Sidewinder X3 Plus vs X1E
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Sidewinder X3 Plus and X1E are not direct competitors: very different prices (~8×). Sidewinder X3 Plus costs less (~€320) and is the entry-level choice; X1E offers more capability at a higher price (~€2550). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Sidewinder X3 Plus
Artillery
F2 · Intermediate
|
X1E
Bambu Lab
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~280–360 € | ~2400–2700 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 49.2 × 50.7 × 61 cm | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16.6 kg | 16 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 300 × 300 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 400 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 1350 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 100 V |
| Maximum speed | 300 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 7 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 300.0 mm | 256 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 400.0 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | corexy |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300.0 °C | 320 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100.0 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 300.0 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | — | True |
| Filament sensor | — | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | — | False |
| Native Klipper | — | False |
| Input shaper | — | True |
| Multicolor printing | — | True |
| Requires external accessory | — | True |
| Maximum colors | — | 16 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The STM32 board runs Marlin and communicates via USB Type-C or TF card; it works with any standard slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D) without proprietary restrictions. Lack of Wi-Fi requires physical transfer of G-code files, but ensures full offline control. | The X1E works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer, which handles slicing, automatic calibration, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Orca Slicer, an open-source Bambu Studio fork with dedicated profiles, is also supported. The firmware is proprietary; Klipper is not natively supported. The printer can run in LAN-only mode, operating fully without an internet connection through the local network. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Sidewinder X3 Plus 320 € vs X1E 2550 € — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+697%)
- Max print speed: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300 mm/s vs X1E 500 mm/s — X1E wins (+67%)
- Maximum Z height: Sidewinder X3 Plus 400 mm vs X1E 256 mm — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+56%)
- Work area: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300×300 mm vs X1E 256×256 mm — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+37%)
- Max bed temperature: Sidewinder X3 Plus 100 °C vs X1E 120 °C — X1E wins (+20%)
Which one to choose
Choose Sidewinder X3 Plus if…
you value price, maximum z height and work area. «The Z height determines how tall a part the machine can produce in one print. Vertical objects such as vases, load-bearing structures, or casting patterns require a high Z travel. A lower value does not affect quality but forces the user to split or reorient the model. Z height should be considered alongside the XY surface to assess total usable build volume.»
Choose X1E if…
you value max print speed, max bed temperature and max nozzle temperature. «The rated maximum speed indicates the theoretical hardware limit, not the everyday working speed. Faster machines reduce print times on simple geometries, but real-world speed depends on material, geometry, required surface finish, and slicer settings. Values above 200–300 mm/s are meaningful only on machines with CoreXY kinematics, active input shaping, and a stiffened mechanical frame.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.