Best 3D Printer under $400 For 2023

Best 3D Printer under $400. Are you looking for a reliable 3D printer that won’t break the bank? Look no further than our tested analyzes of the best 3D printers under $400. As a passionate 3D printing enthusiast, I have spent countless hours researching and testing various models to bring you my review on the top three 3D printers that won’t break the bank.

Best 3D Printer under $400

In this blog post, I will be sharing my insights on the top three 3D printers that provide high-quality prints without costing you an arm and a leg. From the sleek and stylish design of the Ender 3 V2 to the user-friendly experience of the Monoprice Select Mini V2, you’ll be sure to find a 3D printer that suits your needs and budget.

So, whether you’re a hobbyist looking to create intricate designs or a student needing to bring their projects to life, these 3D printers are sure to impress. Keep reading to discover which 3D printer under $400 is the right fit for you.

Top 7 Picks for Best 3D Printers under $400

1- Comgrow Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer-Best Budget 3D Printer for Children

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	200 mm/s
Material	Aluminum
Color	Black
Product Dimensions	8.66″D x 8.66″W x 9.84″H
Item Weight	15.39 Pounds

Overview through Experience

Comgrow is the first seller of Creality 3D on Amazon. This 3d printer brand owns more than 20 technical staff to support all customers professionally.

Comgrow is devoted to providing economical and high-quality 3D printers with excellent after-sales service to all customers. Truly, this 3d printer is best for children, kids and new students of 3d printing as well as professionals.

Similarly, for my beginning period, I also bought this Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer that was easy to set up and use. That is why this was also one of the funniest and most utilitarian purchases I made 3 years ago. I was surprised to find 3D printers becoming so cheap, so I sprang for this one.

Before purchase, I discover that this 3d printer was very easy to assemble, although the instructions were a little sparse that got to use your head a bit.

Once together, impressed me right out of the box. I model in Blender3D. I can export my mesh models into the Cura slicer and filter out any small errors or flaws easily before commuting them to the print.

Best Features that will Make it Shine

The printer is bargain basement, but it does a bang-up job on everything I tell it to do. Its basic features and simplicity allow you to experience all the quirks and necessary set-up, tuning, and maintenance issues that 3D printers will put you through right away.

In short, it whips you into shape fast. Despite that, I’ve had only one failed print come out of it and that was a modeling error on my part. You pay attention, you do your set-up, cleaning and maintenance right, and it seems to treat you well.

Plus, I have used it to print dozens of replacement parts, repair items, and other practical items for around the house and car with it. Even larger utility and luxury projects take weeks to model and break apart into multiple pieces for printing and assembly. 

Why I am suggesting this Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer?

I am suggesting this printer for its safer power supply and resume print functions. Because this 3D printer comes with a branded power supply to protect your printer from unexpected power surges that can heat the hotbed to 110℃ in just 5 minutes.

Moreover, its resume print function can also resume printing from the last recorded extruder position after unexpected power outages. This is the reason that this 3d printer under 400 feels very professional, sturdy and secure.

2-Anycubic 3D Printer Kobra Neo-Best Auto Leveling 3D Printers

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	100mm/s or 50 to 60 is recommended
Material	Acrylonitrile But, Polylactic Acid
Color	Black
Product Dimensions	0.39D x 0.39W x 0.39H
Supported File Format	OBJ, STL, AMF

Overview through Experience

Anycubic is a famous consumer-grade 3D printing manufacturer that is specializing in delivering quality 3D printing products. This printer features a professional R&D team and high-end innovation technologies.

So, with these brands, you can also make 3D printing more accessible by meeting 3D professionals’ and amateur`s demands.

In addition, This Anycubic brand is passionate about providing effective 3D printing solutions to unleash your creativity and help you push the limits of what’s possible.

Best Features that will Make it Shine

After my first printer, I want to try a new 3d printer for under $400. So, I decided to get the Kobra Neo model of Anycubic.

