Bambu Lab A1 vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Two mid-range FDM printers from the same year, for anyone choosing between a larger build plate and multicolor printing. The A1 brings up to 4 colors with a dedicated accessory, the Neptune 4 Plus focuses on a bigger build volume and native Klipper.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 429 € | ~300–400 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm | 53.3 × 51.7 × 63.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.3 kg | 14.4 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 320 × 320 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 385 mm |
| Power (W) | 1300 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 320 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 385 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | No |
| Max colors | 4 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The A1 works natively with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows and macOS, which handles slicing, automatic calibrations, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Third-party slicers — including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Ultimaker Cura — are supported via standard G-code export, but advanced features such as vibration compensation and active flow control are only available within the Bambu ecosystem. | The printer operates with Klipper firmware pre-installed on a 64-bit ARM processor, enabling advanced standard features like input shaping and pressure advance. The user interface is managed via a removable capacitive touchscreen and a dedicated web interface (Fluidd or Mainsail) for remote control and monitoring via Wi-Fi or LAN connection. For file preparation, the machine is compatible with major slicers on the market, including Elegoo Cura (bundled by the manufacturer), UltiMaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer. |
The differences that matter
- Build plate: 256×256×256 mm (A1) vs 320×320×385 mm (Neptune 4 Plus) → the Neptune 4 Plus prints taller, wider parts without splitting them.
- Colors: up to 4 with an accessory on the A1, vs 1 on the Neptune 4 Plus.
- Native Klipper: only on the Neptune 4 Plus → direct access to Fluidd/Mainsail.
- Bed temperature: 110°C (Neptune 4 Plus) vs 100°C (A1) → more headroom for PETG on the Neptune 4 Plus.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 if…
Suited to anyone printing multicolor objects with up to 4 shades by adding the dedicated accessory. You accept a smaller build plate (256×256×256 mm) and about €79 more than the Neptune 4 Plus.
Choose Neptune 4 Plus if…
Suited to anyone printing large parts in one pass (320×320×385 mm build volume, bed heating up to 110°C) who wants native Klipper for firmware tuning. You give up multicolor printing, limited to a single color.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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