Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs Flashforge Adventurer 5M
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, RESIN) and Flashforge Adventurer 5M ($299, 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 Flashforge Adventurer 5M takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | Flashforge Adventurer 5M |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 220 x 220 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
+Larger build plate than Mars series
+12K resolution
+Print multiple minis at once
+Good for busts and terrain
−More expensive than Mars
−Still requires post-processing
−Heavy resin smell even with purifier
Flashforge Adventurer 5M
+Enclosed with HEPA at $299
+Toolless nozzle swap
+Very fast for an enclosed machine
+Good for families and schools
−Smaller build volume than open-frame rivals
−Proprietary nozzle system
−No camera on base model
Who Should Buy Which?
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
Choose the Flashforge Adventurer 5M if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- Auto leveling
- Quick-swap nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra better than the Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
By the numbers, the Flashforge Adventurer 5M scores higher (8.6/10). 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 4 Ultra or Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $160 more than the Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M actually scores higher (8.6/10) 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 4 Ultra and Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Flashforge Adventurer 5M is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.