UR3e vs UFACTORY xArm 5: 3 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Precision and Axes
The Universal Robots UR3e and the UFACTORY xArm 5 both carry 3 kg and weigh about 11 kg. The key differences are axes, precision and price: the UR3e is a 6-axis production cobot, while the xArm 5 is a 5-axis arm priced for labs and simple handling.
Quick verdict. The UR3e is the better choice for production assembly, with six axes, ±0.03 mm repeatability, a 3 m/s speed and built-in force sensing. The UFACTORY xArm 5 is the budget choice for simple pick-and-place, education and research, with 200 mm more reach and a listed price about 83% lower.
UR3e and UFACTORY xArm 5 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm on six axes, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The xArm 5 carries 3 kg over 700 mm on five axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 11.3 kg on a Ø126 mm base.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | UFACTORY xArm 5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $33,800 | $5,799 |
Payload | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 5 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 11.3 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | AC or DC control box (UFACTORY Studio) |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
UFACTORY xArm 5: listed from $5,799
Difference: $28,001
The UR3e listing is about 5.8 times the xArm 5 price
Axes and tool orientation
The UR3e has six axes, so it can orient a tool freely for angled insertion, screwdriving and complex fixtures. The xArm 5 has five axes, which suits top-down pick-and-place but limits tool orientation.
Reach and precision
The xArm 5 reaches 700 mm, 200 mm more than the UR3e. The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, against ±0.1 mm for the xArm 5, which favors precise assembly.
Speed and sensing
Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR3e and includes a ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor. UFACTORY publishes 1 m/s for the xArm 5.
Programming and connectivity
The UR3e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The xArm 5 is programmed in UFACTORY Studio with graphical blocks or a Python SDK, with Ethernet, RS-485 and 16 digital inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR3e
Precise benchtop assembly
Angled insertion and screwdriving
Production cells with UR+ accessories
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 5
Top-down pick-and-place
Education and research
Low-cost demonstrators
UR3e advantages
Six axes and ±0.03 mm repeatability
3 m/s speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About 5.8 times the xArm 5 listed price
500 mm reach
UFACTORY xArm 5 advantages
About 83% lower listed price
700 mm reach
Python SDK
UFACTORY xArm 5 limitations
Five axes
±0.1 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the UR3e for precise, production-grade assembly. Choose the UFACTORY xArm 5 for simple pick-and-place, labs and education on a tight budget.
The need for full tool orientation is usually what separates these two arms.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the UFACTORY xArm 5?
The xArm 5 is listed from $5,799 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $28,001.
Do both robots carry 3 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 3 kg.
How many axes do they have?
The UR3e has six axes and the xArm 5 has five.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the xArm 5 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The xArm 5 reaches 700 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR3e for production precision. Choose the xArm 5 for low-cost labs and simple handling.
