QIDI X-Plus 3 vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The QIDI X-Plus 3 and Voxelab Aquila X2 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers — $499 vs $179. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Voxelab Aquila X2 saves you $320.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | QIDI X-Plus 3 | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $179 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 280 x 280 x 270 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 6.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
QIDI X-Plus 3
+Enclosed with active heating to 60C
+Handles ABS/ASA/Nylon/PC
+Fast CoreXY
+Great value for enclosed
−QIDI software less polished
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Proprietary components
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Very cheap
+Good first printer to learn on
+Silent operation
+Ender 3 compatible mods
−Manual bed leveling
−Slow
−Bowden extruder limits flexible materials
−Basic features only
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 Voxelab Aquila X2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- Resume printing
- Filament runout sensor
- Glass build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Voxelab Aquila X2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, QIDI X-Plus 3 or Voxelab Aquila X2?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Voxelab Aquila X2 to save $320.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $320 more than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 6.6/10). The extra $320 gets you enclosed with active heating to 60c.
What's the main difference between QIDI X-Plus 3 and Voxelab Aquila X2?
Build volume (280x280x270mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (600 vs 180 mm/s). The QIDI X-Plus 3 is best for engineering; the Voxelab Aquila X2 targets budget.