Best 3d Printers Under $150 in 2026: 5 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need thorough resin cleaning and curing ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station The 360-degree curing and large cleaning space ensure complete resin removal.
• You want the most compact model on the list Curenoxium Compact Blue FDM 3D Printer Its small 6.1 by 6.9 by 8.3-inch footprint fits tight spaces.
• You are a beginner needing fast small prints TRONXY Mini High Speed 3D Printer High speed features and simple assembly suit new users well.
• You want a durable option for educational prints FOSA Mini 4x4 Portable 3D Printer The simple design and 0.4mm nozzle support easy beginner use.

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station

Best for: Thorough resin cleaning and curing

Printing Technology

DLP

Dimensions

24 × 17 × 15 inches

Weight

13.9 pounds

View on Amazon: ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station Affiliate link

The ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 is a post-processing station for LCD, DLP, and SLA printers. It features a 7.5-liter cleaning capacity and a 360-degree curing system with 24 UV LEDs. The unit includes a touch panel for setting wash and cure times up to 30 minutes. An anti-UV cover blocks 99.9% of rays for safety. This medium-sized station suits users needing efficient resin removal and thorough curing for larger models.

Pros

• 7.5L cleaning capacity is 2.1 times larger than the V2.0
• 24 UV LEDs provide 360-degree all-round curing
• Touch panel allows precise control of wash and cure duration
• Anti-UV cover blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet rays

Cons

• Maximum wash and cure time is limited to 30 minutes
• No automatic cycle completion; you must monitor the timer
• Requires manual removal of parts after the cycle ends

Good fit if

• You print with resin and need thorough cleaning
• You handle larger models or multiple prints at once
• You want a simple touch interface for settings

Skip if

• You need automatic cycle completion without supervision
• You require wash times longer than 30 minutes
• You prefer a smaller footprint than 17x24 inches

Verdict: ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station offers robust 360-degree curing and ample cleaning space for resin prints. It is the right choice for makers who prioritize thorough resin removal and safety features over automated operation.

2 Best premium

ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 Wash and Cure Station

Best for: Large resin model post-processing

Printing Technology

Resin

Dimensions

19.6 × 14.9 × 14.9 inches

View on Amazon: ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 Wash and Cure Station Affiliate link

This ELEGOO station combines washing and curing in one unit. It offers a 7.5L cleaning capacity and handles models up to 230x135x260mm. The curing area supports parts up to 250mm diameter and 290mm height. It uses 24 UV LEDs for even curing. This machine suits users printing larger resin models who want efficient post-processing without moving parts between stations.

Pros

• 7.5L cleaning capacity with 114% increase over previous model
• Cures models up to 250mm diameter and 290mm height
• 24 UV LEDs with 360-degree rotating turntable for even curing
• Supports hanging cleaning to prevent contact with unhardened resin

Cons

• Dedicated post-processing station only, not a 3D printer
• Requires separate resin 3D printer to produce parts
• Larger footprint than standard compact wash stations

Good fit if

• You print large resin models up to 10 inches
• You want to wash and cure in one step
• You need even UV curing for complex geometries

Skip if

• You only print small models under 5 inches
• You are looking for an all-in-one 3D printer
• You need a compact station for small workspaces

Verdict: ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 Wash and Cure Station is ideal for resin printers making large parts who need a single unit for washing and curing. It handles bulky models well but does not print anything itself.

3 Also great

Curenoxium Compact Blue FDM 3D Printer

Best for: Small, portable hobby projects

Build Volume

100x100x100mm

Print Speed

40mm/s

Printing Technology

FDM

Compatible Material

PLA, TPU

Color

Blue

Nozzle Diameter

0.4mm

View on Amazon: Curenoxium Compact Blue FDM 3D Printer Affiliate link

This Curenoxium unit is a compact FDM printer designed for small-scale projects. It features a 100x100x100mm build volume and a 0.4mm nozzle. You get a print speed of 40mm/s and support for PLA and TPU filaments. The package includes four 200g rolls of filament. It connects via TF card for offline printing. This setup suits beginners needing a lightweight, portable machine for basic prototyping.

Pros

• Includes four 200g rolls of PLA filament
• Compact 100x100x100mm build volume
• Supports PLA and TPU materials
• TF card connectivity for offline printing

Cons

• Small 100x100x100mm build volume limits part size
• Slow 40mm/s print speed
• No USB or Wi-Fi connectivity mentioned

Good fit if

• You need a portable printer for school or travel
• You want to start printing with included filament
• You only need small models under 100mm

Skip if

• You require large prints over 100mm
• You need fast production speeds
• You want wireless or USB printing

Verdict: Curenoxium 100mm Portable FDM Printer fits users who prioritize portability and low entry costs for small, simple prints. It is a practical starter tool for hobbyists who do not need large build areas.

4 Best high speed

TRONXY Mini High Speed 3D Printer

Best for: beginners needing fast small prints

Build Volume

180*180*180mm

Print Speed

300mm/s

Printing Technology

FDM

Features

High Speed

Target Audience

Beginners

Dimensions

16 × 9 × 7 inches

View on Amazon: TRONXY Mini High Speed 3D Printer Affiliate link

The TRONXY CRUX 1S is a compact FDM printer designed for beginners and kids. It features a high-speed print capability of 300mm/s and a build volume of 180x180x180mm. The unit includes a 2.8-inch color touchscreen and dual-axis metal guide rails for stability. You get a 95% pre-assembled device that requires minimal setup. Its small footprint makes it suitable for desks or small spaces.

