Best 3D Printer Under £300 UK: Don’t Buy Without Reading This First!

Finding a reliable 3D printer under £300 in the UK can be a game-changer, whether you’re a beginner or a hobbyist looking for an affordable way to bring your ideas to life. With so many options available, the journey to pick the right one can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’ve been there too. After weeks of testing unboxed models and putting them through their paces, I’m excited to share my experience to help you make an informed decision.

At this price point, you might think you’d need to compromise on quality or features, but today’s market offers impressive options that were once exclusive to high-end models. Affordable 3D printers now include features like smooth operation, user-friendly designs, and compatibility with commonly used filaments like PLA. Having tested multiple models, I found that some truly exceeded expectations in both performance and value.

For instance, I spent a lot of time researching the Flashforge Adventurer 5M, currently priced at £300 on Amazon UK. While it’s great for PLA printing and simple designs, I couldn’t help but wonder—are there better alternatives at the same price point? This curiosity drove me to explore and test other models, ensuring I didn’t miss out on a better deal.

During my testing, I discovered that budget-friendly 3D printers today often pack features once found only in premium machines. High-resolution resin printing, smooth filament compatibility, and even large-scale FDM prints are now accessible to those on a budget. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of printers, assessing print quality, filament variety, setup complexity, and overall ease of use. This hands-on experience has shaped my recommendations.

If you’re on the hunt for the best 3D printer under £300, I’ve got you covered. Stay tuned as I reveal the top performers in this category, all rigorously tested to ensure they meet the demands of both beginners and seasoned makers alike.

Best 3D Printer Under £300 UK At A Glance

Model	Buyer Satisfaction Ratings	Reason To Buy
AnkerMake M5C (Recommend)	94%	High accuracy, great build quality, quiet operation
Flashforge (Recommend)	92%	Reliable prints, easy to use, good customer support
ELEGOO Neptune	88%	Excellent resolution, great value for money
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE	86%	High-quality prints, reliable, easy setup
Sovol SV06	82%	High print volume, sturdy design, easy assembly
Photon Mono 4	88%	Great resolution, small model print quality, easy to use

Choose the Ideal Build Volume for Your 3D Printer

When picking a 3D printer, I’ve found that build volume is one of the most important factors to consider. Simply put, build volume refers to the maximum size of the objects your printer can create. If you’re like me and enjoy experimenting with different designs, understanding these dimensions makes all the difference.

Here’s how I break it down: a small build volume is usually under 6 x 6 x 6 inches—great for miniatures or smaller prototypes. Medium build volumes, ranging from 6 to 10 inches, are versatile and work well for most casual projects. If you need to print larger items, look for a printer with at least one dimension exceeding 10 inches, which is considered a large build volume.

In my experience, more affordable 3D printers tend to have smaller build volumes. This is especially true for closed-frame and semi-open models, which often have rigid sides that limit the print size. On the other hand, open-frame printers, which lack a solid enclosure, usually offer larger build volumes at a lower cost.

When I choose a printer, I always think about the type of projects I want to create. For smaller items, a compact printer works just fine, but if I’m aiming for larger, multi-piece designs, I go for a printer with a medium or large build volume. It’s all about matching your needs with the printer’s capabilities.

No matter what, focusing on build volume ensures you pick a 3D printer that can handle your creative ideas. It’s a crucial step in finding the right balance between affordability, functionality, and project size.

Best 3D Printer Under £300 UK – Tried And Tested Models

Why you can trust Office Ergonomics House Keeping: Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

AnkerMake M5C

The AnkerMake M5C 3D printer is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a reliable 3D printer under £300 in the UK. When I unboxed mine, I was immediately impressed by the build quality. It feels solid, with sturdy materials that give it a premium feel, far exceeding what I expected at this price point. Assembly was straightforward, taking only a few minutes before I was ready to start printing.

What stood out to me was how simple the slicer software was to use. It’s intuitive enough for beginners while offering advanced features for more experienced users. I’ve printed several projects, and the results have consistently been excellent. The detail and smoothness of the prints are on par with higher-priced models.

Speed is another major highlight. Prints that would take eight hours on my old 3D printer now take just four with the M5C. The self-leveling feature is a lifesaver, eliminating the guesswork and hassle of manual adjustments.

The printer integrates seamlessly with the mobile app, letting me monitor progress and receive notifications about the print status. This convenience has made my workflow much smoother.