The assembling of this best printer 3d for beginners was simple. Because this process takes only 10-15 mins. It’s cool to watch. It makes space arcade sounds as it moves. You feel like you jumped into the future when you finish your first project.

This is a very good printer that’s slightly above what I’d consider entry-level but was sold at the typical entry price point when I bought it.

The direct drive extruder, double-sided magnetic PEI build plate, and auto leveling functions are very well done.

Furthermore, I ran the printer for a week straight without any issues. I had to run the auto re-level once because I moved the printer.

Thereafter, I love the large print bed. It allows me to print a whole mask instead of having to cut models into pieces in a blender and then try to glue the pieces together manually.

Time-consuming. So much room for user error when in pieces too. Unfortunately, a belt broke after the first week. But ideally, this can easily be fixed for $20, with lots of extra belts. I think this should come with extra belts as a part of the bundle.

In addition, the great thing is that this printer may show issues with the SD card but it is also not a big problem. Because this 3d printer has 2 SD slots.

Besides all these little issues I would recommend this Best 3D Printer under $400 to a beginner and buy it again if I had to. I do recommend buying a belt roll and crimps, just in case.

It pays for itself rapidly. The wood grain wearable majors mask costs about 250 after being painted. Amazingly, that’s just made after a single print.

Why I am suggesting this Anycubic Kobra?

I am suggesting this Best 3D Printer under $400 due to its easy removal and cost-saving feature. Because compared with other FDM 3d printers and double-sided magnetic PEI spring steel platforms this best 3d printer is more durable and lasts longer saving a lot of maintenance costs. So, you can remove the model easily without any damage.

3- FLASHFORGE Adventurer 3 3D Printer

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	10-100 mm/s
Material	Stainless, Plastic,Steel
Color	Black
Product Dimensions	5.91″D x 5.91″W x 5.91″H
Item Weight	250 Grams

Overview through Experience

Overall I found a FLASHFORGE Adventurer 3 3D Printer after review because this is a good little printer with the ability to print wirelessly.

This Best 3D Printer under $400 will be a huge plus for anyone who wants to do 3d printing as a profession. Indeed, it works wirelessly without issue and I have not needed to use Ethernet as I have seen in many other products for printing.

This printer machine was bought by one of my friends and I’ve also used it various times. Likewise, my friend, I’ve also never had a failed print.

However, its auto bed leveling feature is not what I expected. You still need to use a piece of paper to gauge how close the nozzle is to the bed and it is a tedious process. The print quality is also as nice as I would like it to be. I’ve gotten to a good place with a fair amount of fiddling and this printer does match the quality of my Stock Ender 3.

Overall, it’s a good machine for beginners so don’t be discouraged by the reviews from people not following the proper setup. If there is a problem related to a limited-size spool chamber or filament extractor servos then you can fix the spooling issue by printing your extender.

I designed my own but there are some useful designs already out there. Always keep the nozzle clean inside. It’s hard to do but some pins are selling in the market to do better cleaning. It’s easier if you heat those with a lighter first.

In the conclusion, this printer is great for PLA and doesn’t take up much space. I’ve grown quite fond of it over time. I am frequently printing out designs I made in Solid works. In the end, I’d recommend it for any beginner with these notes and precautions.

Why I am suggesting this FLASHFORGE Adventurer 3 3D Printer?

I am suggesting this 3D printing device for its Filament detection function. Because through this function the printing will be suspended automatically when the filament is broken or used up. Moreover, printing will be resumed after the user replaces the new filament.

4- ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K, Resin 3D Printer-Best Budget 3D Printer for Non-Techies

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	2.5 hrs. to print a 12cm / 4.7in model
Material	Metal
Color	Yellow
Product Dimensions	5.19D x 6.49W x 3.14H
Supported File Format	STL

Overview through Experience

I have been in the 3D printing world for quite some time now. I have dealt with many different printers and brands even from filament-based printers to resin printers.

