Elegoo Neptune 4 vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199, 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 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $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 | 9.5 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
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 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- 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 better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). 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 or QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI iBox Mono2 worth $30 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $30 less. The QIDI iBox Mono2 only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (filament) and the QIDI iBox Mono2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.