Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $100 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
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 Mars 4 Ultra better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $100 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $100 gets you 218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12k resolution.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 218x123x260mm) and print speed (100 vs 150 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is best for miniatures; the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra targets resin.