Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus ($299) and Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 330 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.7 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
+$299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously
+CoreXZ keeps the gantry lightweight for reliable high-speed moves
+Direct-drive Sprite extruder handles flexible filaments without a bowden gap
+Klipper-based firmware means real input shaping, not marketing figures
+PEI sheet gives excellent adhesion and clean part release
−Open-frame means ABS and ASA warping without an aftermarket enclosure
−CoreXZ means Y-axis moves the bed — large heavy prints can shift if acceleration is too high
−600mm/s is achievable but real-world quality prints run at 200-300mm/s
−Support quality from Creality varies; community forums are more reliable
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 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginner
- CoreXZ motion system (vs CoreXY on the K1C)
- 300×300×330mm large build volume
- 600mm/s max print speed with input shaping
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 Plus better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Plus or Creality Ender 5 S1?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus to save $100.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $100 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus actually scores higher (8.6/10) despite costing $100 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Build volume (300x300x330mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (600 vs 250 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is best for large-format; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.