Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Prusa MK4S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) and Prusa MK4S ($799, 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 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. The Prusa MK4S still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $799 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 7 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
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)
Prusa MK4S
+Legendary reliability
+Fully open source
+PrusaSlicer is excellent
+Best customer support in the industry
−Expensive for the speed
−Slower than CoreXY competition
−Open frame
−Showing its age vs Bambu
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 Prusa MK4S if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for open-source
- Open source
- PrusaSlicer
- Nextruder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the Prusa MK4S?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Prusa MK4S may be the smarter buy if you need reliability.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Prusa MK4S?
The Prusa MK4S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa MK4S worth $515 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $515 less. The Prusa MK4S only makes sense if you specifically need reliability.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and Prusa MK4S?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa MK4S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.