Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs Prusa Mini+
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, RESIN) and Prusa Mini+ ($459, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Prusa Mini+ takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra saves you $160 and wins on Value, Print Quality, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | Prusa Mini+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $459 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 180 x 180 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 4 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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
Prusa Mini+
+Prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally
+PrusaSlicer profiles are the gold standard; third-party slicers treat Prusa as the reference
+Open-source means every component is documented, replaceable, and community-supported
+SuperPINDA gives consistently excellent first layers without manual tramming
+4kg makes it genuinely portable — fits in a carry-on with room
−180×180×180mm is small — limits to desk accessories, figurines, and small functional parts
−180mm/s is slow compared to Bambu or Creality CoreXY machines
−Semi-enclosed means ABS warping is still a risk without an aftermarket enclosure
−Prusa charges a premium; the hardware isn't exceptional by 2025 standards
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 Prusa Mini+ if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for desktop
- MINI/E input shaper toolhead (NextruderMINI compatible)
- SuperPINDA probe for first-layer precision
- Prusa Connect remote monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra better than the Prusa Mini+?
By the numbers, the Prusa Mini+ 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 Saturn 3 Ultra or Prusa Mini+?
The Prusa Mini+ is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Mini+ worth $160 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Prusa Mini+ scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10). The extra $160 gets you prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and Prusa Mini+?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Mini+ is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.