Elegoo manufactures some of the highest quality and affordable resin 3D printers around, and are sone of the most trusted hobbyist brands in the world.
They also make excellent mid-range and professional resin printers, and an entry-level FDM printer range.
So, What’s The Best Elegoo 3D Printer?
The best budget Elegoo resin 3D printers are the Mars series.
From the Mars range, I recommend the Mars 4 Ultra 9K. It’s a good middle-ground mixing high quality and low price.
The best budget FDM Elegoo printers are the Neptune FDM line.
I recommend the Neptune 4 overall. It’s a solid and reliable FDM printer similar to the popular Creality Ender 3 S1, with a direct drive extruder and extremely fast 500mm/s max speeds.
The Elegoo Saturn models are the best for more advanced resin 3D printing.
They cost a little extra, but the bigger build volumes and upgraded specs are sure to meet your needs.
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Elegoo Mars – Best Budget Resin Printer
Pros
Scratch-resistant tempered glass screen protector
4K, 35 microns for accurate resin printing on a budget
Sandblasted oxide surface build plate
Cons
Small-ish build volume
Elegoo Mars 3
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 143 x 89.6 x 175mm
- Layer Height: 0.01 – 0.2mm
- Max Print Speed: 22.5mm/hr
- Compatible Materials: Resin
- Connectivity: USB
- Ideal For: Beginners who want an upgrade to the Mars 2 line
Pros
Large build volume.
High accuracy over the Mars 2 pro.
Upgraded resin print results.
Cons
The plastic base feels a little cheap.
At the upper end of the Mars series stands the Elegoo Mars 3, an ultra 4K model that acts as an upgrade to the lesser 2K models like the Mars 2 and 2 Pro.
The Mars 3 has superior heat distribution and a larger build volume compared to its predecessors and runs silently at only 35-45db.
The major benefit over the Mars 2 comes in its remarkably high accuracy, boasting up to 50% better print detailing compared to even the Mars 2 Pro.
This is thanks to its ‘Heat Sink’ system, which further adheres the resin to the build plate in such a way that it remains as still as possible during printing while also being easy to remove once it’s cooled.
As well as upgraded print results, the Elegoo Mars 3’s better heat distribution adds to its shelf life.
Parts won’t need to be replaced or upgraded so often as no one piece will be exposed to too much or too little heat over time.
With this feature, the Elegoo Mars 3 essentially makes up for its higher price tag by ensuring it stays up and running for longer, requiring less maintenance.
This is also good news for beginners who don’t want or don’t know how to keep a close eye on the various parts to determine when it’s time to order a spare or replacement.
Read more: Anycubic Photon Mono 4K vs Elegoo Mars 3: comparison
Overall, the Mars series is powerful, impressive, and very affordable. They are great for beginners and work comfortably and reliably right out of the box.
If you’re not looking for a resin printer, you should instead check out the Elegoo Neptune FDM 3D printers. But if you are looking for a 3D printer and want something with more under the hood, then check out the Elegoo Saturn series below.
Mars 3 Pro 4K
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 143 x 90 x 175 mm
The Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K is a fantastic choice for beginners and seasoned makers alike.
The printer features everything you need to produce high-quality prints at an affordable price. It has a 4K LCD, which is by no means the highest resolution, but very much the standard in most entry-level printers these days. Alongside, it has a 35 micron XY resolution, which for the price is excellent and brings out rich, sharp details in small miniatures for tabletop gaming.
The Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K’s 143 x 90 x 175 mm build volume isn’t big, but there’s enough room there for modest batch printing and all the go-to resin print projects like small figurines, decorative pieces, jewelry, and minis.
The Mars 3 Pro 4K’s quality of life features are some of the best in its price range. These include a plug-in charcoal filter to minimize odors, compatibility with most slicers such as Chitubox and Lycee, a superb easily replaceable tempered glass PFA screen liner that protects against scuffs and scratches, and a Fresnel lens in the light source said to offer more uniform light distribution for better prints.
Elegoo 4 Max 6K
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 196 x 122 x 150 mm
If you’re willing to pay an extra $40, consider the larger and even more precise Elegoo 4 Max 6K.
It bundles in all the Mars 3 Pro 4K’s features, including the tempered glass LCD protector and air filter, but with a 6K 5760 x 3600 LCD capable of 34-micron accuracy for even sharper and feature-rich prints. It also offers a larger 196 x 122 x 150 mm build volume, which opens the door to larger prints, and more efficient batch printing for small businesses.
