Bambu Lab P1S vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $449 vs $349. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the QIDI X-Smart 3 saves you $100.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab P1S is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab P1S if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for engineering and abs, and the safer recommendation. Choose QIDI X-Smart 3 only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S
Best value
QIDI X-Smart 3
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1S
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
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 Bambu Lab P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
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 Bambu Lab P1S better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-Smart 3 may be the smarter buy if you need compact.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the QIDI X-Smart 3 to save $100.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $100 more than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 8/10). The extra $100 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S is best for engineering; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.