Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Creality Ender 5 S1 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $349 vs $399. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 7.4/10 overall. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus wins in Value, Speed, while the Creality Ender 5 S1 takes Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Creality Ender 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
They tie at 7.4/10. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus suits large-prints and budget, while the Creality Ender 5 S1 is aimed at beginners and reliability.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $50 more than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $50 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Build volume (300x300x400mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is best for large-prints; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.