The Elegoo Mars 5, priced at $189.98, is a beginner’s dream with its 4K mono LCD, auto-leveling, and zippy 150 mm/h print speed, perfect for crafting stunning miniatures. While the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159.99) offers a sharper 10K LCD, its manual leveling might trip up newbies, making the Mars 5 the go-to for ease and reliability.
Why I Fell in Love with the Elegoo Mars 5: Best Resin Printer Under $200
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Summary: The Elegoo Mars 5 makes resin printing approachable with its user-friendly features, turning a beginner’s curiosity into a passion for creating detailed models.
Imagine unboxing your first 3D printer, heart racing as you dream of crafting intricate D&D miniatures or sleek jewelry prototypes. That was me with the Elegoo Mars 5, often hailed as the best resin printer under $200. Priced at $189.98 (Amazon, July 2025), this compact resin printer delivers a 4K mono LCD for crisp details and automation features that make setup a breeze. Its competitor, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159.99), boasts a 10K LCD, but its manual leveling feels like a puzzle for first-timers. Curious about resin printing? Our resin vs. filament guide breaks it down.
- Key Specs:
- Build Volume: 5.65 x 3.53 x 5.91 inches (143.36 x 89.6 x 150 mm)
- XY Resolution: 48μm
- Print Speed: Up to 150 mm/h
- Display: 4K Mono LCD
- Weight: 6.6 kg
- Price: $189.98
What Makes the Elegoo Mars 5 Special for Beginners?
Summary: With auto-leveling and a self-check feature, the Mars 5 takes the stress out of resin printing, though its 4K resolution is less sharp than the Photon Mono 4’s 10K.
My first print—a tiny dragon figurine—was a game-changer. The Mars 5’s automatic leveling meant I didn’t fumble with screws, unlike the Anycubic Photon Mono 4’s manual setup. Amazon reviews, like Wender Lima’s (5 stars, June 24, 2025), rave about its quiet operation and ease, producing flawless prints when you stick to defaults. But Noah Schreiber (3 stars, March 10, 2025) warned about disabled anti-aliasing, which can leave faint layer lines. The Photon Mono 4’s 10K LCD offers crisper details, ideal for intricate designs, but its setup feels less forgiving. Check out our beginner 3D printer guide for more options.
Why It Shines:
✅ Auto-leveling saves setup headaches.
✅ Fast 150 mm/h printing for quick results.
✅ Compact design fits small workspaces.
Where It Falls Short:
❌ 4K resolution lags behind 10K competitors.
❌ Occasional defective parts, like FEPs.
LCD Resolution Comparison Bar Chart
Getting Started with the Elegoo Mars 5: A Beginner’s Journey
Summary: Setting up the Mars 5 is like following a simple recipe, but vigilance is key to avoid rookie mistakes.
Here’s how I got my Mars 5 humming, based on trial, error, and Amazon user wisdom:
- Unbox with Care: I checked the FEP film right away, learning from Mandy’s tale (1 star, June 12, 2025) of a punctured FEP ruining her LCD.
- Set Up Components: Attach the build plate and resin vat, then plug in the USB with the test rook file. It’s plug-and-play simple.
- Run the Self-Check: The one-click self-check, loved by Carlitos (5 stars, May 14, 2025), ensured everything was ready.
- Pour Resin Safely: Wearing gloves and a mask in a ventilated room, I poured Elegoo resin. Our safety gear guide has must-have tips.
- Print the Test Model: Using Chitubox Basic defaults, my rook printed perfectly in about an hour. Don’t tweak settings, as Lucy Ann (5 stars) advises.
- Clean and Cure: I washed prints in isopropyl alcohol and cured them with a UV station, like the Elegoo Mercury Plus 2.0.
Avoiding Pitfalls with the Elegoo Mars 5
Summary: The Mars 5 is beginner-friendly, but defective parts and resin spills can derail your prints if you’re not careful.
My first few prints weren’t all smooth sailing. Amazon reviews taught me what to watch for:
- Defective Parts: Sydney Oh (1 star, February 12, 2025) got a non-printing unit post-return window. Inspect the FEP and LCD immediately.
- Resin Spills: Jeffery Zhong (2 stars, April 20, 2025) dealt with messy leaks. A drip tray saves your workspace.
- Tricky Cleaning: The build plate frustrated Carlitos and Noah Schreiber. Hot water and a plastic scraper work wonders, as do our post-processing tools.
- Feature Limits: Disabled anti-aliasing can make prints less smooth. Stick to defaults for best results.
Pro Tips:
- Double-check the FEP film before printing.
- Use Elegoo’s 8K Standard Resin for compatibility.
- Print in a well-ventilated space with an air purifier.
- Contact Elegoo within Amazon’s 30-day return window if issues arise.
Elegoo Mars 5 vs. Anycubic Photon Mono 4: Which Wins Under $200?
Summary: The Mars 5’s speed and automation make it a beginner’s best friend, but the Photon Mono 4’s 10K resolution steals the show for detail lovers.
