Creality has embraced widespread fame for delivering the most reliable and top-quality 3D printers over the years. However, with the constant addition of many capable machines in the company’s lineup, it gets hard to choose the best one for yourself.
This article, therefore, intends to draw the major differences between four of the Ender printers and helps you come to a satisfying conclusion.
The Creality Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2, and the Ender CR-6 SE are some of the most efficient printers you’re going to find on the market, but to give you an answer right away, the CR-6 SE comes out on top among these.
This is mainly due it’s jampacked with state-of-the-art features, giving you amazing value for your hard-earned money.
Continue the read for a detailed analysis where we break down each printer, highlighting their specs and top features while also contrasting the variations among them.
The Ender 3 (Amazon) was released in March 2018, and ever since then, it has set an example of a phenomenal budget 3D printer. This is why you’re going to find Ender 3’s quality similar to printers in the $1000 price range, but costing just under $200.
There are several features that make this printer what it is, and a sizeable print volume amounting to 220 x 220 x 250 mm is just the tip of the iceberg.
In addition, an instant recovery mode that has become well-known by the excellent Prusa i3 MK3, and a high-quality heated build plate are other great features of the printer as well.
Surprisingly, all these are qualities that are non-existent in some expensive printers, so the Ender 3 does a great job of giving you immense value for such an affordable price tag.
It performs decently with a versatile array of filaments such as ABS, PLA, PETG, and even exotic filaments.
You will encounter moderate warping and curling issues with some thermoplastics, but they’ll be nothing that can’t be handled. Even more so, Ender’s 3 constricted filament pathway allows terrific ease when printing with flexible materials like TPU.
One apparent hassle is the uneven base of this budget-friendly Creality printer.
Stability is one of the key factors attributing to great prints, and you could suffer from this initially. However, a simple wedge or a chock of some sort placed rightly could help solve this problem.
Nevertheless, Ender 3’s blend of quality and low-cost, grants it the label of one of the best printers out there. There are a few troubles along the way, but the pros of the printer verily overcome the cons.
Just months after the release of the Ender 3 came the Pro edition with a price tag of about $300 which has gradually been decreasing since. As an esteemed successor, the Ender 3 Pro (Amazon) is truly worth the extra money, giving you much more than the basic Ender 3.
There are significant improvements, with high print performance in the spotlight. The build volume is still the same as the printer’s predecessor, decent and fairly spacious, but with enhanced mechanical properties, Creality has focused on making the Ender 3 Pro more stable.
Another major addition is the thoroughly convenient magnetic print bed which allows the removal of prints in an undemanding manner. Moreover, its refined surface helps grab that extra adhesion for the first few layers which are very important.
The Ender 3 Pro, therefore, comes off as an excellent printer for different types of people including tinkerers, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and even those on an educational level.
However, Creality could have been more considerate with the magnetic plate that users have reported to be insubstantial and flimsy. The bed needs to be aligned appropriately so everything’s in motion too.
Another downside is manually adjusting and levelling the printing bed. Auto-levelling could have made the Ender 3 Pro a beast, but it seems that the beginner lot will have to manage for now.
This printer has the same top-class features of power recovery and tight filament feed as the Ender 3. Additionally, it has indeed, covered some flaws of its critically-acclaimed predecessor.
Assembly is a breeze with the Ender 3 Pro, and you can start printing soon after as it arrives at your doorstep with a minimal struggle in setting it up.
All in all, the Pro variant won’t make you regret your purchase decision and will deliver more than what it costs. The praise goes to Creality here for making such capable and reliable machines.
The Ender 3 V2 (Amazon) is the elementary Ender 3’s direct and foremost replacement, adding more depth to Creality’s Ender series, and boasting some interesting new features and enhancements.
Starting with the design, the printer has received a major overhaul in terms of look and feel. Creality made sure that the Ender 3 V2 will make its mark as a premium product.
You’ll find plastic coverings across the printer contributing to a more professional appearance.
