Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus ($299) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 320 x 320 x 385 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
+320×320×385mm at $299 — the largest build volume at this price point
+Stock Klipper means real input shaping, pressure advance, and Moonraker API access
+Direct-drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without clog risk
+Mainsail interface enables remote monitoring and print farm integration
+Dual Z-axis prevents gantry sag on tall prints
−Open-frame limits material compatibility — ABS/ASA require an enclosure
−500mm/s achievable but optimal quality typically at 200-300mm/s
−Large bed means longer homing and leveling cycles
−Elegoo's support and community is smaller than Creality's
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 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for speed
- Stock Klipper firmware with Mainsail web interface
- 320×320×385mm XL build volume
- 500mm/s max print speed with input shaping
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 Plus better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Same price ($299), so it comes down to features. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.