Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199) and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $100 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 320 x 320 x 385 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
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 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 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 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra 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 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 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus worth $100 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $100 gets you 320×320×385mm at $299 — the largest build volume at this price point.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.