Creality Ender 5 S1 vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, FDM) and QIDI iBox Mono2 ($229, 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 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the QIDI iBox Mono2 saves you $170.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $229 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.4/10 |
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
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Enclosed design contains resin fumes better than open printers without relying solely on a purifier
+WiFi standard, unlike some competitors at this price
+QIDI build quality is solid and consistent
+Minimal footprint fits where other resin printers won't
−4K resolution is significantly behind competitors offering 9K at the same price
−120x68mm build volume is one of the smallest in the category
−$229 for 4K when Elegoo Mars 4 gives you 7K for $149 is a tough math problem
−QIDI's resin community is small: problems stay unsolved longer
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 QIDI iBox Mono2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for compact
- 4K mono LCD
- Enclosed design
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI iBox Mono2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or QIDI iBox Mono2?
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 $170 more than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher overall (7.4/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $170 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 QIDI iBox Mono2?
Technology: the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (filament) and the QIDI iBox Mono2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.