Artillery Genius Pro vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Genius Pro and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $249 vs $349. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Artillery Genius Pro saves you $100.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Genius Pro | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
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
QIDI X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering materials
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 QIDI X-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Genius Pro better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Genius Pro may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Genius Pro or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Artillery Genius Pro to save $100.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $100 more than the Artillery Genius Pro?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $100 gets you fully enclosed corexy in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers.
What's the main difference between Artillery Genius Pro and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (220x220x250mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (200 vs 600 mm/s). The Artillery Genius Pro is best for beginners; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.