Mars 4 9K / Ultra 9K
- Price for Mars 4 9K: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Price for Mars 4 Ultra 9K: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 153.36 x 77.76 x 175 mm (4 9K) / 153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm (Ultra 9K)
If you’re looking for a budget printer that can handle the most demanding resin applications, such as precision jewelry making, I recommend the Elegoo Mars 4 9K or Mars 4 Ultra 9K.
Both feature 9K LCDs, 18 micron XY resolution, powerful COB light source for uniform curing, laser-card built plate, and the same quality of life features as the Mars 4 Pro 4K. The Ultra 9K goes even further by integrating full Wi-Fi connectivity, hassle-free bed leveling, and print speeds up to 150 mm/h.
Mars 4 DLP
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 133 x 75 x 150 mm
Lastly, if you’re looking for something a little different, there’s also the Elegoo Mars 4 DLP to consider.
Though priced higher than the LCD Mars line-up, the Mars 4 DLP offers improved longevity, due to a Texas Instruments-developed projector that lasts up to 20,000 hours of use compared to the 2,000 hours of traditional LCD screens.
The printer is also much more energy efficient thanks to ultra-low operating power, equating to roughly a seventh of the energy use of LCD printers.
Elsewhere, the Mars 4 DLP has a 133 x 75 x 150 mm, pushes 52 micron XY resolution, and 2560 x 1400 voxels, putting it on par with the Mars 3 Pro 4K in detail and quality. The Mars 4 DLP does have a higher price, so it’s a case of weighing up whether the longevity and efficiency benefits are worth the extra cost.
Elegoo Saturn – Best Mid-sized Elegoo Resin Printer
Pros
Larger build volume than the Mars
Scratch-resistant tempered glass screen protector
4K, 8K, 12K LCD options
Cons
Lacks the value of the Mars
The Elegoo Saturn range focuses on mid-sized resin printers, perfect if you want more build volume than the Elegoo Mars line-up have, without any sacrifices to print quality.
Saturn S 4K
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 196 x 122 x 210 mm
While the Saturn S 4K, with its 196 x 122 x 210 mm build volume and 48 micron XY resolution is the wise choice for those on a budget, you’re better off going for the Mars 3 Pro 4K and the slew of quality life features for roughly the same price.
Yes, you do lose out on a bit of build volume, but for most hobbyist applications (miniatures, decorative pieces, figurines), the loss is hardly ever felt, so it’s a reasonable compromise.
This 3D printer comes with a 9.1-inch 4K HD Monochrome LCD with a resolution of 4098 x 2560 with a printing volume of 196 x 122 x 210mm (7.71 x 4.80 x 8.26in).
Saturn 3 12K
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Build Volume: 219 x 123 x 250 mm
The real gem among the Elegoo Saturn range is the Saturn 3 12K. It has a 219 x 123 x 250 mm build volume, which is fairly large in the consumer resin printer space. The printer also boasts a 19 x 24 micron XY resolution, which results in a fantastic level of detail, and a 12K LCD.
A COB light source and Fresnel collimating lens work together to offer more uniform resin curing performance for beautifully clear and feature-rich prints.
It also borrows some of the quality-of-life improvements seen in the Mars line-up, including the plug-in activated carbon filter to keep odors and fumes at bay, and the hardened tempered glass LCD liner that works wonders to prevent print-spoiling scratches and scuffs.
The Saturn 3 12K costs roughly $100 more than the Saturn S, but is only $50 more than the Saturn 2 8K, which has a 28.5 micron and a 8K LCD, pocket change for a noticeable bump in quality.
It’s also a great way to future-proof your setup especially if you’re looking to outfit a burgeoning resin printer business or need a reliable machine to print large quantities of miniatures, for example.
This premium 3D printer boasts an extra-large 218 x 122 x 250mm build area to create epic miniatures and models in stunning 12K clarity.
Perfect with Windows and MacOS, it works seamlessly with Chitubox and other Mac-compatible software.
Get professional-quality prints at half the cost of other printers, bringing affordable excellence in 3D printing to your desktop.
