Elegoo Mars 4 vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Mars 4 and QIDI iBox Mono2 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $149 vs $229. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $229 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
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 better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 scores higher (7.2/10). 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 or QIDI iBox Mono2?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $80.
Is the QIDI iBox Mono2 worth $80 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $80 less. The QIDI iBox Mono2 only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 120x68x200mm) and print speed (80 vs 90 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 is best for budget; the QIDI iBox Mono2 targets resin.