Artillery Genius Pro vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Artillery Genius Pro ($249, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, 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 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Artillery Genius Pro saves you $35 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Genius Pro | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
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 5 Ultra
+14K resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
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 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Genius Pro better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). 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 5 Ultra?
The Artillery Genius Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $35 more than the Artillery Genius Pro?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $35 gets you 14k resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level fdm can't get near.
What's the main difference between Artillery Genius Pro and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Artillery Genius Pro is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.