Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Creality K2 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Creality printers? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399) and Creality K2 Plus ($899) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $500 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Creality K2 Plus takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $500 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Creality K2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $899 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 350 x 350 x 350 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 27 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 K2 Plus
+350mm enclosed cube: nothing else in the consumer space matches this volume at the price
+Multi-color CFS means you're not limited to single-filament on big jobs
+Active carbon filtration handles ABS fumes at this scale
+Independent dual Z keeps the bed level on a platform this large
−27kg means you set it up once and it stays there
−CFS adds setup complexity that single-color users don't need to pay for
−At $899, this is a commitment; make sure you need 350mm before buying
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 K2 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed
- 350mm build volume
- CFS multi-color
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Creality K2 Plus?
By the numbers, the Creality K2 Plus scores higher (7.8/10). 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 K2 Plus?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K2 Plus worth $500 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality K2 Plus scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $500 gets you 350mm enclosed cube: nothing else in the consumer space matches this volume at the price.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Creality K2 Plus?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 350x350x350mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Creality K2 Plus targets large-prints.