Bambu Lab A2L vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Two open Cartesian printers with nearly the same bed temperature: the A2L costs 170 € less and prints up to 19 colours with an accessory; the Neptune 4 Max is single-colour but has far more volume.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 379 € | 549 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 54.4 × 52.9 × 50.5 cm | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 12.8 kg | 18.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 330 × 320 mm | 420 × 420 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 325 mm | 480 mm |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 320 mm | 420 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 325 mm | 480 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 85 °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 | 19 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The A2L is compatible with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer for Windows and macOS, which provides native access to all machine features including AMS multi-color management. Third-party slicers that export standard G-code — such as PrusaSlicer and OrcaSlicer — are supported, though some advanced features may not be available outside Bambu Studio. Connectivity is via Wi-Fi; basic printing functions do not require a cloud account. | The system relies on an open ecosystem thanks to the motherboard with pre-installed Klipper. Users can manage the machine both through the 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface and via local network using the integrated web interface (Fluidd). Elegoo provides its own customized version of the Cura slicer, but the printer remains fully compatible with most third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Native support for Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity facilitates sending and monitoring G-code files without the need for physical media. |
The differences that matter
- 330 × 320 × 325 mm vs 420 × 420 × 480 mm → the Neptune 4 Max takes parts up to 480 mm tall, the A2L stops at 325 mm.
- 19 colours vs 1 → multicolour parts only on the A2L.
- 379 € vs 549 € → the A2L costs 170 € less.
- Bambu Studio vs native Klipper with Fluidd → the Neptune 4 Max is managed from the browser on the local network.
Which one to choose
Choose A2L if…
Multicolour objects, up to 19 colours with an accessory, on a 330 × 320 mm bed with 325 mm of height, for 379 € instead of 549 €. Control goes through Bambu Studio, with no native Klipper.
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
Large parts in one colour: a 420 × 420 mm bed and 480 mm of height, with Klipper and the Fluidd interface on the local network. It costs 170 € more, does not print in several colours and its bed reaches 85 °C.
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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