Elegoo Mars 4 vs Qidi Q2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, RESIN) and Qidi Q2 ($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 Q2 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $350 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Qidi Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $499 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 230 x 230 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 16.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 Q2
+65C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, PC, carbon fiber without drama
+Quick-swap nozzle that's actually on par with Bambu's
+Enclosed CoreXY with chamber heating at $499 is genuinely rare
+Firmware is noticeably better than the Q1 Pro
−Qidi ecosystem still a fraction of Bambu's size
−Build volume is a touch smaller than competitors at this price
−Community resources are thin compared to Bambu or Creality
−16.5kg is heavy for an open-frame-sized footprint
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 Q2 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed CoreXY with 65C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + Ethernet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 better than the Qidi Q2?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q2 scores higher (8.6/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 or Qidi Q2?
The Qidi Q2 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q2 worth $350 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Qidi Q2 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $350 gets you 65c chamber heating: abs, nylon, pc, carbon fiber without drama.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Qidi Q2?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.