Creality Ender 5 Max Review (2025)

We tested the new Ender 5 Max for two weeks with dozens of prints. Here’s our hands-on review of Creality’s massive CoreXY workhorse.

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Introduction: The Large Format Problem

Large-format 3D printing has always been a compromise. You’d either pay a premium for a professional machine or deal with questionable quality from budget kits. The Ender 5 series has historically sat in that awkward middle ground: good intentions hampered by design compromises.

With the Ender 5 Max, Creality seems to have finally cracked the code. Released in February 2025, this new flagship of the Ender 5 line addresses the known weaknesses while keeping the price reasonable. But does it actually work? We put it through its paces with benchmark prints, functional parts, and long-duration outputs to find out.

Build Quality and Design

Frame Construction

The Ender 5 Max uses a cube-style frame reminiscent of earlier Ender 5 models, but scaled up significantly. The frame rails are solid and robust: there’s no flex or wobble even when you push on it. This rigidity is critical for a CoreXY system at high speeds, since any frame flex translates directly into print quality issues.

The all-metal construction feels industrial and purposeful. Unlike some budget printers that cut corners with plastic components, the Ender 5 Max uses metal throughout the gantry and frame. This adds weight (it’s a hefty 26 kg), but it also means the printer stays planted during high-speed moves.

If you’re shopping for large-format printing on a budget, the Ender 5 Max is worth a look:
see the current Amazon listing →

Dual Lead Screws: The Secret Weapon

The most significant mechanical upgrade in the Ender 5 Max is the dual Z-axis lead screws, each driven by its own stepper motor. On the original Ender 5, a single lead screw on one side often led to bed tilt over time, especially with larger, heavier beds or when printing tall objects.

The dual-screw design keeps the bed level throughout the entire print, regardless of height. See also: The Current State of Metal 3D Printing in 2020. We printed objects over 350 mm tall and saw no discernible tilt or leaning. The Z-axis remained parallel to the print surface from bottom to top. This is a major win for reliability.

Build Volume: Bigger Is Actually Better

The 400 mm cube build envelope is massive for a sub-$1,000 printer. You can easily print:

• Multiple large objects simultaneously
• Full-sized functional parts (cases, enclosures, brackets)
• Cosplay armor pieces in one go
• Large architectural models

The key question is whether the printer can maintain quality at the edges of that volume. We tested this by printing a 400 mm-square calibration grid that covered the entire bed. The results were excellent: consistent extrusion and layer adhesion across the entire area with minimal distortion.

First Prints: Out-of-the-Box Performance

After assembly, the Ender 5 Max walks you through bed leveling via the touchscreen interface. The 36-point auto bed leveling creates a mesh that compensates for any minor unevenness. We found the bed was already well-leveled from the factory, with only slight adjustments needed.

Our first test print was a Benchy boat. Despite the enormous bed (Benchy occupies maybe 5% of it), the result was impressive:

• No stringing
• Smooth layer lines
• Good overhangs
• Strong bed adhesion (first layers stuck perfectly without adhesive)

Large Part Test: Warping Resistance

We printed a large functional part, a 350 mm × 200 mm enclosure panel, using PETG. Large prints often suffer from edge lifting due to thermal contraction, especially on beds that aren’t perfectly heated.

The Ender 5 Max’s heated bed (100°C max) kept the entire surface evenly warm. We saw zero warping along the edges, even with the part spanning nearly the full bed width. The PEI-coated spring steel sheet provided excellent adhesion, and the part released easily once cooled.

Tall Part Test: Z-Axis Consistency

Printing a 350 mm-tall calibration tower revealed the benefit of the dual Z screws. The tower stayed perfectly vertical with no measurable leaning. Layer lines remained consistent from bottom to top, indicating the Z-axis moves smoothly without binding.

Performance Metrics

Test	Result
Bed Leveling Time	~5 minutes (36-point mesh)
Print Speed (default)	60–80 mm/s (can push to 200+ mm/s)
Max Travel Speed	700 mm/s (verified)
First Layer Adhesion	Excellent (PEI sheet)
Noise Level	Moderate (steppers + fans)
Power Consumption	~200W typical, ~700W peak (heated bed)

Who Is This Printer For?

Ideal Users

• Makers who need to print large parts (functional cases, cosplay armor, architectural models)
• Small businesses prototyping enclosures and brackets
• Hobbyists wanting a capable workhorse without spending $3,000+
• Educators needing a robust, large-format printer for labs

Not Ideal For

• Absolute beginners (assembly can be intimidating if you’ve never built a printer)
• Silent operation seekers (this printer isn’t quiet)
• High-temperature material specialists (300°C max limits some advanced polymers)
• Those wanting fully enclosed (for ABS/ASA reliability, you’ll likely want an add-on enclosure)

Should You Buy the Creality Ender 5 Max?

If the Ender 5 Max sounds like a good fit, we recommend purchasing from authorized dealers to ensure warranty coverage and support. You can find it on Amazon with fast shipping and easy returns:

(Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See also: Creality Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus vs Creality Ende…. This helps support our testing and content.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ender 5 Max come with filament?

Yes. Creality typically includes a starter roll of PLA to get you printing immediately.

What’s the biggest print I can make?

The bed is 400 mm × 400 mm and the Z height is 400 mm. You can print objects up to 400 × 400 × 400 mm (a 15.7″ cube).

Can I print ABS without an enclosure?

You can, but warping is likely. For reliable ABS prints, we recommend adding an enclosure (available separately or via third-party mods), especially for large parts.

Is the bed PEI-coated?

Yes. The spring steel sheet has a PEI coating for excellent adhesion. The sheet is removable and flexible for easy part removal.

How long is the warranty?

Creality typically offers a 12-month warranty on main components. Check with your reseller for exact terms.

This review is based on two weeks of hands-on testing with a production unit provided by Creality. All opinions are our own. We tested with PLA, PETG, and ABS filaments, covering calibration prints, functional prototypes, and large artistic pieces.

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