Elegoo Mars 4 vs Prusa Mini+
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, RESIN) and Prusa Mini+ ($459, 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 Mini+ takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $310 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Prusa Mini+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $459 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 180 x 180 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 4 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
Prusa Mini+
+Prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally
+PrusaSlicer profiles are the gold standard; third-party slicers treat Prusa as the reference
+Open-source means every component is documented, replaceable, and community-supported
+SuperPINDA gives consistently excellent first layers without manual tramming
+4kg makes it genuinely portable — fits in a carry-on with room
−180×180×180mm is small — limits to desk accessories, figurines, and small functional parts
−180mm/s is slow compared to Bambu or Creality CoreXY machines
−Semi-enclosed means ABS warping is still a risk without an aftermarket enclosure
−Prusa charges a premium; the hardware isn't exceptional by 2025 standards
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Choose the Prusa Mini+ if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for desktop
- MINI/E input shaper toolhead (NextruderMINI compatible)
- SuperPINDA probe for first-layer precision
- Prusa Connect remote monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 better than the Prusa Mini+?
By the numbers, the Prusa Mini+ scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 or Prusa Mini+?
The Prusa Mini+ is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Mini+ worth $310 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Prusa Mini+ scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $310 gets you prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Prusa Mini+?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Mini+ is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.