Elegoo Mars 4 vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, RESIN) and QIDI X-Max 3 ($799, 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-Max 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $650 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $799 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 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-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
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-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher (8/10). 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 X-Max 3?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $650.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $650 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $650 gets you 325mm enclosed with 60c active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and QIDI X-Max 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Max 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.