Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) and QIDI X-Plus 3 ($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 X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra saves you $215 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $499 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
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 X-Plus 3
+60C active chamber heating is the real feature: ABS stops warping, Nylon actually sticks
+Handles PA, PC, and carbon-fiber composites without drama
+CoreXY at 600mm/s inside a heated enclosure is genuinely rare under $600
+280mm build volume is larger than most enclosed competitors at this price
−QIDI's slicer software feels like 2020: functional but not pleasant
−Community is small; problems require more DIY solving than Bambu or Creality
−Some components are proprietary, which makes upgrades harder
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 X-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or QIDI X-Plus 3?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra to save $215.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $215 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $215 gets you 60c active chamber heating is the real feature: abs stops warping, nylon actually sticks.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Plus 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.