The Ender 3, a fan favourite 3D printer that's got everyone from hobbyists to professionals hooked, comes at a friendly price point that won't break the bank. This gem is churned out by Creality, a Chinese company that's made a name for itself in the 3D printer market, particularly with their Ender series.
The Ender 3: Often imitated, never duplicated
Creality's knack for crafting high-quality 3D printers without leaving your wallet in shambles is commendable. And since they're all about open-source design, many companies have taken a stab at cloning the Ender 3 series, throwing in a tweak or two before releasing their own renditions. Some have even rolled up their sleeves and tried to take the design up a notch. Despite the abundance of alternatives, the Ender 3 series remains a crowd-pleaser.
If the Ender 3 series has been on your radar for your upcoming ESPHome project, there's no better time than now to snag one. Thanks to ongoing sales, the original Ender 3 is now dipping below the US$200 line, and the Ender 3 V2 can be yours for half its usual price. These bargains are up for grabs on Amazon and Creality's official AliExpress store.
What the critics are saying about the Ender 3 series
The verdict is in: the Ender 3 V2 is a worthy successor to its predecessor, and it's the model I'd recommend. All3DP hails it as the “best 3D printer under [US]$300”, lauding its print quality and the improvements from the previous model. The 3D Printer Bee concurs, giving props to its “excellent value for money” and labelling it as “ideal for beginners”.
Though the naming scheme can be a tad perplexing, the Ender 3 Pro is essentially the Ender 3 V1.1 with a few minor enhancements. However, reviewers claim that these tweaks don't quite justify the heftier price tag. If you're on the hunt for an affordable, entry-level 3D printer, the Ender 3 is your best bet.
