Elegoo Neptune 4
$199
Elegoo · FDM
Elegoo Neptune 4
Klipper for $199 with a slightly larger bed than the Creality equivalent. Elegoo's budget challenger.
via Amazon
How It Scores
Pros
- +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
Cons
- −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
What Owners Say
“Klipper for $199 with a direct drive? Elegoo is giving Creality a real run for their money.”
— r/3Dprinting
“Solid budget machine. Does what it says at a price that's hard to beat.”
— Maker's Muse (YouTube)
Specs
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Layer Resolution | 0.05mm - 0.35mm |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Weight | 9.5 kg |
| Type | FDM (Filament) |
| Features | Klipper firmware, Auto bed leveling, Direct drive, PEI build plate, High-speed mode |
Verdict
Very close race with the Ender 3 V3 KE. The KE has WiFi, this has a slightly larger bed. Pick based on brand preference or which one is in stock. Neither is wrong.
You'll Also Need
Things you'll want before your first print.
Also Worth Considering
fdmBambu Lab A1 Mini
Bambu Lab
Bambu quality at $199. Desk footprint small enough that it fits next to your monitor without crowding anything out.
fdmBambu Lab A1
Bambu Lab
The A1 without the AMS Lite. Full 256mm bed, full Bambu quality, single-color only.
