Elegoo Neptune 4 vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $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 | 9.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199
+500mm/s capable
+Direct drive handles TPU
+Great value vs Ender 3
−No WiFi on base model
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Firmware can need tweaking
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
+12K resolution across a large build plate
+Tilt release for longer FEP life
+Batch print entire armies
+Great for busts and terrain
−Heavy resin consumption at full plate
−Post-processing takes longer at this size
−Still needs wash & cure station
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- 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 better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). 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 or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $100 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $100 less. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.