7 Best Budget Resin 3D Printers Under $500
Whether you are a beginner to resin 3D printing, or have plenty of experience in the field, getting one within a budget can seem pretty challenging at first, especially with all the options out there.
I had to write an article to help people out in choosing some of the best reliable resin 3D printers under the $500 mark.
What you’ll see throughout this article is a good mixture of resin 3D printers that are well-respected in the field, that can produce excellent 3D print quality, from under $200, up to closer to the $500 mark, so let’s get straight into it.
1. Anycubic Photon Mono
Priced at around $300
The Anycubic Photon Mono (Banggood) specializes in speed, print quality, and ease-of-use.
There are so many upsides to this 3D printer but to name a few, the cover blocks 99.95% of UV light, but is also transparent so you can see through it easily unlike the Mars 2 Pro, 3D prints come out with practically no layer lines, and print speed is 2.5x faster than the original Photon!
Users of the Photon Mono love it since it has so many improvements over the previous models. Anycubic made sure that they took user feedback in mind, and manufactured a great machine.
The touchscreen has a great interface, being responsive and simple to use. It’s compatible with all your standard 405nm resins, has a max speed of 60mm/h, and a build volume of 5.11″ x 3.14″ x 6.49″ (130 x 80 x 165mm).
For a 3D printer under $500, this is easily one of the best choices.
6.08-Inch 2K Monochrome LCD
The speed of your 3D printing relates to being able to reduce exposure time to just 1.5 seconds. With the 2K monochrome LCD, you are able to print up to 2,000 hours, which is four times longer than color LCDs.
The Photon Mono’s printing speed is 2.5x faster than regular resin 3D printers (original Anycubic Photon).
New Matrix Parallel Light Source
A more uniform exposure to the resin does a good job for better printing accuracy so your models look their best. The new matrix parallel light source also has the benefit of a higher efficiency, as well as better heat dissipation.
3D printing your favourite characters from cartoons, movies, games, and minis are sure to give you results you can really be proud of.
Quick-Replace One Piece FEP
The FEP film on the Anycubic Photon Mono takes away the difficulty of replacing the release film by narrowing it down to just three steps.
- Unscrew the screws holding the film in place
- Replace the film with your new release film
- Tighten the screws
It is now ready to use again.
Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono
- 6.08-Inch 2K Monochrome LCD
- Z-Axis Guide Rail Structure
- Better Stepper Motor Stability
- New Matrix Parallel Light Source
- 2.8-Inch Touchscreen
- High Quality Power Supply
- Safety Auto-Stop Function for Cover Removal
- UV Transparent Cover
- Quick-Replace One Piece FEP
- Improved UV Cooling System
- One Year Warranty
Pros of the Anycubic Photon Mono
- Produces outstanding build quality with a resolution of 0.05mm – practicall invisible layer lines
- Very quick printing, being 2.5x faster than regular resin printers
- Easy to use once you get the hang of the basics
- Very easy leveling system
- Great value for money considering the build volume and print quality
Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono
- It only recognizes a specific file type, .photon files with the Photon Workshop.
- Photon Workshop slicer isn’t the greatest software, but you can use ChiTuBox, save as an STL then open it on the Workshop
- Screen is very susceptible to scratches
Specifications of the Anycubic Photon Mono
- Build Volume: 130 x 82 x 165mm (5.11″ x 3.23″ x 6.5″)
- Printer Dimensions: 227 x 222 x 383.6mm (8.94″ x 8.74″ x 15.1″)
- XY Resolution: 0.051mm 2560 x 1620 (2K)
- Max. Printing Speed: 60mm/h
- Rated Power: 45W
- Technology: LCD-based SLA
- Connectivity: USB
- Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop
- Operation: 2.8-inch touchscreen
- Printer Weight: 16.6 lbs (7.53kg)
Final Verdict
For a reliable resin 3D printer that is affordable and has amazing quality, the Anycubic Photon Mono is a great choice. It has a whole host of features that current users of this 3D printer absolutely love, and the prints are equally as great.
Get yourself the Anycubic Photon Mono from Banggood today.
2. Creality LD002R
Priced at around $200
Creality is usually known for their FDM 3D printers like the Ender 3, but they tapped into the SLA 3D printing market with the Creality LD002R (Amazon). With this machine, you can start printing within just 5 minutes.
It has a beautiful full-color 3.5″ touchscreen for easy operation and has a simple leveling system, where you just loosen the four side screws, press home, push the plate down to make sure it’s flat, then tighten the screws.
