7 Best 3D Printers Under $200 – Perfect Price for Outstanding Features

This article focuses on the differences between budget 3D printers and the different features they offer. If you’re a first-time user of this technology, this helpful guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
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Marilyn Grant
Marilyn Grant
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Julie Flores
Julie Flores
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Last updated: August 20, 2023
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Are you looking for the best 3D printer for under $200? In this guide, you will find reviews for the best 3D printers under $200 that are available on the market. Were all 3D printers created equal? What should you look for in a 3D printer? We discuss it all and will also give you some recommendations to find the best one for your budget.

You can do so many amazing things with a 3D printer, from Christmas gifts to complicated items. Maybe it’s time to ask Santa to put one under your tree this year. Luckily, the 3D printer is becoming more available and pocket-friendly. You will be pleasantly surprised to see that 3D printers are now more affordable than ever before.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0
    "This model is very easy to set up and extremely user-friendly to operate. It allows you to print intricate details that make the products look store-bought."
  • Premium Pick: ANYCUBIC Mega SE
    "Perfect budget printer for hobbyists. It’s very easy to use and offers great value for money. This model offers both 3D printing and laser engraving. Takes less than a minute to switch between functions."
  • Editor’s Choice: Creality Ender 3
    "Easy to use and quick to assemble, this printer has an advanced technology. Protected power supply. Fast heating time."
  • Best for Beginners : Kingroon 3D Printer
    "Comes with a preloaded MicroSD card filled with printable 3D models that are perfect for beginners. The touch screen makes it simple to operate. Assembling and leveling are easy and can be done in minutes."
  • Most Easy to Use: Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer
    "A simple to assemble, entry-level printer. It has a glass print bed that works well with PLA and ABS."
  • Best Bargain Printer: Monoprice Delta PRO
    "Great starter 3D printer that prints PLA, ABS, PETG, and other materials. Excellent quality printing for the price. Prints are limited to 4.3 inches in diameter. It can’t print flexible materials"
  • "This is a speedy printer that prints high-quality final products. It features a UV-blocking top cover that blocks up to 99.95% and has built-in activated carbon that absorbs the fumes of the resin."

Top 7 3D Printers under $200 Reviewed 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9253 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM
  • Layer resolution: ±0.1mm
  • Supported materials: PLA, TPU, ABS, HIPS, PETG, Wood
  • Print speed: 20~100 mm/s (suggested 60 mm/s)
  • Nozzle diameter: 4 mm
  • Build size: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
  • Software: Cura

This is the best 3D printer under $200 that offers a lot for a low price. It’s super easy to assemble, and the print quality is excellent. The new design features innovative stability and precision printing.

The first Mega Zero was extremely popular, highly affordable, and offered simplistic 3D printing. The model has everything you need and nothing that you didn’t. That’s why it was quite surprised when they released the new version, only a few months later. The latest version features a heated and magnetically removable print bed and a single rail Y-axis. Those seem to be the only updated features.

The new version is perfect for printing items that need to be snapped off. The magnetic print bed allows you to remove the 3D print much more easily. The print bed is heated, so you can print with any type of filament.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We loved the fact that it features a removable magnetic print bed. The build volume, layer resolution, and positioning accuracy are all impressive. The print bed can be heated up to 110℃, which means you will have less trouble getting your designs to stick well enough. The single Y-axis rail makes it easier to get to the knobs that control the height of the printing bed. There is less chance of your design slipping, thanks to the double gear extrusion.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The temperature nozzle setting can’t be changed and is set at the maximum temperature of 255℃. There isn't enough difference between the two models to warrant the increased price. The heated magnetic print bed is a nice feature, but it's easy to live without and won't make much difference to your overall printing. Operating systems are limited to Windows, Mac, and Linux.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7632 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
2
Premium Pick

ANYCUBIC Mega SE

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM
  • Layer resolution: ±0.1mm
  • Supported materials: PLA, TPU, ABS, HIPS, PETG
  • Print speed: 20~100 mm/s (suggested 60 mm/s)
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
  • Build size: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
  • Software: not specified

Not only does the price make this 3D printer so appealing, but it also doubles as a laser engraver. Switching between the functions only takes a minute, and it has excellent print quality. To make controlling the machine a breeze, it features a touch screen for easy calibration. The robust frame was designed to ensure minimal vibration and stop the 3D printer from wobbling while you’re printing. The stop and start function allow you to change colors mid-print.

