Elegoo Mars 5 vs Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Mars 5 and Sonic Mighty 8K sit far apart on price, roughly €184 versus €650, nearly 3.5 times. Mars 5 is compact and suited to miniatures; Sonic Mighty 8K offers a bigger work area, 218×123 mm versus 143.43×89.6 mm, and a finer XY resolution, 28 μm versus 35 μm.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~169–199 € | ~550–750 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 23 × 23 × 43.35 cm | 33.7 × 33.7 × 51.6 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.2 kg | 14.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 143.43 × 89.6 mm | 218 × 123 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 150 mm | 235 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 120 W |
| Declared precision | 35 μm | 28 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 89.6 mm | 123 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 35 µm | 28 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70 mm/h | 70 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device supports the leading slicing programs on the market, including Chitubox and Voxeldance Tango, ensuring high flexibility in print file preparation. Integration with these software tools allows optimal management of resin exposure parameters, support generation, and production time optimization. Since there is no mandatory dependence on proprietary cloud platforms, users retain full local control over their workflows via USB file transfer. This feature ensures maximum project confidentiality and operational continuity even without a stable internet connection, making file management simple, secure, and immediate for any level of experience. | The system supports file formats generated by major third-party slicing software, including ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer, ensuring operational flexibility for users with established workflows. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring Ethernet cable options, Wi-Fi connection, and a USB port for offline file transfer. The internal firmware efficiently manages calibration and function control via the integrated touchscreen interface. Despite the availability of the Phrozen GO mobile application for remote progress monitoring, the machine operates entirely autonomously and does not require a constant internet connection or reliance on proprietary cloud services to execute and complete daily print operations. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Mars 5 €184 versus Sonic Mighty 8K €650, nearly 3.5 times less.
- Work area: 218×123 mm on Sonic Mighty 8K versus 143.43×89.6 mm on Mars 5, +109%.
- Z height: 235 mm on Sonic Mighty 8K versus 150 mm on Mars 5.
- Rated XY resolution: 28 μm on Sonic Mighty 8K versus 35 μm on Mars 5.
Which one to choose
Choose Mars 5 if…
Mars 5 suits anyone printing single miniatures or small batches on a budget: it costs €184 against €650, a third of the price, for a 143.43×89.6 mm work area that's enough for most tabletop miniatures.
Choose Sonic Mighty 8K if…
Sonic Mighty 8K suits larger batches or taller pieces: the 218×123 mm area and 235 mm Z height fit more models per plate, with a 28 μm XY resolution versus Mars 5's 35 μm, useful for fine detail across a bigger surface.
Where to buy
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