Creality Halot-Mage Pro vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Halot-Mage Pro ($299, RESIN) and Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Creality Halot-Mage Pro still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Halot-Mage Pro | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 228 x 128 x 230 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 120 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.8 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Halot-Mage Pro
+Integral light source eliminates the uneven exposure common in budget MSLA printers
+8K resolution at $299 undercuts most Saturn-class competitors
+Built-in air purifier is functional, not decorative
+Creality's brand means spare parts and community resources are accessible
−Creality's resin-specific community is smaller than Elegoo's well-established base
−Firmware has shipped with bugs that need patching before first use
−228x128mm plate is slightly smaller than the Elegoo Saturn at the same price point
Elegoo Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Halot-Mage Pro if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- 8K mono LCD
- Integral light source
- WiFi
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Halot-Mage Pro better than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Halot-Mage Pro may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Halot-Mage Pro or Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Halot-Mage Pro worth $100 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $100 less. The Creality Halot-Mage Pro only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Creality Halot-Mage Pro and Elegoo Neptune 4?
Technology: the Creality Halot-Mage Pro is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.