Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon ($299) and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $160 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.1 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 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 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 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon scores higher (8.2/10). 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, Elegoo Centauri Carbon or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $160 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $160 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.