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

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Plug-and-play users wanting fast, simple printing — read the strengths below before deciding.

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Ranked #3 in Best Resin 3d Printers
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
4 sources3 derived$299.99as of Sep 25

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
  • — Features a 9K monochrome display with 18 x 18 µm XY resolution for high-detail prints
  • — 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
Watch-outs
  • — AI camera is poorly positioned and ineffective for monitoring prints
  • — 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
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Resin 3d Printers
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
2 sourcesall derived$999as of Sep 13

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
  • — Easy-to-use software with intuitive Blueprint slicer interface, per 3DPrintBeginner
  • — Automatic calibration and leveling eliminates user setup hassle, Dennys Wang notes
Watch-outs
  • — Pre-tuned profiles cover only HeyGears' own resins; third-party resins require Open Material Mode

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra boasts a 9K monochrome display and tilt release mechanism, outperforming the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S in resolution and functionality. However, it falls short of the Anycubic Photon P1 in terms of thermal control and dual-material printing capabilities. Its AI camera is poorly positioned compared to the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's network connectivity features.

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo offers easy-to-use software, surpassing the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra in automation and user-friendliness. However, its pre-tuned profiles cover only HeyGears' own resins, with third-party resins requiring Open Material Mode. It also lacks the large build volume and heated chamber features of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra or Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S.

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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