Prusa SL1S vs. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro: The Complete Comparison

If you’re in the market for a 3D printer, you’ve probably heard of Prusa SL1S and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro. They’re two of the most popular SLA 3D printers today, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. So, how does the Prusa SL1 compare to the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro?

If you need a smaller, quiet, fast beginner printer, go with the Prusa SL1S. On the other hand, if you need a cheap, easy-to-use printer with a larger build volume, go with the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro. Both printers provide quality prints with helpful software, making them excellent choices for 3D printing.

Are you looking for an SLA 3D printer that is affordable and high quality? If so, you may wonder if the Prusa SL1S or the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is the right option. In this article, I’ll compare these two printers head-to-head to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

The Basic Similarities Between Prusa SL1S and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

The Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro (available on Amazon.com) are two popular 3D printers. For first-time buyers, it can be tough to decide which one is right for them. However, with some insights into their similarities and differences, hopefully, you can make a more informed decision.

Here’s a rundown of the key similarities between these two printers:

Both Printers Are Pretty Small and Easy To Set Up

When choosing a 3D printer, size and ease of setup are two critical factors. Fortunately, both the Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro are small printers, and they’re both easy to set up.

However, the Prusa SL1S is smaller than the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, so it may be better if you have limited space. Still, both printers are compact enough to fit on a desk or work table without taking up too much room.

The following video reviews the Prusa SL1S in detail:

As far as setup goes, both printers are pretty straightforward. The Prusa SL1S comes with an illustrated setup guide that walks you through the process step-by-step. 

Similarly, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro comes with a tutorial that you can follow along with setting up the printer. Either way, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting either printer up and running.

The Print Quality Is Good, but Not Perfect

When it comes to print quality, both the Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro produce good results. These printers are quite different in price, but you shouldn’t expect industrial-quality, flawless prints.

However, both printers produce prints with sharp enough detail and smooth surfaces, and they’re generally ideal for enthusiasts and amateurs. If you’re looking for a printer that can produce high-quality prints, either of these options would be a good choice.

Both Are Open-Source Printers

One of the benefits of both the Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is that they are open-source printers. That means that you can find a large community of users who constantly improve and update the printers.

If you ever have a problem with your printer or want to upgrade it, there’s already a solution. In addition, if there isn’t, you can always reach out to the community for help.

Being open-source also means that these printers are constantly getting better. So, if you buy one now, you can be confident that it will only get better with time.

Both Require Some Assembly Before They Can Be Used

Another similarity between these two printers is that they both require assembly before being used, which is typical of 3D printers.

The Prusa SL1S comes with a pretty detailed assembly manual, so you shouldn’t have trouble putting it together. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro also comes with an assembly manual, but some users have found it to be less precise than the one for the SL1S.

Here’s a tutorial that may help you set up an Elegoo Mars 2 Pro printer:

They Have a Small Build Volume

Printer	Prusa SL1	Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
Build Volume	127 x 80 x 150 mm (5 x 3.15 x 5.9 in)	143 x 90 x 165 mm (5.6 x 3.54 x 6.5 in)

Another similarity between these two printers is that they have a small build volume. The Prusa SL1S has a build volume of 127 x 80 x 150 mm (5 x 3.15 x 5.9 in), while the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro has a build volume of 143 x 90 x 165 mm (5.6 x 3.54 x 6.5 in).

These devices are smaller than other 3D printers on the market. So, if you’re looking to print large objects, these printers may not be the best choice. However, they’re still great for printing smaller objects.
Both Come With Helpful Software for Easy Printing

Printer	Prusa SL1	Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
Integrated Slicers	PrusaSlicerCura	ChiTuBox

Both the Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro come with helpful software that makes printing easy. The Prusa SL1S comes with the PrusaSlicer, while the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro comes with the ChiTuBox slicer.

Both of these slicers are easy to use and will help you get the best results from your printer. However, many people prefer Prusaslicer due to its user-friendly interface and simplified adjustments. For example, many people prefer to use Prusaslicer for adding supports because this slicer will do all of the work for you and give you a higher chance of print success. 

The Key Differences Between Prusa SL1S and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Now that you know some of the similarities between the Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro let’s look at some of the critical differences. Understanding the differences between these two printers will help you decide which one is right for you.

Here are a few notable differences between the two 3D printers:

Prusa SL1S Is Quieter Than Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Prusa SL1S is quieter than Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, making it a better choice if you’re looking for a printer that won’t make too much noise. One of the critical reasons for this difference is that the SL1S uses linear motors instead of stepper motors. 

