UR5e vs UFACTORY xArm 5: Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Axes
The Universal Robots UR5e and the UFACTORY xArm 5 sit at opposite ends of the market. The UR5e is a 6-axis, 5 kg production cobot. The xArm 5 is a 5-axis, 3 kg arm priced for education, research and simple handling.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for production work, with 2 kg more payload, 150 mm more reach, six axes, ±0.03 mm repeatability and force sensing. The UFACTORY xArm 5 is the budget choice for top-down pick-and-place and labs, with a listed price about 83% lower and an 11.3 kg arm.
UR5e and UFACTORY xArm 5 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm on six axes, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The xArm 5 carries 3 kg over 700 mm on five axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 11.3 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | UFACTORY xArm 5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $35,000 | $5,799 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 5 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 11.3 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | AC or DC control box (UFACTORY Studio) |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
UFACTORY xArm 5: listed from $5,799
Difference: $29,201
The UR5e listing is about 6 times the xArm 5 price
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 850 mm against 700 mm.
Axes and precision
The UR5e's six axes allow full tool orientation for angled insertion and complex fixtures. The xArm 5's five axes suit top-down handling. The UR5e also repeats to ±0.03 mm, against ±0.1 mm for the xArm 5.
Weight and sensing
The xArm 5 weighs 11.3 kg, about half the UR5e, which suits light frames and mobile platforms. The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions.
Programming and connectivity
The UR5e runs PolyScope with UR+ accessories and supports Modbus TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP. 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 UR5e
Production machine tending up to 5 kg
Force-controlled assembly
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 5
Top-down pick-and-place
Education and research
Low-cost demonstrators
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
Six axes and ±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR5e limitations
About 6 times the xArm 5 listed price
UFACTORY xArm 5 advantages
About 83% lower listed price
11.3 kg arm
Python SDK
UFACTORY xArm 5 limitations
Five axes and 3 kg payload
±0.1 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for production work that needs payload, precision and full tool orientation. Choose the UFACTORY xArm 5 for simple handling, labs and education.
These arms rarely compete for the same job, so the application usually makes the choice clear.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the UFACTORY xArm 5?
The xArm 5 is listed from $5,799 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $29,201.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the xArm 5 3 kg.
How many axes do they have?
The UR5e has six axes and the xArm 5 has five.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the xArm 5 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The xArm 5 weighs 11.3 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for production work. Choose the xArm 5 for low-cost labs and simple handling.
