Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $349 vs $218. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $218 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus worth $131 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $131 less. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Build volume (300x300x400mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is best for large-prints; the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE targets beginners.