The Elegoo Mars 5 ($189.98) zips through prints at 150 mm/h with auto-leveling, perfect for newbies like me who want quick, hassle-free results. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159.99) shines with its 10K LCD, delivering razor-sharp miniatures, but its manual leveling felt like a hurdle. Both score 4.3/5 on Amazon, but the Mars 5’s automation edged out for my first prints. For miniature enthusiasts, the Photon Mono 4’s resolution is tempting. Explore more in our resin printers for miniatures guide.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Elegoo Mars 5 | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.98 (Amazon, July 2025) | $159.99 (33% off, Amazon) |
| LCD Resolution | 4K Mono LCD (4096 x 2560) | 10K Mono LCD (11520 x 5120) |
| XY Resolution | 48μm | 17μm |
| Build Volume | 5.65 x 3.53 x 5.91 inches (143.36 x 89.6 x 150 mm) | 6.04 x 3.42 x 6.49 inches (153.36 x 86.8 x 164.8 mm) |
| Print Speed | Up to 150 mm/h | Up to 70 mm/h |
| Leveling | Automatic Leveling | Manual Leveling |
| Light Source | COB UV Light Source | LighTurbo Matrix |
| Key Features | Auto-leveling, self-check, residue detection | Intelligent detection, anti-scratch film |
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Worth Buying? Ratings and Insights
| Category | Rating / Insight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Based on 183 Amazon reviews (July 2025), reflecting ease of use (e.g., Wender Lima, 5 stars) and occasional defects (e.g., Mandy, 1 star). | |
| Print Quality | 4K mono LCD offers crisp details for miniatures (Tom’s Hardware, VoxelMatters), though less sharp than 10K competitors. | |
| Ease of Use | Auto-leveling and self-check features simplify setup for beginners (Elegoo official site, DIYMachines). | |
| Value for Money | $189.98 price delivers advanced features (MakerHacks, Tangible Day), though defects slightly impact value (Sydney Oh). | |
| Reliability | Overheat protection and power-loss resume enhance reliability (Elegoo EU), but quality control issues noted (Noah Schreiber). | |
| Expert Insight | – | Tom’s Hardware and VoxelMatters call it “perfection in a small package” and “high-quality, low-cost,” ideal for beginners. |
| User Feedback | – | Positive: Carlitos (5 stars, May 14, 2025) loves self-check; Wender Lima (5 stars, June 24, 2025) praises prints. Caution: Mandy (1 star, June 12, 2025) warns of FEP damage; Jeffery Zhong (2 stars, April 20, 2025) notes spills. |
| Purchase Decision Factors | – | Pros: Affordable, auto-leveling, fast printing, compact. Cons: 4K resolution lag, potential defects, cleaning challenges. Who Should Buy: Beginners or miniature enthusiasts on a budget. Recommendation: Buy if ease matters; consider Anycubic Photon Mono 4 for 10K resolution. |
Is the Elegoo Mars 5 Right for You?
Summary: The Mars 5 is a fantastic first step into resin printing, but the Photon Mono 4 may suit detail-obsessed hobbyists better.
For a newbie like me, the Elegoo Mars 5’s automation and speed made my first prints magical, despite occasional hiccups. At $189.98, it’s a steal for crafting small models. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4’s $159.99 price and 10K resolution are unbeatable for intricate designs, but its manual setup requires patience. If you’re starting out, the Mars 5’s ease wins; for miniature pros, the Photon Mono 4’s detail is king. Compare more options in our top resin printers guide.
Frequently Bought Together
ANYCUBIC ABS-Like Resin Pro 2 Bundle – 4 KG
ANYCUBIC ABS-Like Resin Pro 2 Bundle – 4 KG: A high-precision, durable 405nm UV-curing resin offering low viscosity and excellent strength, ideal for detailed prints with the 4kg bundle providing ample material for extended projects.
ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station
ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station: A versatile 2-in-1 station with a 7.5L capacity, featuring 360° curing with 24 UV lights and enhanced washing via upgraded POM bearings, perfect for cleaning and curing models from Mars and Saturn printers efficiently.
Resin Filter Funnel with Strainer 3D Printer
Resin Filter Funnel with Strainer 3D Printer: A practical accessory with a stainless steel strainer to filter resin, reducing impurities and mess during pouring, ensuring cleaner handling and better print quality for any resin 3D printer setup.
FAQ: Elegoo Mars 5
Why is the Elegoo Mars 5 the best resin printer under $200 for beginners?
Its auto-leveling, 150 mm/h speed, and user-friendly self-check make it a breeze for newbies to print detailed models.
How does the Mars 5 stack up against the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Mars 5 offers faster printing and automation, while the Photon Mono 4’s 10K LCD delivers sharper details but needs manual leveling.
What causes print failures on the Mars 5?
Defective FEPs or tweaked settings are common culprits. Stick to defaults and inspect parts, as explained in our resin print failure guide.
Is the Mars 5 safe for home use?
Yes, with proper ventilation, gloves, and a mask. An air purifier helps, too.
Can I use third-party resins?
Yes, but Elegoo’s Standard or Water-Washable resins are best for consistent results.
Sources
- Elegoo Official Website: Mars 5 Product Page
- Amazon User Reviews: Elegoo Mars 5 and Anycubic Photon Mono 4
- 3D Printing Industry: Resin Printer Safety Guidelines (2025)
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