Artillery Genius Pro vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Artillery Genius Pro ($249, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, 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 Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Artillery Genius Pro saves you $50 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Genius Pro | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Genius Pro
+Dual Z axis keeps first layers even over weeks of printing without releveling
+Silent stepper drivers: quiet enough for a bedroom at 200mm/s
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without feeding issues
+Build quality feels more solid than most sub-$300 machines
−200mm/s is the pace of 2021; the Creality V3 KE hits 500mm/s for the same money
−No WiFi or camera: bring your USB stick, every time
−Open frame means ABS is a gamble in anything less than a controlled environment
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Genius Pro if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for compact
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z axis
Choose the Elegoo Saturn 3 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 Artillery Genius Pro better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Genius Pro may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Genius Pro or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Artillery Genius Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $50 more than the Artillery Genius Pro?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $50 gets you 218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12k resolution.
What's the main difference between Artillery Genius Pro and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Artillery Genius Pro is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.