Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, RESIN) and QIDI X-Max 3 ($799, 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
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra wins in Value, Print Quality, while the QIDI X-Max 3 takes Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $799 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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 X-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
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 X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
They tie at 8/10. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra suits resin and miniatures, while the QIDI X-Max 3 is aimed at large-prints and engineering.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra or QIDI X-Max 3?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra to save $500.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $500 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $500 less. The QIDI X-Max 3 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and QIDI X-Max 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Max 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.