Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus ($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 Neptune 4 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 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.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 320 x 320 x 385 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 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 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 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 Neptune 4 Plus better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher (8.4/10). 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 Neptune 4 Plus or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus 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 Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $160 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.