Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $399 vs $469. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 5 S1 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max still puts up a fight in Value and Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $469 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 420 x 420 x 480 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 |
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 Max
+420x420x480mm with Klipper for $469: the price-to-volume ratio is hard to beat
+Direct drive on a bed this large is unusual and useful for flexible materials
+Klipper gives you full control to tune speed and acceleration for the mass of this bed
+Prints full armor breastplates in a single run
−Open frame at this scale means ABS warping will ruin prints without serious prep
−The sheer footprint means a dedicated table minimum; don't try to share desk space
−Slower effective speeds on a 420mm heated bed: physics wins eventually
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 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for cosplay
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $70 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $70 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 420x420x480mm) and print speed (250 vs 500 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max targets large-prints.