Today’s 3D printers have come a long way since the first models back in 1981. They can create a variety of items from miniature models to colorful accessories and even handy parts to help with repairs around the house. From big projects to ultrafast 3D printers, the biggest challenge is figuring out what one to buy because they can get quite spendy.
Luckily, our experts here at CNET know what to look for, constantly rounding up the best 3D printers that the web has on sale, hence why we know a good deal when we see one. We’ll keep updating this post with the latest deals and prices as they come up, so make sure to check back regularly if you don’t see a printer or a price that speaks to you today.
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Best FDM 3D printer deals
The Anycubic Kobra 2 made our list of the fastest 3D printers in the budget category, and for $199, it’s a steal. It has full auto-bed leveling, which is great for beginners, and a 300mm/s maximum print speed, which is really fast for this price.
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The Elegoo 4 series is an entry-level, budget-friendly set of machines designed to make it easy to start creating quality prints at a low price. The Neptune 4 Pro is the top-end model in the line and has some advanced features for its price, including full auto bed leveling, a filament run-out sensor and a full-width part fan to keep things cool at high speed.
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The Creality Ender 5 S1 was one of the first printers able to print at 250 mm/s and, while it is faster than a standard printer, it can go even faster. Creality’s printers always require some tinkering to get the most out of them, and with a solid discount like this, it’s worth the time to tweak the 5 S1 to greatness.
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If you’re into cosplay or need a printer for something a bit more professional, then the Creality CR-30 is an excellent option. Instead of having a static build plate, it has a conveyor belt, which essentially creates an endless Z access. Because of this, it’s great for printing large and long prints, or a lot of smaller prints over and over again. It is made for professionals, so if you’re a beginner, this one might be a bit much, but the discount is impressive.
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Best resin 3D printer deals
Resin printers can be incredibly expensive, but the Elegoo Mars 4 is a great budget option. It has a 7-inch 9K Mono LCD, which will give you some excellent detail, and it’s reasonably sizable with a build area of 153.36 by 77.76 by 175 cubic millimeters. There’s also an air purifier that helps deal with odors, which is a nice addition.
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With a 9.3-inch 4K Mono LCD, this printer gives you a lot of area to work with, and although it may not be as detailed as other, higher-resolution LCDs, it’s pretty good for the size and price. The printer has a build volume of 20 by 12.5 by 22 centimeters and an XY resolution of 52 micrometers.
While this model is currently out of stock, it’s expected to be back in stock by early August and you can order it in advance as of late July.
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This is the cheapest price we’ve ever seen for the Photon Mono 2 3D printer on Amazon. Though Amazon lists this model at a base price of $170, it’s actual retail prices is $209 on the Anycubic site, which means you save $59 if you purchase it on Amazon. It also happens to be discounted to $159 on Anycubic’s site, which saves you $50.
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It’s not just 3D printers that are on sale, but accessories and materials, too. While the savings aren’t as drastic, they add up over time when you have to buy a lot of materials for your projects.
Best 3D printing accessories deals
A good wash and cure system is important when using resin 3D printers. Anycubic’s system allows you to wash and cure your prints in a single machine with a turntable that can be removed and a washing tub that sits on top. It’s simple and fast, and any time it’s under $100, it’s worth picking up.
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This is the cheapest price on record for this Comgrow 3D printer filament Dryer Box, now with a 15% discount at Amazon in a limited-time deal. It’s not a huge discount but it does save you a little on a handy bit of kit that is compatible with 99% of filament spools.
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Having a camera checking in on your 3D printer is helpful, and the Beagle is more than just a camera. It can be networked with other cameras to keep a watchful eye over your print farm so you can see whether anything is going wrong, saving you time and money. This offer is currently only valid for Prime members. Clip the on-page coupon for the full $15 discount.
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If you live in a humid area, your filament, especially TPU and PETG, can start to absorb a lot of moisture. This warming box keeps that from happening and works while you print. Right now there’s a lightning deal on Amazon delivering this box at $40, but there’s also an on-page coupon you can clip for an additional 30% off, bringing the total down to just $28.
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Where is the best place for 3D printer deals?
Amazon is often the best place for dramatic deals, though we frequently see the manufacturer sites offering competitive bargains but the downside is that it can take longer for the products to reach your door. Amazon offers two-day shipping and extra discounts for Prime members (sometimes), so you can often get your new 3D printer shipped faster.
Last but not least, here in the US, MatterHackers.com has some good discounts on higher-end machines, materials, laser cutters and CNC machines. MatterHackers also has a price-match guarantee, so if you find a product for less somewhere else, it will match that price. Currently, however, many of our favorite 3D printers are listed as out of stock on MatterHackers.
What makes a good 3D printer deal?
Remember, a product’s list price doesn’t always tell you the real value. Often, it’s artificially inflated to make the deal look more attractive, so you’ll want to check around and see what the true value of a product is.
CNET aims to ensure that the prices you see on our site are the best deals you can get, and we check regularly to make sure sales aren’t artificially inflated. You might also want to install CNET’s Shopping plug-in for help with your deal hunting.