Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, RESIN) and Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro ($379, 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 Pro 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 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $379 |
| 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 | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro
+HEPA filter and enclosure at $379 is genuinely rare in this class
+Nozzle swaps with no tools: pull out, push in, done in 30 seconds
+600mm/s means speed doesn't suffer for the enclosure premium
+ABS prints more reliably than any open-frame machine at this price
−220x220mm build volume is cramped compared to open-frame rivals
−Proprietary nozzles mean you can't raid a generic nozzle pack
−Flashforge's community is small: if something breaks, you're often on your own
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 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for enclosed
- 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 Pro?
By the numbers, the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro 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 Pro?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $80 more than the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro actually scores higher (8.6/10) despite costing $80 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 Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.