Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Prusa Mini+
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Prusa Mini+ are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $399 vs $459. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Prusa Mini+ takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $60 and wins on Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Prusa Mini+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 180 x 180 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 4 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
Prusa Mini+
+Prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally
+PrusaSlicer profiles are the gold standard; third-party slicers treat Prusa as the reference
+Open-source means every component is documented, replaceable, and community-supported
+SuperPINDA gives consistently excellent first layers without manual tramming
+4kg makes it genuinely portable — fits in a carry-on with room
−180×180×180mm is small — limits to desk accessories, figurines, and small functional parts
−180mm/s is slow compared to Bambu or Creality CoreXY machines
−Semi-enclosed means ABS warping is still a risk without an aftermarket enclosure
−Prusa charges a premium; the hardware isn't exceptional by 2025 standards
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 Prusa Mini+ if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for desktop
- MINI/E input shaper toolhead (NextruderMINI compatible)
- SuperPINDA probe for first-layer precision
- Prusa Connect remote monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Prusa Mini+?
By the numbers, the Prusa Mini+ 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 Prusa Mini+?
The Prusa Mini+ is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Mini+ worth $60 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Prusa Mini+ scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $60 gets you prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Prusa Mini+?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 180x180x180mm) and print speed (250 vs 180 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Prusa Mini+ targets reliability.