Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro ($259) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $40 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro wins in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, while the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes Print Quality, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
+Linear rails at $259 is a feature you normally pay $400+ for
+Klipper pre-installed with decent out-of-box profiles
+500mm/s sustained prints well with stock settings
+Build quality feels more solid than the price suggests
−Early units shipped with firmware bugs that needed patching
−Elegoo's support community is a fraction of Creality's size
−No WiFi means USB-only printing
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 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 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 Pro better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
They tie at 8/10. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro suits budget and speed, while the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is aimed at resin and miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $40 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $40 less. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.