Elegoo
Elegoo Mars 5
Entry-level resin printer with a 6.6 in 4K mono LCD, 35 µm XY resolution and one-click auto leveling.
$184Price checked October 28, 2026
Best for First resin printerBest for Tabletop miniaturesBest for Jewelry and small detailed modelsBest for Tight budgets
Overview
The Mars 5 is Elegoo's entry-level MSLA resin printer, built around a 6.6 in 4K monochrome LCD (4098 x 2560) with 35 µm XY resolution. Elegoo highlights smart self-check and one-click auto leveling. It sells for $184 on Elegoo's US store, against a $225 regular price.
What it is
The Elegoo Mars 5 is a compact MSLA (masked stereolithography) resin printer that sits at the entry point of Elegoo's Mars line. It cures liquid photopolymer resin one layer at a time with a UV light source shining through a monochrome LCD mask. This approach produces much finer surface detail than filament printing at a similar price. Elegoo still lists it on its US store alongside the more expensive Mars 5 Ultra, so it is a current product rather than old stock.
Key specs that matter
- LCD: 6.6 in 4K monochrome panel at 4098 x 2560 pixels, according to Elegoo's official replacement LCD listing for the Mars 5.
- XY resolution: 35 µm. This is the pixel pitch that sets the finest horizontal detail the printer can resolve.
- Leveling: Elegoo describes "smart self-check and auto-leveling" that runs with one click, so there is no paper-and-screw leveling routine.
- Print speed: Elegoo does not publish a speed figure for the base Mars 5 on its store page. Resin speed is measured in mm/h of vertical height, not mm/s, so it cannot be compared directly with FDM speeds.
- Build volume: Elegoo's readable store pages did not state the build volume. Confirm it in the product listing before buying for a specific part size.
Who it suits
The Mars 5 suits first-time resin users who want sharp detail on small objects at a low entry price. Typical examples are tabletop miniatures, figurine busts, jewelry masters and small dental or hobby models. A 6.6 in screen means a small plate, so it works best for one or a few small models per print rather than large batches.
What to know before buying
Resin printing needs more setup around the printer than filament printing. Plan for nitrile gloves, eye protection, good ventilation, isopropyl alcohol or a resin-specific cleaner, and a way to post-cure parts under UV light. Elegoo sells wash and cure stations separately and in bundles. Uncured resin is an irritant, so a dedicated, ventilated workspace matters more than the printer itself.
The 35 µm XY resolution is good for this price, but it is coarser than Elegoo's own Mars 5 Ultra, which uses a 7 in 9K screen at 18 µm. If you print very small miniatures and want the finest detail, compare the two. The Ultra costs $284 on Elegoo's US store, about $100 more.
Elegoo's store page for the Mars 5 does not mention tilt release, a camera or Wi-Fi. Those features appear in the Mars 5 Ultra's marketing instead. If remote monitoring or faster layer peeling matters, the Ultra is the closer fit. LCD screens in resin printers are wear parts, and Elegoo sells a replacement 6.6 in 4K LCD for the Mars 5 on its own store.
Specifications
| Type | resin |
|---|---|
| Price | $184 |
| Build volume | 153×77×165 mm |
| Max speed | Not listed |
| Multicolor | No |
| Enclosed | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Noise | Not listed |
| Release year | 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- The 6.6 in 4K mono LCD at 4098 x 2560 gives 35 µm XY detail for crisp miniatures and small models.
- Elegoo lists one-click smart self-check and auto leveling, which removes the manual paper-leveling step common on older resin printers.
- At $184 on Elegoo's US store, it is one of the lowest-cost ways into Elegoo's current resin lineup.
- Elegoo sells a replacement 6.6 in 4K LCD for the Mars 5 directly, so the main wear part is easy to source.
- Its compact footprint fits a small desk or shelf, which helps when resin work has to stay in a ventilated corner.
Cons
- The small 6.6 in screen limits plate area, so large models or big batches of miniatures need several print runs.
- Its 35 µm XY resolution is coarser than the 18 µm offered by the Mars 5 Ultra for about $100 more.
- Elegoo's store page lists no tilt release, camera or Wi-Fi for the Mars 5, unlike the higher-priced Mars 5 Ultra.
- Elegoo does not publish a print speed for the base Mars 5, which makes speed comparisons with rivals harder.
- Like all resin printers, it needs gloves, ventilation, alcohol washing and UV curing, which adds cost and setup space.
- Elegoo's readable store pages do not list the build volume, so buyers must check part size limits elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution is the Elegoo Mars 5?
Elegoo lists the Mars 5 screen as a 6.6 in 4K monochrome LCD at 4098 x 2560 pixels. That gives an XY resolution of 35 µm, which is the size of each pixel on the build plate.
Does the Mars 5 need manual bed leveling?
No. Elegoo describes smart self-check and auto leveling that runs with one click, so the paper-and-screw leveling used on older resin printers is not needed.
What is the difference between the Mars 5 and Mars 5 Ultra?
The Mars 5 Ultra uses a larger 7 in 9K LCD at 18 µm XY resolution, while the Mars 5 uses a 6.6 in 4K LCD at 35 µm. Elegoo markets the Ultra with a 150 mm/h speed, an AI camera and auto leveling. On Elegoo's US store the Mars 5 is $184 and the Ultra is $284.
Can I use third-party resin with the Mars 5?
Elegoo's store page does not restrict the Mars 5 to Elegoo resin, and it is a standard MSLA design that most hobby resins target. Check the resin maker's recommended exposure settings, since cure times vary between brands and colors.
What else do I need besides the printer?
Plan for nitrile gloves, eye protection, ventilation, isopropyl alcohol or a resin cleaner, and a UV curing light or station. Elegoo sells Mercury wash and cure stations separately and in bundles.
Sources
Verdict
The Mars 5 is a sensible first resin printer for anyone who mainly prints small, detailed models and wants to spend under $200. Buyers who want finer 18 µm detail, a camera or Wi-Fi should look at the Mars 5 Ultra instead.
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