The print bed needs to be manually adjusted but it’s not going to trouble you much. After you’ve set that straight, the V2 will print flawlessly for you with a good variety of filaments, and produce prints of excellent quality.
It’s engineered to handle many complexities and variations, so the V2 has got you covered in that regard.
Another noteworthy addition to the printer is the magnificent glass tempered print bed which functions extremely well when it comes to adhesion.
As you may know, the first couple of layers are essential to form a quality print, and the bed’s textured surface like the Ender 3 Pro is more than enough for this challenging endeavour.
The V2 also features other compelling changes, like an LCD coloured screen that elevates the general interface, and a 32-bit motherboard that enables quieter printing.
The 2560 chipset here holds the power of bringing the noise level down to a mere 50 decibels.
Further improvements include the addition of knobs that let you adjust belt tension, focusing on the long-term use of the V2, and a handy toolbox that you can use to store items such as needles and nozzles among other things.
However, one complaint still persists in the V2, just like it has in the Ender 3.
Feeding the filament is done through a hole just beside the leadscrew which makes the process hard at times. An upgrade in this section could go a long way in making the V2 the best budget printer of 2020 in the $300 price range.
The Ender CR-6 SE is Creality’s first printer that was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, and quite surprisingly, it’s one of the best machines Creality ever made.
The CR-6 SE is a highly reliable Creality printer that’s been made to deliver. You can expect astounding print quality no matter if the object you’re printing is long or short.
Either way, it provides true-to-life details and exceptionally smooth prints.
Creality has finally addressed the mainstream hassle of manual bed levelling, and therefore, the CR-6 SE comes with a well-crafted automatic bed levelling system that strays further from the usual trouble in this aspect.
Besides, this printer doesn’t require any effort in assembly, comes almost fully built, and you can get to printing as soon as you get it. Some people have put it together in just 5 minutes.
Considerably, Creality also added belt tensioners on both axes, featured dual lead screws which flows nicely with CR-6 SE’s compact aluminium build and ensures high stability.
This is how the Z-wobble has been drastically decreased, and the CR-6 SE is reliable in this regard.
There’s an 8-bit motherboard that powers the printer, and to our surprise, users have reported a whisper-quiet experience with the printer.
Adding to the quality list of the printer’s features, the CR-6 SE is equipped with a photoelectric filament sensor, along with print power recovery.
The printer also offers a pristine LED touchscreen with a fresh user interface. Apparently, operating this Creality innovation is fairly easy and even beginners will have no trouble in navigation.
It’s also the most expensive out of the printers on the list. You can get this feature-filled overhaul of the Ender series for around $400.
Differences Between Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2 & Ender CR-6 SE
Next, let’s have a close hard look at the key differences between each Creality printer so you can have an easier time deciding which printer is the one for you.
Comparing Creality Printer Speed
When it comes to the print speed, it’s foremost recommended to print slow. This, in turn, produces the most concise of prints and provides you good detail in your printed objects.
On the other hand, we have almost the same maximum print speed across all these Creality printers, except for the CR-6 SE, which is a tad bit slow, statistically speaking.
For further clarity, here are the maximum print speeds of each of the printer.
As you can see, the Ender 3 is the fastest, printing at a speed of 200 mm/s. The Ender 3 Pro and the V2 are equally matched, while the CR-6 SE is the slowest, printing in the 80-100 mm/s range.
Comparing Creality Printer Quality
When the quality of the Creality printers are in question, you’re going to spot excellence on every stone turned.
Ender 3: At such an affordable cost, the Ender 3 provides remarkable value, and gives you a reason to stand out with it.
It might take you a few attempts to achieve ideal print quality, but overall, the Ender 3 with all its hallmark aspects and few stumbles here and there, is still a worthy printer.
