3D Printers Under $500: How to Choose Your First Machine

An open-frame 3D printer sits on a white desk.

A 3D printer under $500 can now level its own bed, print fast and handle several colors. The harder question is which kind of machine fits what you want to make.

5 things to decide first

  1. Start with your materials. PLA and PETG print well on almost any machine. ABS, ASA and nylon need an enclosure and a hotter nozzle.
  2. Decide on multicolor. A multicolor system adds cost and uses extra filament on every color change. It is worth it for figures and signs, and not needed for functional parts.
  3. Check the build volume. Think of the largest part you plan to print. A bed of about 250 mm on each side covers most hobby projects.
  4. Plan for ventilation. Resin printers and high-temperature filaments give off fumes. Use a ventilated room or pick a printer with air filtration.
  5. Look at the software and model library. A good slicer and a large library of ready-to-print models shorten the learning curve a lot.

Three picks to start with

  • Best Overall: Bambu Lab P1S, a fully enclosed printer with automatic bed leveling and a short setup.
  • Best Multicolor Combo: Anycubic Kobra X Combo, with multicolor printing and automatic leveling.
  • Best for Advanced Materials: QIDI Q2, with a heated chamber and a high-temperature nozzle for engineering filaments.

All seven picks, including a resin option, are compared in our guide to the Best 3D Printers Under $500.

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