Bambu Lab X1 Carbon vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon ($1199, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, 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 Bambu Lab X1 Carbon takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $1050 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab X1 Carbon | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1199 | $149 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
+Hardened nozzle for abrasive filaments
+LiDAR for first-layer inspection
+Best-in-class reliability
+Handles every material
−Expensive
−Same build volume as P1S
−Overkill for PLA-only users
Elegoo Mars 4
+Cheapest Elegoo Mars with WiFi
+7K resolution still excellent for minis
+Small footprint
+Known brand reliability
−No tilt release (higher FEP wear)
−Slower than Ultra variants
−7K less sharp than 9K/12K siblings
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for carbon-fiber
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- Hardened steel nozzle
Choose the Elegoo Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon scores higher (8.6/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Elegoo Mars 4 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab X1 Carbon or Elegoo Mars 4?
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon worth $1050 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $1050 gets you hardened nozzle for abrasive filaments.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and Elegoo Mars 4?
Technology: the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.