Ender 3 Pro: The Ender 3 and Ender Pro are quite synonymous, with a handful of differences that makes the Pro variant a better machine, and costing a little extra. Again, since the manufacturer is Creality, the Ender 3 offers you splendid quality,
Ender 3 V2: The Ender 3 V2 brings some good aesthetic changes, providing a professional look with fantastic features. Overall, it’s higher in quality than the base version Ender 3, and the Ender 3 Pro.
Ender CR-6 SE: Among these, the CR-6 SE is quality at its peak. It spotlessly combines a variety of major factors such as ease of use, print quality, build quality, and more to give you the best value for your money and a hassle-free experience.
Comparing Creality Printer Price
All the Creality printers are insanely affordable and high in standard. The following is a breakdown of how each Ender printer is going to cost you.
Ender 3: You can get the Ender 3 from Amazon for as low as $199. It truly is one of the best printers for this price.
Ender 3 Pro: The Ender 3 Pro with minor overhauls is priced at around $240 on Amazon. However, you can get the printer on sale by ordering through Creality’s official website.
Ender 3 V2: The Ender 3 V2’s retail price is $279, but it’s well-deserved as the V2 offers you a ton of functionality for this price. Get Ender 3 V2 from Amazon.
Ender CR-6 SE: The Ender CR-6 SE is the priciest printer on the list, costing you about $399. Nevertheless, for the quality you’re getting, this price is still a bargain. You can get the CR-6 SE from Banggood.
Comparing Creality Printer Features
Ender 3: With the Ender 3, you’re getting a fully open-source printer with a decent, sizeable print platform at an incredible price range. You also get a power recovery option that automatically resumes prints whenever they’re accidentally shut off.
However, a problem is strongly linked with the bed-levelling system where you have to get it done manually. This is going to bother you to a fair extent.
Ender 3 Pro: The Ender 3 Pro is a cool improvement where you get a magnetic build plate, a 40×40 aluminum extrusion to boost stability, and a heated, large print bed.
Nevertheless, the problem of levelling the bed still persists iv2n the Ender 3 Pro, and the printer could have used an upgrade here.
Ender 3 V2: The Ender 3 V2 is a through-and-through upgraded version that features a glass print bed- a significant remedial over the Ender 3 Pro’s magnetic bed, which can pile up filament residue as you put in the printing hours.
In addition, you get a tool storage option, a prompt print resume after a sudden power outage, and a better belt tension adjusting system that’s above the Ender 3, and the Ender 3 Pro.
You also get the built-in silent motherboard which has faster and stable motion performance.
Ender CR-6 SE: The first feature you’re going to want to hear about is the automatic levelling system that does all the work for you.
Next, there are great features that make the CR-6 SE a brilliant machine, such as a well-designed toolbox you can use for storing stuff, an 8-bit silent motherboard, and a rich user experience with the LCD screen.
The added belt tensioners refine the CR-6 SE’s stability for your ease. Moreover, a carborundum glass plate makes print removal very easy unlike the magnetic platform on the V2, which many have reported to be unforgiving.
Comparing Creality Printer Ease of Use
Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro: The Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro are easy to use printers with manual calibration that’s just as smooth to handle. This is one of the major points that make them such desirable machines- it’s uncomplicated running!
Both of them are very easy to assemble, and print-ready right out of the box. However, there’s one thing worth mentioning that the extruder belt on the Ender Pro will take many attempts to get it right.
Still, both printers’ interface is great to navigate around and operate the printer, so the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro get great marks in this category.
Ender 3 V2: One bother that’s consistent in the Ender 3, and now in the Ender 3 V2 is feeding the filament through a hole that’s beside the leadscrew. The problem merely relates to loading the filament, but the Chinese manufacturer was considerate enough to fix the problem on the Ender 3 Pro.
Other than that, the V2 is also a great printer that allows nonpareil ease of use. If the name’s Creality, you can expect this to be commonplace.
Ender CR-6 SE: Out of the previous three printers, the CR-6 SE is unrivalled when it comes to user-friendliness. The initial assembly is going to take a moment of your time, and after you’ve got that done, a painless printing experience is going to follow.
