Elegoo Jupiter SE vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Jupiter SE ($340, RESIN) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Jupiter SE saves you $9 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Jupiter SE | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $340 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 277 x 156 x 300 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 70 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 18 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Jupiter SE
+277mm wide platform prints full-size miniature armies or large costume props in one run
+12.8-inch 6K mono screen gives better per-pixel resolution than smaller 8.9-inch screens
+COB light source delivers more even illumination across the full platform vs edge-to-edge LED arrays
+Tilt release reduces print-failure rate on large cross-sections
−18kg machine: this is a semi-permanent desk fixture, not something you move around
−Large FEP sheets cost more to replace and are harder to swap than smaller printer FEPs
−Resin handling requires PPE and ventilation regardless of size; a large vat means more resin exposure risk
−Steep beginner learning curve: hollow supports and drainage holes are mandatory at this scale
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 Elegoo Jupiter SE if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for professional
- 12.8-inch 6K mono LCD screen
- 277x156x300mm build volume
- COB mono light source (60,000-hour lifespan)
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 Elegoo Jupiter SE 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 Elegoo Jupiter SE may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Jupiter SE or QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $9 more than the Elegoo Jupiter SE?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $9 gets you fully enclosed corexy in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Jupiter SE and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Jupiter SE is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.