Ender 3 max vs Ender 3 v2, Creality Ender 3D Printers Comparison

In the world of 3D printers, Creality has made a name for itself with all the amazing printers they provide. The printers from their Ender series are well known for excellent performance and good quality. You may get confused about which one to choose among many different variants.

Here, I will be going through a comparison between the Ender 3 max vs. Ender 3 V2. Both these printers are the latest options from the Ender 3 series. Choosing one of them can be a bit tricky at times. That’s why I will go through an in-depth comparison to help you decide on getting one of them.

Let’s check out the two printers and how they stand out in value without further ado.

First, I will go through a quick overview of both the printers individually; then, we will get into the comparisons between them.

Well, the first impression you get right after getting this printer is that it’s a larger version of the existing Ender 3. This printer has several aspects that make it a unique choice over the other versions of Ender 3.

Technical Specifications Table: Ender 3 Max vs Ender 3 V2

Let’s go through the technical specifications table of the printers first, and then we will move on to the details.

	Ender 3 Max	Ender 3 V2
Type	FDM	FDM
Print volume	300 x 300 x 340mm	220 x 220 x 250mm
Connectivity	SD card, USB	Internet, SD card
Filament diameter	1.75mm	1.75mm
Nozzle	0.4mm	0.4mm
Printing speed	180mm/s	180mm/s
Extruder temperature	260 degrees	255 degrees
Hotbed temperature	110 degrees	100 degrees
Dimensions	20.2 x 22.17 x 23.23 inches	18.5 x 18.7 x 24.41 inches
Weight	20.9lbs	17.20lbs

Features of the Ender 3 Max

The Ender 3 max inherits almost all the features of the Ender 3 series printers and some additional unique values as well. In terms of performance features, there is nothing much to be said if you know about the classic Ender 3 features.

It’s inexpensive and compatible

Just like the other Ender 3 printers, this one is also inexpensive. So, you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on the printer at all. It’s an FDM printer similar to all the other printers of the series, and it is compatible with several filament types. These include PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and also Wood.

Related: FDM Vs FFF

Easy to assemble

The printer doesn’t require too much of an assembly, so that’s a plus point as well. This factor also makes it a suitable option for all beginners. The ease of usage is also a classic trait for all the printers from Ender 3 series, and this one doesn’t lack it either.

Top-quality prints

Coming to the print quality aspect, you can expect that to be very precise and sturdy. It provides you with some high-quality prints that you will surely enjoy getting out of the printer.

Larger volume, larger prints

Something that differentiates this printer from all the other printers of the Ender 3 series is the build volume. This printer has a larger print volume for printing larger 3D models. When I say large, it’s truly large, and you can rely on it for any large model you may want to print.

Classic connectivity

Regarding the connectivity options, you get to use a USB port on the printer, or you can go for an SD card. You don’t have to struggle even a little bit for the software connectivity because it’s mostly compatible with the common software. Aside from the Creality Slicer, you can also go for Simplify3D or CURA if you want.

The printer works on any Windows or MAC, or Linux device. The readable formats for the printer are AMF, OBJ, and of course, STL.

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Overview of the Ender 3 V2

While at first glance, this one may look the same as any Ender 3 printer, it’s a bit different in the internal components and features. You can consider it an upgrade over the base Ender 3 version with several features and functionality updates.

Related: CREALITY Official Ender 3 V2 3D Printer Review

Features of the Ender 3 V2

If I had to keep it short, I would say this is an upgraded version of an Ender 3. I mean, you can pretty much tell that since the printer is called Ender 3 V2 or version 2. This means you get all the base features and functionalities of a regular Ender 3, along with some upgraded features.

Quiet and easy

This printer in itself is pretty quiet in operation. Especially if you compare it to the earlier models or version of Ender 3, this is significantly quieter than them.

It’s not just the noise level that’s comforting about the printer; the user interface is also pretty clean. It’s very easy to navigate through and much more intuitive to use. Because of the color display with a 4.3inch dimension, beginners won’t have any trouble going through the printer operations.

Upgraded print bed

The print bed on this printer is made of carborundum glass. This makes sure you are getting better adhesion on every single one of your prints. Also, releasing the prints on this bed is much easier.

Easy operation

There are plenty of adjustment settings that you get to see in the Ender 3 V2. You typically see the same adjustment settings on any other Ender 3 printer, but methods make this one interesting. The adjustment settings on the printer are far easier than you would expect.

