Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Qidi Q1 Pro are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $399 vs $449. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Qidi Q1 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $50 and wins on Beginner Friendliness, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $449 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 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
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, and PC without warping
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament you'll throw at it
+WiFi 6, 1080p monitoring, timelapse built in
+Printing within 10 minutes of unboxing
−Exposed heater is a genuine safety concern, not just a nitpick
−Casing feels cheaper than the spec sheet suggests
−Klipper fork firmware needs work
−Thin material profiles 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 Qidi Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher (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 Qidi Q1 Pro?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q1 Pro worth $50 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $50 gets you 60c chamber heating: abs, nylon, and pc without warping.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 245x245x240mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Qidi Q1 Pro targets enclosed.