Easy to Use
As soon as your Crealitiy LD002R is delivered, you’ll find it a breeze to get started and operate. The assembly takes no time at all, only requiring minimal effort, then the leveling process is simple, as mentioned above.
Users can expect to get started very quickly and create some amazing quality prints soon after. Operation is made simple with the easy-to-follow touchscreen interface.
Another feature that makes your printing experience easy is the compatibility with ChiTtuBox, which is a popular resin slicer that most people in the resin printing community love.
Strong Air Filtering System
Resin does get pretty smelly, so having some extra features that help out with the odor is great. The Creality LD002R has an air filtering system which comes in handy to help handle the smell.
It has a dual fan system that has a small box at the back of the print chamber containing a bag of activated carbon. This should help absorb a good portion of the smell from the resin.
I’d also advise getting a separate air purifier for your 3D printer. I actually did an article about the 7 Best Air Purifiers for 3D Printers – Easy to Use. If you’d rather just get a great recommendation, I’d go for the LEVOIT LV-H133 Air Purifier from Amazon.
Stable Ball Linear Rails
Having a stable Z-axis on a resin 3D printer is very important because they are working to produce smooth surfaces and high quality. This printer has ball linear rails to ensure that there is steady Z-axis movements.
Features of the Creality LD002R
- Convenient Resin Vat Cleaning
- Full Color Touchscreen
- All-Metal Body + CNC Aluminum
- Ball Linear Rails
- 2K HD Masking Screen
- 30W Uniform Light Source
- Strong Air Filtering System
- Quick Leveling
- Anti-Alising Effect
Pros of the Creality LD002R
- Easy and fast assembly
- Leveling is really easy to do
- Great pricing for a resin printer
- Amazing quality prints
- Compatible with ChiTubox directly unlike the Anycubic Photon Mono
- Can run non-stop without issues (one user did a 23-hour print with ease)
Cons of the Creality LD002R
- Some people have had problems with the light array over-exposing on finer details
- Not the largest build volume, but good enough for average-sized prints
Specifications of the Creality LD002R
- Build Volume: 119 x 65 x 160mm (4.69″ x 2.56″ x 6.30″)
- Printer Size: 221 x 221 x 403mm (8.7″ x 8.7″ x 15.87″)
- Slicer Software: ChiTuBox
- Printing Technology: LCD display photocuring
- Connectivity: USB
- Operation 3.5″ touchscreen
- Light Source: UV integrated light (wavelength 405nm)
- Print Speed: 4 seconds per layer
- Nominal Voltage: 100-240V
- Layer Height: 0.02 – 0.05mm
- XY Axis Precision: 0.075mm
- File Format: STL/CTB
- Machine Weight: 19lbs (8.62kg)
Final Verdict
All in all, the Creality produces amazing printers, so that you can trust the brand blindly. The body feels sturdy and nice. You will get such a fantastic product in a nice price range, hence it is worth the hype and you should try it.
Get yourself the Creality LD002R from Banggood today.
3. Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro
Priced at around $250
The Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro (Amazon) is a worthwhile upgrade from the previous version, the Shadow 5.5S, giving it an increase in build volume by around 20%. They are a very reputable brand, and they are good at listening to what customers want in a 3D printer.
This 3D printer has a larger resin vat capacity for less refilling and spillage, a dual Z-axis linear rail for improved stability and printing precision, as well as an upgraded matrix UV module for improved printing resolution and faster curing.
Compact Build
The compact build and design efficiency is one of the main highlights with this 3D priniter. It’s simple to handle and comfortable for everyday use in your office, garage or other room in the house.
Along with the intelligent design, it also has a great quality motor, mainboard, rods, and CNC machined parts for excellent printing accuracy and final print quality.
The precise printing will make you fall in love with this 3D printer.
Large Touch Screen
Besides the compact built, this 3D printer comes with a 3.5 inch LCD touch screen so that you can operate the Shadow Pro 6.0 with ease. Going through the interface and changing settings is a breeze.
Air Circulation & Filtration System
The printer comes with an upgraded and improved air circulation system that uses activated carbon. Through it, you can enjoy the printing experience fully through air filtration chambers and amazing quality.
This one also decreases the issues and ventilation procedure. Its dual-fan is ideal in such an affordable price range.
A good idea for reducing smells is to get low-odor resins such as the Anycubic Plant-Based UV Resin from Amazon. They are more expensive than standard resin, but it makes the world of a difference for the smell.
