QIDI X-Plus 3 vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two QIDI printers? The QIDI X-Plus 3 ($499) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $150 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 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the QIDI X-Smart 3 saves you $150 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | QIDI X-Plus 3 | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 280 x 280 x 270 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
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 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)
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 X-Plus 3 better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-Smart 3 may be the smarter buy if you need compact.
Which is better for beginners, QIDI X-Plus 3 or QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $150 more than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8/10). The extra $150 gets you 60c active chamber heating is the real feature: abs stops warping, nylon actually sticks.
What's the main difference between QIDI X-Plus 3 and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (280x280x270mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The QIDI X-Plus 3 is best for engineering; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.