Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) and Voxelab Aquila X2 ($179, 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 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Voxelab Aquila X2 saves you $105.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $284 | $179 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 89 x 200 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 6.6/10 |
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
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Silent stepper drivers mean it runs without disturbing the room
+Manual leveling teaches you what auto-leveling actually does
+Ender 3-compatible mods are everywhere and cheap
−Manual bed leveling is a chore you'll do every few prints until you upgrade it
−Bowden extruder makes TPU printing a frustrating exercise
−180mm/s is slow in a world where budget printers hit 500mm/s
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 Voxelab Aquila X2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- Resume printing
- Filament runout sensor
- Glass build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Voxelab Aquila X2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Voxelab Aquila X2?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Voxelab Aquila X2 to save $105.
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worth $105 more than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 6.6/10). The extra $105 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 Voxelab Aquila X2?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Voxelab Aquila X2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.