While the printer is slightly louder than I’d hoped, it’s a small trade-off for the speed and print quality it delivers. Overall, the AnkerMake M5C exceeded my expectations. It’s well-made, user-friendly, and offers incredible value for money.

If you’re searching for the best 3D printer under £300 in the UK, I highly recommend this one. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced users alike, combining ease of use with professional-level performance. For the price, it’s hard to find a better option.

Flashforge

I recently purchased the Flashforge Adventurer 3D Printer for under £300, and it has been an excellent experience from start to finish. Right out of the box, I was impressed by the build quality and the sleek, modern design. Setting it up was straightforward, and while the included instructions weren’t very detailed, online videos guided me through the process with ease.

This printer truly lives up to its “plug-and-play” reputation. Loading the filament was simple, thanks to the touchscreen interface that walks you through the process step by step. I quickly downloaded the free Flashprint software and found it user-friendly, even as a beginner. Within no time, I was printing my first model, and the results were outstanding. The detail and precision of the prints are exceptional for a printer in this price range.

The auto-leveling feature is a standout, ensuring flawless first layers without any hassle. The quick-release magnetic build plate makes removing prints effortless, and the enclosed design keeps everything tidy and safe. I also appreciate how quiet it is during operation—it’s perfect for a home office environment.

For a compact printer, it delivers fantastic results, and the heated bed allows for excellent adhesion without any odors. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the fast heat-up time keeps things moving smoothly. While the built-in camera could be better, it’s still useful for monitoring prints remotely.

Overall, I highly recommend the Flashforge Adventurer 3 for anyone new to 3D printing. It’s beginner-friendly, reliable, and delivers professional-quality results. If you’re looking for an easy entry into 3D printing, this is the one to get.

ELEGOO

When I purchased the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro 3D printer, I was genuinely impressed by its performance and versatility. Setting it up was quick and straightforward, taking less than 30 minutes. The assembly process was seamless, and I appreciated how intuitive it felt right out of the box. Within no time, I had it calibrated and printing my first model, which turned out perfectly.

What stands out to me is how well this printer handles various filaments, delivering consistent, high-quality results. I’ve used both basic and professional slicing software, and it performed exceptionally with each. While the included Cura slicer works well, switching to OrcaSlicer significantly enhanced my prints’ precision and eliminated minor issues like wall shifting.

The bed adhesion was excellent from the start, but adding a bit of glue after a few prints improved it further. The Klipper integration is another highlight, allowing me to print efficiently through a web-based interface. This convenience, combined with features like webcam monitoring and Ethernet connectivity, made the entire experience effortless.

The build quality of the Neptune 4 Pro is solid and durable, ensuring stability during long prints. Despite being slightly noisy, placing it in an enclosure mitigated this issue for me. I’ve printed everything from small functional parts to large creative designs, and the results have been consistently outstanding.

For under £300, the Neptune 4 Pro is a powerful, feature-packed 3D printer. Elegoo’s excellent customer service is the icing on the cake, resolving any concerns promptly and professionally. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality 3D printer at an unbeatable price, I’d highly recommend the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro. It’s a fantastic investment for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Creality Ender 3 V3 KE

I purchased the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D printer, and I’m genuinely impressed. Setting it up was a breeze—it took less than 20 minutes from unboxing to starting my first print. The auto-leveling bed feature is incredibly convenient and makes the whole process effortless. For a beginner or anyone looking for a hassle-free experience, this model is perfect.

The print quality exceeded my expectations for a printer in this price range. My first project, a small figurine, turned out sharp and detailed, with no adjustments needed. The speed is another standout feature; it’s noticeably faster than standard printers I’ve used before. Printing smaller items takes much less time, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned users.

I also appreciate how user-friendly the Creality system is. While the included slicing software works well, I found it easy to switch to Cura after a bit of tweaking. The overall workflow is smooth, and the printer performs reliably with no interruptions during prints.

The value for money is undeniable. It’s a solid, plug-and-play option that’s perfect for anyone getting into 3D printing or upgrading from an older model. If you’re considering your first 3D printer, the Ender 3 V3 SE is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended!

Sovol SV06

I purchased the Sovol SV06 3D Printer for under £300, and I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance. Setting it up was straightforward, with clear instructions, and I was printing within an hour of unboxing. The build quality is solid, and the larger build volume is a fantastic feature for creating bigger projects.