Whether it’s about aligning the printer on the X and Y axes or inserting filament on the extruder, you get to do all that much more easily compared to the other Ender 3 printers out there.

Better nozzle

The Ender 3 V2 comes with a brass nozzle instead of a copper one. This means there is much more heat resistance in this nozzle than a regular copper nozzle. Even in the earlier versions of the Ender 3 printers, you would get a copper nozzle. So, this is an upgrade that you can get used to.

Build volume and other facts

The build volume has the standard 220 x 220 x 250mm dimension on the build plate. It’s pretty much the same throughout most of the Ender 3 printers. For the heating bed, you get 100 degrees of maximum temperature.

Considering everything else, it’s quite good and even more than enough to have in a 3D printer. This printer can work on PLA, PETG, and TPU filaments. As for the operating systems, it supports Windows and Mac. You can’t use this printer with Linux, which can be a drawback for all Linux users.

Ender 3 max vs. Ender 3 v2

Related: Creality CR-6 SE vs. Ender 3 v2

Now that you have had a chance to take a look at the printers individually, we can get into the comparison between the printers. Here, I will be going through differences mainly so you can easily decide on which one to choose based on what factor.

Build volume

Well, the clear difference you get to see between the Ender 3 Max and Ender 3 V2 is in the build volume. The Ender 3 Max has a larger build volume than Ender 3 V2. While the Ender 3 Max has a build volume of 300 x 300 x 340mm, which is the highest amongst all the Ender 3 printers. The Ender 3 V2 features a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250mm.

So, if you have to print anything larger than 220 x 220 x 250mm, then, clearly you should be going for the Ender 3 Max. But if you are not concerned with the size, you can stick to the Ender 3 V2 for all the other factors that I am about to discuss.

Temperatures

Whether it’s the extruder temperature or the bed temperature, there is a slight difference in them between the two printers. It’s not that significant, but if you are diving deep into the details, then the slightest of difference can have an impact.

The Ender 3 V2 features a hotbed temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, whereas the Ender 3 Max comes with 110 degrees. As for the extruder temperature, the V2 goes up to 255 degrees, and the Max goes to around 260 degrees temperature.

So, if you are thinking about getting something with slightly higher temperature capabilities, then Ender 3 Max should be the choice for you. Having a higher temperature just means better bed adhesion on the bed.

Ease of usage

If we were to talk about the basic ease of usage, then I would say all the Ender 3 printers are very easy to use. Going in-depth into each printer, you will find out that the Ender 3 V2 offers a far better ease of usage than any other printer from the Ender 3 series.

With the 4.3 colorful display and some easy adjustment features, it’s much easier for beginners to start their 3D printing journey with this printer. As for the Ender 3 Max, while it’s comparatively easy to use in general, it’s not as easy as the Ender 3 V2.

So, if you are a complete beginner and the build volume isn’t that big of a deal for you, you should choose the Ender 3 V2 over the Ender 3 Max any day.

Design and looks

Typically, how the printer looks don’t matter that much when you consider buying a 3D printer; still, it can impact the user if they are into the looks and design of the gear they buy. There is also a difference between the printers regarding how they look.

The Ender 3 V2 seems to have a much more modernized design than other Ender 3 printers. It has a casing around the circuitry made of sheet metal. Because of this, it can have much more of a professional look. At the same time, this makes using the printer safer without having any tendencies of loose or broken wires here and there.

Coming to the Ender 3 Max, it’s nothing special and has that pretty standard appearance of an Ender 3 printer. However, the thing that differentiates this printer is the larger size. Since it has a larger build plate, of course, you will also have a larger printer. So, this is quite large.

Now, the clear choice for a better-looking printer here has to be the Ender 3 V2. Also, if you are concerned about safety or are buying a printer for your kids, then the Ender 3 V2 will be a better choice.

Compatibility

I mean, both the printers are compatible with most of the standard items, whether it’s the OS, the filament, the file types, or the software. But there is a slight difference in the extra compatibilities that you get to see in the Ender 3 Max version.

The Ender 3 Max printer comes with compatibility for Linux OS, which you don’t get in the Ender 3 V2. It also has compatibility for working with ABS and Wood. Whereas Ender 3 V2 doesn’t go with wood or ABS.

Verdict

In short, choosing a printer between the Ender 3 Max vs. Ender 3 V2 is all about the build volume, design, and ease of usage. Which factor matters to you the most will dictate which printer you get for yourself.

All you have to do is figure out whether you need to get a larger build volume or you just want easy operation with some good-looking design.