Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, 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
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE wins in Value, Beginner Friendliness, while the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes Print Quality, Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 Ender 3 V3 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
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 Ender 3 V3 SE better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
They tie at 8/10. The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE suits beginners and budget, while the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is aimed at resin and miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $81 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $81 less. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.