ELEGOO · 3D Printers
ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra review: the easy first resin printer for miniatures
A 7-inch 9K resin printer with tilt release, self-levelling and an AI camera that pauses failed prints, about $293. Great for miniatures; no heated vat, so cold rooms cause failures.
Excellent
Best for Beginners printing tabletop miniatures
List price$293
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Preview review. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and published information. We will update the scores after hands-on testing.
Our verdict
The Mars 5 Ultra is one of the safest first resin printers: it levels itself, sets up in minutes and prints 18 µm detail for tabletop miniatures. DIY Machines saw its AI camera catch a warped support and pause the print. It has no heated vat, so cold rooms cause failures, and the lid isn’t hinged. For miniature painters starting out, it is an easy recommendation.
What we like
- 9K 7-inch screen with 18 µm XY detail
- Self-levelling; setup in under 2 minutes (3Druck)
- Tilt release, up to 150 mm/h
- AI camera caught a warped support and paused the print (DIY Machines)
- Tempered-glass screen protector included
What could be better
- No heated vat: resin failures in cold rooms
- Small 153 × 78 × 165 mm build volume
- No hinged lid
- AI camera only sees prints taller than about 50 mm
- Price shown on ELEGOO’s store is a UK listing; US prices vary
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Print speed + 25% Print quality + 20% Setup and ease of use + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The Mars 5 Ultra is ELEGOO’s compact resin printer for beginners and miniature makers. It has a 7-inch 9K screen with 18 µm pixels, a tilting release mechanism, self-levelling and an AI camera that watches for failures.
ELEGOO’s store lists it at about $293 (list $366) on 31 October 2026; that listing is for the UK store, so US prices may differ. Tom’s Hardware reviewed it at $338, with sales around $270.
Tests
- DIY Machines ran three consecutive prints of the included rook torture test in ELEGOO grey ABS-like resin, all successful. The first attempt failed only because the protective film was still on the screen. The AI camera spotted a warped support foot and paused the print; after resuming, the model was fine. The camera only sees prints taller than about 50 mm.
- 3Druck found setup and calibration took under 2 minutes.
- Tom’s Hardware and Sprues & Brews recommend it for tabletop miniatures, praising anti-aliasing on small surfaces.
Problems
- No heated vat. One reviewer found failures in colder weather were the biggest issue, and warming the room fixed them.
- The small build volume limits busts and large models.
- No hinged lid, and DIY Machines found Chitubox setup awkward.
Who should not buy it
- Anyone printing large busts or in a cold garage: get the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K with its heated vat.
vs rivals
- vs Saturn 4 Ultra 16K ($563): bigger, sharper, heated vat. See Saturn 4 Ultra 16K vs Mars 5 Ultra.
- vs Anycubic Photon Mono 4: cheaper, without AI camera or tilt release.
Final thoughts
The Mars 5 Ultra takes most of the fuss out of resin printing. Keep it in a warm room and it will turn out excellent miniatures.
Sources
Full specifications
| Type | MSLA resin |
|---|---|
| Screen | 7-inch 9K mono LCD (8,520 × 4,320), 18 µm |
| Build volume | 153.4 × 77.8 × 165 mm |
| Speed | Up to 150 mm/h |
| Features | Tilt release, self-levelling, AI camera, carbon filter |
| Weight | 8.8 kg |
| Price | About $293 (ELEGOO store listing) |
| Released | 2024 |
Ready to buy?
ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra
List price $293. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
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