Bambu Lab X1 Carbon vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon ($1199, 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 Bambu Lab X1 Carbon takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $1000 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab X1 Carbon | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1199 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 Ultra
+9K resolution for exceptional detail
+Tilt release reduces FEP wear
+Built-in air purifier
+WiFi connectivity
−Smaller build plate than Saturn
−Requires wash & cure station
−Resin learning curve
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 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 Bambu Lab X1 Carbon better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon scores higher (8.6/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab X1 Carbon or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra to save $1000.
Is the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon worth $1000 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $1000 gets you hardened nozzle for abrasive filaments.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.