This version has been updated with larger control knobs to make setting the machine a lot easier. The filament detection update stops the printer automatically if it runs out of printing material. Another amazing fail-safe feature allows the print to be recovered after a power loss. The textured glass platform gives your design an incredible grip. Once released and cooled, your design can be removed easily. This is the best fully assembled 3D Printer for under $200.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We love the fact that it has double functions: a 3D printer and laser engraver in one. It's easy to install the software, and the setup is relatively simple. The large dials make manually adjusting the print bed pretty easy. The SD card comes preloaded with a couple of cool design prints to get you started. The print quality is very consistent. It’s easy to adjust the settings to stop the signs of stringing. The fact that it’s quieter than most other models made us smile.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • The biggest drawback we saw was in the overhangs. The touch-screen looks very dated, and the buttons felt awkward. The quality of the wood engravings was very basic, but this is to be expected, and the quality would be good enough for hobbyists and crafters. When it comes to dimensional accuracy, this model was fair, but there is room for improvement.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2987 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
3
Editor’s Choice

Creality Ender 3

Features
  • Size: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
  • Weight: 17.64 lbs.
  • Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
  • Heating time: 5 minutes
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: easy and quick and assemble; protected power supply; advanced extruder technology

The Official Creality Ender 3 3D printer is a fully open-source, quick to assemble, and easy to use beginner 3D printer at a low price. Sold by Comgrow, this 3D printer has its own Advanced Extruder Technology, which greatly reduces the risk of a clogged nozzle and bad extrusion when printing. It also features a Resume Printing Function, which comes in handy in the event of a power outage.

What we liked: This 3D Printer offers many bells and whistles such as the Resume Printing Function, in the event of a power outage or unexpected stoppage the Ender-3 3D Printer has programming to resume right where it left off once turned back on. The 5-min heating time and branded power supply make it quicker to fire up and get to work. The price, around $206.99 USD, is a budget point for most individuals to get started in beginner 3D Printing. The 2-hour assembly that requires only 20 nuts will be great for any buyers who want a hassle-free unboxing. Finally, the Ender-3 is open source, which means you will find plenty of projects to put your beginner 3D printer to work.

What could be better: As light-weight as it is, this can compromise stability in certain situations. The compact nature of this printer also slightly limits build volume, the overall size of your print, when compared to other beginner-friendly 3D printers. Additionally, the vendor has no specified warranty at this time.

Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6369 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
4
Best for Beginners

Kingroon 3D Printer

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM
  • Layer resolution: 0.05-0.3mm
  • Supported materials: TPU, wood, PU, PLA, aluminum
  • Print speed: 20-60 mm/s
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
  • Build size: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
  • Software: not specified

If you’re looking to get into the world of 3D printing, but don’t want to spend too much before you know what you’re doing, then this is the perfect machine for you. It features a headed printing plate which helps keep the design from slipping. The nozzle is able to reach temperatures of 255℃. An exciting feature that we love is the resume button, which will allow you to pick up where you left off should the machine lose power.

The improvements on this version include the upgraded extruder, which helps resist clogging. The operation rail is extremely quiet. Different speed settings give you a choice between printing quickly or printing more intricate details. Other upgrades are the better-designed touch screen.

