Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Creality Hi Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399) and Creality Hi Combo ($399) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality Hi Combo takes the crown with 7.6/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed. The Creality Ender 5 S1 still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Creality Hi Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 260 x 260 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 13.31 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Creality Hi Combo
+16 colors with 4 CFS modules if you go all-in
+All-metal CoreXY body that feels solid for $399
+300mm Z-axis beats most competitors at this price
+Multi-color CoreXY at $399 is genuinely rare
−CFS feed reliability is inconsistent on color changes
−No adaptive purge, fixed volumes waste filament
−PTFE tube alignment is fiddly and matters a lot
−3.8/5 customer rating hints at QC variance
Who Should Buy Which?
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
Choose the Creality Hi Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY motion system
- Up to 16-color printing (4x CFS)
- Die-cast aluminum unibody
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Creality Hi Combo?
By the numbers, the Creality Hi Combo scores higher (7.6/10). 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 5 S1 or Creality Hi Combo?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Creality Hi Combo?
Same price ($399), so it comes down to features. The Creality Hi Combo edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Creality Hi Combo?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 260x260x300mm) and print speed (250 vs 500 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Creality Hi Combo targets multi-color.