Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) and QIDI X-Plus 3 ($499, 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 X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $300.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $499 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
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 X-Plus 3
+60C active chamber heating is the real feature: ABS stops warping, Nylon actually sticks
+Handles PA, PC, and carbon-fiber composites without drama
+CoreXY at 600mm/s inside a heated enclosure is genuinely rare under $600
+280mm build volume is larger than most enclosed competitors at this price
−QIDI's slicer software feels like 2020: functional but not pleasant
−Community is small; problems require more DIY solving than Bambu or Creality
−Some components are proprietary, which makes upgrades harder
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 X-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). 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 X-Plus 3?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra to save $300.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $300 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $300 gets you 60c active chamber heating is the real feature: abs stops warping, nylon actually sticks.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Plus 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.