Creality Ender 3 V3 KE vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $199 vs $349. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 240 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 8 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
+Klipper with WiFi at $199: normally this combination costs $299+
+Direct drive comes standard, not as a $40 upgrade
+500mm/s is real and achievable with the pre-installed Klipper profiles
+Color touchscreen that actually works, unlike the Ender 3 classics
−Open frame makes ABS printing inconsistent
−220mm bed is smaller than some $199 competitors
−Community is newer than the Ender 3 classic and gaps show when troubleshooting
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE scores higher (8.4/10). 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, Creality Ender 3 V3 KE or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE to save $150.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $150 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $150 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 KE and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (220x220x240mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is best for budget; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.