Creality Ender 3 V3 KE vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE ($199) 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 3 V3 KE takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 240 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 8 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
+Klipper with WiFi at $199: normally this combination costs $299+
+Direct drive comes standard, not as a $40 upgrade
+500mm/s is real and achievable with the pre-installed Klipper profiles
+Color touchscreen that actually works, unlike the Ender 3 classics
−Open frame makes ABS printing inconsistent
−220mm bed is smaller than some $199 competitors
−Community is newer than the Ender 3 classic and gaps show when troubleshooting
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 Ender 3 V3 KE if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
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 Ender 3 V3 KE better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 5 S1 may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 KE or Creality Ender 5 S1?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE to save $200.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $200 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $200 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 KE and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Build volume (220x220x240mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is best for budget; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.