    What are its best features?
  • What do we like? In a word, consistency. The quality of the print was the same from the first one until the very last design. Using the resume feature left no visible marks of where the design stopped or restarted. Another feature we loved was that it operated very quietly and was sturdy enough not to move around when printing. If you are on a tight budget, this 3D printer will deliver great quality prints at a very reasonable cost.
    What could be improved?
  • Unfortunately, we received little to no customer support. When we did get hold of someone, it was difficult to understand them, and there was a language barrier. After a bit of searching on Facebook, we found the answers we were looking for. Note that there are limited configuration settings available, and you can only do very simple prints that may not grow your skills.
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9057 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
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8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
5
Most Easy to Use

Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM
  • Layer resolution: 0.1-0.4mm
  • Supported materials: PLA
  • Print speed: ≤180mm/s, 20-60mm/s normally
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
  • Build size: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
  • Software: Simplify, Cura, Voxelmaker

This is an amazing entry-level 3D printer that does everything it needs to, for a very reasonable price. The unit is relatively easy to assemble and comes with custom print software for easy printing. The screen uses a rotary dial to select, and the knob can be a bit difficult to operate. After a few tries, you should get used to how it works. The prints are easy to remove from the printing bed, and the print nozzle was easy to clean after use.

Compared to the Ender 3 V2, you don’t have a front drawer, and the screen is set to print in landscape orientation. It has a high printing volume and runs with four V-slot wheels. This makes the printing bed a lot more stable than the previous version. The textured glass printing surface is a great adhesive when hot, and once it has cooled down, it makes removing the design a breeze.

    What stands out?
  • We loved the large, heated print bed. It was very easy to use and the added video made setting up the machine easy. The prints had a nice clean finish. Printing consistency was good from start to finish. The print lines are almost unnoticeable. Impressively, the printer includes a lot of ready-to-print test designs. These designs include useful items, such as a toolbox, a hook an adjustment knob. The printing kit comes with all the necessary tools included to do any repairs, and the parts are labeled. With this one, it’s relatively easy to assemble.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The service department wasn't much help, and it took 3 attempts to finally solve the queries that we had. The fix they sent the first time had nothing to do with the problem we had enquired about. There was also a broken fan that was discovered during the unboxing. Due to the expense of shipping the product and the time delay, it wouldn't be economical to replace the broken part. Instead, fixing the fan would have to be done locally at our own cost. Heat creep also seemed to be a major issue, with some files refusing to print at all.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6685 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
6
Best Bargain Printer

Monoprice Delta PRO

Features
  • Printing technology: FFF
  • Layer resolution: ±0.4mm
  • Supported materials: ABS, PLA
  • Print speed: up to 170 mm/sec
  • Nozzle diameter: not specified
  • Build size: 110 x 120 mm
  • Software: Cura

This 3D printer uses rails that slide along instead of moving up and down. It features three heads that move the printing head anywhere in the printing space region. The printing head can be leveled with a simple push of a button.

The Mini Delta V2 is the updated version of the best-selling Mini Delta version from Monoprice. The touch screen is updated to perform better and uses a simpler interface. This version is a lot quieter than the previous one, and the updated leveling makes printing simple, even for beginners. It can also be programmed to work with other versions of bulkier 3D printers.

    What stands out?
  • We loved the price for a fully-featured 3D printer. It can print PLA, ABS, PETG, and other materials. The print quality is excellent and very consistent. The touch screen is also a printer that uses your fingertip or the included plastic pointer. The print bed is heated, which keeps the print from slipping during the printing process. It prints quickly and in high quality.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • A drawback we found is that prints had unpleasant edges, and the machine slammed or neglected to interface with the printer. It was also complicated to select the correct dimensions. Unfortunately, it was difficult to remove the prints from the mold. Also, the software was a little rough around the edges, and prints are limited to 4.3 inches in diameter. If you plan on printing flexible materials, then you'll be out of luck as it doesn't have that capability.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6635 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.8
Features
  • Printing technology: UV Photocuring
  • Layer resolution: 0.01-0.2mm
  • Supported materials: resin
  • Print speed: 30-50mm/h
  • Nozzle diameter: not specified
  • Build size: 130 x 80 x 150 mm
  • Software: ChituBox

The 3D printer is made from very high-quality materials and delivers very good quality prints. This powerful machine is able to print twice as fast as any other printer in the same class. The LCD screen allows you to print models with a smooth exterior surface. It features an active carbon filter that absorbs resin fumes. Another feature worth mentioning is the high-end resin vat and one-key leveling system.

