Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max ($469, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K ($129, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max takes the crown with 7/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $340 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $469 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 480 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 22 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 6.4/10 |
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
Longer Orange 4K
+$129 is the absolute floor for resin printing
+WiFi at this price is genuinely surprising
+4K resolution is enough to see if resin is your thing
−118x66mm build plate: one mini at a time, if they're small
−4K resolution is dated next to 9K and 12K competitors
−Long-term reliability is unknown; smaller community means fewer fixes documented online
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 Longer Orange 4K if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max scores higher (7/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Longer Orange 4K may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Max or Longer Orange 4K?
Both score 5/10 for beginners. Go with the Longer Orange 4K to save $340.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $340 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max scores higher overall (7/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $340 gets you 420x420x480mm with klipper for $469: the price-to-volume ratio is hard to beat.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Max and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.