Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs Prusa MK4S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, RESIN) and Prusa MK4S ($799, 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 Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. The Prusa MK4S still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $799 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 7 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Prusa MK4S
+Legendary reliability
+Fully open source
+PrusaSlicer is excellent
+Best customer support in the industry
−Expensive for the speed
−Slower than CoreXY competition
−Open frame
−Showing its age vs Bambu
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 MK4S if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for open-source
- Open source
- PrusaSlicer
- Nextruder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra better than the Prusa MK4S?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Prusa MK4S may be the smarter buy if you need reliability.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra or Prusa MK4S?
The Prusa MK4S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa MK4S worth $500 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $500 less. The Prusa MK4S only makes sense if you specifically need reliability.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and Prusa MK4S?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa MK4S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.