The new matrix parallel light source structure provides even more UV light emission. Worth noting is that the transparent cover blocks up to 99.95% of the UV light. The resin mat has also been upgraded, and the built-in carbon filter absorbs the fumes of the resin. Here, the turbo cooling fan and silicone rubber seal keep the overall odor to a minimum. The Chiti box slicer has been upgraded with the latest 8-times anti-aliasing function, which gives the machine a very smooth printing surface.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We loved the fact that it was able to print so quickly, with many intricate details. Each version seems to get better, and the brand listens to what the customers want when designing improvements. The one-key leveling system made leveling the print very simple. We also loved the 3.5-inch touch screen. This 3D printer is perfect for making detailed designs needed for prototypes and jewelry.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The next upgrade should feature a spring-loaded style plate because it’s still a bit difficult to level the plate manually. The screen could also be upgraded for a 4k screen. Upon unboxing, some of the components seemed to be cracked, but the customer service department dealt with our queries and sent replacements where necessary. The print finish leaves a little to be desired, but for that price point, you get what you pay for.

Things to Consider

In this guide, we are going to look at the features you should look for when deciding to purchase a 3D printer. Also, we give you recommendations on the average capabilities of entry-level 3D printers. Not sure if it’s worth trying? Did you know this amazing technology has allowed a Dutch couple to become the proud new tenants of the country’s first-ever 3D-printed house?

Advantages of 3D Printers under $200

7 Best 3D Printers Under $200 - Perfect Price for Outstanding Features
An entry-level printer will allow you to learn the basics of the craft at a very affordable cost.

Entry-level 3D printers are surprisingly affordable Trusted Source Can we stomach the latest emerging food innovations? A handful of firms are now working on 3D printers that could construct this dinner while you wait, by printing thousands of pre-programmed, sliver-thin layers, stacked on top of each other. www.bbc.com and are perfect for starting a small business or for home use. As printers become more affordable, so do the printing materials. This is a great opportunity to try your hand at 3D printing without breaking the bank. Using a 3D printer will help you unleash your creativity and learn and test your boundaries. The materials you can use are cheap enough to experiment with until you have mastered the craft. Unsure of how to start? The good news is most entry-level 3D printers come with a micro-SD card that is loaded with ready-to-print designs for easy practicing.

Important Features

Entry-level doesn’t mean that you need to compromise on quality or features. You will be surprised at the value of money you can receive for under $200. Read on to discover the features you should look for when deciding to purchase a 3D printer.

The best tip we can give you is to do as much research as possible before you buy. Another important fact to think about is the dimensions of the 3D printer. The amount of space you have available will impact the size of the printer you buy. Other factors to consider include how noisy it is and the overall print quality. Also, consider the following.

Printing technology

There isn’t anything worse than ruining a print halfway through because the device loses power. One of the best updates to the new version of 3D printers is the resume function button.

This feature ensures that your design won’t be ruined when interrupted.

Instead, it pauses and continues when the power is restored. Look for the best 3D printer kits under $200, and you’ll notice the feature in most of them.

Layer resolution

The standard resolution for budget 3D printers is around 0.1mm, which is 100 microns. This site provides a great quality print. Higher-resolution printers can reach up to 0.02mm/ 20 microns in the higher end range.

Supported materials

7 Best 3D Printers Under $200 - Perfect Price for Outstanding Features
Resin printers use SLA and DLP style liquid resin to print objects.

Look for a 3D printer that uses spools of filament, like ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0. Supporting materials should include PLA, ABS and, PETG. Some entry-level printers are unable to print using flexible materials, so you should check the machine’s capabilities.

