Creality makes some fantastic 3D printers at very affordable prices. Since the design is open source, many others have cloned what Creality has done with their Ender 3 series, added a few modifications, and called it a day. Others have taken a more serious approach with attempts to improve the design, but the Ender 3 series remains as popular as ever.
If you have been dreaming of an Ender 3 series 3D printer for your next ESPHome project, now might be the time to take the plunge. The current discount pushes the original Ender 3 below the US$200 mark, and the Ender 3 V2 is up to 50% cheaper than its usual price. These discounts are available on Amazon and from Creality's official AliExpress store.
What reviewers say about the Ender 3 series
Overall, the Ender 3 V2 is a solid upgrade over the previous generation, and it is definitely the model I would go for. All3DP calls it the "best 3D printer under [US]$300". They further praise the print quality and improvements upon the previous model. The 3D Printer Bee agrees and praises its "outstanding price-performance ratio" while calling it "perfect for beginners".
The naming might be slightly confusing, but the Ender 3 Pro is actually like the Ender 3 V1.1. It has some minor improvements, which, according to reviewers, aren't worth the higher price tag. If you are looking for a budget, entry-level 3D printer, then the Ender 3 is the way to go.