Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro ($259, FDM) and QIDI iBox Mono2 ($229, RESIN) 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 Neptune 4 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the QIDI iBox Mono2 saves you $30.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259 | $229 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
+Linear rails at $259 is a feature you normally pay $400+ for
+Klipper pre-installed with decent out-of-box profiles
+500mm/s sustained prints well with stock settings
+Build quality feels more solid than the price suggests
−Early units shipped with firmware bugs that needed patching
−Elegoo's support community is a fraction of Creality's size
−No WiFi means USB-only printing
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Enclosed design contains resin fumes better than open printers without relying solely on a purifier
+WiFi standard, unlike some competitors at this price
+QIDI build quality is solid and consistent
+Minimal footprint fits where other resin printers won't
−4K resolution is significantly behind competitors offering 9K at the same price
−120x68mm build volume is one of the smallest in the category
−$229 for 4K when Elegoo Mars 4 gives you 7K for $149 is a tough math problem
−QIDI's resin community is small: problems stay unsolved longer
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Choose the QIDI iBox Mono2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for compact
- 4K mono LCD
- Enclosed design
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI iBox Mono2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro or QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro worth $30 more than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $30 gets you linear rails at $259 is a feature you normally pay $400+ for.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is FDM (filament) and the QIDI iBox Mono2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.