Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, 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 Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE saves you $66 and wins on Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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 5 Ultra
+14K resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
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 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or Elegoo Mars 5 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 Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $66 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10). The extra $66 gets you 14k resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level fdm can't get near.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.