Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $218 vs $349. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE wins in Value, Beginner Friendliness, while the QIDI X-Smart 3 takes Print Quality, Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
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 SE better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
They tie at 8/10. The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE suits beginners and budget, while the QIDI X-Smart 3 is aimed at compact and enclosed.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or QIDI X-Smart 3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $131 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $131 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (220x220x250mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is best for beginners; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.