Best Budget 3D Printers: From RM1000 to RM2000 (August 2024 Update)

Are you looking to enter the exciting world of 3D printing without breaking the bank? We’ve curated a list of the best budget 3D printers that offer excellent value for money while delivering impressive performance. Whether you’re a curious hobbyist, a student, or a small business owner, these affordable 3D printers will help bring your ideas to life.

Budget vs. Premium 3D Printers: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s briefly discuss how budget 3D printers compare to their premium counterparts:

1. Build Quality: Premium printers often feature higher-grade materials and more robust construction, potentially offering better longevity and stability.
2. Print Volume: High-end models typically provide larger build volumes, allowing for bigger prints or multiple objects simultaneously.
3. Print Speed: Premium printers generally boast faster print speeds and better motion systems, reducing overall print times.
4. Advanced Features: Top-tier printers may include features like dual extruders, enclosed print chambers, or more sophisticated cooling systems.
5. Precision and Resolution: Premium models often achieve finer layer heights and more precise details in prints.
6. User Interface: Higher-end printers might have more advanced touchscreens or connectivity options.

Why Budget 3D Printers Are Still a Great Choice

Despite these differences, budget 3D printers have come a long way in recent years. They now offer an excellent entry point into 3D printing for several reasons:

1. Affordability: Lower cost allows more people to experience 3D printing without a significant financial commitment.
2. Learning Curve: Budget printers provide a perfect platform for beginners to learn the basics of 3D printing, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
3. Impressive Capabilities: Many budget printers now include features previously found only in premium models, such as auto-leveling and silent operation.
4. Community Support: Popular budget models often have large, active user communities, providing a wealth of resources, modifications, and support.
5. Upgradability: Many budget printers can be upgraded over time, allowing users to enhance their capabilities as their skills grow.
6. Print Quality: For many applications, the print quality of budget printers is more than sufficient, especially after some tuning and practice.

Now, let’s explore our top 3 picks for the best budget 3D printers that offer great value without compromising on essential features:

Best RM1000 3D Printer

Creality Ender-3 V3 SE: The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Budget 3D Printer

Price: Under RM1000 (Approximately $240 USD)
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Maximum Print Speed: 250 mm/s
Link: Buy at Smith3D | Official Website

The Creality Ender-3 V3 SE tops our list of budget 3D printers, offering an excellent balance of affordability and features.

Key Features

• Dual automatic bed leveling for hassle-free setup
• User-friendly interface with 4.3-inch touchscreen
• Generous build volume for its price range
• All-metal hotend for consistent extrusion
• Powerful cooling system for better print quality
• Silent motherboard for quiet operation

Why it’s great for beginners

The dual auto-leveling feature simplifies bed calibration, a common challenge for new users. Its ease of use, quiet operation, and affordable price point make it an excellent entry into 3D printing.

Best RM1500 3D Printer

Bambu Lab A1 Mini: A Compact Powerhouse with Smart Features

Price: Under RM1500 (Approximately $360 USD) / RM2400 with AMS Lite (Approximately $575 USD)
Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
Maximum Print Speed: 500 mm/s
Link: Buy at Smith3D | Official Website

The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is a compact budget 3D printer that offers advanced features typically found in more expensive models.

Key Features

• One of the most stable bed slinger printers in its price range
• Built-in HD camera for remote monitoring
• Bambu app integration for easy remote control
• Optional AMS Lite add-on for multi-color printing (up to 4 colors)
• Advanced cooling system for improved print quality

Why it’s great for tech-savvy beginners

While slightly pricier, the A1 Mini offers advanced features like remote printing and monitoring, perfect for users who want more control and convenience. The optional AMS Lite add-on allows you to expand your capabilities as you grow more comfortable with 3D printing.

Best RM2000 3D Printer

Creality Ender-3 V3: High-Speed Printing with CoreXZ Design

Price: Under RM2000 (Approximately $480 USD)
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Maximum Print Speed: 600 mm/s
Link: Buy at Smith3D | Official Website

The Creality Ender-3 V3 rounds out our list of best budget 3D printers with its impressive speed and innovative design.

Key Features

• CoreXZ design for improved print quality and speed
• Performs like a CoreXY printer, minimizing Z-banding issues
• Runs on Creality OS (a Klipper OS fork) for advanced control
• Direct drive extruder for better filament control
• Automatic bed leveling for easy setup
• 4.3-inch touchscreen for user-friendly operation

Why it’s great for speed enthusiasts

If you’re looking to produce prints quickly without sacrificing quality, the Ender-3 V3’s CoreXZ design and high-speed capabilities make it an excellent budget 3D printer choice. Its ability to minimize Z-banding, a common issue in 3D printing, ensures better print quality even at high speeds.

Conclusion

These budget 3D printers offer a range of features to suit different needs and skill levels. Whether you prioritize ease of use, advanced features, or print speed, there’s an affordable option for you. Remember, the best budget 3D printer for you depends on your specific requirements and comfort level with technology.

At Smith3D, we’re passionate about helping newcomers enter the world of 3D printing. We offer not only these budget 3D printers but also expert advice and repair services right here in Malaysia. If you need help choosing the right printer or maintaining your existing one, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced technicians.

Link to Purchase the 3D Printers