Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Creality K1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399) and Creality K1 ($419) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $20 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality K1 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $20.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Creality K1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $419 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 K1
+Enclosed CoreXY at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger K1 Max
+Auto leveling and WiFi are standard, not options
+Toolless nozzle removal: unscrew nothing, pull the hotend out by hand
+Handles ABS well enough that most users don't feel they need active heating
−220mm cube feels cramped next to the K1 Max's 300mm
−Firmware shipped with issues that needed patches before it printed well
−Enclosure is passive, not heated: ABS warping is reduced, not eliminated
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 K1 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Creality K1?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 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 5 S1 or Creality K1?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 5 S1 to save $20.
Is the Creality K1 worth $20 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality K1 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $20 gets you enclosed corexy at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger k1 max.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Creality K1?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Creality K1 targets speed.