Creality Ender 5 S1 vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and QIDI X-Max 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers — $399 vs $799. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Max 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $400 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $799 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Rigid cube frame means great print quality
+Sprite direct drive extruder
+Handles tall prints well
+Good stock experience
−Not fast by modern standards
−Open frame
−No WiFi
−Pricier than Bambu A1 Mini for less
QIDI X-Max 3
+Large enclosed build volume
+Active chamber heating
+Handles all engineering materials
+Independent Z motors
−Heavy
−Expensive
−QIDI ecosystem
−Requires dedicated space
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Ender 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the QIDI X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Creality Ender 5 S1 may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or QIDI X-Max 3?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $400 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $400 gets you large enclosed build volume.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and QIDI X-Max 3?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 325x325x315mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the QIDI X-Max 3 targets large-prints.