QIDI X-CF Pro vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two QIDI printers? The QIDI X-CF Pro ($599) and QIDI X-Plus 3 ($499) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The QIDI X-CF Pro still puts up a fight in Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | QIDI X-CF Pro | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $499 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 250 x 300 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 21.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
QIDI X-CF Pro
+One of the few sub-$600 printers with a genuine 60°C heated enclosure for PA-CF and PPS-CF
+Hardened steel nozzle ships standard — no upgrade needed for carbon fiber out of the box
+HEPA + active carbon filtration — safe for indoor use with engineering filaments
+Linear rails on all axes mean less positional drift on long industrial prints
+Proven track record in light manufacturing since 2021
−60-100mm/s print speed is 6x slower than modern CoreXY machines — long print times
−2021 vintage hardware; newer QIDI models (X-Plus 4, Tech Max) offer more for similar money
−Dual extruder adds mechanical complexity without multi-color usefulness for most users
−21.5kg — not portable, bench-only
−Slicer integration (Simplify3D profiles) trails modern Bambu/Creality ecosystems
QIDI X-Plus 3
+60C active chamber heating is the real feature: ABS stops warping, Nylon actually sticks
+Handles PA, PC, and carbon-fiber composites without drama
+CoreXY at 600mm/s inside a heated enclosure is genuinely rare under $600
+280mm build volume is larger than most enclosed competitors at this price
−QIDI's slicer software feels like 2020: functional but not pleasant
−Community is small; problems require more DIY solving than Bambu or Creality
−Some components are proprietary, which makes upgrades harder
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the QIDI X-CF Pro if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for carbon-fiber
- Dual Z-axis for precise layer alignment
- High-temp enclosure (up to 60°C chamber)
- Hardened steel nozzle (CF-ready from factory)
Choose the QIDI X-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QIDI X-CF Pro better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-CF Pro may be the smarter buy if you need engineering.
Which is better for beginners, QIDI X-CF Pro or QIDI X-Plus 3?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-CF Pro worth $100 more than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $100 less. The QIDI X-CF Pro only makes sense if you specifically need engineering.
What's the main difference between QIDI X-CF Pro and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Build volume (300x250x300mm vs 280x280x270mm) and print speed (100 vs 600 mm/s). The QIDI X-CF Pro is best for engineering; the QIDI X-Plus 3 targets engineering.