Creality Ender 3 V3 KE vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE ($199, 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 240 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 8 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
+Klipper with WiFi at $199: normally this combination costs $299+
+Direct drive comes standard, not as a $40 upgrade
+500mm/s is real and achievable with the pre-installed Klipper profiles
+Color touchscreen that actually works, unlike the Ender 3 classics
−Open frame makes ABS printing inconsistent
−220mm bed is smaller than some $199 competitors
−Community is newer than the Ender 3 classic and gaps show when troubleshooting
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE scores higher (8.4/10). 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, Creality Ender 3 V3 KE or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Creality Ender 3 V3 KE or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Same price ($199), so it comes down to features. The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 KE and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.