The Photon 4k is a magnificent piece of machinery. Many printer companies such as Prusa, Makerbot, Creatbot, etc. all have high prices and somewhat competitive products to offer.

The main reason I say “somewhat” is that this resin printer performs much better than most multi-thousand-dollar resin printers. The base unit may be constructed in China, but I assure you that the quality is out of this world.

Best Features that will Make it Shine

All of the moving parts, printer bed, base, and overall frame are constructed from what feels and appears to be aluminum.

The paint finish on the parts is spotless and no paint splotches or imperfections can be seen. The menu screen is also easy to navigate.

Truly, everything is made simple and yet it can achieve such an advanced product. The print quality is just absolutely perfect. In the attached pictures above, I provided a print of a beachy boat. My fingerprint gives the effect of waves for the boat to sail on.

Moreover, there is no layering that I can see in any of my prints. It’s just a very well-thought-out piece of machinery. This printer is probably the best investment I’ve made post Covid.

With our current situation, receiving supplies from companies can take a long time due to shortages, so it’s nice to be able to just pop something on the printer. But when I received my Photon 4k Best 3D Printer for under $400.

There were some small scratches on the VAT. But this could have been a small quality control issue or it could have been a packing problem. Most VATs are about $30, so they aren’t very cheap to simply just be thrown away after a few prints.

Other than that small issue, the printer is spotless. Moreover, I appreciate ANYCUBIC for this amazing product. I look forward to seeing you guys grow. I hope this review helps you guys choose the best resin printer.

Why I am suggesting this ANYCUBIC Photon?

I am suggesting this Best 3D Printer under $400  for its Universal Compatibility feature. Because Photon Mono 4K is compatible with most 3d printing resin on the market. You can get the best printing effect with ANYCUBIC 3D Printing UV-Curing Resins. Moreover, it has 30%-100% UV light power regulation to adjust the setting to meet all your personalized needs.

5- ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer-Best UV Photocuring LCD Resin 3D Printer

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	30-50mm/h
Material	Aluminum and plastic
Color	Mars 2 Pro
Product Dimensions	22″D x 11″W x 11″H
Item Weight	13.67 Pounds

Overview through Experience

Photopolymer resin is essential to MSLA resin 3D printers and ELEGOO brand has been working hard to provide high-quality resin that works excellently with most LCD 3D Printers.

I highly recommend using ELEGOO resin when you print models on the Mars 2 Pro 3D Printer. In addition, all ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer features are perfectly amazing and useful. For example, ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro MSLA 3D Printer has a 6.08-inch LCD and this 3D Printer uses a monochrome LCD and COB UV light source.

Furthermore, UV Photocuring LCD Resin 3D Printer with a 6.08 inch 2K Monochrome LCD is perfect to increase printing speed and save cost. It also has 50μm XY precision and high printing speed at 1.5-2s/layer. Its extra building volume can meet most of your printing needs from industrial parts to board game miniatures.

I was using the printer to print fabulous items like pictures for my family. With this printer, I finished printing them. Moreover, I’ve always loved the opportunity to print my minis myself and override the sometimes horrendous prices of manufacturers like GW with this best 3d printer.

Compared to older models such as regular Mars or Mars Pro 1, this printer is a significant upgrade. The printing speed is so high that printing small parts usually takes only half an hour, which is very convenient. Overall, I’m very pleased with Elegoo here.

My neighbor has a Saturn and he had a Mars 2 before that with a lot of problems. But as I get to know him better, it is clear that he is not very technically inclined. So, I am recommending this 3d printer.

Why I am suggesting this ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer?

I am suggesting this printer for its Multi-language interface feature. Because this Mars 2 Pro can support 12 kinds of languages. So, customers across the world could operate the 3D printer more conveniently without barriers. Fortunately, the newly added 10 languages are Japanese, Dutch, Korean, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Portuguese.

