Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max ($469) and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus ($299) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $170 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 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $469 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 480 mm | 320 x 320 x 385 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 22 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
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 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
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 Neptune 4 Max 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 Neptune 4 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Max or Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $170 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $170 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Max and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
Build volume (420x420x480mm vs 320x320x385mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is best for large-prints; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus targets large-format.