Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and QIDI iBox Mono2 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $199 vs $229. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $229 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Enclosed design contains resin fumes better than open printers without relying solely on a purifier
+WiFi standard, unlike some competitors at this price
+QIDI build quality is solid and consistent
+Minimal footprint fits where other resin printers won't
−4K resolution is significantly behind competitors offering 9K at the same price
−120x68mm build volume is one of the smallest in the category
−$229 for 4K when Elegoo Mars 4 gives you 7K for $149 is a tough math problem
−QIDI's resin community is small: problems stay unsolved longer
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Choose the QIDI iBox Mono2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for compact
- 4K mono LCD
- Enclosed design
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI iBox Mono2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI iBox Mono2 worth $30 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $30 less. The QIDI iBox Mono2 only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 120x68x200mm) and print speed (100 vs 90 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is best for miniatures; the QIDI iBox Mono2 targets resin.