You're wondering, "What is the best Elegoo 3D printer?" That's a great place to start, but there isn't one perfect answer. The truth is, no single printer works best for everyone. The right choice depends on what you want to make, how much you want to spend, and how much space you have.
This guide won't pick one winner. Instead, it gives you a clear plan to figure out what you need. We'll then help you find the right type of Elegoo printer that matches those needs, so you can make a smart choice you'll feel good about. Your first and most important decision is learning about the two main types of technology Elegoo uses: Resin (MSLA) and Filament (FDM). This choice will affect your entire 3D printing experience.
FDM vs. Resin: Your First Choice
Picking between Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) resin printing is the basic first step. These two methods make objects in completely different ways, and each one is better for different things.
What is FDM Printing?
Think of FDM printing like a very precise, computer-controlled hot glue gun. It takes solid plastic wire, melts it, and squeezes it out layer by layer to build an object from bottom to top. Elegoo's "Neptune" series is their line of FDM printers.
FDM works best for big prints, useful parts that need to be strong, test models for engineering, and for beginners who want to learn 3D printing basics with cheap materials. The main features are bigger build spaces, faster printing for large objects, and strong, long-lasting prints. The downside is that you can often see the layer lines, and making extremely fine details can be hard.
What is Resin Printing?
Resin printing, specifically MSLA, works in a totally different way. It uses a high-quality LCD screen to block UV light, shining cross-sections of an object into a container of liquid plastic resin. The light hardens the liquid resin into a solid layer, and the build plate moves up to do it again. Elegoo's "Mars," "Saturn," and "Jupiter" series are their popular resin printer lines.
Resin is the champion of detail. It works best for projects where smooth surfaces and tiny features matter most: tabletop game figures, jewelry design, dental models, and highly detailed character sculptures. Its main strength is making models with incredibly smooth surfaces, capturing details that are impossible for FDM. However, this requires extra steps after printing (washing and hardening), handling chemicals, and needing good air flow in your workspace.
Head-to-Head Comparison
To make the choice clearer, here is a direct comparison of the two technologies as they relate to Elegoo's printer families.
| Feature | FDM (Neptune Series) | Resin (Mars/Saturn/Jupiter Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Print Detail/Resolution | Good; visible layer lines. Best for functional objects. | Exceptional; smooth surfaces. Best for miniatures and display pieces. |
| Print Speed | Faster for single, large, bulky parts. | Faster for a full plate of multiple small, detailed parts. |
| Cost of Materials | Low. A 1kg spool of PLA filament is very affordable. | Moderate. Resin costs more per kilogram than filament. |
| Ease of Use (Beginner) | More forgiving for first-time users. Fewer chemicals. | Steeper learning curve due to resin handling and post-processing. |
| Post-Processing | Minimal. Remove supports and trim strings. | Required. Parts must be washed in solvent and cured with UV light. |
| Strength & Durability | High. Materials like PLA+, PETG, and ABS are strong. | Generally more brittle, though engineering resins improve strength. |
| Required Space & Ventilation | Can be used in most rooms. A standard desk is sufficient. | Requires a dedicated, well-ventilated space due to chemical fumes. |
Define Your Needs: A Framework
Now that you understand the main technologies, let's build your "buyer's profile." Answering these four questions honestly will guide you directly to the right type of printer.
Question 1: What Will You Print?
The "project factor" is the most important thing to consider. The type of object you want to create tells you which technology you need.
Are you planning to print detailed miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer? You need to capture the tiny details on armor, faces, and weapons. When you hold a finished resin miniature, you'll see a perfectly smooth surface, ready for primer and paint with no layer lines to hide the details. This points directly toward a resin printer.
On the other hand, are you looking to create a full-size cosplay helmet, a custom-designed drone frame, or a bracket to fix a broken drawer? These items need size, strength, and function more than perfect surface finish. An FDM print will feel solid and strong in your hand. You may see or feel the fine layer lines, but the part is strong and ready to use. This use case points clearly to an FDM printer.
For useful engineering test models or replacement parts, the strength and material variety of FDM is often the best choice. For artistic sculptures and jewelry, the unmatched detail of resin is essential.
Question 2: What is Your Budget?
The "cost factor" goes far beyond the starting price of the printer. You must think about the total cost of ownership to make a choice you can afford long-term.
Here is a list of costs to consider:
* The printer itself.
* Materials. FDM filament is sold in 1kg spools and is generally cheap. Resin is sold in 500g or 1000g bottles and costs more.
* Post-processing equipment. For resin, a dedicated Wash & Cure station is almost required for a clean and efficient workflow. For FDM, you'll need basic tools like flush cutters and a deburring tool.
* Replacement parts. Resin printers need periodic replacement of the FEP or PFA film at the bottom of the container, as well as the LCD screen after several thousand hours of use. FDM printers need occasional nozzle replacements.
* Safety and environment. For resin, this includes a constant supply of nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and possibly a dedicated air system or enclosure.
FDM printing generally has a lower starting cost and lower ongoing costs for materials. Resin printing has a higher total investment to get started properly and safely.
Question 3: How Much Space Do You Have?
The "environment factor" is a critical, and often forgotten, practical consideration. An FDM printer, especially when printing with safe materials like PLA, can work on a sturdy desk in an office or a hobby room with normal air flow. They take up more physical space but have fewer environmental needs.
