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 renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, and PC without warping
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament you'll throw at it
+WiFi 6, 1080p monitoring, timelapse built in
+Printing within 10 minutes of unboxing
−Exposed heater is a genuine safety concern, not just a nitpick
−Casing feels cheaper than the spec sheet suggests
−Klipper fork firmware needs work
−Thin 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.