- Support: Ender 3 offers great community support as well as guides and tutorials
- Price difference: the CR-10 is more expensive
- Build Volume: the CR-10 has a larger build volume.
- Size: Ender 3 is smaller (check out our list of small 3D printers)
- Upgrades: The CR-10 seems easier to upgrade, at the least when it comes down to fan upgrades and stepper dampers.
- The CR-10 has a separate control panel for the PSU/board, which I find quite useful. CR-10 boards are easier to update the firmware and add auto bed leveling.
- Print quality: print quality appears to be identical
- Reliability: Overall, buyers generally find that the CR-10 is more reliable (Source)
As 3D printers become more popular, it can be difficult to choose between all of the different brands and models available.
Some are better for businesses, some are better for beginners, but what about Creality’s CR 10 and Ender 3?
These two printers offer many similar features in a slightly different package. Which one is right for you?
Not sure where to start with 3D printing?
Creality CR 10: An Overview
Manufactured by the Chinese company Creality3D, this open-framed printer stands tall on our list of best DIY kits. With an enormous build volume of 300 x 300 x 400mm, CR 10 can print anything from small trinkets to full-scale models.
It is based on the Prusa i3 design with a few of its innovative features.
Video Overview
The Creality CR 10 comes in a standard cardboard box that contains the entire kit, including the main machine itself and all of its components. Included parts include two spools of ABS filament, which allow you to test out the printing immediately after unboxing.
This printer offers a power supply of 220-240V, which is common in most countries across the world apart from North America and some Asian Countries. There are some assembly instructions included, but they are minimal.
Some parts of CR 10 are made up of high-quality CNC machined metal instead of cheap injection molded plastics found commonly on DIY kits. Due to this, it is more stable when printing at high speeds.
This printer comes with an auto-leveling sensor which makes the calibration process easy and ensures that your prints stick well to the bed surface. Without this feature, CR 10 would be no better than its competitors in terms of print quality.
Features
The CR 10 has an impressive print volume of 300mm x 300mm x 400mm for its size, comparable to more expensive printers like the Ultimaker 2+. It also features a heated bed with a print surface at 100 mm/s with accurate temperature control between 0-110℃.
It only weighs 13kg (29lbs), making it relatively portable compared to other 3D printers of similar capabilities. A smart LCD screen allows for easy management of the print process and a high-quality dual extruder set-up enables users to print with multiple colors or materials without having to switch cartridges.
A 1KG spool of PLA filament is included, perfect for shorter prints that require no support material.
This printer comes with an aluminum heated bed which makes printing almost any material possible, unlike glass beds found on most printers out there. Furthermore, you can use PLA without an enclosure for this printer, unlike its competitors which require enclosure if you want to print in PLA.
Pros
- This printer has everything you need from a 3D printer in one package.
- Decent build volume.
- Large touchscreen display.
- Heated bed.
- Aluminum frame.
- There are built-in fans on all axis which help keep your prints cool and prevent warping during long prints.
Cons
- The instruction manual does not include any information about how you can upload custom firmware onto this machine since it was specifically designed to run the supplied software only, Creality 3D.
Ender 3: An Overview
The Ender 3 comes in a white plastic box that contains the entire kit, including all of its components along with detailed assembly instructions. This printer also features a power supply of 220-240V and can be used to print ABS or PLA filament.
Video Overview
There are some small parts included, so it is advisable to have an additional set of hands nearby for assembly. There are various options available for alternative printing surfaces if you choose to use one, but none are included in the package.
Features
The Ender 3 offers an impressive build volume of 285mm x 250mm x 250mm for its size, comparable to more expensive printers like the Ultimaker 2+. This printer also features a heated bed with a print surface controlled accurately between 60-100℃. It has an aluminum alloy frame, making it sturdy and easy to transport.
It weighs roughly 13kg (29lbs), about the same as its competitor, but this printer is best used plugged into an outlet at all times due to high power consumption.
You don’t need a heated bed on a DIY kit if you are using PLA because it sticks easily without any help from the print bed. However, Ender 3 comes with a heated build plate that ensures that your prints stick to the surface no matter what material you are using.
This printer uses open-source hardware and software which means you can tinker with many settings for better performance. Moreover, there are mods available online where you can upgrade this printer to make it even better than its current state.
Pros
- This 3D printer includes everything you need to get started without any additional purchases required.
- Metal construction.
- Dual extruder.
- Touch screen interface.
Cons
- Unlike the CR 10, this 3D printer does not come with built-in fans or filament detection.
Final Verdict
The Ender 3 is very similar to the CR 10 in terms of capabilities. If you are a beginner looking to get into the 3D printing market, both of these printers offer plenty of room for growth and investment.
In either case, both printers require some initial setup to connect the included computer program before using the printer.
The CR 10 is best suited towards those who prefer the ease of use with its built-in software and touchscreen interface while the Ender 3 is suited towards tinkerers who want more control over their machine through custom firmware.
Both machines allow for high-quality prints with impressive results, making them viable options for your first 3D printer purchase! If you’re still new to buying a 3D printer, check out our article on how to choose.
For another perspective, check out our comparison of the Ender 3 Pro vs Ender 3 V2.
Conclusion
Both of these 3D printers are slightly different versions of the same thing with some similar and other disparate features and characteristics.
The CR 10 is best suited towards those who prefer the ease of use with its built-in software and touchscreen interface while the Ender 3 is suited towards tinkerers who want more control over their machine through custom firmware.
Both machines allow for high-quality prints with impressive results, making them viable options for your first 3D printer purchase.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
