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 for consistent first layers
+Silent stepper drivers
+Direct drive handles flexibles
+Solid build quality for the price
−Not fast by modern standards
−No WiFi or camera
−Open frame
−Artillery community smaller
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution for insane detail
+Tilt release reduces peel forces
+Built-in air purifier
+WiFi control
−Small build plate for larger models
−Resin printing is messier than FDM
−Requires post-processing (wash + cure)
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 for insane detail.
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.