Saturn 3 Ultra 12K
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 218.88 x 122.88 x 260 mm
Finally, for $100 more, there’s also the Saturn 3 Ultra 12K, a souped-up version of the 12K with Wi-fi, print speeds up to 150 mm/h compatible with Elegoo’s Rapid resin range, a Linux-powered operating system for faster transfer speeds, a convenient 4-point leveling, and a fancy IPS capacitive touchscreen upgrade.
Otherwise, the specs are the same as the Saturn 3 12K. It’s better where speed is important, such as rapid prototyping at short notice, but otherwise, the Saturn 3 12K offers identical performance at a much better price.
Elegoo Jupiter
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Build Volume: 277 x 156 x 300mm
- Layer Height: 0.01 – 0.2mm
- Max Print Speed: 70mm/hr
- Compatible Materials: Resin
- Connectivity: USB
- Ideal For: If you want a big printer that doesn’t sacrifice speed for size
Pros
The biggest and most powerful LCD printer Elegoo has ever released.
Large build volume.
Simple set-up and low maintenance.
Cons
Some may find it too expensive.
The Elegoo Jupiter promises to be the biggest and most powerful LCD printer Elegoo has ever released.
While it is significantly more costly than any other Elegoo 3D printer, rest assured it will be well worth it.
Don’t let the large volume and incredible detail capabilities of the Elegoo Jupiter lead you to believe it’s a slow machine. At 70mm/hr, it matches the Elegoo Saturn 9.1’’, which is great news for those of you who want a 3D printer that’s both big and fast.
The all-metal body makes for a sturdy and reliable machine, while the automatic resin feeding makes for an extremely easy printing process.
Even newcomers to 3D printing shouldn’t be intimidated by the giant that is the Elegoo Jupiter, as it promises a simple set-up, low-maintenance processes, and a simple UI on its 5’’ capacitive touchscreen interface.
The Jupiter is also built with easy upgradability in mind.
An optional built-in air purifier ensures that even the biggest of projects won’t keep resin odors and vapors hanging around your workspace, for example.
If you don’t mind the $1300 price tag or the wait, then the Jupiter is worth pre-ordering now so you can have your model shipped to you as early as August 2022.
That being said, the Elegoo Jupiter is something of a monolithic 3D printer.
If you’re anxious about spending that much or simply don’t need something so top-of-the-line, then you’re better looking at one of the Saturn or Mars models.
Elegoo Neptune – best budget FDM printer
Pros
Affordable FDM printer and Ender 3 alternative
Automatic bed leveling for such a low price
Direct drive extruder for better TPU printing
Good size build volume
Cons
Some models require tinkering for the best results
Elegoo Neptune 2
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm
- Max Print Speed: 180mm/s
- Compatible Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, Nylon, and Ceramic
- Connectivity: TF Card and Wi-Fi
- Specialty: Silent Motherboard
Pros
Very quiet printing.
Highly precise machine.
Budget-friendly.
Cons
The user interface is a bit clunky.
If you work late at night or have particularly thin walls like me, then you’ll know the wince of doing something loud and knowing you’re annoying your neighbors.
There are many great quiet 3D printers out there, and silence is a virtue whether you’re trying to not annoy people around you, or simply enjoy peace and quiet.
While there’s no such thing as a completely silent FDM printer, this is an excellent starting point.
You can even use the link above to help you understand how to further reduce noise coming from any 3D printer.
Spec-wise, the Neptune 2 is a highly precise machine.
The detail quality of the prints is comparable to a lot of mid-range resin printers, which is incredibly impressive for an FDM printer under $200. If you’re on a budget but want an FDM printer that rivals many models three times the price, the Neptune 2 is for you.
The Elegoo Neptune 2D
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm
- Max Print Speed: 180mm/s
- Compatible Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, Nylon, and Ceramic
- Connectivity: TF Card and USB
- Specialty: Independent Dual Extruder
Pros
Dual extruder included.
Massive print size for the price.
Cons
If you don’t want the dual extruder, then stick with the Neptune 2.
Dual extrusion is a luxury in 3D printers for which many people would happily pay an arm and a leg.
Upgrading a 3D printer to have a dual extruder can be a tricky process, and finding an FDM printer with dual extrusion as standard can get very costly.
The Elegoo Neptune 2D has a dual extruder, allowing for multicolor prints and even different filament kinds to be used in the same project.