6- Monoprice 121711 Select Mini-Best Budget 3d Printer With a Big Build Area

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	55mm/sec
Material	Plastic
Color	Black
Product Dimensions	4.72D x 4.72W x 4.72H
Item Weight	13.27 Pounds

 

Overview through Experience

Too often, getting a low-cost 3D printer means getting a box of ill-fitted parts with poorly written and incomplete documentation. You end up spending hours on the internet, searching forums and asking for help to get the printer assembled and operating properly.

So, to overcome your tension related to your first best 3d printer then this Monoprice 121711 Select Mini 3D Printer is an ideal option for you. 

Best Features that will Make it Shine

This printer not only comes fully assembled but it has also already been calibrated at the factory. All you have to do is perform a quick check to verify that the print bed is still leveled. Let me just say, this printer is great so I can’t compare the output to any of the top-notch brands.

But 98% of them come out better than I originally expected. The price is right, so you have got to take a hard look at buying 4 or 5 of these compared to bigger choices. Well, ok it only prints a 4-inch cube, but most of my stuff right now is that size.

One more thing that I found while using this Best 3D Printer under $400 is that its filament heater didn’t come on a couple of times when I started a print.

The motor that pushes the filament into the head joyfully kept spinning against the non-moving filament the entire print job. It was a wonderful invisible print with the same density and optical characteristics as air. The printer says

it comes with sample filament. New printers do not come with sample filament. My friend was an early printer that came with sample filament.

There were only a few yards of filament. It would not have been enough to do more than verify the bed height. You will probably want to buy at least one 1-kilogram spool of 1.75mm PLA filament, in a color you want to see a lot.

In conclusion, you just have to understand that this is an inexpensive printer whose work is go to its best limit.

Why I am suggesting this Monoprice 121711 Select Mini 3D Printer?

I am suggesting this printer for its best-heated build plate and wide range of extruder temperatures feature. Because this feature allows Monoprice 121711 Select Mini 3D Printer to work with any type of filament from basic filaments like ABS and PLA to more advanced materials

7- XYZPrinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0A Pro 3D Printer-Best Fully Assembles and Enclosed 3D Printer

Technical Specifications

Printing Speed	100mm/s
Material	Acrylic
Product Dimensions	6.9″D x 6.9″W x 6.9″H
Item Weight	35.28 Pounds
Compatible Devices	Personal Computer

Overview through Experience

There is a lot of free 3D design software. But I used the online TinkerCad site to create a design for my first project. A tiny internet radio that includes 3D printed chassis, front and rear panels, control knobs and a dial pointer.

TinkerCad is easy to use and has built-in tutorials, so it only takes a few hours to become reasonably proficient. TinkerCad lets you separately export each component as an OBJ file that you can convert into g-code 3D printer instructions using slicer software.

Best Features that will Make it Shine

Moreover, this 3D printer has pros and cons just like any other 3D printer. For the pros its print quality is amazing. Because of its layer height of .02mm or 20 microns when using curia speaking of which XYZ no long makes their printers propriety or at least not with slicer software. Just go to XYZ’s website and they tell you how to use Cura with their printer.

Now, for the cons like many machines, a 3D printer needs to be taken care of to last. So, for many people completely cleaning and rubricating, this machine every 100 print hours is too much work and they just get lazy and don’t do it.

For example, I have this pro version of this 3D printer as well and I have had it now for many years and it works great. Because I have been routinely cleaning and taking care of my printer. Nevertheless, when not taken care of XYZ Jr. 1.0A Pro 3d printers than can easily and quickly break.

Hence, this can be a huge surprise to people who have worked with enders that are extremely reliable even under poor conditions.

Why I am suggesting this XYZPrinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0A Pro?

I am suggesting this Best 3D Printer under $400 for its Auto Feeding feature. Because this Printing 3d printer model easily installs filament with the auto feeding function to ensure the filament is loaded correctly and ready for use.

Conclusion