Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349, 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. The QIDI X-Smart 3 still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness and Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 9.5 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 X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering materials
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-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-Smart 3 may be the smarter buy if you need compact.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $65 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $65 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.