QIDI X-Smart 3 vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The QIDI X-Smart 3 and Voxelab Aquila X2 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $349 vs $179. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Voxelab Aquila X2 saves you $170 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | QIDI X-Smart 3 | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $179 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 175 x 175 x 165 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Silent stepper drivers mean it runs without disturbing the room
+Manual leveling teaches you what auto-leveling actually does
+Ender 3-compatible mods are everywhere and cheap
−Manual bed leveling is a chore you'll do every few prints until you upgrade it
−Bowden extruder makes TPU printing a frustrating exercise
−180mm/s is slow in a world where budget printers hit 500mm/s
Who Should Buy Which?
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
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-Smart 3 better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher (8/10). 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-Smart 3 or Voxelab Aquila X2?
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-Smart 3 worth $170 more than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6.6/10). The extra $170 gets you fully enclosed corexy in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers.
What's the main difference between QIDI X-Smart 3 and Voxelab Aquila X2?
Build volume (175x175x165mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (600 vs 180 mm/s). The QIDI X-Smart 3 is best for compact; the Voxelab Aquila X2 targets budget.