Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
$218
Creality · FDM
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Auto-leveling and direct drive under $220. Backed by one of the biggest communities in 3D printing.
via Amazon
How It Scores
Pros
- +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
Cons
- −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
What Owners Say
“The V3 SE sets a new baseline for cheap 3D printing.”
— All3DP
“Best $200 I ever spent on a hobby. Prints great out of the box.”
— r/ender3
Specs
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Layer Resolution | 0.05mm - 0.35mm |
| Max Print Speed | 250 mm/s |
| Weight | 7.8 kg |
| Type | FDM (Filament) |
| Features | Auto bed leveling, Direct drive extruder, PEI build plate |
Verdict
Under $250, this is still the safe answer. The community alone is worth something when you're learning. Creality's newer V3 is faster but costs more; the V3 SE is the baseline you graduate from.
You'll Also Need
Things you'll want before your first print.
In Our Guides
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE shows up in these buying guides.
5 Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2026
Best Budget 3D Printers Under $300 in 2026
Best 3D Printers for Schools & Classrooms in 2026
Best 3D Printers for TPU & Flexible Filament
How to Fix Stringing on Your 3D Printer: The Complete Guide
Ender 3 V3 vs V3 SE: Upgrade or Save?
Bambu Lab vs Creality in 2026: Which Brand Should You Buy?
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