Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, RESIN) and Qidi Q1 Pro ($449, 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 Q1 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, and PC without warping
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament you'll throw at it
+WiFi 6, 1080p monitoring, timelapse built in
+Printing within 10 minutes of unboxing
−Exposed heater is a genuine safety concern, not just a nitpick
−Casing feels cheaper than the spec sheet suggests
−Klipper fork firmware needs work
−Thin material profiles out of the box
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Saturn 4 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 Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra or Qidi Q1 Pro?
The Qidi Q1 Pro is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $10 more than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
The Qidi Q1 Pro actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $10 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q1 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.