Printing speed

If you’re making 3D prints using plastic filaments, then it’s best to use a print speed of between 30mm and 90mm per second, as in the Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer. When printing more intricate designs, a slower speed is ideal and will give you a higher quality result.

Note that the best 3D printer under $200 that can print steampunk switches requires a lot of UV light for optimal printing.

Nozzle

There are multiple types of nozzles available on the market, and each enables different outcomes. The main things to consider are the size of the nozzle and the material it is constructed from. The output diameter should fall within the range of 0.20mm, but some of the newer versions have 0.15mm, 0.10mm, or 1.2mm, as in Kingroon 3D Printer.

Brass is the best material for nozzles and extruders, but they do wear down quickly and become abrasive. So, regularly check if you need to replace or maintain equipment.

Software

The software on your computer is a slicer. Slicing is when you create a file to print the code. There are numerous slicing programs available that can be downloaded online. The best ones to get started with as a beginner include Cura and Slicer, which you can find in the Official Creality Ender 3 3D printer.

Firmware is the software that is already installed on the 3D printer. Many versions use Marlin firmware, but there are a number of different chips available.

Build size

7 Best 3D Printers Under $200 - Perfect Price for Outstanding Features
Printing is done in layers of 1cm height with the same size in width and depth.

Look for a build area of at least 5 x 5 x 5 inches (13 x 13 x13 cm). This size should be large enough for most printed parts. The size of the printing volume will depend on the material you will be printing with.

FAQ

How to choose a beginner-friendly 3D printer?

When selecting a beginner 3D printer, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
  • The build area: This is the maximum space allowed for printing. This area can be increased by using clips and other attachments.
  • The printing materials it’s able to handle: Most printers will print using PLA and ABS filament.
  • The speed of the prints: Speed is usually listed in millimeters, and this number tells you how far the print head can move in a single second. There are normally two settings, one for speed and one for quality.
  • The layer height: Layer height will be listed in microns. The thinner the layer, the less obvious it will be. Also, the thinner the layer, the longer the print will take to finish.
  • Calibration: How easy it is to level the print bed should be taken into account. Sometimes this is a very complicated step and requires trial and error to get it just right.
  • Safety features: Features to look for include an auto-resume button that will protect your print should the printer suddenly lose power.
  • Additional components that can be used to upgrade the printer. Some versions allow for additional upgrades that can be bought separately.

How to clean a 3D printer after use

  1. Clean the 3D printing nozzle first, and this can be done by using a damp cloth or an alcohol wipe.
  2. Your best option is to clean the printing bed after each use. This will improve adhesion and prolong the life of the printer. If the bed can be removed from the printer, then you should do so. Gently scrape off any residue, then wipe using a dry cloth or paper towel. This should remove any oily residue.
  3. If there is any melted plastic left behind, it can be removed using acetone.
  4. The rest of the machine can be cleaned using a damp cloth. It’s important to remember to switch off the power before cleaning the machine.

Our verdict

With so many different options available, you may feel overwhelmed when buying your new gadget. After our 3D printer under $200 reviews, you should be able to make an informed decision. Do your research, know what you want, and don’t compromise on those features.

There are numerous 3D printers under $200, so look for high-end features such as a heated glass bed. A larger build volume and an easy-to-use interface are also valuable. A quality 3D printer should include a quality support system and sometimes built-in security protocols. In this buyer’s guide, you will find everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

In our opinion, the editor’s choice would have to be the ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0, followed in second place by the ANYCUBIC Mega SE, which is the choice for the best value 3D printer, and Official Creality Ender 3 3D printer is a great value for money. All our picks are packed with useful features and are perfect for those starting their 3D printing journey.

References

1.
Can we stomach the latest emerging food innovations?
A handful of firms are now working on 3D printers that could construct this dinner while you wait, by printing thousands of pre-programmed, sliver-thin layers, stacked on top of each other.
9,9
Total Score
ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0 - Editor’s Choice
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