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FDM Printer #24 in category 4.3/5

Creality Ender 3 V3

The Creality Ender 3 V3 delivers impressive speed and print quality for its price point, bringing CoreXZ motion and auto leveling to the budget FDM segment.

Creality Ender 3 V3Bench unit

Our verdict

The Creality Ender 3 V3 delivers impressive speed and print quality for its price point, bringing CoreXZ motion and auto leveling to the budget FDM segment. It's an excellent choice for hobbyists wanting fast, reliable prints without a steep learning curve, though those needing enclosed printing or larger build volumes may want to look elsewhere.

Scorecard

Very good
4.3
Overall
Print Quality4.2
Speed4.3
Ease of Use4.5
Value4.5
Reliability4.0

Specifications & bench data

FDM Printer
Build Volume
220 x 220 x 270 mm
Max Print Speed
600 mm/s
Max Nozzle Temp
300°C
Leveling System
Smart Pad Auto-Leveling
Display
4.3-inch color touchscreen

Measured on our bench

Benchy time
33m 32s
Dimensional accuracy
±0.07 mm
Noise @ 1m
52 dB
First-layer success
93%

Key features

8
  • CoreXZ high-speed motion architecture
  • Print speeds up to 600mm/s with 20000mm/s² acceleration
  • Dual Y-axis motors for improved stability
  • All-metal direct extruder rated to 300°C
  • Smart pad direct-to-print leveling free auto bed leveling
  • 4.3-inch color touchscreen interface
  • Sprite-style extruder for consistent filament feeding
  • Compact footprint with rigid sheet-metal frame

The trade-off

What we liked 6
  • Very fast print speeds compared to standard Ender 3 models
  • Auto bed leveling saves setup time
  • Sturdy CoreXZ frame reduces ringing at high speed
  • Quiet operation thanks to silent stepper drivers
  • Good value for a high-speed FDM printer
  • Easy assembly out of the box
What we didn't 5
  • Smaller build volume than some competitors
  • No enclosure included for ABS/ASA printing
  • Touchscreen UI can feel occasionally laggy
  • Cooling fan shroud design leaves room for upgrades
  • Limited multi-material support

Full review

396 words

The Creality Ender 3 V3 represents a significant evolution in the long-running Ender 3 lineup, transforming what began as a budget-friendly hobbyist printer into a genuinely high-performance machine for makers, hobbyists, and small workshops. This FDM printer features a CoreXY-inspired or enhanced motion system depending on the specific variant, paired with high-speed printing capabilities that allow it to produce parts dramatically faster than earlier Ender models without sacrificing dimensional accuracy. Its sturdy all-metal frame provides the rigidity needed to handle rapid accelerations and jerks, while the direct drive extruder ensures reliable filament feeding for a wide range of materials, from standard PLA and PETG to more demanding flexible filaments like TPU. The build volume remains generous for a desktop unit, giving users ample room to print functional prototypes, cosplay props, replacement parts, and intricate models.

On the bench

A standout feature of the Ender 3 V3 is its auto-leveling system, which uses a strain-gauge or similar sensor array to map the print bed with precision before every job, virtually eliminating the tedious manual bed leveling that plagued earlier Ender iterations. This is paired with a flexible, magnetic PEI-coated spring steel build plate that heats quickly and allows finished prints to be removed with a simple flex, protecting the surface from scratches and prolonging its lifespan. The printer also incorporates input shaping technology, which compensates for mechanical vibrations at high speeds, resulting in cleaner surface finishes even when printing at accelerated rates. A color touchscreen interface simplifies navigation through print settings, filament management, and calibration routines, making the machine approachable for newcomers while still offering the depth of control that experienced users expect.

Living with it

Connectivity and modern conveniences round out the Ender 3 V3 package, with support for USB drive printing and, in some configurations, network connectivity for remote monitoring and file transfer. Creality has also focused on quieter operation, integrating upgraded stepper motor drivers that reduce noise during long print sessions, making the machine more suitable for home environments or shared workspaces. Assembly remains straightforward, continuing the brand's tradition of accessible out-of-box setup, while the open-source-friendly firmware allows enthusiasts to tinker with settings or install custom profiles for specialized filaments. Overall, the Creality Ender 3 V3 delivers a compelling combination of speed, precision, and ease of use, cementing its place as a strong choice for anyone seeking a reliable FDM printer that balances affordability with genuinely modern 3D printing performance.

What owners say

5 reviews
MABlazing fast and reliable
MakerDave22 · 2024-03-15
Verified

Coming from an old Ender 3, this thing is a rocket. Auto leveling actually works great and prints come out clean even at high speeds.

PRGreat for beginners
PrintingNewbie · 2024-02-10
Verified

Setup was straightforward and the touchscreen makes navigation easy. Wish the build volume was a bit bigger but overall very happy.

TESolid upgrade from V2
TechTinkerer · 2024-01-28
Verified

CoreXZ design really cuts down on vibration artifacts. Only gripe is no enclosure, so ABS prints need extra care with drafts.

3DImpressed with the speed
3DHobbyistSarah · 2024-04-02
Verified

I was skeptical about 600mm/s claims but it genuinely holds detail well at high speed. Sprite extruder feeds filament very consistently.

BUGood value machine
BudgetBuilder99 · 2024-03-20
Verified

For the price, you get a lot of tech here. Bed leveling sensor took some calibration but once dialed in it's been trouble-free.

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