Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $349 vs $469. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $469 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 420 x 420 x 480 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
+420x420x480mm with Klipper for $469: the price-to-volume ratio is hard to beat
+Direct drive on a bed this large is unusual and useful for flexible materials
+Klipper gives you full control to tune speed and acceleration for the mass of this bed
+Prints full armor breastplates in a single run
−Open frame at this scale means ABS warping will ruin prints without serious prep
−The sheer footprint means a dedicated table minimum; don't try to share desk space
−Slower effective speeds on a 420mm heated bed: physics wins eventually
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for cosplay
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
By the numbers, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $120 more than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $120 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
Build volume (300x300x400mm vs 420x420x480mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is best for large-prints; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max targets large-prints.