The Ender-3 V3 is a dramatic evolution over earlier Ender models, but how does it actually compare? Below are clear, side-by-side comparison tables showing the differences between the V3, the Ender-3 V2, the Ender-3 S1, and Creality’s faster CoreXY printers like the K1 series.
Ender-3 V3 vs Ender-3 V2
| Feature | Ender-3 V3 | Ender-3 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Motion System | CoreXZ (new, faster, more stable) | Standard Cartesian |
| Extruder | Direct-Drive | Bowden |
| Max Speed | Up to ~250 mm/s | ~60–80 mm/s |
| Print Plate | PEI Textured | Carborundum Glass |
| Frame Rigidity | Much stronger & more stable | Standard frame |
| Ease of Use | Much more beginner-friendly | Requires tuning |
| Ideal For | Beginners who want modern tech | Budget users willing to tinker |
Verdict: The V3 is a massive leap forward. The V2 feels outdated by comparison unless price is the only concern.
Ender-3 V3 vs Ender-3 S1
| Feature | Ender-3 V3 | Ender-3 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Motion System | CoreXZ (new) | Cartesian |
| Extruder Type | Direct-Drive (improved design) | Sprite Direct-Drive |
| Print Speed | Much faster (~250 mm/s) | ~100 mm/s |
| Z-Axis Stability | Greatly improved | Decent |
| Auto Leveling | Yes (updated system) | Yes (CR-Touch) |
| Surface Quality | Smoother & more consistent | Good but slower |
| Price | Generally lower | Higher than V3 |
| Ideal For | Beginners & fast printing | Reliable standard printing |
Verdict: The S1 was the “premium Ender” of its time, but the V3’s modern motion system and speed make it the better choice for most users.
Ender-3 V3 vs Creality K1 / K1 Max
The K1 series is a different class entirely. These are CoreXY high-speed printers built to compete with Bambu Lab. The Ender-3 V3 is a budget-friendly middle ground — much faster than older Enders, but not as extreme as a full CoreXY machine.
| Feature | Ender-3 V3 | Creality K1 / K1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Motion System | CoreXZ | CoreXY (much faster) |
| Max Speed | ~250 mm/s | Up to 600 mm/s |
| Acceleration | Moderate | 20,000+ mm/s² |
| Extruder | Direct-Drive | High-flow direct drive |
| Bed Size | 220×220×250 mm | K1: 220×220×250 mm K1 Max: 300×300×300 mm |
| Auto Calibration | Yes | Fully automated (input shaping, flow calibration) |
| Enclosure | Open-frame | Fully enclosed (K1 Max) |
| Ideal For | Beginners & hobbyists on a budget | High-speed printing, engineering materials |
| Price | Low | Higher |
Verdict: The V3 is a fantastic budget printer, but the K1 series is the better choice for users who need speed, automation, and enclosed printing.
Looking for pricing on these printers?
Using these links supports 3DPrintingByKevin.com at no extra cost.
Want deeper guides? Explore:
