Creality Ender 5 S1 vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket — $399 vs $349. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 9.5 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-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 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-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 5 S1 better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 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-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the QIDI X-Smart 3 to save $50.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $50 more than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $50 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (250 vs 600 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.