QIDI Plus5 Review: A $749 Large-Format Printer That Challenges Bambu Lab

The big question

Can a $749 large-format 3D printer actually rival the Bambu Lab H2S? QIDI thinks so, and after spending time with the Plus5, the case is easier to make than I expected.

The Plus5 packs a 320 by 320 by 300 mm build volume into a footprint barely larger than the older Plus4. That is 18 percent more print area in almost the same space. The enclosed frame, active chamber heating, and 370C bimetal nozzle let you run ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, and other engineering materials without second-guessing your settings.

Hardware

The motion system uses 9mm 1.5GT belts on linear rails for the X-axis and a four-rod Z setup with dual lead screws. The toolhead is compact and shares its all-metal hotend with the QIDI Q2. Filament loading is awkward at the rear of the machine, but once loaded, prints are remarkably stable. The bed is a double-sided PEI flex plate, and auto-leveling uses load-cell sensing.

The 4-inch color touchscreen is responsive, and the interface feels more polished than QIDI's older machines. A status light under the bed echoes the Bambu H2 series. The machine includes a three-stage air filter with activated carbon and HEPA, which is a real plus for indoor use.

Software and ecosystem

QIDI Studio has improved. It is not quite Bambu Studio, but the slicing profiles are solid, and the new QIDI Maker ecosystem lets you browse models, send prints, and monitor progress from your phone. One-tap printing from the app is convenient, though it is not as mature as Bambu's MakerWorld integration.

Where it falls short

The optional QIDI Box multimaterial handler still does not work reliably. We tested it on the QIDI Q2 and found it lacking, and the Plus5 review unit arrived without one. If you want consistent multi-color printing, Bambu's AMS remains the better choice. The Plus5 is a single-color workhorse, and buyers should treat it as such.

The power supply hums, and the machine is heavy at 29 kg. You will want help moving it. Rear filament access is also inconvenient if your printer sits in a tight spot.

Verdict

At $749 standalone, the Plus5 undercuts the Bambu Lab H2S by more than half while delivering nearly comparable build volume, higher nozzle temperature, and a heated chamber. It is the best high-temperature large-format printer under $800 right now. If you print functional parts in ABS or polycarbonate and do not care about multi-color, this is the machine to buy. Just skip the QIDI Box for now.