Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus ($299, 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $150.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $149 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 330 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 9.7 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
+$299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously
+CoreXZ keeps the gantry lightweight for reliable high-speed moves
+Direct-drive Sprite extruder handles flexible filaments without a bowden gap
+Klipper-based firmware means real input shaping, not marketing figures
+PEI sheet gives excellent adhesion and clean part release
−Open-frame means ABS and ASA warping without an aftermarket enclosure
−CoreXZ means Y-axis moves the bed — large heavy prints can shift if acceleration is too high
−600mm/s is achievable but real-world quality prints run at 200-300mm/s
−Support quality from Creality varies; community forums are more reliable
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginner
- CoreXZ motion system (vs CoreXY on the K1C)
- 300×300×330mm large build volume
- 600mm/s max print speed with input shaping
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus 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, Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus or Elegoo Mars 4?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus worth $150 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $150 gets you $299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus and Elegoo Mars 4?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.