🖨️ Creality Ender 3 V3 SE Review: The Budget 3D Printer That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
If you've been thinking about jumping into the world of 3D printing but don’t want to blow $500+ on your first machine, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE might be exactly what you need. As one of the most popular 3D printer options on AliExpress right now, it strikes a balance between affordability, reliability, and performance that’s hard to beat.
I’ve been using the Ender 3 V3 SE for about three weeks now, and what surprised me most is how far budget 3D printers have come. Whether you're printing miniatures, mechanical parts, or just learning the ropes, this machine can handle it.
👉 Check the Ender 3 V3 SE 3D printer on AliExpress
📦 What’s Included in the Box?
Right out of the box, the Ender 3 V3 SE is neatly packaged and comes semi-assembled, which makes setup much faster compared to earlier Ender models. Here’s what you get:
- Creality Ender 3 V3 SE main frame
- Full-color LCD screen with rotary knob
- Spring steel PEI magnetic print bed
- Tools and screws for assembly
- Sample PLA filament
- SD card with slicing software and test files
Setup took me just under 30 minutes — and I’m by no means a hardware expert.
⚙️ Print Quality & Performance
Let’s get to the important part: how does it print? For a 3D printer under $250, it performs shockingly well. The prints come out clean, with minimal stringing and layer lines. I tested it with PLA, PETG, and TPU — all came out reliably with the default profiles in Cura.
The printer features dual Z-axis screws and linear rails, which give it impressive stability. The automatic bed leveling system also works flawlessly. Once it’s dialed in, it just prints — and that’s what you want.
🧠 Ideal For Beginners and Makers Alike
This model is ideal for:
- 🔰 Beginners looking for an easy entry into 3D printing
- 🧩 Hobbyists printing models, toys, and parts
- 🛠️ Makers needing functional parts on a budget
It’s open-source friendly, so you can upgrade firmware, modify parts, or add accessories like filament sensors and enclosure mods.
🔍 Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Nozzle Size | Standard 0.4mm (replaceable) |
| Filament Types | PLA, TPU, PETG |
| Auto Bed Leveling | Yes (CR Touch) |
| Connectivity | SD card, USB-C |
💬 Real-World Usage: My First 20 Prints
I printed calibration cubes, phone stands, and a set of tabletop minis. Most prints finished successfully on the first try, and even when there were minor issues, the printer recovered gracefully. The PEI bed held parts firmly and released them easily once cooled.
One print failed due to poor filament quality — not the printer’s fault. With good PLA, this thing is rock solid.
✅ Pros
- Affordable price for what you get
- Quick assembly and beginner-friendly
- High-quality prints right out of the box
- Automatic bed leveling works well
- Upgradeable and open-source friendly
❌ Cons
- No Wi-Fi or app control
- Display interface is basic (but functional)
- No enclosure — noisy in quiet rooms
🆚 Compared to Other Budget Printers
Compared to similar models like the Anycubic Kobra Go or Sovol SV06, the Ender 3 V3 SE offers better value due to its robust frame and solid firmware out of the box.
📸 Recommended Setup (for future images)
Image idea: Ender 3 V3 SE printing a calibration cube (alt="Creality Ender 3 V3 SE in action")
🛒 Where to Buy
👉 Check the Ender 3 V3 SE 3D printer on AliExpress
💬 Final Verdict
For under $250, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE delivers the kind of print quality and ease of use you’d expect from a much more expensive 3D printer. It’s reliable, upgradeable, and perfect for both beginners and intermediate makers. If you're ready to start 3D printing without breaking the bank, this is where you begin.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