Pros

• Print speed up to 300mm/s
• 180x180x180mm build volume
• 2.8-inch full color touchscreen
• 95% pre-installed for fast assembly
• Dual-axis metal guide rails

Cons

• Small 180mm build volume limits part size
• No mention of Wi-Fi or app connectivity
• Basic interface may lack advanced settings

Good fit if

• You want a fast printer for small items
• You are a beginner needing easy setup
• You have limited desk space

Skip if

• You need to print large objects
• You require remote monitoring
• You want advanced software features

Verdict: TRONXY CRUX 1S Small High Speed Printer offers speed and simplicity for small prints. It fits beginners who need a quick start without complex assembly or large workspace.

5 Best budget

FOSA Mini 4x4 Portable 3D Printer

Best for: small educational prints and beginners

Build Volume

100 x 100 x 100mm

Target Audience

Beginners

Color

White

Nozzle Diameter

0.4mm

View on Amazon: FOSA Mini 4x4 Portable 3D Printer Affiliate link

The FOSA Mini is a compact 3D printer with a 100 x 100 x 100mm build volume. It features a 0.4mm all-metal nozzle and heats to 180°C in 5 minutes. This device supports 1.75mm PLA and TPU filaments with up to 0.05mm layer resolution. You can load models via SD card without slicing software. Its ABS construction makes it durable for beginners and educational use.

Pros

• 100 x 100 x 100mm build volume
• 0.4mm all-metal nozzle
• Heats to 180°C in 5 minutes
• Supports PLA and TPU filaments
• No slicing software required

Cons

• Small 4 x 4 x 4 inch print area
• No Wi-Fi or app connectivity
• Requires SD card for file transfer

Good fit if

• You need a small footprint for a desk
• You are printing small educational models
• You want simple plug-and-play operation

Skip if

• You require large print volumes
• You want wireless connectivity
• You need advanced software integration

Verdict: FOSA Mini 4x4x4 3D Printer is a simple, durable option for beginners who prioritize ease of use over large build areas. It fits users who want to print small items without complex setup.

Specifications side by side

Trade-offs in this price range

Products under $150 prioritize function over features. You get basic FDM or resin post-processing units. The data shows modest build volumes. The Curenoxium measures 6.1 by 6.9 by 8.3 inches. The TRONXY is 9 by 16 by 7 inches. You lack large format capabilities. Most models use standard 0.4mm nozzles. You do not get color printing. Automation is limited to manual washing stations. These are entry-level tools for simple tasks.

• Small build volumes limit part size
• No color printing capability available
• Standard 0.4mm nozzle diameter only
• Manual post-processing for resin units

How We Selected These Printers

We built this guide by scanning Amazon listings for items priced under $150. We only include one size or variant per product family to keep the list clear. All details come strictly from the specifications and feature lists published on those listings. We do not handle or test these products physically. You can trust that every detail here is published data, not personal opinion.

The products are ordered by availability first. We then rank them by overall rating weighted by the number of ratings. Finally, we consider how many of our specific criteria each product's specs meet. Prices and stock levels are shown live on the page and refresh daily. A product stays in this guide only while its current price remains under $150. This list may change as prices shift.

How to Choose the Right Printer

1. Check printing technology

   You must decide between FDM filament and resin workflows. The Curenoxium and TRONXY use FDM for plastic filament. The ELEGOO Mercury Plus units are for resin post-processing only. They do not print objects themselves. Verify the technology matches your material needs. Do not buy a washer if you intend to create solid parts. Select the correct system before comparing other specifications. This choice determines your entire production process and material costs.

2. Verify build volume

   Build volume dictates the maximum size of your objects. The Curenoxium has a small 6.1 by 6.9 by 8.3-inch footprint. This fits users who prioritize portability and small hobby projects. The TRONXY measures 9 by 16 by 7 inches. It offers slightly more space for beginners needing fast small prints. Larger stations like the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 measure 17 by 24 by 15 inches. Choose based on the largest item you plan to create.

3. Assess portability needs

   Weight and dimensions determine where you can place the device. The Curenoxium weighs only 2.6 pounds. Its compact size suits users who need a portable tool for small prints. The TRONXY weighs 16.5 pounds. It is heavier but still manageable for desktop use. The ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 weighs 13.9 pounds. It requires a stable surface due to its size. Consider your workspace limits before purchasing a heavier unit.

4. Review nozzle diameter

   Nozzle diameter affects print detail and speed. The Curenoxium and FOSA Mini both feature a 0.4mm nozzle. This is a standard size for general-purpose printing. It balances speed and resolution for most users. Check this spec if you plan to use specific filament types. A 0.4mm nozzle works well with PLA and TPU materials. Verify this detail in the product attributes. It ensures compatibility with your preferred printing settings and material choices.

5. Consider target audience

   Some models are designed specifically for beginners. The TRONXY and FOSA Mini target users who need simplicity. They prioritize ease of use over complex features. The TRONXY is labeled for beginners needing fast small prints. The FOSA Mini is a simple option for educational prints. Check the target audience spec to gauge complexity. Beginners may prefer these models over advanced machines. This ensures a smoother setup process and less frustration during initial use.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best 3d printers under 200
• best 3d printers under 300
• best 3d printers under 500
• best laser printers under 150