Elegoo Neptune 4 vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199, 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 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $70.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
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 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
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 better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). 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 or Longer Orange 4K?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 worth $70 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $70 gets you klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.