Best 3D Printers Under $500 in 2025: Affordable Picks with Big Features

Our expert 2025 guide compares the most reliable budget 3D printers under $500.

In a Hurry? Our Quick Pick

Qidi Tech X-Pro 3D Printer

Still one of the most affordable dual-extrusion 3D printers in 2025. Reliable, enclosed design, and beginner-friendly software.

Dual extrusion for multi-material prints
Heated build plate & touchscreen
Pause/resume function

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Can you really get a solid 3D printer for under $500 in 2025? Absolutely. Thanks to fierce competition, entry-level printers are faster, quieter, and more reliable than ever. You don’t need to spend $1,000+ to start prototyping, printing models, or building DIY parts.This guide is split into two parts: a short buying guide to help you avoid common beginner mistakes, and our list of the best 3D printers under $500 available in 2025.

How to Buy a 3D Printer Under $500

Even affordable printers differ widely. Here are the key factors in 2025:

Materials & Compatibility

Most sub-$500 printers are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). They use spools of thermoplastic filament, typically:

PLA: easy to print, eco-friendly, but heat sensitive.
PETG: tougher, heat-resistant, great for functional parts.
ABS: durable, needs enclosure, emits fumes (ventilate well).

For a deeper dive, see our step-by-step printer guide and the Simplify3D materials resource.

Build Volume

Bigger isn’t always better. Large build areas (220mm+) give flexibility but cost more and take longer to heat. Match the size to your projects.

Print Speed

Modern budget printers advertise speeds up to 250 mm/s, but realistic quality prints happen at 60–120 mm/s. Some (like Creality’s newer Ender models) support input-shaping firmware to improve higher-speed prints.

Other Features

Heated bed (better adhesion, essential for ABS/PETG).
Auto bed leveling (saves frustration).
Silent stepper drivers (quieter printing).
Resume print after power loss.

The Best 3D Printers Under $500 (2025 Picks)

1. Qidi Tech X-Pro

One of the only true dual-extrusion printers under $500, still competitive in 2025. Enclosed design helps with ABS printing. Touchscreen UI and solid support make it popular with classrooms and tinkerers.

Pros: Dual extrusion, enclosed chamber, reliable support.
Cons: Build plate adhesion can be tricky.

2. FlashForge Finder 3

The 2025 Finder refresh improves on the family-friendly design: tool-free setup, Wi-Fi, and quieter printing. Limited to PLA but excellent for kids, schools, and casual hobbyists.

Pros: Plug-and-play, enclosed wiring, quiet operation.
Cons: Small build area, PLA-only.

3. Longer LK4 Pro

Now shipping with glass bed and silent drivers, this open-frame printer is an Ender alternative. Quiet, reliable, and beginner-friendly with touchscreen controls.

Pros: Ultra-quiet, easy setup, tempered glass bed.
Cons: Mixed reviews on customer support.

4. Creality Ender 3 (Neo 2025 edition)

The iconic budget printer, with countless upgrades. The latest “Neo” iteration includes auto-bed leveling, 32-bit silent board, and improved extrusion system—still under $300. Massive community support ensures endless mods and fixes.

Perfect for miniatures, cosplay props, and functional parts.

Pros: Huge community, large build volume, mod-friendly.
Cons: DIY assembly required, learning curve for best results.

Conclusion

3D printing no longer requires a big budget. The printers above prove you can learn, experiment, and create on a <$500 machine. Whether you choose the enclosed Qidi Tech, the family-friendly FlashForge, or the endlessly moddable Ender 3, you’ll have access to a thriving maker world.

Once you’ve mastered these basics, consider monetizing your skills with profitable 3D printing ideas—or explore other budget tech gadgets to round out your toolkit.