Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $299 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 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 330 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.7 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
+$299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously
+CoreXZ keeps the gantry lightweight for reliable high-speed moves
+Direct-drive Sprite extruder handles flexible filaments without a bowden gap
+Klipper-based firmware means real input shaping, not marketing figures
+PEI sheet gives excellent adhesion and clean part release
−Open-frame means ABS and ASA warping without an aftermarket enclosure
−CoreXZ means Y-axis moves the bed — large heavy prints can shift if acceleration is too high
−600mm/s is achievable but real-world quality prints run at 200-300mm/s
−Support quality from Creality varies; community forums are more reliable
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 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginner
- CoreXZ motion system (vs CoreXY on the K1C)
- 300×300×330mm large build volume
- 600mm/s max print speed with input shaping
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 Plus better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Plus or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus to save $50.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $50 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus actually scores higher (8.6/10) despite costing $50 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (300x300x330mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is best for large-format; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.