ELEGOO Mars Pro Review

A refined take on the printer that started it all

The ELEGOO Mars Pro launched in early 2020, when resin printing was still finding its footing among everyday users. Most budget printers of the time were reliable but basic, and few addressed the needs of hobbyists who wanted a cleaner, quieter, more refined experience. The Mars Pro responded to that gap with small but impactful improvements that made it easier to live with day after day.

It was ELEGOO's answer to feedback on the original Mars. Better airflow, improved USB placement, and a carbon filter made resin printing cleaner and more convenient. A new linear-rail system gave more stable Z-axis movement, cooling for the LED array improved, and a bottom-firing speaker signaled print status. It kept the RGB masking LCD standard at the time, but nearly everything else was refined for reliability and ease of use.

Unboxing and Building the Mars Pro

Unboxing sets the stage for a smooth setup, especially if you're new to resin. The machine arrives well-padded, with everything organized in layers and nothing carelessly packed. Most of the printer comes preassembled. Remove the protective film, attach the build-plate arm to the Z-axis rail with the included Allen keys, drop in the resin vat, level the plate, add resin, and you're printing. Most users go from box to first print in under 30 minutes.

What's in the Box?

• ▪Mars Pro printer (mostly preassembled)
• ▪Aluminum build plate
• ▪Resin vat with pre-installed FEP film
• ▪USB stick with test files and ChiTuBox
• ▪Metal scraper for the build plate
• ▪Plastic scraper for the FEP
• ▪Gloves, masks, and resin filters
• ▪Power adapter and AC cable
• ▪Leveling card and printed manual

Initial Impressions of the Build

The Mars Pro gives off a clean, compact, serious impression right out of the box. Its full-metal body feels sturdy, and the matte finish keeps fingerprints at bay. The single linear rail on the Z-axis moves smoothly, the lead screw arrives lubricated and holds alignment, and the touchscreen is responsive and minimalistic, offering just enough control without overwhelming you.

Every major component feels dependable. The vat fits snugly, the thumbscrews hold it securely, and the thick aluminum build plate helps with consistent adhesion. Rubber feet add stability and reduce vibration. Noise levels are modest, comfortable to run in a small workspace or office. It may not look as flashy as newer models, but it makes up for that by being reliable and well-built.

Design and Technical Specifications

The Mars Pro is built for reliability and accuracy in a compact form, balancing fine detail with beginner-friendliness. The 120 × 68 × 155 mm build volume is ideal for tabletop miniatures, figurines, and detailed mechanical parts, with enough room for meaningful projects without cutting files. It uses a 5.5-inch RGB masking LCD delivering 50-micron XY resolution.

Although it uses an RGB screen rather than a modern monochrome LCD, it still delivers strong quality when dialed in. The UV LED matrix provides uniform light across the plate, the single linear rail adds stability during long prints, and the built-in carbon filter helps with odor. It works smoothly with ChiTuBox, one of the most popular resin slicers.

Specs at a Glance

• ▪Build Volume: 120 x 68 x 155mm
• ▪XY Resolution: 50 µm (2560 x 1440)
• ▪LCD Type: 5.5″ RGB masking screen
• ▪Light Source: UV LED matrix, 405nm
• ▪Z-Axis: Single linear rail
• ▪Display: 3.5″ touchscreen
• ▪Connectivity: USB (front-facing)
• ▪Slicer: ChiTuBox
• ▪Odor Control: Activated carbon filter
• ▪Frame: Aluminum housing, rubber feet

Print Performance and Quality

If you care about detail, the Mars Pro gives you what you need. Its 50-micron XY resolution means sharp edges, crisp corners, and fine textures on everything from miniatures to small mechanical models. Prints stick well to the build plate, and with the right exposure the surface finish comes out smooth and clean.

While it uses an RGB screen instead of a newer mono panel, it performs reliably once dialed in: fewer failed prints, less warping, and solid results across longer jobs. It handles angled parts and delicate supports better than you'd expect for its age. It may be a little slower than newer printers, but it still gives results that feel high-end.

Test Print and Benchmark Results

Firmware, Tuning, and Calibration

The Mars Pro runs stable, responsive firmware that stays out of your way. The touchscreen layout is clear, and updates are easy: download the file from ELEGOO's support page, drop it on a USB stick, and the printer handles the rest. Since leveling is manual, take time to get the plate perfectly flat with the included card; once the corner screws are locked, you rarely touch them again.

Dial in exposure based on your resin, starting from the manufacturer's profile and tweaking bottom and main exposure until prints release cleanly but hold detail. Keep lift speed moderate and supports strong but not overdone. For delicate overhangs or thin features, slowing the lift and adding stronger supports keeps everything intact. A good slicer profile saves hours of trial and error.

Possible Upgrades for the Mars Pro

The Mars Pro gives solid results out of the box, but a few easy upgrades make printing smoother, cleaner, and more reliable:

• ▪Dedicated printing station or vented enclosure
• ▪Webcam or smart plug for monitoring
• ▪Small UPS to survive power loss on long jobs
• ▪LCD screen protectors and PFA films
• ▪Spare FEP sheets for quick swaps
• ▪Wash-and-cure station for faster finishing

Maintenance and Common Issues

Keeping the Mars Pro in shape isn't hard, but it needs consistency. After each print, clean cured fragments off the build plate and wipe it with isopropyl alcohol, filter unused resin back into its bottle, and inspect the FEP film for scratches or clouding. The most-replaced parts are the FEP film, resin vat, and build-plate surface. The common issues and their fixes:

• ▪Prints not sticking to the plate — re-level with the card; for an RGB screen, bump bottom exposure by 5-10 seconds.
• ▪Layer lines or shifting — confirm the plate is locked tight and lubricate the Z-axis lead screw with PTFE grease.
• ▪Cloudy or chalky surfaces — usually overexposure; drop normal exposure by 0.5-1 second and strain old resin.
• ▪Ghosting or odd light marks — check the screen protector for scratches; apply a fresh anti-bleed film or replace the LCD.

Comparisons with Alternative Models

In the crowded small-format resin category, the Mars Pro is a dependable, well-rounded choice. Here's how it stacks up against close rivals.

The Mars Pro's upgraded UV LED matrix produces more uniform exposure than older lamp arrays, and against the Anycubic Photon Mono it tends to have better Z-axis consistency. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K edges it on sharpness, while the Creality Halot-One adds a bigger touchscreen but a less-supported slicer. On value, the Mars Pro just works without needing many upgrades.

Our Final Verdict

If you're thinking about trying resin printing without breaking the bank, the Mars Pro still deserves your attention in 2025. What it lacks in flashy features it makes up for with consistency and no-fuss printing: reliable prints, straightforward operation, and just enough room for highly detailed miniatures or small functional parts. Even though newer printers offer faster speeds and more automation, the Mars Pro continues to deliver solid value.

It's a great starting point if you're curious about resin printing, and for those who've moved on to larger or faster units, it still works well as a backup. That kind of reliability is rare, and it's part of why the Mars Pro keeps sticking around in print rooms across the hobby.