Ender 3 V2 vs Ender 3 Pro: Which 3d Printer Reigns?
Struggling to choose between two of the most popular 3D printers on the market? You’re not alone! The Creality Ender 3 series has revolutionized the hobby, but deciding between the Ender 3 V2 and the Ender 3 Pro can be tricky.
Both printers offer impressive features at an affordable price, making them ideal for beginners and experienced makers alike. But what are the key differences that set them apart, and which one is the better choice for your specific needs?
This in-depth comparison of the Ender 3 V2 vs Ender 3 Pro will break down everything you need to know, from build quality and ease of use to print quality and extra features. Get ready to discover which printer deserves a spot on your desk!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Ender 3 V2 | Ender 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Nozzle Temperature | ≤260°C | ≤260°C |
| Heated Bed Temperature | ≤100°C | ≤110°C |
| Motherboard | 32-bit Silent Mainboard | 8-bit |
| Display | Color Screen with Rotary Knob | Monochrome LCD |
| Extruder | Bowden | Bowden |
| Print Surface | Carborundum Glass Bed | C-MAG Magnetic Bed |
| Resume Print Function | Yes | Yes |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | 1.75mm |
| Frame | Integrated Design | More Robust Aluminum Frame |
| Assembly | Partially Assembled | Partially Assembled |
| Leveling | Manual | Manual |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Mainboard
- Ender 3 V2: Features a silent 32-bit mainboard with TMC2208 stepper drivers. This results in significantly quieter operation compared to the Ender 3 Pro. However, it may be slightly more complex to upgrade.
- Ender 3 Pro: Uses a standard 8-bit mainboard. This is generally louder during operation but is more readily customizable and easier to find replacement parts for.
- Winner: Ender 3 V2
Bed Surface
- Ender 3 V2: Comes with a Carborundum glass bed. This provides excellent adhesion and allows for easy print removal after cooling. It is more resistant to scratches than the Ender 3 Pro’s magnetic bed.
- Ender 3 Pro: Equipped with a removable magnetic build surface. This makes removing prints easier, but it can be less durable and adhesion can be inconsistent.
- Winner: Ender 3 V2
Display Screen
- Ender 3 V2: Features a color screen with a rotary knob for easy navigation and a modern user interface. It is more intuitive and provides a better user experience.
- Ender 3 Pro: Has a basic LCD screen with a control knob. This is functional but less user-friendly compared to the V2’s screen.
- Winner: Ender 3 V2
Power Supply
- Ender 3 V2: Uses a Mean Well power supply, known for its reliability and efficiency, housed within the base. This improves stability and safety.
- Ender 3 Pro: Also uses a Mean Well power supply, but it is external and slightly less integrated. Both provide sufficient power for the printer.
- Winner: Tie
Filament Feed System
- Ender 3 V2: Retains a similar extruder design as the Pro, but with potential minor improvements in the filament path. This is a functional design.
- Ender 3 Pro: Features a standard extruder design, which is reliable but may require occasional adjustments for optimal filament feeding.
- Winner: Tie
Frame and Build Quality
- Ender 3 V2: The frame is similar to the Pro, maintaining good stability. The V2’s design includes improved cable management for a cleaner look.
- Ender 3 Pro: Has a sturdy frame, but cable management is less refined. It is generally a well-built printer for its price.
- Winner: Ender 3 V2
Nozzle
- Ender 3 V2: Shares a similar hotend and nozzle setup with the Pro. Both are capable of printing a variety of filaments.
- Ender 3 Pro: Shares a similar hotend and nozzle setup with the V2. Both are capable of printing a variety of filaments.
- Winner: Tie
Overall Noise Level
- Ender 3 V2: Significantly quieter due to the silent mainboard and improved fan design. This is a major improvement for home use.
- Ender 3 Pro: Operates at a louder volume due to the standard mainboard and fan noise. This can be disruptive in a home environment.
- Winner: Ender 3 V2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Level | Ender 3 V2 |
| Ease of Use (Interface) | Ender 3 V2 |
| Print Surface | Ender 3 V2 |
| Frame Stability | Ender 3 Pro |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Build Volume: Both printers share the same build volume, allowing users to print objects up to 220 x 220 x 250 mm. This provides ample space for a variety of projects.
- Filament Compatibility: Both printers support standard 1.75mm filament, making a wide range of materials accessible to users. This allows for experimentation with different printing properties.
- Bowden Extruder: Both printers use a Bowden extruder setup, where the extruder motor is mounted on the frame, and the filament is fed through a tube to the hot end. This design is common and well-understood.
- Resume Print Function: Both printers include a resume print function, which is useful in case of power outages or accidental interruptions. This feature helps save prints.
- Manual Bed Leveling: Both printers require manual bed leveling, meaning users must adjust the bed height using knobs to ensure proper first-layer adhesion. This requires some initial setup.
Ender 3 V2 Vs Ender 3 Pro Buying Guide
Print Quality
Both the Ender 3 V2 and Ender 3 Pro offer good print quality for their price point, but there are subtle differences. The Ender 3 V2 generally benefits from its upgraded motherboard and quieter stepper motor drivers, leading to potentially smoother and quieter prints. The Ender 3 Pro, with its sturdier frame and improved build surface, can sometimes handle vibrations better, which can contribute to more consistent prints, especially at higher speeds. However, the V2’s improved features often give it a slight edge in overall print quality, especially for beginners.
