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.
Direct answer
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for large-format and value, and the safer recommendation. Choose Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Best value
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Best build volume
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
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.