A1 mini vs X-Plus 3
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
A1 mini and X-Plus 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose A1 mini if price matters more; choose X-Plus 3 if work area matters more. On the category's overall technical index, X-Plus 3 scores 55/100 against 28/100 for A1 mini.
| Parameter |
A1 mini
Bambu Lab
F2 · Intermediate
|
X-Plus 3
Qidi Tech
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | 799 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 51.1 × 52.7 × 52.9 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 24.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 280 × 280 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 270 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 800 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 280 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 270 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | false | True |
| Filament sensor | true | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | false | False |
| Native Klipper | false | True |
| Input shaper | true | True |
| Multicolor printing | true | False |
| Multicolor requires accessory | true | — |
| Max colors | 4 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. | The X-Plus 3 is natively supported by QIDI Print, the company's official slicer based on PrusaSlicer, which offers pre-configured and optimized profiles for supported materials, ensuring a ready-to-use experience. The software's user interface is designed to simplify the print preparation process, from support generation to advanced cooling configuration. Because the printer uses Klipper-based firmware, advanced users can interact directly via the integrated web interface (Fluidd or Mainsail), allowing for in-depth monitoring and fine-tuning of print parameters in real time. The system is also fully compatible with third-party software such as Ultimaker Cura, Simplify3D, standard PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer, offering maximum flexibility in workflows. |
The differences that matter
- Price: A1 mini 299 € vs X-Plus 3 799 € — A1 mini wins (+167%)
- Work area: A1 mini 180×180 mm vs X-Plus 3 280×280 mm — X-Plus 3 wins (+142%)
- Max colors: A1 mini 4 vs X-Plus 3 1 — A1 mini wins (+300%)
- Build height Z: A1 mini 180 mm vs X-Plus 3 270 mm — X-Plus 3 wins (+50%)
- Enclosed chamber: X-Plus 3 yes, A1 mini no
Which one to choose
Choose X-Plus 3 if…
you value work area, build height z and enclosed chamber.
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.