Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, 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 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $69 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $149 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
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 SE better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). 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 SE or Elegoo Mars 4?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE worth $69 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $69 gets you auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Elegoo Mars 4?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.