Creality Ender 3 V3 vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Creality Ender 3 V3 and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket — $289 vs $349. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 8.6 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3
+CoreXZ at a budget price
+600mm/s max speed
+Klipper firmware pre-installed
+Good upgrade from V3 SE
−No WiFi
−No enclosure
−Creality's software ecosystem less polished than Bambu
QIDI X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed in a compact footprint
+Chamber heating for better layer adhesion
+Good software experience
+Fast CoreXY
−Small 175mm build volume
−QIDI ecosystem smaller than Bambu
−175mm limits large prints
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- CoreXZ
- 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 better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 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 or QIDI X-Smart 3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $60 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $60 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (220x220x250mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 3 V3 is best for beginners; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.