Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Prusa Core One
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) and Prusa Core One ($1199, FDM) 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 Prusa Core One takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $1000 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Prusa Core One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $1199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 250 x 220 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 22.5 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
Prusa Core One
+Prusa reliability is not marketing. It's earned over years.
+55C active chamber heating handles demanding materials
+Fully open-source, no vendor lock-in anywhere
+Kit option at $949 saves 21% if you don't mind the build
−$1,199 assembled is hard to justify against the Bambu alternatives
−Build volume is smaller than what you'd expect at this price
−22.5kg is a lot to move around
−No LiDAR, no AI monitoring
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 Prusa Core One if you want:
- A great printer for precision
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY with active chamber heating (55C)
- Nextruder direct drive (10:1 planetary)
- 360-degree cooling duct
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the Prusa Core One?
By the numbers, the Prusa Core One 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 Prusa Core One?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra to save $1000.
Is the Prusa Core One worth $1000 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Prusa Core One scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $1000 gets you prusa reliability is not marketing. it's earned over years..
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Prusa Core One?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Core One is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.