Creality Hi Combo vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Hi Combo ($399, 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 7.6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Reliability. The Creality Hi Combo still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Hi Combo | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 260 x 260 x 300 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.1 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 13.31 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Hi Combo
+Up to 16 colors with 4 CFS modules
+CoreXY with all-metal body feels premium
+Taller 300mm Z-axis than most competitors
+Competitive $399 price for multi-color CoreXY
−CFS can fail to feed reliably during color changes
−Fixed purge volumes waste filament (no adaptive purge)
−PTFE tube alignment is critical and fiddly
−3.8/5 customer rating suggests some QC issues
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution for insane detail
+Tilt release reduces peel forces
+Built-in air purifier
+WiFi control
−Small build plate for larger models
−Resin printing is messier than FDM
−Requires post-processing (wash + cure)
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Hi Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY motion system
- Up to 16-color printing (4x CFS)
- Die-cast aluminum unibody
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 Hi Combo 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 Hi Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Hi Combo or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra to save $115.
Is the Creality Hi Combo worth $115 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $115 less. The Creality Hi Combo only makes sense if you specifically need multi-color.
What's the main difference between Creality Hi Combo and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Hi Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.