Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo and QIDI X-Max 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $699 vs $799. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $799 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
+Enclosed chamber plus AMS multi-material in one box, no separate AMS purchase
+HEPA filter handles ABS fumes; the enclosure keeps chamber temperature stable
+Up to 16 colors by daisy-chaining 4 AMS units
+Bambu's reliability track record is the best in the consumer market
−$699 is a significant step up from the A1 Combo's $399
−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying
−AMS still wastes filament on color transitions; purge blocks help but don't eliminate it
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
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 Bambu Lab P1S Combo if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Multi-material (AMS, up to 16 colors with 4 units)
- WiFi
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 Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-Max 3 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or QIDI X-Max 3?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $100 more than the Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo actually scores higher (8.8/10) despite costing $100 less. The QIDI X-Max 3 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S Combo and QIDI X-Max 3?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 325x325x315mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is best for engineering; the QIDI X-Max 3 targets large-prints.