Creality Ender 3 V3 vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 3 V3 ($289) and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $71 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE saves you $71 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289 | $218 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 8.6 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3
+CoreXZ architecture at $289 is genuinely absurd value
+Klipper comes pre-installed, no flashing required
+600mm/s keeps up with machines twice the price
+Upgrade path is wide open: Klipper means the community has covered everything
−No WiFi means you're walking to the printer with a USB stick
−No enclosure: ABS will warp, ABS will warp, ABS will warp
−Creality's own software is clunky; Bambu Studio is just better
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- CoreXZ
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 or Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Both score 9/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE to save $71.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 worth $71 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8/10). The extra $71 gets you corexz architecture at $289 is genuinely absurd value.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Build volume (220x220x250mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (600 vs 250 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 is best for beginners; the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE targets beginners.