Head-to-head · Best Resin 3D Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Uniformation GK3 Ultra

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

Uniformation GK3 Ultra comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). Uniformation GK3 Ultra is best for: Professionals needing precision and reliability. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #1 in Best Resin 3D Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

4.5

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

$299.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Resin 3D Printers

Uniformation GK3 Ultra

4.7

1 source$1,200as of Sep 25

TechRadar praised the Uniformation GK3 Ultra for its 16K resolution, heated build chamber, and auto-resin refill system, calling it a strong contender for professionals needing precision and reliability at scale. The reviewer noted its solid build quality and seamless workflow features, though acknowledged its high price point. YouTube reviewer emphasized the large print volume and 16K resolution but expressed skepticism about marketing claims around the K-number specifications. This printer is ideal for serious hobbyists and professionals seeking high-quality resin printing but may not suit budget-conscious users.

Strengths

— Superb 16K print quality with 15,120 x 6,230 XY resolution
— Large build volume of 300 x 160 x 300 mm
— Heated build chamber for improved resin temperature control

Watch-outs

— High price compared to the competition
— No remote monitoring capability

$1,200 · Buy at uniformation3d.com Full review →

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.

Uniformation GK3 Ultra

The Uniformation GK3 Ultra has a 300 x 160 x 300 mm build volume, larger than the 222 x 122 x 228 mm of the HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo and the 223 x 126 x 230 mm of the Anycubic Photon P1. It has a heated build chamber, where the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra has no chamber heating, and an auto resin refill system, which the Photon P1 lacks. It has no remote monitoring.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra	Uniformation GK3 Ultra
Build Volume	153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³	300 x 160 x 300 mm
Pixel Size	18 x 18 µm	15,120 x 6,230
Light Source	9K monochrome	Masked SLA (M-SLA)
Print Speed	150mm/h	2-3s/layer(0.05mm)
Layer Height	0.01-0.2mm	0.03mm-0.05mm
Material	Metal	—
Dimensions	13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H	455400575(mm)
Weight	8.8 kg	30KG
Display Resolution	16K	16K

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