Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Prusa MK4S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Prusa MK4S are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $399 vs $929. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Prusa MK4S takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $530 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $929 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 7 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
Prusa MK4S
+Prusa's QC is genuinely better than anyone else's: every printer is test-printed before shipping
+PrusaSlicer is open source and powerful, no subscription, no cloud required
+Customer support answers in hours, not weeks
+Spare parts available for 5+ year old models; no planned obsolescence
−200mm/s max is a third of what CoreXY machines do at half the price
−$929 for an open-frame bed-slinger is a hard sell in 2025
−Bambu's A1 Combo does more for $530 less
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 MK4S if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for open-source
- Open source
- PrusaSlicer
- Nextruder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Prusa MK4S?
By the numbers, the Prusa MK4S 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 Prusa MK4S?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 5 S1 to save $530.
Is the Prusa MK4S worth $530 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Prusa MK4S scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $530 gets you prusa's qc is genuinely better than anyone else's: every printer is test-printed before shipping.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Prusa MK4S?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 250x210x220mm) and print speed (250 vs 200 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Prusa MK4S targets reliability.