Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Creality Halot-Mage Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218) and Creality Halot-Mage Pro ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $81 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. The Creality Halot-Mage Pro still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Creality Halot-Mage Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 228 x 128 x 230 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 120 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 9.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Unbeatable price
+Auto-leveling works well
+Direct drive handles TPU
+Huge community support
−Slower than CoreXY machines
−Open frame
−No WiFi or camera
−Manual firmware updates
Creality Halot-Mage Pro
+8K resolution at a competitive price
+Integral light source for even exposure
+Built-in air purifier
+Creality brand reliability
−Creality resin ecosystem less established
−Occasionally needs firmware updates
−Smaller community than Elegoo for resin
Who Should Buy Which?
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
Choose the Creality Halot-Mage Pro if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- 8K mono LCD
- Integral light source
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE better than the Creality Halot-Mage Pro?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Creality Halot-Mage Pro may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or Creality Halot-Mage Pro?
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 Creality Halot-Mage Pro worth $81 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $81 less. The Creality Halot-Mage Pro only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Creality Halot-Mage Pro?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Creality Halot-Mage Pro is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.