Elegoo Mars 4 vs Prusa XL
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149, RESIN) and Prusa XL ($1999, 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 takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The Prusa XL still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Prusa XL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $1999 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 360 x 360 x 360 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
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 XL
+5 independent tool heads means true material switching, not color blending on a single hotend
+360mm cube handles parts that can't be split and glued
+Segmented heated bed powers down unused zones, saving real electricity on large prints
+Open source: the XL will be hackable in 10 years
−$1,999 and you still print at 200mm/s: the speed is hard to accept at this price
−Delivery times have been 2-4 months; plan accordingly
−The footprint requires dedicated space and a reinforced surface
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 XL if you want:
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for multi-color
- Multi-tool (up to 5 heads)
- 360mm build volume
- Segmented heatbed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 better than the Prusa XL?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 scores higher (7.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Prusa XL may be the smarter buy if you need professional.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 or Prusa XL?
The Elegoo Mars 4 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa XL worth $1850 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $1850 less. The Prusa XL only makes sense if you specifically need professional.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Prusa XL?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa XL is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.