Creality CR-M4 vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality CR-M4 ($599, 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 6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality CR-M4 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 450 x 450 x 470 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 200 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 38 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 6/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality CR-M4
+450mm build volume: print a torso, a chest plate, a full helmet in one run
+Dual Z axis keeps a bed this large from sagging mid-print
+Relatively affordable for the volume: comparable machines cost $1,500+
+Direct drive handles flexible and abrasive materials on a large scale
−200mm/s is the slowest print speed on the list by a wide margin: large prints take days
−38kg: this printer lives where you put it, forever
−Open frame on a 450mm machine means ABS warping is brutal without a DIY enclosure
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 Creality CR-M4 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for professional
- 450x450x470mm build volume
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z motors
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 Creality CR-M4 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 Creality CR-M4 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Creality CR-M4 or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 4/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality CR-M4 worth $300 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $300 less. The Creality CR-M4 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Creality CR-M4 and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality CR-M4 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.