Creality Ender 3 V3 vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 3 V3 ($289) and Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $110 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 8.6 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3
+CoreXZ architecture at $289 is genuinely absurd value
+Klipper comes pre-installed, no flashing required
+600mm/s keeps up with machines twice the price
+Upgrade path is wide open: Klipper means the community has covered everything
−No WiFi means you're walking to the printer with a USB stick
−No enclosure: ABS will warp, ABS will warp, ABS will warp
−Creality's own software is clunky; Bambu Studio is just better
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 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- CoreXZ
- 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 better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 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 or Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $110 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $110 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Build volume (220x220x250mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (600 vs 250 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 is best for beginners; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.