Creality CR-M4 vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality CR-M4 ($599) and Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $200 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 5 S1 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. The Creality CR-M4 still puts up a fight in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality CR-M4 | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 450 x 450 x 470 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 38 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 6/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality CR-M4
+450mm build volume: print a torso, a chest plate, a full helmet in one run
+Dual Z axis keeps a bed this large from sagging mid-print
+Relatively affordable for the volume: comparable machines cost $1,500+
+Direct drive handles flexible and abrasive materials on a large scale
−200mm/s is the slowest print speed on the list by a wide margin: large prints take days
−38kg: this printer lives where you put it, forever
−Open frame on a 450mm machine means ABS warping is brutal without a DIY enclosure
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 Creality CR-M4 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for professional
- 450x450x470mm build volume
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z motors
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 Creality CR-M4 better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality CR-M4 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Creality CR-M4 or Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 4/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality CR-M4 worth $200 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $200 less. The Creality CR-M4 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Creality CR-M4 and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Build volume (450x450x470mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (200 vs 250 mm/s). The Creality CR-M4 is best for large-prints; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.