The Prusa Research XL+ (professional) and Qidi Tech Q1 Pro (entry) come from different brands and sit in different tiers, so this is less a head-to-head than a question of how much printer you need. Note that the Q1 Pro has been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new. Both are CoreXY printers with automatic calibration. The XL+ costs $1,800 more and gets you 224% more build volume and 5-slot multicolor; the Q1 Pro answers with an enclosed chamber and a top speed of 600 mm/s (vs 500).
Next model announced — but an upgrade kit is available for existing owners
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from XL
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 →This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Qidi Tech Q2.
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who need active chamber heating for ABS, ASA, and PA printing. Look for clearance deals — the Q2 is the better long-term buy if available.
Full details →| Prusa Research XL+ | Qidi Tech Q1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $2,299 | ★ $499 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Professional | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | ★ 360 × 360 × 360 mm | 245 × 245 × 240 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | ★ 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 5 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ★ ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From XL | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Aug 13, 2026 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~997 days | ~518 days |
| Cycle advice | Upgrade Kit | Superseded |
| Deals advice | Buy | Clearance |
| Next model | XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026) | — |
The XL+ was released on Aug 13, 2026, 91 days ago. Prusa Research has already announced what comes next: XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026). Because Prusa Research sells upgrade kits for this line, owners can move up without replacing the whole printer.
The Q1 Pro has been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
On timing alone, the XL+ is the safer buy right now — it has its next step announced (XL Pick & Place Toolhead, Late 2026), with upgrade kits for existing owners, while the Q1 Pro has already been replaced by the Q2.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Q1 Pro lists at $499 and the XL+ at $2,299 — $1,800 apart, so the XL+ costs 361% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $49 for the XL+ versus $35 for the Q1 Pro — the Q1 Pro is the better value per litre as well.
Buy the XL+. The Q1 Pro has already been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the Q1 Pro appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the XL+ against the Q2.
Compare Prusa Research XL+ vs Qidi Tech Q2 →
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
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 — 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.
The Q1 Pro's heated chamber was groundbreaking at its price point. ABS, ASA, and PA prints come out without warping that plagues open-frame printers.
Same speed class as Bambu Lab printers at a fraction of the price for enclosed printing.