Creality Ender 5 S1
$399

Creality · FDM
Creality Ender 5 S1
Cube frame with 280mm Z height and a Sprite direct drive. Built for tall prints with consistent first layers.
via Amazon
How It Scores
Pros
- +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
Cons
- −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
What Owners Say
“The rigid frame makes a real difference. First layers are incredibly consistent.”
— r/ender5
“Underrated machine. If you print tall objects, the Ender 5 S1 shines.”
— Teaching Tech (YouTube)
Specs
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Layer Resolution | 0.05mm - 0.35mm |
| Max Print Speed | 250 mm/s |
| Weight | 10.2 kg |
| Type | FDM (Filament) |
| Features | Cube frame, Direct drive, Auto bed leveling, PEI build plate, Sprite extruder, CR Touch |
Verdict
If you print tall objects regularly, the cube frame rigidity genuinely shows in the output. If speed or feature count matter more, spend the money on a Bambu instead.
You'll Also Need
Things you'll want before your first print.
Also Worth Considering
fdmBambu Lab A1 Combo
Bambu Lab
Multi-color printing out of the box, reliable enough for beginners, fast enough for anyone who's tired of watching a print head crawl.
fdmBambu Lab A1 Mini
Bambu Lab
Bambu quality at $199. Desk footprint small enough that it fits next to your monitor without crowding anything out.
