Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($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 Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $459 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
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 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
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 Saturn 3 Ultra better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher (8/10). 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 Saturn 3 Ultra or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra to save $160.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $160 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $160 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Build volume (218x123x260mm vs 218x123x220mm) and print speed (150 vs 150 mm/s). The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is best for resin; the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra targets resin.