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 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
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 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.