Elegoo Mars 4 vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Mars 4 ($149) and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max ($469) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $320 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $469 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 420 x 420 x 480 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 |
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 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 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 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 Elegoo Mars 4 better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 scores higher (7.2/10). 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, Elegoo Mars 4 or Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Elegoo Mars 4 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $320 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $320 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
Technology: the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.