Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo – up to 16-color 3D printing
Best 3D Printers Under $300
Solid starter options that won’t wreck your budget — and what each one is actually best suited for.
Buyer Guide Focus: Budget-friendly starters
Referral links coming soon
Overall Guide ★★★★☆ Approx. 4/5 for value picks
Beginner Friendly ★★★★☆
Budget Focus ★★★★★
Upgrade Potential ★★★★☆
Tinker vs. Simple Split ★★★★☆

Quick take: A practical overview of sub-$300 options — best used as a starting map, then cross-checking current models and prices.

If you’re just getting into 3D printing and don’t want to overspend, there are a few printers under $300 that can give you a strong start. Here’s a simple breakdown of three types of printers in this range and who they’re best for.

Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo – Best Overall Starter

A well-rounded beginner printer with auto bed leveling and reliable performance. It’s a good “first printer” for people who want something that works without too much fuss.

Ender 3 V3 SE – Best for Tinkerers

A solid, moddable platform with a huge community behind it. If you enjoy upgrading, tweaking, and learning the details of 3D printing, this style of printer is a great match.

Budget Large-Format Option – Best Bigger-Print Budget Choice

Some budget large-format printers sneak under the $300 line and give you more build volume for the money. These can be ideal if you know you’ll want to print larger objects from day one.

Final Thoughts

All three approaches can work well, but they suit different personalities and needs. The most important thing is to be honest about what you actually want to print and how much tinkering you’re willing to do.