Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and QIDI X-Max 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $349 vs $799. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Max 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus saves you $450 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $799 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
QIDI X-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
Who Should Buy Which?
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
Choose the QIDI X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or QIDI X-Max 3?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus to save $450.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $450 more than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
The QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $450 gets you 325mm enclosed with 60c active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and QIDI X-Max 3?
Build volume (300x300x400mm vs 325x325x315mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is best for large-prints; the QIDI X-Max 3 targets large-prints.