First-generation product โ recently released, still early days
Best for: Budget makers who primarily print PLA, PETG, and TPU and want a large enclosed CoreXY at $379. Not the right choice if you regularly print ABS, ASA, PA, or PC.
Full details โLate in cycle โ a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Professional makers, studios, and engineers who need large-format printing with genuine multi-material capability, open-source hardware, and Prusa's long-term support.
Full details โ| Qidi Tech Q2C | Prusa Research XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Entry | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 270 ร 270 ร 256 mm | 360 ร 360 ร 360 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | โ 4 slots | โ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | โ | โ |
| Auto Calibration | โ | โ |
| Open Source | โ | โ |
| Upgrade Kit | โ | โ |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ASA, TPU | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC |
| Released | Aug 20, 2025 | Nov 20, 2023 |
| Cycle length | โ | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | โ | Prusa XL 2 (Expected late 2026) |
270ร270ร256 mm is larger than the Bambu P2S and X1C at a fraction of the cost. The passive enclosure keeps PLA and PETG prints consistent without needing active heating.
The Q2C works with the Qidi Box multi-filament system โ up to 4 units can be chained for 16-color printing, sold separately at $228 per unit.
Same rated top speed as Bambu Lab printers, placing it in the fastest tier of consumer FDM printers.
Unlike filament-switching AMS/MMU systems, the XL physically swaps print heads. Each material has its own nozzle, eliminating purge towers entirely and enabling true multi-material prints.
One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point โ suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.