Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, 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 Creality Ender 5 S1 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $250 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $149 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
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 Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Elegoo Mars 4?
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 $250 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher overall (7.4/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $250 gets you cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Mars 4?
Technology: the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.