Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349, 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-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $150 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 9.5 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 X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering materials
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-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 3 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 X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $150 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $150 gets you fully enclosed corexy in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.