Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus ($299, 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 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $100 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 330 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.7 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 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 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 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 Plus better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
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 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus worth $100 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $100 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 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.