Ender 3 Pro & Ender 3 V2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Ender 3 V2 rather than the Ender 3 Pro.
Why Do I Recommend The Ender 3 V2?
- The Ender 3 V2 has CR-Touch automatic bed leveling for more precise and hassle-free leveling, reducing print failures and saving setup time compared to the Ender 3 Pro’s manual bed leveling.
- Ender 3 V2 features a full-metal Bowden extruder for better durability, improved filament feeding, and reduced wear compared to the Ender 3 Pro’s plastic extruder.
- It includes a carborundum glass bed for better adhesion, smoother first layers, and easier removal of prints, compared to the Ender 3 Pro’s magnetic flexible bed.
- The Ender 3 V2 has a 4.3” color LCD screen for a more intuitive and modern user experience, compared to the Ender 3 Pro’s basic LCD with a rotary knob.
- Ender 3 V2 features an upgraded silent 32-bit motherboard for quieter operation and better performance compared to the Ender 3 Pro’s standard motherboard.
- The Ender 3 V2 Neo includes built-in belt tensioners for easier maintenance and improved print quality, while the Ender 3 Pro requires manual adjustments to keep belts tight.
- The Ender 3 V2 Neo has an improved fan duct design for better cooling, reducing print defects and improving overall print quality, compared to the Ender 3 Pro’s standard single-fan cooling system.
- The Ender 3 V2 is pre-assembled for quicker setup and easier use, while the Ender 3 Pro requires more manual assembly and calibration.
Maybe the Ender 3 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Ender 3 V2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Ender 3 V2 Neo | Ender 3 Pro |
Assembly | Pre-assembled for quicker setup | Requires more manual assembly |
Bed Leveling | CR-Touch automatic bed leveling | Manual bed leveling |
Build Plate | Carborundum glass bed | Magnetic flexible bed |
Extruder Type | Full-metal Bowden extruder | Plastic Bowden extruder |
User Interface | 4.3″ color LCD screen with rotary knob | Basic LCD with rotary knob |
Firmware | Optimized firmware with additional features | Older firmware, requires manual upgrades |
Belt Tensioners | Built-in belt tensioners | Absent |
Printing Stability | Wider and more stable Y-axis base | Standard Y-axis base |
Frame | Upgraded frame with better stability | Standard aluminum frame |
Cooling System | Improved fan duct design | Single-fan cooling |
Noise Level | Quieter operation due to better motherboard and fan design | Louder operation |
Motherboard | Silent 32-bit motherboard | Standard Creality motherboard |
Power Supply | Upgraded power supply with better efficiency | Meanwell power supply |
Printing Speed | Slightly improved due to firmware optimizations | Standard print speeds |
Price | Check Ender 3 V2 Price | Check Ender 3 Pro Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
Printing Technology: Both use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), meaning they build objects layer by layer using a heated nozzle that melts the filament.
Build Volume: The 220 x 220 x 250 mm print area is identical in both, providing the same capability for small to medium-sized prints.
Layer Resolution: Both support 0.1 – 0.4 mm layer thickness, meaning they can print in similar levels of detail.
Filament Compatibility: Both printers support PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, making them versatile for a variety of materials.
Nozzle and Temperature: Both have a 0.4 mm standard brass nozzle, capable of reaching 255°C, allowing for printing with a wide range of filaments.
Heated Bed: Both beds can reach 110°C, making them suitable for printing ABS and PETG, which require higher bed temperatures.
Frame Material: Both have a rigid aluminum extrusion frame, ensuring stability and durability during printing.
Print Speed: The maximum recommended print speed for both is up to 180 mm/s, though they are typically used at 60 mm/s for better print quality.
Z-Axis Movement: Both use a single lead screw for the Z-axis, which provides adequate movement for the print head but might require occasional adjustments for accuracy.
Extruder Type: Both utilize a Bowden extruder system, meaning the extruder motor is separate from the print head, reducing weight on the moving parts.
Printing Accuracy: Both offer an accuracy of ±0.1 mm, meaning they can produce high-quality prints with minimal deviation.
Software Compatibility: Both work with Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D, which are widely used slicing software options.
Operating System Support: Both support Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring broad usability across different platforms.
Power Recovery Feature: Both printers have power loss recovery, meaning they can resume printing from where they stopped in case of a power failure.
Common Features
Feature | Ender 3 V2 Neo | Ender 3 Pro |
Printing Technology | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) |
Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
Layer Resolution | 0.1 – 0.4 mm | 0.1 – 0.4 mm |
Filament Compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU |
Nozzle Diameter | 0.4 mm (standard) | 0.4 mm (standard) |
Max Nozzle Temperature | 255°C | 255°C |
Max Heated Bed Temperature | 110°C | 110°C |
Frame Material | Aluminum extrusion | Aluminum extrusion |
Print Speed | Up to 180 mm/s (recommended 60 mm/s) | Up to 180 mm/s (recommended 60 mm/s) |
Z-Axis Movement | Single lead screw | Single lead screw |
Extrusion System | Bowden extruder | Bowden extruder |
Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm | 1.75 mm |
Printing Accuracy | ±0.1 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Connectivity | MicroSD card, USB | MicroSD card, USB |
Software Compatibility | Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D | Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D |
Operating System Support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Power Recovery Feature | Yes | Yes |
Open-Source Firmware | Yes | Yes |
Filament Runout Sensor | No | No |
Dual Gear Drive for Extruder | No | No |
Auto Resume Printing | Yes | Yes |
Support for Third-Party Upgrades | Yes | Yes |
Endstop Type | Mechanical limit switch | Mechanical limit switch |
Price | Check Ender 3 V2 Price | Check Ender 3 Pro Price |
FAQ
Does the Ender 3 Pro or Ender 3 V2 Neo come pre-assembled? Which printer has better bed leveling? What type of build plate do they use? Do both printers use the same extruder type? Is there a difference in the display interface? Which printer offers better print stability? Do both printers have silent motherboards? Are the print speeds the same for both models? Can both printers resume printing after a power outage? Do either of these printers have a filament runout sensor? Are both printers compatible with third-party slicer software? What kind of filaments can they print with? Do they support modifications and upgrades? Which printer is better for beginners? |