Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199) and Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Elegoo Neptune 4?
Same price ($199), so it comes down to features. The Elegoo Neptune 4 edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Elegoo Neptune 4?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.