Features of the Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro
- Upgraded Matrix UV LED Light Source
- Dual Z-Axis Linear Rails
- 2K HD LCD Screen
- Larger Resin Vat Capacity
- Air Circulation & Filtration System
- All-Aluminum CNC Machined Parts
- 3.5-Inch Touchscreen
Pros of the Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro
- High precision resin 3D prints
- The high intensity UV LED rays make for faster printing
- Less refilling time with the larger resin vat
- Helps with filtering out the smelly resin odors
- Easy operation
- High quality frame and printer parts
- Top customer service by Qidi Tech
Cons of the Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro
- Doesn’t come with resin so you’ll need to get your own with your purchase
- There really any downsides that I could really dive into!
Specifications of the Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro
- Build Volume: 130 x 70 x 150mm (5.11″ x 2.75″ x 5.90″)
- Printier Dimensions: 245 x 230 x 420mm
- XY Resolution: 0.047mm (2560 x 1440)
- Z-Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
- Light Source: UV-LED (405nm wavelength)
- Connectivity: USB pen drive
- Operation: 3.5-inch color touchscreen
Final Verdict
As you can most likely tell from reading the above, this is a resin 3D printer under $500 that I would highly recommend! With the simple assembly, easy operation, and high quality prints, you can’t go wrong.
Get yourself the Qidi Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro from Amazon today.
4. Anycubic Photon S
Priced at around $400
Anycubic is one of the most competitive brands among all the 3D printers available in the market. What makes this one stand out from the rest is its matrix light source. It enables you to get better prints by dispersing the photons in several directions.
Let’s dig into the features, along with the specifications so that you will know what’s what.
Incredible Printing Quality
The photon quality used is amazing and assures you to last longer than you expect. With it, you can go through the manual as it is easy to understand and has incorporated all the necessary information. It not only makes the experience smooth, but you can also set the insights correctly for better prints.
The quality will leave you in awe as it provides stabilised and awesome 3D images.
Ready-to-Use Printer
The printer comes all assembled in the box so that you don’t need to worry about the installation measures. All you need to do is know about its usage and voila, it gets the job done perfectly! Also, you can easily use the printer for trials so that you know the features fully and use it accordingly.
Hassle-Free Working Experience
What’s more, is that the printer does not make annoying noises during working. Hence, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with your favourite read in peace. It also makes true work faster, adding more to boosted productivity. What do you want more than this piece of equipment in your home?
Features of the Anycubic Photon S
- Dual Z-Axis Linear Rails
- Air Filtration System
- Upgraded UV module
- One-Screw Steel Ball Leveling Structure
- Redesigned for Quiet Printing
- Sanded Aluminum Platform
- Responsive Full-Color Touchscreen
Pros of the Anycubic Photon S
- High quality finely detailed prints
- Easy assembly with just 10 screws, mostly pre-assembled
- Active Facebook community (30,000+) with about 70 posts daily on average and 35 users joining daily on average
- Print surface screw level calibrated in factory on each printer
- Ideal for beginners
- Dual fans and upgraded matrix UV lighting makes printing much faster
- Amazing user experience with a solid user interface
- Easy leveling with single grub screw design
- Very responsive touch screen with great accuracy
- Comes with extra film screens for the resin vat
Cons of the Anycubic Photon S
- Takes time to get the hang of its software
- Some people have issues with the USB drive and files not being properly read – make sure to reformat the drive in disk manager to FAT32.
Specifications of the Anycubic Photon S
- Printing Volume: 115 x 65 x 165mm (4.52″ x 2.56″ x 6.1″)
- Printer Size: 230 x 200 x 400mm
- Printing Technology: LCD-based SLA 3D printer
- Light Source: UV integrated light wavelength 405nm
- XY Axis Resolution: 0.047mm (2560*1440)
- Layer Resolution: 0.01mm (10 microns)
- Printing Speed: 20mm/h
- Rated Power: 50W
- Printing Material: 405nm photosensitive resin
- Connectivity: USB Port
- Input Format: STL
- Printer Weight: 9.5kg
Final Verdict
The Anycubic Photon S has amazing ratings on Amazon for good reason, it works very well. You can expect some top print quality with the 0.01mm resolution, though the printing speed is pretty slow at just 20mm/h.
It’s a great resin 3D printer which you can get from Amazon for a good price. Get the Anycubic Photon S today.
5. EPAX X1-N
Priced at around $500
The EPAX X1-N is a lesser talked about resin 3D printer under $500, though it is a great machine. It has a solid Amazon rating of 4.5/5.0 at time of writing with plenty of happy customers to show.
It doesn’t require all that extra calibration and it should run perfectly right out of the box. The 3.5″ color TFT touchscreen makes navigating the printer simple, so you can focus on getting those high quality prints.
Let’s have a look at the features, specifications, pros and cons to get a better understanding.
