Elegoo Mars 4 vs QIDI X-CF Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, RESIN) and QIDI X-CF Pro ($599, 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 Elegoo Mars 4 takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The QIDI X-CF Pro still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | QIDI X-CF Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $599 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 300 x 250 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 21.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
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 X-CF Pro
+One of the few sub-$600 printers with a genuine 60°C heated enclosure for PA-CF and PPS-CF
+Hardened steel nozzle ships standard — no upgrade needed for carbon fiber out of the box
+HEPA + active carbon filtration — safe for indoor use with engineering filaments
+Linear rails on all axes mean less positional drift on long industrial prints
+Proven track record in light manufacturing since 2021
−60-100mm/s print speed is 6x slower than modern CoreXY machines — long print times
−2021 vintage hardware; newer QIDI models (X-Plus 4, Tech Max) offer more for similar money
−Dual extruder adds mechanical complexity without multi-color usefulness for most users
−21.5kg — not portable, bench-only
−Slicer integration (Simplify3D profiles) trails modern Bambu/Creality ecosystems
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 X-CF Pro if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for carbon-fiber
- Dual Z-axis for precise layer alignment
- High-temp enclosure (up to 60°C chamber)
- Hardened steel nozzle (CF-ready from factory)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 better than the QIDI X-CF Pro?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 scores higher (7.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-CF Pro may be the smarter buy if you need engineering.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 or QIDI X-CF Pro?
The Elegoo Mars 4 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-CF Pro worth $450 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $450 less. The QIDI X-CF Pro only makes sense if you specifically need engineering.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and QIDI X-CF Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-CF Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.