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
+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-Plus 3
+60C active chamber heating is the real feature: ABS stops warping, Nylon actually sticks
+Handles PA, PC, and carbon-fiber composites without drama
+CoreXY at 600mm/s inside a heated enclosure is genuinely rare under $600
+280mm build volume is larger than most enclosed competitors at this price
−QIDI's slicer software feels like 2020: functional but not pleasant
−Community is small; problems require more DIY solving than Bambu or Creality
−Some components are proprietary, which makes upgrades harder
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 60c active chamber heating is the real feature: abs stops warping, nylon actually sticks.
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.