Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, 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 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $19 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 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 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 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 SE better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). 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 SE or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE worth $19 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $19 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 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.