Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) and Qidi Q1 Pro ($449, 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 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Reliability. The Qidi Q1 Pro still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution for insane detail
+Tilt release reduces peel forces
+Built-in air purifier
+WiFi control
−Small build plate for larger models
−Resin printing is messier than FDM
−Requires post-processing (wash + cure)
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C actively heated chamber for ABS, nylon, and PC
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament
+WiFi 6 with 1080p monitoring and timelapse
+From unboxing to printing in 10 minutes
−Exposed heater poses safety concern (risk of shock)
−Casing materials feel cheap despite premium design
−Firmware needs improvement (custom Klipper fork)
−Limited slicer material profiles out of the box
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Choose the Qidi Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Qidi Q1 Pro may be the smarter buy if you need enclosed.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Qidi Q1 Pro?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra to save $165.
Is the Qidi Q1 Pro worth $165 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $165 less. The Qidi Q1 Pro only makes sense if you specifically need enclosed.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q1 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.