The second extruder also acts independently, meaning you can make mirrored or cloned prints simultaneously without needing to wait for two separate projects.
An FDM printer with a dual extruder is a steal at $239, and the massive print size of 220 x 220 x 250mm means you’ll have no trouble taking on the biggest and most colorful projects.
If dual extrusion is your main priority with build volume as a close second, then the Elegoo Neptune 2D is absolutely the 3D printer for you.
The Elegoo Neptune 2S and Neptune X
- Price for Neptune 2S: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Price for Neptune X: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250mm (2S) / 220 x 220 x 300mm (X)
- Max Print Speed: 180mm/s
- Compatible Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, Nylon, and Ceramic
- Connectivity: TF Card and USB
- Specialty: All-Round Great FDM 3D Printers
Pros
Comes with great safety features.
Large build volume.
Easy to assemble.
Cons
The screen is placed awkwardly.
The last two of the Elegoo Neptune series are the Neptune 2S and Neptune X.
Both of which are fantastic FDM 3D printers for users of any level who want a simple no-fuss FDM printer without all the bells and whistles.
The two are similar in both capabilities and design, and both come with safety features like controlled cooldowns and progress-saving in the event of a power outage.
The most noticeable differences are the Neptune X’s larger build volume and sturdier CNC machined frame, coming at a $35 price difference.
So, like the Mars 2 vs. the Mars 2 Pro, which 3D printer you chose between these two comes down to whether or not you believe this extra cost is worth it.
If you’re in a hurry, then you will have to opt for the 2S, as the X is currently out of stock.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 320 x 320 x 400 mm
The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus, a budget mid-sized printer. For under $350, you get a roomy 320 x 320 x 400 mm build volume.
There’s also a dual-gear extruder sporting an all-metal hotend, a quality titanium alloy heatbreak for better TPU and PETG printing, and a PEI-coated flexible spring steel bed to improve layer adhesion and make print removal much easier.
And like with all Neptune models, there’s automatic bed leveling as well, with a 49-point mesh to cater for the larger build volume. The dual z-axis lead screws smooth out movement and improve overall stability.
Neptune 3 Max
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 420 x 420 x 500 mm
For those looking for a larger printer, there’s the Elegoo Neptune 3 Max. It features a 420 x 420 x 500 mm build volume sided by a dual-gear direct drive extruder, and 63-point automatic bed leveling system.
The Elegoo Neptune 3 Max avoids most of the issues you’d expect with such a large build volume, with even heat distribution across its wide build surface.
With very little tinkering, the Neptune 3 Max produces good quality prints, ideal for beginners that want the extra build volume, but also a forgiving and easy-to-use large-format printer.
Neptune 3
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 280 mm
Though, you are likely better served in terms of sheer value by the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus, the basic Neptune 3 stands its ground against popular budget options like the Anycubic Kobra and Ender 3, especially as it’s priced a little over $200.
For the cash, you get a 220 x 220 x 280 mm build volume, Bowden extruder, PEI-coated spring steel build plate, 16-point mesh automatic bed leveling, touch screen, print recovery, and a filament sensor.
The low cost does come with hurdles, chiefly that it requires quite a bit of tinkering to tap into its full potential, which makes it hard to recommend for beginners that want an easy first printer.
Neptune 3 Pro
- Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here
- Build Volume: 225 x 225 x 280 mm
Instead, money is better spent on the Pro version. The Neptune 3 Pro is effectively the Neptune 3 with a slightly larger 225 x 225 x 280 build volume, a more precise 36-point inductive probe automatic bed leveling, and a dual-gear direct drive extruder thrown in for only slightly more money.
Neptune 4
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Build Volume: 225 x 225 x 265 mm
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is designed with speed in mind, with a staggering top speed of 500 mm/s (250 mm/s is recommended, though).
It comes with all the features of other Neptune models, including automatic bed leveling (with a 121-point mesh), touchscreen, and dual-gear direct drive extruder with titanium heatbreak, but also with a high temperature 300°C hot end.
The Neptune 4 can confidently tackle flexibles like TPU and ABS, but also more exotic filaments like Nylon. The only downside to all these fantastic specifications is a decidedly budget 225 x 225 x 265 mm build volume, which won’t suit those looking to print larger parts and models. But if size isn’t a concern, it’s hard to beat the value packed into the Neptune 4, especially for under $300.
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