Elegoo Mars 4 vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149) 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
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $150 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
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 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 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $150.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $150 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $150 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 and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 218x123x260mm) and print speed (80 vs 150 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 is best for budget; the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra targets resin.