Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $218 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 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 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 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 SE better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (8/10). 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, Creality Ender 3 V3 SE or Elegoo Saturn 4 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 4 Ultra worth $241 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $241 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.