Additionally, the SL1S is encased in a sound-dampening chamber, reducing noise. As a result, you can expect the SL1S to be significantly quieter than the Elegoo Mars.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Doesn’t Have WiFi, While the SL1S Does

Another critical difference between the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro and the SL1S is that the former doesn’t allow WiFi, while the latter does. Such a difference might not be a big deal for some people, but it could be a deciding factor for others.

If you’d like to control your printer from your phone or computer, the SL1S would be better. On the other hand, if you don’t mind being tethered to a thumb drive, either would work fine. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which feature is more important to you.

The Elegoo Mars Is a Bit Slower Than the Prusa SL1S

Printer	Prusa SL1S	Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
Printing Speed	1.3-2.4 seconds/layer	1.5-3 seconds/layer

When it comes to 3D printers, speed is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, nobody wants to wait for hours or days for their prints to finish.

The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a bit slower than the Prusa SL1S. The Mars 2 Pro has a print speed of 1.5-3 seconds/layer, while the Prusa SL1S has a print speed of 1.3-2.4 seconds/layer. So, if you’re looking for a printer that can churn out prints quickly, then the Prusa SL1S would be the better choice.

The Mars 2 Pro Has a Larger Build Volume Than the SL1

Another critical difference between these two printers is that the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro has a larger build volume than the Prusa SL1S. The Mars 2 Pro has a build volume of 143 x 90 x 165 mm (5.6 x 3.54 x 6.5 in), while the SL1S has a build volume of 127 x 80 x 150 mm (5 x 3.15 x 5.9 in).

So, if you’re looking for a printer that can handle larger prints, then the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro would be the better choice. Still, keep in mind that these printers are both small. 

Prusa SL1S vs. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro: Pros and Cons

Both the Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro are great 3D printers that offer many features for their price point. However, they each have their own set of pros and cons that you should consider before purchasing.

To help you make a decision, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each printer:

Printer	Prusa SL1	Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
Pros	Allows WiFi Comes integrated with PrusaSlicer Has a smaller footprint Comprehensive guide Intuitive menu system Supports third-party resins	Larger build volume Comes with a resin vat Great software Easy to use Supports third-party resins
Cons	Small build volume The resin tank is challenging to clean	Noisy No WiFi Rubber seal tends to get in the way

Prusa SL1S Pros

• Allows WiFi: The SL1S comes with built-in WiFi, so you can easily connect it to your computer or other devices for wireless printing.
• Comes integrated with PrusaSlicer: The SL1S comes with PrusaSlicer, a great slicing software that’s easy to use and generates high-quality prints.
• Has a smaller footprint: The SL1S is smaller than the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, so it takes up less space on your desk or work area.
• Comprehensive guide: The SL1S comes with a complete guide that walks you through the entire setup process, so you can get started printing right away.
• Intuitive menu system: The SL1 has an intuitive menu system that makes it easy to navigate and change settings.
• Supports third-party resins: The SL1S can be used with third-party resins, so you’re not limited to Prusa’s resins.

Prusa SL1S Cons

• Small build volume: The SL1 has a small build volume, so it might not be able to handle larger prints.
• The resin tank is difficult to clean: The resin tank on the SL1S can be challenging to clean, so you might have to spend some extra time cleaning it after each use.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pros

• Larger build volume: The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro has a larger build volume than the SL1S, which can handle larger prints.
• Easy to use: The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is easy to use, with an intuitive menu system that makes it easy to navigate and change settings.
• Supports third-party resins: The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro can be used with third-party resins, so you’re not limited to the resins that Elegoo offers.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Cons

• Noisy: The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is loud, so you might not want to use it if you’re looking for a quiet printer.
• No WiFi: The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro doesn’t have WiFi, so you’ll need to use a flash drive for printing.
• Rubber seal tends to get in the way: The rubber seal on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro can be tricky to work with, and it can get in the way when you’re trying to remove prints from the build plate.

Prusa SL1S vs. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro: Which 3D Printer Is Right for You?

The Prusa SL1S is right for you if you need a quiet printer that is easy to use. On the other hand, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is suitable for you if you are looking for a printer with a larger build volume.

Generally, both printers are great that produce quality prints. Ultimately, deciding which one to buy depends on your needs and preferences.

The Bottom Line

The Prusa SL1S and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro are both great 3D printers. They’re both small and easy to set up, have a good print quality, and are affordable.

The key differences between these two printers are that the SL1S is quieter, faster, and has a smaller build volume. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, on the other hand, doesn’t have WiFi and has a slightly larger build volume. Despite that, you can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose.