Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Jupiter SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, FDM) and Elegoo Jupiter SE ($340, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Jupiter SE takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. The Creality Ender 5 S1 still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Elegoo Jupiter SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $340 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 277 x 156 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 70 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 18 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
Elegoo Jupiter SE
+277mm wide platform prints full-size miniature armies or large costume props in one run
+12.8-inch 6K mono screen gives better per-pixel resolution than smaller 8.9-inch screens
+COB light source delivers more even illumination across the full platform vs edge-to-edge LED arrays
+Tilt release reduces print-failure rate on large cross-sections
−18kg machine: this is a semi-permanent desk fixture, not something you move around
−Large FEP sheets cost more to replace and are harder to swap than smaller printer FEPs
−Resin handling requires PPE and ventilation regardless of size; a large vat means more resin exposure risk
−Steep beginner learning curve: hollow supports and drainage holes are mandatory at this scale
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 Jupiter SE if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for professional
- 12.8-inch 6K mono LCD screen
- 277x156x300mm build volume
- COB mono light source (60,000-hour lifespan)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Elegoo Jupiter SE?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Jupiter SE 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 Elegoo Jupiter SE?
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 Ender 5 S1 worth $59 more than the Elegoo Jupiter SE?
The Elegoo Jupiter SE actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $59 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 Jupiter SE?
Technology: the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Jupiter SE is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.