The process of manual bed levelling that remained a hassle in its predecessors, the CR-6 SE lays that struggle to rest with a fully functional automatic bed levelling system. Additionally, the big icons on the highly interactive LCD screen further accommodate your time spent in printing.
Finally, you get useful applications like a toolbox, and a filament spool holder that gives an extra, positive touch to the printer.
Comparing Creality Printer Compatibility
Ender 3: At the end of the day, you’ll be able to print most filaments with the Ender 3 because yes, it’s that good of an affordable printer.
ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU are not going to be a problem, but come exotic filaments, you’re going to see Ender 3 wither in defeat. Specifically, it struggles with any wood-fill filament, so don’t expect much success printing with special thermoplastics.
Ender 3 Pro: The Ender 3 Pro doesn’t showcase much improvement in terms of exotic filaments as compared to the Ender 3 too. In fact, the Ender 3 Pro is going to struggle with all brittle filaments like wood, as the filament is fed into the system through a hole.
Most of the time, brittle filaments will break when you push them through that opening. Other than that, the Ender 3 Pro is magical with other mainstream filaments, and truly deserves high appraisal.
Ender 3 V2: The Ender 3 V2 is a great printer that runs fantastic with almost every filament it’s presented with. You can try ABS and PLA from different brands, and we assure you that the V2 is going to deliver each and every time.
In terms of exotic filaments, the Ender 3 V2 holds up well, but can do so much better if you slap on some appropriate upgrades.
Ender CR-6 SE: Being the phenomenon that it is, the CR-6 SE welcomes thermoplastic materials, and displays a magic show of fine artistry. Behold splendid prints of the supreme-most quality, dazzling you on the spot.
With the PTFE tubing and a better extruder system that allows easy feeding of the filament, the CR-6 SE is going to work great with all major materials like ABS, TPU, PETG, and PLA.
Comparing Creality Printer Design
Ender 3: The Ender 3 is simplistic in design, but reasonably compact. It features a good build platform for a $200 printer, along with V-slot wheels that run well with the aluminum extrusions to produce smoothness while printing.
However, stability-wise, the Ender 3 suffers, and you have to place a wedge underneath a corner to ensure a stable motion.
Other than that, the minimalistic frame design enables tremendous possibilities for you to attach add-ons, upgrades, and mods.
Ender 3 Pro: The Ender 3 Pro shares a similar design to that of the Ender 3, but there are considerable improvements that make it come out on top.
For starters, the Y-axis base has been reinvigorated with 40×40 aluminum extrusion to increase stability, making it much better in terms of firmness.
Even more so, bearing wheels mounted below the printer further reduce friction, improve rigidness, and offer amplified dimensional stability.
Ender 3 V2: The Ender 3 V2 is the better-looking printer, designed to impress with a highly streamlined look. The Mean Well power supply that runs the printer has been relocated to a section that’s beneath the V2.
In previous versions, the power supply can be seen on the printer’s left side. This, therefore, makes the V2 look more professional.
Ender CR-6 SE: The CR-6 SE is a modern machine a with fashionable style. You’ll notice a strongly built aluminum frame, consistent with all Ender’s however, that combines dual leadscrews, all in the hope of diminishing vibrations, and it does so perfectly.
It also has a completely redesigned extruder system that makes filament feeding not an issue anymore. There’s also a distinct handle atop the gantry so you can carry the printer around without endangering belts and tensioners.
So to bring this Ender comparison to an end, if money isn’t an issue and you are after the highest quality mid-sized Creality 3D printer, I would definitely point you towards the Ender CR-6 SE 3D printer.
The Ender 3 works very well as an entry-level 3D printer and even one for more experienced 3D printer users. You always have the opportunity to upgrade your machine to turn it into the next version along.
If you would rather have these features implemented from the start, then you are better off going with the Ender 3 Pro or the Ender 3 V2, depending on what specific features and price range you are in.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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