Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Neptune 4 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $399 vs $199. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 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 Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 9.5 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 Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
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 Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 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 Neptune 4?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Neptune 4 to save $200.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $200 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $200 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 Neptune 4?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 225x225x265mm) and print speed (250 vs 500 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Elegoo Neptune 4 targets budget.