Ease of Use
The Ender 3 V2 is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a color screen and a more user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and settings adjustments. The Ender 3 Pro, while functional, relies on a more basic display and interface. The V2’s improved bed leveling system and pre-assembled components also contribute to a quicker and easier setup process. The Pro requires more manual adjustment and assembly, making the V2 a better choice for those new to 3D printing or seeking a smoother initial experience.
Features and Upgrades
The Ender 3 V2 boasts several out-of-the-box features that the Ender 3 Pro lacks, including a silent motherboard, a color screen, and a filament runout sensor. These upgrades significantly enhance the user experience and reduce noise. While the Ender 3 Pro can be upgraded with similar features, it requires additional purchases and installation. The V2’s integrated upgrades make it a more convenient and cost-effective option for those who want a feature-rich printer without immediate modifications.
Build Volume and Frame
Both printers share the same standard build volume, so you won’t get any extra space for your prints. The frame construction is where they differ. The Ender 3 Pro uses a more robust frame, with a thicker base and sturdier profile extrusions. This design contributes to stability and reduces vibrations during printing, potentially leading to more accurate prints. The Ender 3 V2 maintains a similar frame design but incorporates some aesthetic improvements. Both models are capable of producing large prints within their common build volume.
Price and Value
The Ender 3 Pro often comes at a slightly lower price point than the Ender 3 V2, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Ender 3 V2, with its added features and improvements, offers a better overall value proposition. The V2’s features justify the slightly higher cost, especially for beginners. Consider the included upgrades like a silent motherboard, color screen, and filament runout sensor that offer a better out-of-the-box experience. The Pro is still a great printer if you are on a tight budget.
Maintenance and Support
Both printers are relatively easy to maintain, but the Ender 3 V2 benefits from its improved design and feature set. The V2’s quieter operation means fewer potential maintenance issues related to mechanical wear and tear. Creality, the manufacturer, provides adequate support for both models, including online resources, troubleshooting guides, and customer service. The Pro has been around for longer, so there is a vast community of users and resources online. The V2 is quickly catching up with its popularity.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ender 3 v2 If…
- You value a quieter printing experience due to the silent motherboard.
- You prefer a more modern and user-friendly interface with a color screen and rotary knob.
- You want a sleek and integrated design for a cleaner look.
- You appreciate the improved print surface provided by the carborundum glass bed.
Buy ender 3 pro If…
- You prioritize a more robust and stable frame for potentially more reliable prints.
- You prefer the convenience of the magnetic build surface for easier print removal.
- You’re on a tighter budget and the slightly lower price point is a key factor.
- You are familiar with the older models of Ender 3 printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Ender 3 V2 and Ender 3 Pro?
The Ender 3 V2 has a silent motherboard, color screen, and filament runout sensor, which the Pro lacks. The Pro has a sturdier frame. The V2 typically offers a better user experience out of the box due to its improved features and quieter operation. The Pro is more affordable. Both printers share the same print volume, but the V2 benefits from improvements for ease of use.
Which printer is easier to assemble?
The Ender 3 V2 is slightly easier to assemble due to its pre-assembled components and simpler setup process. The V2’s design improvements, like the color screen and the user-friendly interface, further simplify the initial setup and adjustments. The Pro, while still relatively straightforward, requires more manual adjustments and assembly steps, making the V2 more beginner-friendly.
Which printer is better for beginners?
The Ender 3 V2 is generally better for beginners. Its ease of use, color screen, silent operation, and pre-assembled parts make it a more accessible and user-friendly option. The V2’s features and design reduce the learning curve and provide a more enjoyable initial experience. The Pro, while capable, requires a bit more technical knowledge and manual adjustments, making it less ideal for first-time users.
Does the Ender 3 V2 have a better print bed?
The Ender 3 V2 comes with a carborundum glass bed, which offers excellent adhesion and print removal. The Ender 3 Pro uses a magnetic build surface. Both beds are good, but the V2’s glass bed can offer a smoother first layer. However, both printers benefit from bed leveling, so the choice of bed material is a preference. The V2’s glass bed is a significant improvement.
Which printer is quieter?
The Ender 3 V2 is significantly quieter than the Ender 3 Pro due to its silent motherboard and quieter stepper motor drivers. The V2’s reduced noise levels make it more suitable for use in environments where noise is a concern. The Pro, with its standard motherboard, produces more noise during operation. The V2’s quiet operation is a major advantage.
Can I upgrade the Ender 3 Pro to match the features of the Ender 3 V2?
Yes, you can upgrade the Ender 3 Pro with many of the features found on the Ender 3 V2, such as a silent motherboard, improved bed, and a color screen. However, these upgrades require additional purchases and installation, increasing the overall cost and effort. The V2 offers these features out of the box, making it a more convenient option.
Which printer offers better value for money?
The Ender 3 V2 offers better value for money, despite its slightly higher price. The V2’s enhanced features, including the silent motherboard, color screen, and filament runout sensor, justify the price difference, offering a more complete and user-friendly experience. Although the Pro is more affordable upfront, the V2’s added features provide a better overall value.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Ender 3 V2 and the Ender 3 Pro comes down to priorities. The Ender 3 V2 offers a more refined user experience with its silent operation, color screen, and enhanced features, making it ideal for beginners and those seeking convenience. The Ender 3 Pro remains a solid choice, especially for budget-conscious buyers who value a sturdy frame and are comfortable with a more hands-on approach. However, the V2’s improvements often result in a better overall experience.
Winner: Ender 3 V2