Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Prusa MK4S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) and Prusa MK4S ($929, 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
It's a dead heat, both score 7.8/10 overall. The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra wins in Value, while the Prusa MK4S takes Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $929 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 7 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 MK4S
+Prusa's QC is genuinely better than anyone else's: every printer is test-printed before shipping
+PrusaSlicer is open source and powerful, no subscription, no cloud required
+Customer support answers in hours, not weeks
+Spare parts available for 5+ year old models; no planned obsolescence
−200mm/s max is a third of what CoreXY machines do at half the price
−$929 for an open-frame bed-slinger is a hard sell in 2025
−Bambu's A1 Combo does more for $530 less
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 MK4S if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for open-source
- Open source
- PrusaSlicer
- Nextruder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the Prusa MK4S?
They tie at 7.8/10. The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra suits miniatures and resin, while the Prusa MK4S is aimed at reliability and open-source.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Prusa MK4S?
The Prusa MK4S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa MK4S worth $730 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $730 less. The Prusa MK4S only makes sense if you specifically need reliability.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Prusa MK4S?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa MK4S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.