Elegoo Mars 4 vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149) and Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $50 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $50.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
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 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 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 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 Elegoo Neptune 4 worth $50 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $50 gets you klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Elegoo Neptune 4?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.