Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K ($129, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $89.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Longer Orange 4K
+$129 is the absolute floor for resin printing
+WiFi at this price is genuinely surprising
+4K resolution is enough to see if resin is your thing
−118x66mm build plate: one mini at a time, if they're small
−4K resolution is dated next to 9K and 12K competitors
−Long-term reliability is unknown; smaller community means fewer fixes documented online
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 Longer Orange 4K if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Longer Orange 4K may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or Longer Orange 4K?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE worth $89 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $89 gets you auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.