Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Centauri Carbon are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $399 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed. The Creality Ender 5 S1 still puts up a fight in Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Elegoo Centauri Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon scores higher (8.2/10). 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Centauri Carbon to save $100.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $100 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon actually scores higher (8.2/10) 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 5 S1 and Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (250 vs 500 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon targets budget.