Neptune 4 Max vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 4 Max and Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Neptune 4 Max if work area and maximum z height matters more; choose Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit if maximum colors matters more.
| Parameter |
Neptune 4 Max
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 549 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18.1 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 420 × 420 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 480 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 420 mm | 250 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 480 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 85 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | True | False |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | False | True |
| Requires external accessory | False | True |
| Maximum colors | 1 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 MK4S runs proprietary Prusa firmware based on Marlin, not GRBL. It is managed through PrusaSlicer (with over 180 official profiles included), Simplify3D, or Cura with community profiles. Files are loaded via USB, local network, or PrusaConnect and the Prusa mobile app; it is not compatible with LightBurn or LaserGRBL, being a filament printer. The machine can run fully offline with no cloud dependency, and receives regular firmware updates along with pre-tuned profiles for Prusament materials. |
The differences that matter
- Work area: Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+236%)
- Maximum Z height: Neptune 4 Max 480 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+118%)
- Maximum colors: Neptune 4 Max 1 vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+400%)
- Price: Neptune 4 Max 549 € vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — Neptune 4 Max wins (+49%)
- Native Klipper: Neptune 4 Max yes, Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit no
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
you value work area, maximum z height and price. «The Z height determines how tall a part the machine can produce in one print. Vertical objects such as vases, load-bearing structures, or casting patterns require a high Z travel. A lower value does not affect quality but forces the user to split or reorient the model. Z height should be considered alongside the XY surface to assess total usable build volume.»
Choose Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value maximum colors, multicolor printing and max bed temperature. «The maximum number of colors indicates how many distinct color zones or materials can be used in one print without manual intervention. Two colors cover most practical uses, including soluble support. Higher values are useful for complex decorative models or color-coded prototypes. Each additional color increases print time due to transition purges, so the practical benefit should be weighed against the added time cost.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.