Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo ($449) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $150 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo wins in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, while the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes Print Quality. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.08 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 19.35 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First enclosed multi-color CoreXY under $500
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID reads filament type automatically, no manual input
+TPU prints without complaints
−Spool holders are finicky
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Build plate grip is mediocre
−Canvas software works but looks like it was designed fast
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
They tie at 8/10. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo suits multi-color and budget, while the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is aimed at resin and miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo worth $150 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $150 less. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo only makes sense if you specifically need multi-color.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.