Better Light Source
The EPAX X1-N uses a powerful 50W rated 5 x 10 LED array light source which outperforms normal resin 3D printers with ease. Many other resin 3D printers get by with a weaker 25W light source.
To extend the lifespan of the LCD masking screen, the light source has been tuned down to 40W, giving you more of a durable printing experience.
Fixed Precision Build Platform
Precision, sturdiness, and accuracy are all highly-sought for features that you’d want in a resin 3D printer. This machine has a specially designed 4-point mount for the build platform to hold it in place solidly.
In resin 3D printing, many people don’t know that there is a lot of suction forces at play each time the build platform touches the FEP film, so they can cause print failures. This 3D printer takes care of that and should rarely require a re-level.
Upgraded Axis Rail
One of the worst things you can have is a resin 3D printer that has issues related to the Z-axis. On this machine, you won’t have to worry about any of those issues as they have upgraded the Z-axis railings with double steel rods.
You don’t get any Z-wobble due to the reinforced carriage and steel bearings. They make sure to calibrate the 3D printer before it arrives to you, so it runs smoothly right out of the box.
Features of the EPAX X1-N
- Large 3.5-Inch Color TFT Touchscreen
- 5.5″ 2K LCD Masking Screen (2560 x 1440)
- 40W High Energy 50 LED Light Source
- Dual Z-Axis Linear Rails
- Anti-Backlash Nuts on Z-Axis
- Anti-Aliasing Supported
- Improved Non-FEP Film
- Supports Anti-Aliasing
- Solid Workmanship with Metal Housing
- Pause Function to Ensure Proper Bed Adhesion
Pros of the EPAX X1-N
- Many features to ensure a smooth Z-axis movement
- Amazing precision in detail in 3D prints
- Easy for beginners and simple operation
- Flawless printing right out of the box
- Very precise fixed build platform using 4 point mounts to keep in place
- Should be perfectly calibrated from factory to delivery
- Looks very professionally designed
- Door opens around the sides for more access
- Resin vat has a rubber seal so it can’t leak out
- Uses the ChiTuBox file format
Cons of the EPAX X1-N
- Customer service has had a few complaints, but they are mostly positive
- Does not come with resin
Specifications of the EPAX X1-N
- Printer Volume: 115 x 65 x 155mm
- Printer Size: 240 x 254 x 432mm
- Resolution: 0.047nm on XY-axis
- Minimum Layer Height: 0.01mm
- Display: 3.5″ touchscreen
- Light Source: 50 40W LEDs
- Films used: FEP and non-FEP films
- Masking Screen: 2k 5.5 inches LCD
- Material Compatibility: 405nm wavelength
Final Verdict
3D printer hobbyists that are after a high quality resin 3D printer are looking at the right choice with the EPAX X1-N. Although it is pricier than some of the budget options, it makes up for it in many ways.
Get yourself the EPAX X1-N from Amazon today.
6. Anycubic Photon Mono SE
Priced at around $400
Amazing user experience, top printing speeds, great adhesion to the brushed aluminum platform, there are many reasons why the Anycubic Photon Mono SE is a great resin 3D printer under $500.
The build area comes in at a respectable 130 x 78 x 160mm along with a 2K 6.08″ monochrome LCD for serious printing precision. The LCD also has a lifespan of up to 2,000 hours.
Single-Screw Bed Leveling System
The leveling system for the Mono SE is very easy and simple, requiring only a few steps.
- Press ‘Home’ on the printer with the screw loosened
- Tighten the screw
No need for any extra steps or complicated processes, just simplicity.
Very Fast Printing Speed
Out of all the Anycubic Photons, the Photon Mono SE is the fastest, coming with a maximum speed of 80mm/h, so if speed if your desire, I’d be going for this high quality 3D printer.
Compared to the Anycubic Photon Mono (60mm/h) at the start of this article, this has an increase of 20mm/h in printing speed.
Remote Control WiFi Supported
Being able to control your 3D printer remotely is a feature for the modern machines out there, and it’s very useful to most. You can control print operations, monitor your printing progress without being next to the printer, as well as adjust print settings with ease.
The app is simple with a clean interface, so it’s easy to use for any beginners.
Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono SE
- 6.08″ Monochrome LCD
- Very Fast Printing Speed
- New Matrix Parallel Light Source
- All-Metal Framing
- Remote Control WiFi Supported
- High Performance Z-Axis
- High Quality Power Supply
- Single-Screw Bed Leveling System
- UV Cooling System
- Anycubic Slicer Software
Pros of the Anycubic Photon Mono SE
- You can remotely control print operations, monitor progress, and adjust setttings for extra ease of use
- Amazing printing speed, coming in 4x faster than the speed of an RGB screen
- Comes with all the tools you need such as gloves, funnels, a mask etc.
