Creality Ender 3 V3 vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 3 V3 ($289, 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 3 V3 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 8.6 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 3 V3
+CoreXZ architecture at $289 is genuinely absurd value
+Klipper comes pre-installed, no flashing required
+600mm/s keeps up with machines twice the price
+Upgrade path is wide open: Klipper means the community has covered everything
−No WiFi means you're walking to the printer with a USB stick
−No enclosure: ABS will warp, ABS will warp, ABS will warp
−Creality's own software is clunky; Bambu Studio is just better
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 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- CoreXZ
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
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 better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 3 V3 or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $10 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $10 less. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 3 V3 and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 3 V3 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.