FDM printers
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE Review
Marcus HaleWriter
The cheapest credible path into modern FDM
About $179 (price checked Sep 2026)regular $199
Compare the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE with 7 other FDM printers
Our verdict
The cheapest credible path into modern FDM. The V3 SE finally makes the Ender lineage feel current: Sprite direct drive, CR Touch leveling, and 250 mm/s-class speeds at a price that still shocks. Expect more tinkering than a Bambu, but the value is real. Overall 8.0/10.
This scorecard does not list a machine footprint. The small-desk size comparison shows which printers publish one.
Tom's Hardware names this printer its best budget pick for beginners. Details are in the expert buying guide.
Who should buy the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Budget buyers and tinkerers who want a known platform with a huge mod scene.
- + Lowest price among credible modern kits
- + Direct drive Sprite extruder
- + Huge community of mods
Who should skip it
- More setup and tuning than appliances
- QC can vary by batch
How this printer's setup compares with the others we score is on the 3D printer setup tips page.
Pros and cons of this printer against the other cheap picks are in the cheapest 3D printer buying guide.
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Bambu Lab P1S
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores 8.0/10 at about $179 (price checked Sep 2026). The Bambu Lab P1S scores 9.3/10 at about $349 (price checked Sep 2026). The enclosed speed machine most buyers should start with.
Specs
- Build volume
- 220 × 220 × 250 mm
- Speed
- Up to 250 mm/s
- Leveling
- CR Touch
- Extruder
- Sprite direct drive
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE FAQ
- Who should buy the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
- Budget buyers and tinkerers who want a known platform with a huge mod scene.
- What score did the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE get?
- Overall 8.0/10. That score blends print quality, durability, value, ease of use, and compatibility.
- How much does the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE cost?
- About $179 (price checked Sep 2026). Prices change often, so check the live price on Amazon.