If you’ve ever painted a miniature and wished the details were sharper, or spent hours searching for the perfect tabletop gaming model online, you’ve probably already considered buying a resin 3D printer.
And honestly, there’s never been a better time.
Modern resin printers can produce details that would have seemed impossible on consumer machines just a few years ago. Tiny facial expressions, armor textures, scales, weapons, and intricate terrain pieces can now be printed at home with professional-level quality.
For tabletop gamers, miniature painters, collectors, and hobbyists, resin printing has become the gold standard.
The challenge isn’t deciding whether resin printing is worth it.
It’s choosing the best resin 3D printer for your needs.
Some printers are perfect for beginners creating their first miniatures. Others are designed for hobbyists building armies, selling models online, or producing large-scale display pieces.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top resin printers from ELEGOO and help you determine which one fits your projects best.
Why Resin Printing Dominates Miniature and Model Making
Before comparing printers, it’s important to understand why so many hobbyists prefer resin over traditional filament printing.
The answer is simple: detail.
While FDM printers build models using melted plastic layers, resin printers use light to cure liquid resin with incredible precision.
The result is:
- Sharper edges
- Smoother surfaces
- Better facial details
- Cleaner textures
- More accurate small components
This is why miniature creators, tabletop gamers, model builders, and professional artists overwhelmingly choose resin technology.
If your goal is producing display-quality figures, a high-detail resin printer is almost always the right choice.
Our Top Resin Printer Picks at a Glance
| Printer | Best For | Skill Level |
| Mars 5 Ultra | Best overall for miniatures | Beginner to Advanced |
| Mars 5 | Best value for beginners | Beginner |
| Saturn 4 | Larger miniature batches | Intermediate |
| Saturn 4 Ultra | Advanced hobbyists and sellers | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Jupiter Series | Professional production | Advanced |
Mars 5 Ultra: The Best Resin Printer for Most Hobbyists
If I could only recommend one resin printer to most people, it would probably be the Mars 5 Ultra.
It strikes an excellent balance between print quality, ease of use, speed, and affordability.
Whether you’re printing Dungeons & Dragons miniatures, Warhammer-style figures, display models, or collectibles, this machine delivers the kind of detail that makes hobbyists fall in love with resin printing.
What Makes It Stand Out?
The Mars 5 Ultra combines modern resin printing technology with beginner-friendly features that reduce failed prints and simplify setup.
For many users, it represents the sweet spot between entry-level and enthusiast-level printing.
Best For
- Tabletop gaming figures
- RPG miniatures
- Character busts
- Collectible models
- Detailed terrain accessories
What I Like
- Outstanding detail reproduction
- Reliable printing performance
- Beginner-friendly workflow
- Excellent value
Potential Drawback
The build volume is smaller than Saturn or Jupiter models, making it less suitable for larger projects.
Mars 5: The Best Budget-Friendly Resin Printer
Not everyone needs the latest flagship model.
If you’re just entering the hobby and want a capable miniature printing machine without spending more than necessary, the Mars 5 deserves serious consideration.
It offers much of what makes the Mars lineup popular while keeping costs manageable.
Why Beginners Love It
The Mars 5 removes much of the complexity that used to scare people away from resin printing.
You can focus on learning support placement, orientation, and post-processing rather than fighting with the machine.
Best For
- First-time resin users
- Miniature painters
- Casual hobbyists
- Small-scale model printing
Ideal Projects
- Character miniatures
- Board game upgrades
- Display figurines
- Scale models
Saturn 4: When You Want More Space to Create
At some point, many hobbyists encounter the same problem:
They want to print more at once.
The Saturn 4 addresses this perfectly.
Compared to smaller resin printers, the larger build volume gives you significantly more flexibility.
Instead of printing a few miniatures at a time, you can fill the build plate with entire squads, terrain pieces, or multiple models.
Why the Extra Space Matters
If you enjoy tabletop gaming, batch printing can save enormous amounts of time.
Instead of running multiple print sessions, you can produce larger collections more efficiently.
Best For
- Army builders
- Terrain creators
- Frequent hobbyists
- Small online sellers
What Makes It Appealing
The Saturn 4 balances large-format printing with the detail levels hobbyists expect from a premium 3D printer for models.
Saturn 4 Ultra: The Choice for Serious Enthusiasts
Some hobbyists eventually reach a point where they want more than just a printer.
They want a production tool.
That’s where the Saturn 4 Ultra shines.
It takes everything people love about the Saturn lineup and pushes it further.
Why It’s Popular
The larger build area, enhanced performance, and advanced features make it ideal for people producing models regularly.
Whether you’re selling prints, creating commission work, or building extensive tabletop collections, the Saturn 4 Ultra can dramatically improve workflow efficiency.
Best For
- Etsy sellers
- Professional painters
- Advanced hobbyists
- Commercial model production
Who Should Skip It?
If you’re printing occasionally or just starting out, the Mars series usually provides better value.
Jupiter Series: Built for Large Projects and Production Runs
The Jupiter Series sits in a different category altogether.
These machines are designed for creators who need serious capacity.
Think:
- Massive display models
- Large terrain pieces
- Commercial production
- Professional prototyping
- High-volume miniature manufacturing
Why Creators Upgrade to Jupiter
The enormous build volume allows projects that would otherwise require multiple print jobs and assembly work.
For businesses and dedicated enthusiasts, that can save significant time.
Best For
- Professional creators
- Small businesses
- Print farms
- Commercial model makers
The Accessories Every Resin User Eventually Buys
One thing many beginners underestimate is the importance of the supporting equipment around the printer.
In reality, accessories often have just as much impact on your experience as the printer itself.
Essential Resin Accessories
Wash and Cure Stations
Help clean and cure prints safely and consistently.
Resin Tanks
Useful for maintaining multiple resin types.
Build Plates
Allow faster workflow between print jobs.
FEP Films
Critical for maintaining print quality.
Safety Equipment
Gloves, filters, and cleaning supplies help create a safer printing environment.
Investing in quality accessories often leads to better results and fewer failed prints.
Which Resin Printer Should You Buy?
Buy the Mars 5 Ultra If:
You want the best overall balance of detail, value, and beginner-friendly features.
Buy the Mars 5 If:
You want an affordable entry point into resin printing.
Buy the Saturn 4 If:
You regularly print larger batches of miniatures or terrain.
Buy the Saturn 4 Ultra If:
You plan to sell prints or print frequently.
Buy the Jupiter Series If:
You need professional-level capacity and production volume.
My Recommendation for Most Hobbyists
If someone asked me today which tabletop gaming 3D printer offers the best overall experience, I’d point them toward the Mars 5 Ultra.
It delivers exceptional detail, handles miniatures beautifully, and provides enough capability to remain useful long after you’ve moved beyond beginner projects.
The Saturn 4 Ultra would be my choice for serious hobbyists and small businesses, while the Jupiter Series makes the most sense for creators producing large-scale work.
No matter which model you choose, modern resin printers are capable of producing miniatures and models that would have been considered professional quality only a few years ago.
And that’s what makes resin printing such an exciting hobby.