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.
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.