Bambu Lab P1S vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $449 vs $469. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max still puts up a fight in Value.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab P1S is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab P1S if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for engineering and abs, and the safer recommendation. Choose Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S
Best value
Bambu Lab P1S
Best build volume
Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $469 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 420 x 420 x 480 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
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 Bambu Lab P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
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 Bambu Lab P1S better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). 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, Bambu Lab P1S or Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $20 more than the Bambu Lab P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S actually scores higher (9/10) despite costing $20 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 420x420x480mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S is best for engineering; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max targets large-prints.