Resin printing is different. The fumes from liquid resin are a health concern and have a strong chemical smell. A resin printer should never be used in a main living space, bedroom, or poorly ventilated room. It needs a dedicated space, like a garage, workshop, or a room where a window can be kept open and an exhaust fan can be used. You are handling liquid chemicals, so the entire workflow—printing, washing, and hardening—needs to be contained in this well-ventilated area.
Question 4: Speed and Print Volume?
The "scale factor" relates to how big and how fast you can print.
First, "speed" is relative. An FDM printer might be faster at printing a single, large, solid object. However, a resin printer's speed is determined by the height of the object, not its complexity or how many are on the build plate. This means a resin printer can print one small miniature or twenty miniatures on the same plate in the exact same amount of time.
Second, build volume determines the maximum size of an object you can print in one piece. As of 2025, a typical entry-level resin printer might have a build volume of 150 x 80 x 160mm, which is perfect for a squad of tabletop figures. A mid-size FDM printer might offer a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400mm, large enough to print a full-size Mandalorian helmet in a single piece. Think about the largest object you realistically plan to print and make sure your chosen printer family can handle it.
Elegoo's Printer Families in 2025
With your needs defined, you can now understand how Elegoo positions its different printer series. This will help you navigate their product lineup without getting lost in specific model numbers.
The FDM Line: The Neptune Series
Elegoo's Neptune series is their family of FDM printers. It is positioned as the solution for those who need flexibility, large build volumes, and the affordability of filament printing.
This series is for beginners getting into the hobby, tinkerers who love to upgrade and modify their machines, engineers and designers making useful prototypes, and cosplay and prop makers who need to print large objects.
Within the Neptune family, different models are distinguished by a few key factors. Build volume is a primary difference, ranging from small and medium desktop-friendly sizes to very large formats for ambitious projects. Higher-tier models also introduce significant speed increases and automation features, such as automatic bed leveling, which dramatically reduces setup time and improves the reliability of first layers.
The Resin Lines: Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter
Elegoo's reputation was built on its resin printers, which are focused on delivering exceptional resolution for detailed work. The Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter series serve different segments of this market.
These printers are for miniature painters, jewelry designers, character artists, and anyone for whom a flawless surface finish is the top priority.
The three series are different mainly by size and resolution:
* The Mars Series is the gateway into high-quality resin printing. These printers are compact, affordable, and produce incredible detail, making them a perfect starting point for hobbyists printing smaller models.
* The Saturn Series is the mid-range workhorse. These models offer a significantly larger build volume and often a higher screen resolution (8K and beyond) than the Mars series. This makes them ideal for serious hobbyists who want to print larger, more impressive models or produce larger batches of small items efficiently.
* The Jupiter Series represents the large-format category. These printers are for users who demand the detail of resin but at a scale that competes with FDM printers. The practical difference is huge. With a Saturn, you might print a single, impressive 75mm monster figure. With a Jupiter, you could print a 1/4 scale character bust or a complex diorama base in a single, seamless piece.
Beyond the Hardware: The Ecosystem
A great printer is more than just hardware. The software, community, and support surrounding it are crucial for long-term success and enjoyment. Elegoo has a strong ecosystem.
Slicing Software
A slicer is a program that converts your 3D model file into layer-by-layer instructions the printer can understand. Elegoo uses industry-standard software for its machines.
For their resin printers, Elegoo partners closely with ChiTuBox. This slicer is known for its powerful and easy-to-use tools for adding supports, which is the most critical skill to master for successful resin printing. For their FDM printers, Elegoo provides a customized version of Ultimaker Cura, a powerful, reliable, and open-source slicer that is the standard for the FDM community.
Community and Support
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a popular brand like Elegoo is the massive user community. When you run into a problem or want to learn a new technique, thousands of other users have likely already asked and answered your question.
This community gathers on platforms like official company forums, massive Facebook groups, and active subreddits. This collective knowledge is an invaluable resource, especially for beginners.
Here are some key resources for new owners:
* Elegoo's Official Support Page
* Large unofficial communities like the "Elegoo 3D Printer Owners" group on Facebook.
* The primary subreddit, r/ElegooMars, which covers all Elegoo printers.
Elegoo's Consumables
Elegoo also produces its own line of consumables, including a wide variety of resins (standard, water-washable, ABS-like for strength) and PLA filaments. While you are never locked into using Elegoo's branded materials, they provide a reliable baseline. For beginners, using the manufacturer's own resin or filament can simplify the process, as the default settings in the slicing software are perfectly tuned for these materials.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
By working through this guide, you have moved beyond the simple question of what is the best elegoo 3d printer. You now have a framework for finding the best Elegoo printer for you.
Let's recap the decision.
* If your primary need is exceptional detail and smooth surfaces for small-to-medium objects like miniatures, jewelry, or display sculptures, your answer lies within the Mars and Saturn resin families.
* If your projects demand large size, functional strength, and you prefer low-cost, easy-to-handle materials, you should be looking at the Neptune FDM family.
* If you need the incredible detail of resin but at a massive scale for professional or ambitious projects, the Jupiter category is your target.
By now, you should have a clear picture of which printer family aligns with your projects, budget, and workspace. Welcome to the exciting world of 3D printing.