QIDI iBox Mono2 vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two QIDI printers? The QIDI iBox Mono2 ($229) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $120 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the QIDI iBox Mono2 saves you $120.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | QIDI iBox Mono2 | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 120 x 68 x 200 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 90 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.2 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 6.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Enclosed design contains resin fumes better than open printers without relying solely on a purifier
+WiFi standard, unlike some competitors at this price
+QIDI build quality is solid and consistent
+Minimal footprint fits where other resin printers won't
−4K resolution is significantly behind competitors offering 9K at the same price
−120x68mm build volume is one of the smallest in the category
−$229 for 4K when Elegoo Mars 4 gives you 7K for $149 is a tough math problem
−QIDI's resin community is small: problems stay unsolved longer
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 QIDI iBox Mono2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for compact
- 4K mono LCD
- Enclosed design
- WiFi
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 QIDI iBox Mono2 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 QIDI iBox Mono2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, QIDI iBox Mono2 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 $120 more than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $120 gets you fully enclosed corexy in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers.
What's the main difference between QIDI iBox Mono2 and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the QIDI iBox Mono2 is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.