Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $349 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 320 x 320 x 385 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 |
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 Plus
+320×320×385mm at $299 — the largest build volume at this price point
+Stock Klipper means real input shaping, pressure advance, and Moonraker API access
+Direct-drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without clog risk
+Mainsail interface enables remote monitoring and print farm integration
+Dual Z-axis prevents gantry sag on tall prints
−Open-frame limits material compatibility — ABS/ASA require an enclosure
−500mm/s achievable but optimal quality typically at 200-300mm/s
−Large bed means longer homing and leveling cycles
−Elegoo's support and community is smaller than Creality's
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 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for speed
- Stock Klipper firmware with Mainsail web interface
- 320×320×385mm XL build volume
- 500mm/s max print speed with input shaping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus worth $50 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $50 less. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
Build volume (300x300x400mm vs 320x320x385mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is best for large-prints; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus targets large-format.