Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon ($299) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $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 | 0.1 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
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 better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon scores higher (8.2/10). 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, Elegoo Centauri Carbon or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Elegoo Centauri Carbon or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Same price ($299), so it comes down to features. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.