At MatterHackers, we pride ourselves in offering the widest selection of 3D printers available - it helps us reach our goal of giving anyone the power to make anything. This of course means offering a selection of quality machines and an affordable price so 3D printing is accessible for everyone. Let’s take a look at five of the best FDM 3D printer options that are under $1000 and available now. 

Creality 3D Printers

Anytime “budget” is mentioned, you can expect to hear about Creality. While they had been around prior, Creality’s presence in the 3D printing market exploded with their introduction of the CR-10: one of the most cost effective 3D printers ever (in terms of dollar per cubic mm) that can produce some fantastic 3D prints. Since then Creality has developed nearly a dozen new printers building off this initial platform, like the CR-10S Pro, a polished successor to the original CR-10 that still allows you the freedom to upgrade it as you choose, like a Bondtech direct drive print head or a Wham Bam Flexible Bed System. Alternatively you have the Ender series, generally smaller form factor 3D printers fit for a hobbyist that wants to keep their 3D printer right on their desk, like the new Ender 3 V2, which takes all the features of the Ender 3 and improves upon them, like the new full-color display, quiet stepper drivers, and improved airflow for part cooling. Or take it a different direction and get the Ender 5 Plus, a behemoth of a 3D printer with a 350 x 350 x 400mm build volume that can get even a full size helmet printed out in one piece. With Creality you can find many options to suit your needs without breaking the bank.

The Ender 3 V2 builds upon the successful and popular platform that spread the Creality name far and wide.
The Ender 3 V2 builds upon the successful and popular platform that spread the Creality name far and wide.

Monoprice 3D Printers

The Monoprice Voxel is a small 3D printer that’s designed to be unboxed and 3D printing within minutes. Featuring a 2.8” full color touchscreen, navigation is intuitive for users of all experience levels. Pair that with the Voxel’s fully enclosed design and this machine is a perfect fit for workshops or classrooms that need to keep dust and debris (or curious hands) away from the moving components. Alternatively, the Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2 is also fully enclosed and has the capabilities to bring its bed to 100°C, which makes it a perfect fit for printing with ABS. With a glass bed and an automatic bed leveling sensor, you can print with a wide variety of materials with confidence that, with the right adhesive solution, anything will stick to the glass; it’s the perfect baseline for any 3D printer bed. If you’re looking at either of these two 3D printers and are thinking that the build volumes offered just aren't big enough, then the Monoprice MP10 will excite you; a 300x300x400mm build volume means you are basically unstoppable with what you can 3D print. An all-metal extruder, heated and flexible bed, assisted bed leveling, and resume print functionality make this a 3D printer that checks all the boxes. Monoprice has options, you just mainly need to decide if you want to print big or print enclosed

The Monoprice Voxel is enclosed by design, so temperatures are better controlled and prints are well contained within its footprint.
The Monoprice Voxel is enclosed by design, so temperatures are better controlled and prints are well contained within its footprint.

Customizeable Pulse 3D Printers

What better way to maximize your budget than building a 3D printer to your specifications? The MatterHackers Pulse 3D printer was designed to be customized by YOU, down to the hotend and mainboard. Pick and choose which components interest you and that will help you accomplish your 3D printing goals. Even without any of the optional upgrades the Pulse is a robust platform: a 24V system means faster heatups, a genuine BLTouch for automatic bed leveling, Capricorn XS bowden tubing for a constrained filament path, all built upon the sturdy all-aluminum body with components 3D printed in PRO Series RYNO..  Bonus - any upgrade that you choose to add to your fully-assembled Pulse printer is installed and calibrated in-house by the Pros at MatterHackers so you can start printing with your customized machine as soon as it’s delivered. 

The Pulse 3D Printer is designed to be yours, made with only the components you want and leaving behind the ones you don't.
The Pulse 3D Printer is designed to be yours, made with only the components you want and leaving behind the ones you don't.

Pulse XE NylonX Advanced Materials 3D Printing

If you need to print with advanced materials like MatterHackers’ carbon fiber reinforced NylonX then choosing the Pulse XE bundle is the best option for you - it’s not only ready to print functional parts straight from the box, but it’s affordable as well - clocking in just under $1,000.  Each of the upgrades have been handpicked by the Pros at MatterHackers to make this 3D printer ready to handle abrasive filaments from the get-go, including an LCD for untethered control, E3D V6 all-metal hotend for higher temperature 3D printing, a hardened steel nozzle for abrasive materials, and a garolite build surface to make printing with nylon a breeze. Best of all, every Pulse XE 3D printer is thoroughly tested before we send it out the door, so you can save time and start printing right away. 

When you need to 3D print with engineering-grade materials, like PulseXEe is well equipped to handle it right out of the box.
When you need to 3D print with engineering-grade materials, like PulseXEe is well equipped to handle it right out of the box.

Refurbished 3D Printers

While not always below $1,000, refurbished 3D printers are a great way to get printers that would normally be out of your price range. There are generally two conditions you can find refurbished printers: “A-Stock” and “B-Stock.” A-Stock 3D printers will be like-new with only some minor blemishes and wear (like scuffs on the frame or some filament around the nozzle), the original box (which may have some wear), and with almost everything still included, like filament, extra nozzles, instruction manual, items of that nature, although there may be a nonessential item missing like a glue stick. B-Stock 3D printers might have some additional wear and may not even have the original box, but the printer itself is fully functional and performs just as you would expect a brand new out of the box printer would., If there is a specific brand that you’ve always had your eye on but is still slightly out of your budget a refurbished 3D printer is a great way to go. 

A MatterHackers PRO will inspect and ensure that every refurbished 3D printer is up to our quality standards.
A MatterHackers PRO will inspect and ensure that every refurbished 3D printer is up to our quality standards.

Finding a 3D printer that is just right for you can be complex, yet often the easiest way to break it down is to figure out what is the most you would want to spend on a new machine and see where that takes you. Also, you can rest easy knowing that anything you purchase from MatterHackers is protected by our Lowest Price Guarantee, and the Pros at MatterHackers are always here to offer their professional opinion based on what your specific 3D printing needs are. Best of luck searching for the printer at the price that makes you happy.

Happy printing!