Our expert 2025 guide compares the most dependable budget 3D printers under $300.

Best 3D Printers Under $300 in 2025: Cheap, Capable, Reliable

In a Hurry? Our Quick Pick

Creality Ender 3 (Neo • 2025)

Still the most mod-friendly sub-$300 printer. Auto bed leveling, silent 32-bit board, flexible PEI plate, and a massive community for profiles and fixes.

CR-Touch auto leveling + resume-after-power-loss
Quiet TMC drivers; PEI spring-steel plate
Huge ecosystem of upgrades and slicer profiles

Check on Amazon →

Can you really get a solid 3D printer for under $300 in 2025? Absolutely. Competition pushed “entry-level” machines to add features once found on $500+ models: auto leveling, PEI plates, silent boards, and faster firmware.
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 $300 available in 2025.

How to Buy a 3D Printer Under $300

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

Materials & Compatibility

Most sub-$300 printers are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). They use spools of thermoplastic filament, typically:

PLA: easy to print; great for learning and models.
PETG: tougher and more heat-resistant; ideal for functional parts.
ABS/ASA: durable, prefers an enclosure; manage fumes and warping.

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

Build Volume

Bigger isn’t always better. A 220×220×250 mm class build area covers most projects. Larger beds take longer to heat; match size to what you actually print.

Print Speed

Manufacturers tout 250–500 mm/s, but clean results usually happen at 60–120 mm/s unless you tune input-shaping and cooling. Our Klipper Input Shaping Guide can help.

Other Features

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

The Best 3D Printers Under $300 (2025 Picks)

1. Creality Ender 3 (Neo • 2025)

One of the most mod-friendly printers ever. The 2025 Neo iteration adds CR-Touch auto leveling, a 32-bit silent board, and a flexible PEI plate — still comfortably under $300.

Pros: Huge community, reliable first layers, endless upgrade path.
Cons: Stock part cooling is basic; consider a $20 blower upgrade.

2. Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo

Great out-of-box quality with automatic leveling and a textured PEI plate. Excellent for beginners wanting minimal tinkering.

Pros: True auto-level, good adhesion, quick setup.
Cons: Firmware is less open than Creality/Sovol ecosystems.

3. Longer LK4 Pro

Now shipping with quiet drivers and a tempered glass bed. A credible Ender alternative if you value low noise and simple assembly.

Pros: Low noise, clean first layers, touchscreen UI.
Cons: Support responsiveness varies by region.

4. ELEGOO Neptune 4

Strong part cooling and a stiff gantry help at higher speeds once you tune input-shaping. A great value platform to grow with.

Pros: Good overhangs/bridging out of the box; sturdy frame.
Cons: Fans are audible at night; easy swap if needed.

5. Sovol SV06

Frequently dips below $300 during promos. Direct-drive extruder handles TPU better than Bowden setups at this price point.

Pros: Direct-drive for flexibles; easy filament swaps.
Cons: Price fluctuates; wait for deals to stay < $300.

Note: Street prices change quickly. We selected models that regularly list or go on sale under $300.

Conclusion

You don’t need a premium machine to get premium-looking prints. Start with a reliable base (Ender, Kobra, Neptune, etc.), then level up with budget mods from our Best 3D Printer Upgrades Under $300 and dial-in using our 3D Printer Calibration Guide.

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