Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Voxelab Aquila X2 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $399 vs $179. 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 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Voxelab Aquila X2 saves you $220 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $179 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.6/10 |
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
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Silent stepper drivers mean it runs without disturbing the room
+Manual leveling teaches you what auto-leveling actually does
+Ender 3-compatible mods are everywhere and cheap
−Manual bed leveling is a chore you'll do every few prints until you upgrade it
−Bowden extruder makes TPU printing a frustrating exercise
−180mm/s is slow in a world where budget printers hit 500mm/s
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 Voxelab Aquila X2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- Resume printing
- Filament runout sensor
- Glass build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Voxelab Aquila X2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Voxelab Aquila X2?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $220 more than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher overall (7.4/10 vs 6.6/10). The extra $220 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 Voxelab Aquila X2?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (250 vs 180 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Voxelab Aquila X2 targets budget.