Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, RESIN) and QIDI X-Plus 3 ($499, 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 QIDI X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra saves you $200 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $499 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
+12K resolution across a large build plate
+Tilt release for longer FEP life
+Batch print entire armies
+Great for busts and terrain
−Heavy resin consumption at full plate
−Post-processing takes longer at this size
−Still needs wash & cure station
QIDI X-Plus 3
+Enclosed with active heating to 60C
+Handles ABS/ASA/Nylon/PC
+Fast CoreXY
+Great value for enclosed
−QIDI software less polished
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Proprietary components
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-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra or QIDI X-Plus 3?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $200 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8/10). The extra $200 gets you enclosed with active heating to 60c.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Plus 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.