Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $85 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $85.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $284 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
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 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
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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra to save $85.
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $85 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $85 gets you 14k resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level fdm can't get near.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 153x89x200mm) and print speed (100 vs 150 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is best for miniatures; the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra targets miniatures.