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. Both are scored 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 architecture at $289 is genuinely absurd value
+Klipper comes pre-installed, no flashing required
+600mm/s keeps up with machines twice the price
+Upgrade path is wide open: Klipper means the community has covered everything
−No WiFi means you're walking to the printer with a USB stick
−No enclosure: ABS will warp, ABS will warp, ABS will warp
−Creality's own software is clunky; Bambu Studio is just better
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 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.