Best 3D Printers Under $300 in 2025: Cheap, Capable, Reliable
Updated October 2025 — TheTechInfluencer.com
Tested by Morgan Blake
Can you really get a solid 3D printer for under $300 in 2025? Yes. Competition pushed “entry-level” machines to adopt once-premium perks: auto leveling, PEI plates, silent 32-bit boards, and faster motion profiles. We focus on first-layer consistency and clean walls at realistic speeds (60–120 mm/s), not brochure numbers.
Top Budget 3D Printers Compared (Sub-$300)
| Model | Best for | Build volume | Key features | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creality Ender 3 (Neo • 2025) | Mod-friendly starter | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | CR-Touch, 32-bit silent board, PEI plate | Huge community; easy to grow |
| Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo | Quick, tidy setup | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | Auto-level, textured PEI, fast profiles | Great out-of-box quality |
| Longer LK4 Pro | Low noise, easy PLA | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | Silent drivers, glass bed, touchscreen | Clean bottoms & simple assembly |
| ELEGOO Neptune 4 | Speed-curious beginners | 225 × 225 × 265 mm | Strong cooling, rigid frame | Good path to input-shaping |
| Sovol SV06 | TPU & flexibles | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | Direct-drive, easy swaps | Watch sales to stay under $300 |
How to Buy a 3D Printer Under $300
Materials & compatibility
Most sub-$300 models are FDM. Start with PLA; step up to PETG for tougher parts. ABS/ASA prefer an enclosure and ventilation. The Simplify3D materials guide is a good reference for temps and properties.
Build volume
220 × 220 × 250 mm covers most projects. Larger beds take longer to heat and magnify leveling errors — pick size for what you actually print.
Print speed
Brochures tout 250–500 mm/s. Stock, you’ll get the best quality at 60–120 mm/s. With input-shaping and better cooling, 150–200 mm/s is realistic for many frames. See our Klipper Input-Shaping Guide.
Quality-of-life features
- Heated bed (PETG/ABS adhesion)
- Auto bed leveling (less frustration)
- Silent stepper drivers (apartment-friendly)
- Resume after power loss (long jobs)
How We Test Sub-$300 Printers
Retail units only (no loaners), so our experience mirrors what you’ll unbox.
- First layer & adhesion: 3× test squares at 0.2 mm; Z-offset dial-in; plate prep notes.
- Calibration: Benchy at 0.2 mm / 60 mm/s; 20 mm XYZ cube measured with calipers.
- Quality at speed: PLA walls at 60, 90, 120 mm/s to spot ringing and wall inconsistency.
- Reliability: 8–10 hour continuous PLA print; track pauses, clogs, and restarts.
- Materials: PLA baseline; PETG bed 75–80 °C; TPU tested on direct-drive units.
- Noise & usability: Subjective notes at ~1 m, menu logic, bed cleanup, and plate release after cool-down.
We publish practical outcomes per model below (cube error, first-layer pass rate, noise notes).
Best 3D Printers Under $300: Hands-on Picks
Still the most mod-friendly base under $300. CR-Touch helps first layers stick, the silent 32-bit board keeps noise reasonable, and the PEI plate makes part removal simple.
Measured results: First-layer pass 3/3 (PLA); 20 mm cube error 0.16–0.18 mm; Benchy clean at 60 & 90 mm/s; 8-hour PLA run without intervention.
- Huge community & profiles
- Easy upgrade path (dual-gear, Klipper)
- Reliable first layer on PEI
- Stock part cooling is basic — $20 blower helps
True auto-leveling and textured PEI give it a “slice and print” feel. Great for someone who wants quality without tinkering on day one.
Measured results: Benchy clean at 60 mm/s; 20 mm cube error ~0.18 mm; first-layer pass 3/3 (PLA); notably tidy wiring and fast setup.
- Hands-off leveling & adhesion
- Good out-of-box profiles
- Quick assembly
- Firmware stack is less open than Creality/Sovol
Low-noise open-frame with a tempered glass bed. PLA releases cleanly after cool-down; PETG needs a light glue stick at ~80 °C.
Measured results: First-layer pass 3/3 (PLA); PETG adhesion reliable at 80 °C; 20 mm cube error ~0.16 mm; whisper-quiet steppers.
- Silent drivers & low noise
- Glass bed = clean bottoms
- Simple assembly
- Support responsiveness varies by region
Sturdy gantry and strong part cooling make higher speeds more attainable after tuning input-shaping. A great value platform if you want to learn fast profiles.
Measured results: Overhangs and bridges printed clean stock; Benchy crisp at 60 mm/s; wall ringing minimal at 90 mm/s; fans are audible but effective.
- Good cooling out of the box
- Rigid frame for speed work
- Responsive UI
- Fans are audible at night (easy swap)
Often dips under $300 on sale. The direct-drive extruder handles TPU and flexible filaments better than Bowden rivals at this price.
Measured results: TPU test at 30 mm/s printed clean; PLA cube error ~0.17 mm; first-layer pass 3/3 (PLA); watch pricing to stay under $300.
- Direct-drive = easier flexibles
- Quick filament swaps
- Good value on promo
- Street price fluctuates
Street prices change quickly. We selected models that regularly list or go on sale under $300. We purchase most products retail. Some links are affiliate (marked sponsored); this never affects our picks.
FAQ
Are sub-$300 3D printers good for beginners?
Yes. Modern budget printers add auto-leveling, PEI plates, and silent boards that make first prints far easier than older models. Expect great PLA and PETG with basic tuning.
Which is better under $300: Bowden or direct drive?
Bowden setups are simple and often quieter; direct-drive handles TPU and flexibles better. For mostly PLA/PETG, either is fine.
Do I need upgrades right away?
No. Start stock. If you want easy gains later, add a $20 parts-cooling fan, silicone bed spacers, and fresh brass or steel nozzles.
What realistic print speeds should I expect?
Quality prints typically land around 60–120 mm/s stock. With input-shaping and better cooling, 150–200 mm/s is attainable on several models.
Can these printers handle ABS/ASA?
They can, but an enclosure helps a lot. For most users, PETG offers a great balance of strength and ease without heavy enclosure requirements.
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 a few smart mods and our calibration workflow. Want to monetize? Try these profitable 3D printing ideas.
