Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Kingroon KP3S Pro V2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) and Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 ($159, 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 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 saves you $125 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $159 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 200 x 200 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
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
Kingroon KP3S Pro V2
+Linear rails at $159 is genuinely unusual: this feature normally costs $300+
+Direct drive handles TPU without the feeding nightmares of a Bowden setup
+Compact footprint fits on a shelf without dedicating a full desk to it
−200mm cube limits what you can print in one go
−Kingroon's community is small: if something breaks, you're mostly solving it alone
−Firmware is functional but hasn't had meaningful updates in a while
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 Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for compact
- Linear rails
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Kingroon KP3S Pro V2?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 to save $125.
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $125 more than the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $125 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 Kingroon KP3S Pro V2?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.