The print quality is exceptional, with precise details and strong bed adhesion—something I’ve struggled with on other printers. The Direct Drive Geared Extruder ensures smooth filament flow, and the glass Ultrabase bed makes it easy to remove finished prints without hassle. It’s also equipped with dual Z motors, which adds to the overall stability during printing.

One feature I really appreciate is the filament sensor. It’s a lifesaver for ensuring uninterrupted prints, especially during longer projects. The printer operates smoothly and delivers consistent results. I’ve been using PLA and TPU filaments, and the output has been flawless every time.

For the price, this printer is an incredible value. It outperforms competitors like the Ender 3 Pro with better specs, exceptional print quality, and ease of use. If you’re looking for a reliable 3D printer with a larger build volume and professional-level results, the Sovol SV06 is an excellent choice.

Photon Mono 4

I purchased the Photon Mono 4 3D Printer under £300, and my experience has been largely positive. The setup was straightforward, with clear instructions, and all necessary tools and accessories included. Within a short time, I was ready to print.

The printer’s resin printing capability produces incredibly detailed results. I’ve been amazed by the precision and smoothness of the prints, especially for small models like D&D miniatures. The resolution at 0.05mm delivers fine detail, and the included slicing software is user-friendly. It also supports alternatives like Chitubox, which makes customizing settings simple for different resin types and models. The quality is fantastic, with no visible lines, and the prints have a professional finish.

However, there are a few shortcomings. The build plate is relatively small, making it best for small models rather than larger projects. Printing times can also be slow, with some detailed models taking over 10 hours. Temperature is another factor to consider; the printer works best in a warm, stable environment. I initially struggled with failed prints until I adjusted the temperature and ensured proper plate leveling.

Despite these minor issues, I find the Photon Mono 4 to be an excellent value for the price. Its ease of use, great print quality, and affordable entry point make it ideal for beginners or anyone looking to create high-quality resin prints. If you’re willing to experiment and learn, this printer opens up a world of creative possibilities.

How We Test

we understand that selecting the right 3D printer for your needs can be challenging, especially when you have a budget under £300. Our testing process is thorough and designed to provide you with clear, unbiased, and honest reviews. Here’s how we evaluate 3D printers in this price range:

1. Unboxing and Setup

We start by carefully unboxing each printer, paying attention to how well the unit is packaged and how easy it is to assemble. The ease of setup is crucial, especially for beginners. We evaluate whether the instructions are clear, whether tools are provided, and how simple the calibration process is. Printers with auto-bed leveling or easy calibration features are given special attention.

2. Build Quality and Design

Next, we assess the build quality of the printer itself. We examine the sturdiness of the frame, the quality of materials used, and the overall design. A well-built 3D printer should feel solid and durable while being easy to handle and operate. We also check for features such as touchscreen controls, display readability, and ease of access to the print bed.

3. Print Quality

Print quality is the most critical aspect of any 3D printer. We print a variety of models, including intricate designs and larger objects, to assess the resolution and detail. We evaluate how fine the details are, how clean the prints are (i.e., no visible layer lines or defects), and the overall consistency across multiple prints. We use a range of filament types, from PLA to resin, and track the results for each type.

4. Speed and Reliability

The time it takes to print an object is another important factor. We measure how long it takes for different models to print a variety of objects at different settings. We also assess the printer’s consistency over time, running multiple tests to see if any issues arise, such as layer shifts, warping, or print failures. Printers with faster print speeds are rated higher, but we also consider the quality at those speeds.

5. Ease of Use

We look at how intuitive the 3D printer is to operate. This includes the user interface, software compatibility, and features like auto bed leveling and filament detection. We assess how easily we can set up prints, adjust settings, and monitor prints. We also check whether the printer includes user-friendly features, such as pre-installed slicing software or integration with third-party options like Chitubox.

6. Noise Level

We measure how loud the printer is during operation. A quieter printer is important, especially for those who are printing in shared spaces. We use a decibel meter to check how much noise the printer produces during different stages of printing.

7. Customer Support and Community

Lastly, we assess the customer support and online community for each printer. Good customer service can make or break the 3D printing experience. We check if there are helpful guides, active user forums, and the availability of support from the manufacturer. We also look for any known issues or troubleshooting tips shared by users.

By combining all these factors, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of each 3D printer under £300. Our reviews are designed to help you make an informed decision, so you can enjoy your 3D printing experience without any surprises.

FAQ’s: Best 3D Printer Under £300 UK

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