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.
Direct answer
Elegoo Centauri Carbon is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for budget and enclosed, and the safer recommendation. Choose Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Best value
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Best build volume
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
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.