Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus ($299, 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 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $170.
Direct answer
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for large-format and value, and the safer recommendation. Choose Longer Orange 4K only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Best value
Longer Orange 4K
Best build volume
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 320 x 320 x 385 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
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 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
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 Plus better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher (8.4/10). 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 Plus or Longer Orange 4K?
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 Plus worth $170 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $170 gets you 320×320×385mm at $299 — the largest build volume at this price point.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.