Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284) and Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $85 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat — both score 8.2/10 overall. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra wins in Print Quality, Reliability, while the Elegoo Neptune 4 takes Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution for insane detail
+Tilt release reduces peel forces
+Built-in air purifier
+WiFi control
−Small build plate for larger models
−Resin printing is messier than FDM
−Requires post-processing (wash + cure)
Elegoo Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199
+500mm/s capable
+Direct drive handles TPU
+Great value vs Ender 3
−No WiFi on base model
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Firmware can need tweaking
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
They tie at 8.2/10. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra suits miniatures and resin, while the Elegoo Neptune 4 is aimed at budget and speed.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $85 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $85 less. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need miniatures.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and Elegoo Neptune 4?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.