Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Qidi Q2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Qidi Q2 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $399 vs $499. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Qidi Q2 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $100.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Qidi Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $499 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 230 x 230 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 16.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 Q2
+65C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, PC, carbon fiber without drama
+Quick-swap nozzle that's actually on par with Bambu's
+Enclosed CoreXY with chamber heating at $499 is genuinely rare
+Firmware is noticeably better than the Q1 Pro
−Qidi ecosystem still a fraction of Bambu's size
−Build volume is a touch smaller than competitors at this price
−Community resources are thin compared to Bambu or Creality
−16.5kg is heavy for an open-frame-sized footprint
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 Q2 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed CoreXY with 65C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + Ethernet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Qidi Q2?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q2 scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Q2?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 5 S1 to save $100.
Is the Qidi Q2 worth $100 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Qidi Q2 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $100 gets you 65c chamber heating: abs, nylon, pc, carbon fiber without drama.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Qidi Q2?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 230x230x240mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Qidi Q2 targets engineering.