Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and QIDI iBox Mono2 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $299 vs $229. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the QIDI iBox Mono2 saves you $70.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $229 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
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 Saturn 3 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
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 Saturn 3 Ultra better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 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 Saturn 3 Ultra or QIDI iBox Mono2?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the QIDI iBox Mono2 to save $70.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $70 more than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher overall (8/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $70 gets you 218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12k resolution.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Build volume (218x123x260mm vs 120x68x200mm) and print speed (150 vs 90 mm/s). The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is best for resin; the QIDI iBox Mono2 targets resin.