10 Best 3D Printers Under 500 2026 in the United States

The FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M Pro is a strong contender in the under $500 3D printer category, especially for users who want fast and reliable printing with a decent build size. It offers a 220x220x220mm print volume, which suits most hobbyist projects. Its standout feature is the high print speed, reaching up to 600mm/s, allowing quicker completion of designs without sacrificing quality thanks to the stable Core XY all-metal frame. Layer resolution options are flexible because of multiple nozzle sizes, letting you balance detail and speed depending on your needs. Automatic bed leveling with pressure sensing makes setup easier, removing the hassle of manual adjustments, which is great for beginners. Connectivity is modern, including Wi-Fi with a mobile app that supports remote monitoring and control, adding convenience.

The printer supports a wide range of filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more, thanks to its 280°C nozzle, broadening creative possibilities. While the build size is average compared to some competitors, and the 32-pound weight might be considered heavy by some users, the printer performs well overall. A customer rating of 3.9 out of 5 indicates generally positive user experiences with typical occasional issues for printers in this price range. This printer is a solid pick for users looking for fast, quality prints with easy setup and good material compatibility, making it ideal for hobbyists and small project creators who want efficient and flexible printing without breaking the bank.

The FLASHFORGE AD5X is a feature-rich 3D printer that stands out for its ability to print with up to four colors at once, adding creative flexibility that many budget printers don’t offer. Its build volume of 220x220x220mm is good for most hobbyist projects, giving you enough space for medium-sized prints. A highlight is its high print speed — up to 600mm/s — enabled by a stable Core XY design, which makes it great if you want faster results without sacrificing print quality. The 300°C direct-drive extruder supports a range of filaments, including those that need higher temperatures, expanding your material choices. The 1-click auto leveling system is a welcome feature for beginners, simplifying setup and reducing print failures.

You’ll also appreciate the interchangeable nozzles that allow you to balance detail and speed depending on your project. The printer’s metal frame suggests decent build quality, contributing to stable and reliable prints. Connectivity options include PC compatibility and remote control via a mobile app, offering convenience in monitoring prints. Some drawbacks include its relatively modest build volume compared to larger printers, which might limit very big projects. Also, while the auto leveling is helpful, some users may find the learning curve for multi-color printing steeper than single-color machines. The weight and size make it less portable, so it’s better suited for a dedicated workspace.

The AD5X is well-suited for users seeking fast, colorful, and precise prints within a moderate budget, particularly those willing to explore more advanced printing techniques.

The Bambu Lab P1S is a standout 3D printer that offers high-speed printing with an impressive maximum speed of 500mm/s, which is much faster than typical models in this price range. It supports multi-color and multi-material printing with up to 16 colors, which is great if you want to add more creativity and detail to your projects—though this feature requires an additional module. The fully enclosed design helps with printing advanced filaments by maintaining a stable environment, and the automatic bed leveling makes setup easier and improves print success for beginners and experienced users alike.

With a print volume large enough for most hobbyist projects and compatibility with common filaments like PLA and PETG, it covers the essentials well. However, it’s not suited for carbon or glass fiber reinforced filaments, which might limit some advanced uses. The build quality seems solid, and the printer is relatively easy to assemble, so you won’t need to be an expert to get started.

The printer is slightly heavier and larger than some entry-level printers, which contributes to its stability during fast printing. If you want a quick, versatile printer that handles multiple colors and materials with ease and don’t mind spending a bit more or adding accessories, the Bambu Lab P1S could be a great fit under the $500 mark.