There are a few features that make the Tronxy X1 3D printer a viable option for consumers on a budget. However, the most enchanting perk of this 3D printer is the exceptionally low price tag. It can regularly be found on retail websites like GearBest and AliExpress for under $150.

This 3D printer is a DIY kit, but the simple single-arm design makes it easier to put together than other unassembled kits, such as the Anet A8. Although we haven’t had the opportunity to build the Tronxy X1 3D printer ourselves, the general consensus from user comments on GearBest is that its incredibly easy to assemble. Unlike many other cheap DIY kits, the Tronxy X1 is said to have impressively descriptive documentation.

There are some complaints about things like a wobble in the X-axis, but these issues seem easily solvable with a bit of tweaking and tightening.

With this inexpensive DIY kit, you get a sturdy aluminum frame, 150 x 150 x 150 mm build area, and 100 micron resolution. The X1 also has an external control box, which is where the SD Card slot is located.

As one of the cheapest DIY 3D printer kits on the market, the Tronxy X1 is becoming more and more popular for makers on a strict budget. But with that low price comes a few sacrifices.

The printer has no heated bed–making it difficult to print materials outside of PLA– no part cooling fan, and no auto-leveling function. In a video review from YouTuber Maker’s Muse, he alleviates the fan issue by setting up a desktop fan beside the printer. As you can see, the printer is quite limited in functionality, but if you get a bit creative you can maximize the potential of the Tronxy X1.

For less than $150, it’s not shocking that these features are missing, and the printer seems to deliver quality prints for the price point. If you want to invest more into improving the  3D printer over time, you can purchase and mount features like a heated bed and part cooling fan.