Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) and Qidi Q1 Pro ($449, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Qidi Q1 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $250 and wins on Value, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
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 Q1 Pro
+60C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, and PC without warping
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament you'll throw at it
+WiFi 6, 1080p monitoring, timelapse built in
+Printing within 10 minutes of unboxing
−Exposed heater is a genuine safety concern, not just a nitpick
−Casing feels cheaper than the spec sheet suggests
−Klipper fork firmware needs work
−Thin material profiles out of the box
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 Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Qidi Q1 Pro?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra to save $250.
Is the Qidi Q1 Pro worth $250 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $250 gets you 60c chamber heating: abs, nylon, and pc without warping.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q1 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.