Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Resin 3D Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is best for: Smart feature users wanting high-resolution prints. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Resin 3D Printers
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
2 sources$299.99as of Oct 10

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra stands out as a feature-rich resin printer with a 9K monochrome display and 18 µm XY resolution, making it one of the most capable consumer models Elegoo has produced. Reviewers praised its tilt release mechanism and AI camera, though the latter was deemed ineffective due to poor positioning. The printer lacks an air filter and chamber heating, which may disappoint users seeking advanced environmental controls. While it offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly interface, the placement of ports and the camera's functionality are notable drawbacks. This printer is ideal for users wanting high-resolution prints with smart features but may not suit those needing advanced environmental controls.

Strengths
  • — Includes a tilt release mechanism that reduces print stress and improves adhesion
  • — Equipped with an AI camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse photos
  • — Supports Wi-Fi printing for convenient remote printing capabilities
Watch-outs
  • — No air filter or chamber heating included
  • — Power switch and USB port located on the right side rather than front
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
Ranked #5 in Best Resin 3D Printers
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
2 sources$999as of Oct 10

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo is a production mSLA printer built around ease of use. The Blueprint software and pre-tuned profiles for HeyGears resins handle tuning for you, while an Open Material Mode allows compatible third-party resins with adjustable print settings. This printer is ideal for users seeking a plug-and-play solution but may not suit advanced users wanting full control over their printing process.

Strengths
  • — Blueprint slicer with pre-tuned profiles for HeyGears resins
  • — Automatic calibration and leveling eliminates user setup hassle
  • — Automatic platform alignment removes manual bed leveling
Watch-outs
  • — Pre-tuned profiles cover only HeyGears' own resins; third-party resins require Open Material Mode

How they stack up

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra has an 18 x 18 µm pixel size, finer than the 22 µm of the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S, and prints at a listed 150mm/h against 80 mm/hour. It has no chamber heating, where the Anycubic Photon P1 has a thermally-controlled resin vat and the Uniformation GK3 Ultra a heated build chamber, and it costs far less than either. It supports Wi-Fi printing, though its AI camera is poorly positioned.

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo is built around pre-tuned profiles for HeyGears resins and automatic calibration, with third-party resins needing Open Material Mode. Its 222 x 122 x 228 mm build volume is close to the Anycubic Photon P1's 223 x 126 x 230 mm and smaller than the Uniformation GK3 Ultra's 300 x 160 x 300 mm. It costs more than the Photon P1.

Specs side-by-side

SpecElegoo Mars 5 UltraHeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
Build Volume153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³222 x 122 x 228 mm
Pixel Size18 x 18 µm—
Light Source9K monochrome405 nm Wavelength
Print Speed150mm/h—
Layer Height0.01-0.2mm30-100 μm
MaterialMetal—
Dimensions13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H—
Weight8.8 kg20 kg
Display Resolution16K10.3-inch 8K amber screen
UV Wavelength—405nm
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