Artillery Genius Pro vs Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Artillery printers? The Artillery Genius Pro ($249) and Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus ($349) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 7.4/10 overall. The Artillery Genius Pro wins in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability, while the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus takes Value, Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Genius Pro | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 300 x 300 x 400 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 14.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Genius Pro
+Dual Z axis keeps first layers even over weeks of printing without releveling
+Silent stepper drivers: quiet enough for a bedroom at 200mm/s
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without feeding issues
+Build quality feels more solid than most sub-$300 machines
−200mm/s is the pace of 2021; the Creality V3 KE hits 500mm/s for the same money
−No WiFi or camera: bring your USB stick, every time
−Open frame means ABS is a gamble in anything less than a controlled environment
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Genius Pro if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for compact
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z axis
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Genius Pro better than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
They tie at 7.4/10. The Artillery Genius Pro suits beginners and budget, while the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is aimed at large-prints and budget.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Genius Pro or Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
The Artillery Genius Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus worth $100 more than the Artillery Genius Pro?
The Artillery Genius Pro actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $100 less. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Artillery Genius Pro and Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
Build volume (220x220x250mm vs 300x300x400mm) and print speed (200 vs 500 mm/s). The Artillery Genius Pro is best for beginners; the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus targets large-prints.