- Very stable movement ensuring great print quality
- High precision at a minimum layer height of 10 microns
Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono SE
- Cover isn’t fully removable like other models, so the accessibility isn’t as good
- Limited by the Anycubic .photons file type
Specifications of the Anycubic Photon Mono SE
- Build Volume: 130 x 78 x 160mm
- Printer Size: 220 x 200 x 400mm
- Max. Printing Speed: 80mm/h
- Operation: 3.5″ touchscreen
- Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop
- Connectivity: USB
- Technology: LCD-based SLA
- Light Source: Wavelength 405nm
- XY Resolution: 0.051mm (2560 x 1620) 2K
- Z-Axis Resolution 0.01mm
- Rated Power 55W
- Printer Weight: 8.2kg
Verdict
Anycubic have really been working hard in the resin 3D printer industry, bringing out many versions that improve on the previous. They have fine-tuned their manufacturing ability, and it shows in their printers.
I’d recommend the Mono SE for any user who is interested in joining the resin printing community, or for people who are already in there.
Get the Anycubic Photon Mono SE from Banggood today.
7. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro (MSLA)
Priced at around $300
Elegoo is no stranger to high quality resin 3D printers at a competitive price. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro (Amazon) is one of their proud creations, with many features to work with users to provide a great printing experience.
The build volume is 129 x 80 x 160mm which is pretty standard. You have some really top-level build quality and parts with this 3D printer, allowing for great stability throughout.
Newly Designed Sanded Aluminum Build Plate
With resin printing, bed adhesion is important since there is a lot of liquid and movement going on which can make prints fail. This newly designed aluminum plate is sanded so they can provide much better adhesion during printing.
Built-In Active Carbon Filtering
As previously mentioned with other resin 3D printers, the fumes from resin can be quite bothersome, so having the built-in active carbon filtration is a great way of absorbing fumes from resin.
The Mars 2 Pro also have a turbo cooling fan, as well as a silicone rubber seal to help fight those odors.
COB UV LED Light Source
The light source is the main feature that hardens the resin, so we need this to be of high quality. The COB light source is a well-proven upgrade that exudes a uniform light emission, fantastic heat disspiation performance, and a great maintenance rate on the lighting.
You can be sure of high quality prints with this lighting system behind you.
Features of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
- 6.08″ 2K Monochrome LCD
- 2 Second Per Layer Exposure
- COB UV LED Light Source
- CNC Machined Aluminum Body
- Newly Designed Sanded Aluminum Build Plate
- 3.5″ Touchscreen
- Built-In Active Carbon Filtering
- Comes With 2 Extra FEP Films
Pros of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
- 2 second per layer exposure for curing
- Supports 12 different languages
- 1-year warranty on the whole printer, 6 months for the 2K LCD (FEP film excluded).
- Uniform light emissions to improve printing accuracy
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Great at handling odors, using proper filtering systems
- Very durable design that looks professional
Cons of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
- Hard to see through the top cover
- Resin needs to be refilled more often than other printers
Specifications of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
- Build Volume: 129 x 80 x 160mm (5.08″ x 3.15″ x 6.3″)
- Printer Size: 200 x 200 x 410mm (7.87″ x 7.87″ x 16.4″)
- Operation: 3.5″ touchscreen
- Slicer Software: ChiTuBox slicer
- Technology: UV photochuring
- Printing Speed: 50mm/h
- Layer Thickness: 0.01mm
- Z Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
- XY Resolution: 0.05mm(1620*2560)
- Connectivity: USB
- Printer Weight: 13.67 lbs (6.2 kg)
- Light Source: UV integrated light (wavelength 405nm)
Final Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a solid choice for a resin 3D printer under $500. The difference that you are getting in quality compared to an FDM printer like the Ender 3 is massive.
Printing with resin can seem intimidating at first (it was for me), but once I tuned into some YouTube videos and understood the process, it looked a lot easier than it first seemed.
Get yourself the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro from Amazon today!
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has helped answer your question on some of the best resin 3D printers under $500. There are plenty of healthy choices throughout this article that you can reliably have beside you as a tool for amazing resin prints.
Once you get the hang of resin printing, you’ll absolutely love the quality that you can produce directly from home!
If I had to narrow down the best 3D printer on this list for someone to get, I’d go with the EPAX X1-N due to its fixed build platform in 4 points and the high energy 50 40W LED light sources.
The rubber seal and carbon filter is the icing on the cake to keep those fumes under control.