Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Longer Orange 4K V2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K V2 ($199, 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 6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K V2 saves you $19.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Longer Orange 4K V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 120 x 68 x 195 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 4.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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 V2
+Better light uniformity than the V1 means fewer dark patches at plate edges
+WiFi at $199 is a feature the original didn't have
+Compact enough to store in a drawer when not printing
−4K resolution is dated: the Elegoo Mars 4 offers 7K for $149 with better community support
−120x68mm plate is small even by entry-level standards
−Longer's support community is thin: problems are harder to solve than on Elegoo hardware
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 V2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE better than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Longer Orange 4K V2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or Longer Orange 4K V2?
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 $19 more than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6/10). The extra $19 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 V2?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K V2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.