Ender 3 Pro Vs Ender 3 V2– Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureEnder 3 V2 NeoEnder 3 Pro
AssemblyPre-assembled for quicker setupRequires more manual assembly
Bed LevelingCR-Touch automatic bed levelingManual bed leveling
Build PlateCarborundum glass bedMagnetic flexible bed
Extruder TypeFull-metal Bowden extruderPlastic Bowden extruder
User Interface4.3″ color LCD screen with rotary knobBasic LCD with rotary knob
FirmwareOptimized firmware with additional featuresOlder firmware, requires manual upgrades
Belt TensionersBuilt-in belt tensionersAbsent
Printing StabilityWider and more stable Y-axis baseStandard Y-axis base
FrameUpgraded frame with better stabilityStandard aluminum frame
Cooling SystemImproved fan duct designSingle-fan cooling
Noise LevelQuieter operation due to better motherboard and fan designLouder operation
MotherboardSilent 32-bit motherboardStandard Creality motherboard
Power SupplyUpgraded power supply with better efficiencyMeanwell power supply
Printing SpeedSlightly improved due to firmware optimizationsStandard print speeds
PriceCheck Ender 3 V2 PriceCheck 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

FeatureEnder 3 V2 NeoEnder 3 Pro
Printing TechnologyFDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Build Volume220 x 220 x 250 mm220 x 220 x 250 mm
Layer Resolution0.1 – 0.4 mm0.1 – 0.4 mm
Filament CompatibilityPLA, ABS, PETG, TPUPLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Nozzle Diameter0.4 mm (standard)0.4 mm (standard)
Max Nozzle Temperature255°C255°C
Max Heated Bed Temperature110°C110°C
Frame MaterialAluminum extrusionAluminum extrusion
Print SpeedUp to 180 mm/s (recommended 60 mm/s)Up to 180 mm/s (recommended 60 mm/s)
Z-Axis MovementSingle lead screwSingle lead screw
Extrusion SystemBowden extruderBowden extruder
Filament Diameter1.75 mm1.75 mm
Printing Accuracy±0.1 mm±0.1 mm
ConnectivityMicroSD card, USBMicroSD card, USB
Software CompatibilityCura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3DCura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D
Operating System SupportWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Power Recovery FeatureYesYes
Open-Source FirmwareYesYes
Filament Runout SensorNoNo
Dual Gear Drive for ExtruderNoNo
Auto Resume PrintingYesYes
Support for Third-Party UpgradesYesYes
Endstop TypeMechanical limit switchMechanical 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?
The Ender 3 Pro requires more manual assembly, meaning users will need to put together multiple parts before it’s ready to print. The Ender 3 V2 Neo, on the other hand, comes pre-assembled, making the setup process much easier and faster.

Which printer has better bed leveling?
The Ender 3 V2 Neo has CR-Touch automatic bed leveling, which significantly reduces the effort needed to get an even print surface. The Ender 3 Pro requires manual bed leveling, which can be time-consuming for beginners.

What type of build plate do they use?
The Ender 3 Pro uses a magnetic flexible build plate, which makes removing prints easy but may lose adhesion over time. The Ender 3 V2 Neo features a carborundum glass bed, which provides better adhesion and a smoother bottom layer but requires more effort to remove prints.

Do both printers use the same extruder type?
No, the Ender 3 Pro has a plastic Bowden extruder, which is less durable and prone to wear over time. The Ender 3 V2 Neo features a full-metal Bowden extruder, which is stronger and provides better filament feeding.

Is there a difference in the display interface?
Yes, the Ender 3 Pro comes with a basic LCD screen and a rotary knob for navigation. The Ender 3 V2 Neo has a 4.3” color LCD screen, which improves the user experience and makes menu navigation easier.

Which printer offers better print stability?
The Ender 3 V2 Neo has an upgraded Y-axis base, a sturdier frame, and built-in belt tensioners, which improve overall stability and print quality. The Ender 3 Pro has a standard Y-axis base and lacks belt tensioners, requiring manual adjustments over time.

Do both printers have silent motherboards?
No, the Ender 3 V2 Neo comes with a silent 32-bit motherboard, reducing operational noise significantly. The Ender 3 Pro has a standard motherboard, making it louder during printing.

Are the print speeds the same for both models?
Yes, both printers support print speeds of up to 180mm/s, but the recommended speed for optimal quality is around 60mm/s. The Ender 3 V2 Neo may achieve slightly better results due to firmware optimizations.

Can both printers resume printing after a power outage?
Yes, both the Ender 3 Pro and Ender 3 V2 Neo have a power recovery feature, allowing them to resume printing from where they left off if there is an unexpected power loss.

Do either of these printers have a filament runout sensor?
No, neither the Ender 3 Pro nor the Ender 3 V2 Neo comes with a filament runout sensor. If the filament runs out during printing, the print will fail unless a sensor is manually added.

Are both printers compatible with third-party slicer software?
Yes, both printers are compatible with popular slicing software like Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D, allowing users to choose their preferred slicing program.

What kind of filaments can they print with?
Both printers can print with 1.75mm PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU filaments, offering a good range of material compatibility for different printing needs.

Do they support modifications and upgrades?
Yes, both printers are open-source and highly customizable, meaning users can upgrade parts like the extruder, mainboard, fans, and bed leveling system to improve performance.

Which printer is better for beginners?
The Ender 3 V2 Neo is better for beginners because it comes pre-assembled, features automatic bed leveling, has a more user-friendly interface, and requires less manual calibration. The Ender 3 Pro, while still a good option, requires more setup and adjustments, making it slightly less beginner-friendly.

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