Creality Ender 5 S1 vs QIDI X-CF Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and QIDI X-CF Pro are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $399 vs $599. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 5 S1 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The QIDI X-CF Pro still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | QIDI X-CF Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $599 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 300 x 250 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 21.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
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 X-CF Pro
+One of the few sub-$600 printers with a genuine 60°C heated enclosure for PA-CF and PPS-CF
+Hardened steel nozzle ships standard — no upgrade needed for carbon fiber out of the box
+HEPA + active carbon filtration — safe for indoor use with engineering filaments
+Linear rails on all axes mean less positional drift on long industrial prints
+Proven track record in light manufacturing since 2021
−60-100mm/s print speed is 6x slower than modern CoreXY machines — long print times
−2021 vintage hardware; newer QIDI models (X-Plus 4, Tech Max) offer more for similar money
−Dual extruder adds mechanical complexity without multi-color usefulness for most users
−21.5kg — not portable, bench-only
−Slicer integration (Simplify3D profiles) trails modern Bambu/Creality ecosystems
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 X-CF Pro if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for carbon-fiber
- Dual Z-axis for precise layer alignment
- High-temp enclosure (up to 60°C chamber)
- Hardened steel nozzle (CF-ready from factory)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the QIDI X-CF Pro?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-CF Pro may be the smarter buy if you need engineering.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or QIDI X-CF Pro?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-CF Pro worth $200 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $200 less. The QIDI X-CF Pro only makes sense if you specifically need engineering.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and QIDI X-CF Pro?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 300x250x300mm) and print speed (250 vs 100 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the QIDI X-CF Pro targets engineering.