Artillery Genius Pro vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Artillery Genius Pro ($249, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. The Artillery Genius Pro still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Genius Pro | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Genius Pro
+Dual Z axis keeps first layers even over weeks of printing without releveling
+Silent stepper drivers: quiet enough for a bedroom at 200mm/s
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without feeding issues
+Build quality feels more solid than most sub-$300 machines
−200mm/s is the pace of 2021; the Creality V3 KE hits 500mm/s for the same money
−No WiFi or camera: bring your USB stick, every time
−Open frame means ABS is a gamble in anything less than a controlled environment
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Genius Pro if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for compact
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z axis
Choose the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Genius Pro better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Genius Pro may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Genius Pro or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Artillery Genius Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Artillery Genius Pro worth $50 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $50 less. The Artillery Genius Pro only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Artillery Genius Pro and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Artillery Genius Pro is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.