Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max ($469) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $170 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 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $469 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 480 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 22 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
+420x420x480mm with Klipper for $469: the price-to-volume ratio is hard to beat
+Direct drive on a bed this large is unusual and useful for flexible materials
+Klipper gives you full control to tune speed and acceleration for the mass of this bed
+Prints full armor breastplates in a single run
−Open frame at this scale means ABS warping will ruin prints without serious prep
−The sheer footprint means a dedicated table minimum; don't try to share desk space
−Slower effective speeds on a 420mm heated bed: physics wins eventually
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 Neptune 4 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for cosplay
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
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 Neptune 4 Max 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 Neptune 4 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Max or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $170 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $170 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Max and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.