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. Both are scored 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
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
QIDI X-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
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 325mm enclosed with 60c active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500.
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.