Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284) and Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro ($259) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $25 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro saves you $25 and wins on Beginner Friendliness, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $259 |
| 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 | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
+Linear rails at $259 is a feature you normally pay $400+ for
+Klipper pre-installed with decent out-of-box profiles
+500mm/s sustained prints well with stock settings
+Build quality feels more solid than the price suggests
−Early units shipped with firmware bugs that needed patching
−Elegoo's support community is a fraction of Creality's size
−No WiFi means USB-only printing
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 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $25 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10). The extra $25 gets you 14k resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level fdm can't get near.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.