering impressive speed with its CoreXY system, capable of up to 600mm/s printing and quick acceleration. This makes it suitable for users who value fast prototyping or want to complete prints quickly. Its build volume of 220×220×220mm is fairly standard for this price range, allowing for a good variety of projects without being too bulky. The printer’s 1-click auto leveling feature simplifies setup and helps ensure the first layer sticks well, which is great for beginners or those who want hassle-free printing. It supports a high-temperature direct drive extruder reaching up to 280°C, allowing use of a wide range of filaments, including some specialty materials, adding to its versatility.

The quick-swap nozzles and dual cooling fans help balance speed and print quality, delivering detailed prints without much compromise. Connectivity is solid with remote control via an app, plus useful features like power loss recovery and filament runout detection add reliability. The all-metal frame suggests good build quality that supports stable printing. On the downside, while the printer is feature-rich, its 220mm build volume might feel limiting for very large prints. Also, although the product is open-source and upgrade-friendly, that could require some technical know-how to fully benefit from.

This printer is well suited for hobbyists, educators, and makers who want a fast, versatile machine with smart features under $500. However, those needing larger print sizes or a very simple plug-and-play experience might find it somewhat advanced.

Rating
9.8
Print Volume
Print Speed
Filament Compatibility

Most important from
512 reviews

Print Volume
The build volume is adequate for most home projects but may feel limiting for larger prints.
Print Speed
Overall, the printer balances speed, versatility, and features well for its price, making it a solid choice for hobbyists willing to invest a bit of time in setup.
Filament Compatibility
Changing filament mid-print is simple and reliable, allowing for color swaps without print errors.
Bed Leveling
The 1-click auto leveling effectively ensures consistent first-layer adhesion without hassle.
Connectivity
WiFi connectivity works reliably but requires manual IP entry, lacking modern discoverability features.
Build Quality
The all-metal frame and dual cooling fans contribute to stable, high-quality prints even at high speeds.
#3

FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M Pro 3D Printer, 600mm/s High-Speed, FDM 3D Printer Auto Leveling with 280°C Quick Detachable Nozzle, Core XY Structure, Dual Filtration System, Print Size 220x220x220mm

Rating
9.7
Layer Resolution
Filament Compatibility
Bed Leveling

Most important from
1467 reviews

Layer Resolution
The print quality is fantastic, producing detailed and accurate models.
Filament Compatibility
Supports multiple filament types, adding versatility to projects.
Bed Leveling
Auto-leveling bed and detachable nozzle make the setup and maintenance easy.
Build Quality
Prints consistently turn out great with minimal adjustments needed.

The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D printer stands out in the under $500 category with several impressive features. One of its significant strengths is its high print speed, reaching up to 600mm/s, which is considerably faster than many competitors in this price range. This speed, combined with a Core XY structure, ensures that detailed prints can be produced quickly and efficiently. The printer offers a decent print volume of 220x220x220mm, suitable for a variety of projects. Another notable feature is the auto-leveling bed, which simplifies the setup process and reduces the chances of print errors.

The detachable nozzle, capable of reaching 280°C, allows for versatility in print materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, TPU, PC, PLA-CF, and PETG-CF, making it highly compatible with different filaments. The dual filtration system is a thoughtful addition, promoting a safer printing environment by reducing particles and VOC emissions. Additionally, the printer operates quietly, with noise levels under 50db, making it suitable for home or office use.

On the downside, the printer's build quality, though generally robust, could be improved as some users have reported occasional issues with durability. While the 4.3-inch touchscreen interface is user-friendly, the printer's dimensions and weight (14.6 kg) may be a bit cumbersome for users with limited space. Lastly, the real-time remote camera monitoring and automatic shutdown features add to the convenience but might be considered overkill for beginners. The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D printer is a solid choice for hobbyists and those needing a reliable, fast, and versatile 3D printer.

Rating
9.7
Layer Resolution
Filament Compatibility
Bed Leveling

Most important from
1467 reviews

Layer Resolution
The print quality is fantastic, producing detailed and accurate models.
Filament Compatibility
Supports multiple filament types, adding versatility to projects.
Bed Leveling
Auto-leveling bed and detachable nozzle make the setup and maintenance easy.
Build Quality
Prints consistently turn out great with minimal adjustments needed.

Buying Guide for the Best 3D Printers Under 500

Choosing a 3D printer can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of 3D printing. The key to finding the right 3D printer for you is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your needs. By focusing on the most important specs, you can make an informed decision and find a printer that fits your requirements perfectly.
Print VolumePrint volume refers to the maximum size of the object that the 3D printer can produce. This is important because it determines the scale of your projects. Print volumes are usually measured in cubic dimensions (length x width x height). Small print volumes (e.g., 120x120x120 mm) are suitable for hobbyists and small projects, while medium (e.g., 200x200x200 mm) and large volumes (e.g., 300x300x300 mm) are better for more ambitious projects. Consider what you plan to print and choose a printer with a volume that accommodates your needs.
Layer ResolutionLayer resolution, measured in microns, indicates the thickness of each layer of material that the printer lays down. This affects the level of detail and smoothness of the printed object. Lower resolutions (e.g., 100 microns) produce finer details but take longer to print, while higher resolutions (e.g., 300 microns) print faster but with less detail. If you need high precision for detailed models, opt for a lower resolution. For simpler, faster prints, a higher resolution will suffice.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in millimeters per second (mm/s), determines how quickly the printer can produce an object. Faster print speeds can save time but may compromise print quality. Slower speeds generally yield better quality prints. If you need to produce many items quickly, look for a printer with a higher print speed. For high-quality, detailed prints, a slower speed is preferable.
Filament CompatibilityFilament compatibility refers to the types of materials the 3D printer can use. Common filaments include PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, each with different properties. PLA is easy to use and great for beginners, ABS is more durable and heat-resistant, PETG offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, and TPU is flexible and rubber-like. Consider what properties you need in your prints and choose a printer that supports the appropriate filaments.
Bed LevelingBed leveling ensures that the print bed is perfectly flat and at the correct distance from the nozzle. This is crucial for print adhesion and quality. Manual leveling requires you to adjust the bed yourself, which can be time-consuming and tricky. Automatic leveling uses sensors to adjust the bed, making the process easier and more accurate. If you prefer convenience and ease of use, look for a printer with automatic bed leveling. If you're comfortable with manual adjustments, a manually leveled bed can work just as well.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can send print jobs to the 3D printer. Common options include USB, SD card, and Wi-Fi. USB and SD card connections are straightforward and reliable, while Wi-Fi allows for wireless printing and remote control. If you value convenience and the ability to manage prints from a distance, a printer with Wi-Fi connectivity is ideal. For simpler setups, USB or SD card connections are sufficient.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the overall construction and durability of the 3D printer. A well-built printer will be more reliable and produce better quality prints. Look for printers with sturdy frames, high-quality components, and good reviews regarding their longevity and performance. If you plan to use the printer frequently or for demanding projects, investing in a printer with solid build quality is essential.

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