Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) and Voxelab Aquila X2 ($179, 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Voxelab Aquila X2 saves you $20.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $179 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 6.6/10 |
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
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Silent stepper drivers mean it runs without disturbing the room
+Manual leveling teaches you what auto-leveling actually does
+Ender 3-compatible mods are everywhere and cheap
−Manual bed leveling is a chore you'll do every few prints until you upgrade it
−Bowden extruder makes TPU printing a frustrating exercise
−180mm/s is slow in a world where budget printers hit 500mm/s
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 Voxelab Aquila X2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- Resume printing
- Filament runout sensor
- Glass build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Voxelab Aquila X2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Voxelab Aquila X2?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Voxelab Aquila X2 to save $20.
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra worth $20 more than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 6.6/10). The extra $20 gets you 9k resolution is a meaningful jump from 7k: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Voxelab Aquila X2?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Voxelab Aquila X2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.