The XYZprinting da Vinci Mini versus the QIDI Tech X-One 3D Printer. These are two of the best values in entry-level 3D printing, but which company deserves your hard earned dollar? Today’s XYZprinting da Vinci Mini vs QIDI Tech X-One comparison takes a hard look at both machines to find a clear winner.
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini vs QIDI Tech X-One In Depth Comparison
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Basics
Bright orange, open-framed and made with an aluminum chassis, the da Vinci Mini measures 15.3×13.1×14.1-inches. It’s a tiny bit larger than the X-One but weighs a fraction at just 25lbs. An unheated print bed provides up to 5.9” build space, onto which you may print PLA models exclusively.
The sluggish print speeds and average layer resolutions of this machine can easily be overlooked when you consider its price. This 3D printer is still a steal at under $300, and comes with everything you need in a foolproof, pre-built package so you can start printing models right away.
Click here to read our full XYZprinting da Vinci Mini review.
QIDI Technology X-One Basics
Not orange but bright blue, QIDI Tech X-One is the same size as the da Vinci Mini but weighs 42lbs due to its all steel frame. It features an enclosed build space and heated print bed suitable for PLA, ABS, and beyond. Build space is slightly smaller than the da Vinci Mini at 5.5”.
While still considered a budget 3D printer, the X-One is about $100 more expensive than the da Vinci Mini. That extra cash buys you more than just filament flexibility, though. This 3D printer is also faster and has more resolution options than its competitor.
The X-One also comes with a nice 3.5” color touchscreen, something the da Vinci Mini lacks entirely. Read the full Qidi Tech X-One review here.
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini vs QIDI Tech X-One Comparison: Print Quality
Even though these printers are both very different, one thing they share in common is impeccable print quality. The da Vinci Mini is much slower than the X-One, but results are about the same. Both printers blew us away after testing them on spherical, pointed, sloped, and bridged models.
You obviously won’t get the same smooth, layerless results from either of these 3D printers as you would from a high end model like the LulzBot TAZ 6, but they are much more accurate and reliable than other choices in the sub $500 range.
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini vs QIDI Tech X-One Comparison: Versatility
Besides being similarly sized and priced, these two printers have very little in common. We love the da Vinci Mini for its beginner-friendly design that caters to children and absolute novices, but for everyone else it’s actually quite limiting.
In addition to accepting only PLA, this 3D printer only works with XYZprinting filaments. These filaments are generally more expensive than 3rd party brands and limit your color options. Even if you’re a beginner now, how long will you want to deal with that?
In contrast, the hefty steel X-One was built to survive a nuclear blast all while printing in whatever 3rd party filament you like. Its printing environment can be completely modified depending on which filament you’re using, too.
Open the plexiglass for PLA, close it and heat up the print bed for ABS, and even control the Turbo Fan depending on how quickly your filament dries. In short, the X-One gives you much much control over prints than the da Vinci Mini.
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini vs QIDI Tech X-OneComparison Verdict
These two 3D printers are both fine machines, but for our money it’s worth saving for the QIDI Tech X-One. For just a little more more up front you can save yourself a lot of frustration in the future.
The da Vinci Mini’s limitations make it most suitable for educators, children, and the technically illiterate. Everyone else will outgrow its basic features, while those who choose the X-One will get the chance to learn, grow, and improve.
