Anycubic Kobra 3 vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Kobra 3 ($299, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra 3 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 3 | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 3
+CoreXY at 600mm/s for $299 is Bambu A1 territory
+WiFi and camera come standard without paying extra
+Add the ACE Pro multi-color system later if you want it
+Open frame is accessible for maintenance
−Anycubic's slicer software is behind Bambu Studio in polish and usability
−No multi-color out of the box: the A1 Combo at $399 already includes it
−Limited long-term data: first-gen product with fewer community fixes documented
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Kobra 3 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Choose the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 3 better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra 3 or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $160 more than the Anycubic Kobra 3?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $160 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 3 and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 3 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.