Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Prusa Research MK4S kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The Neptune 4 Max costs about 270 euro less and prints over a much larger volume; the MK4S is smaller, has the hotter bed and reaches 5 colours with the accessory. The choice is between room and colour.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 420 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (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 |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | No | Yes |
| Max 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
- Volume 420 × 420 × 480 mm against 250 × 210 × 220 mm → a 40 cm part prints whole only on the Neptune.
- Colours: 5 with accessory against 1 → multicolour is possible only on the MK4S.
- Bed at 120 °C against 85 °C → the MK4S leaves more margin with materials that need a hot bed.
- Price 549 € against 819 € → the Neptune costs about 270 euro less.
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
you print one colour but large parts, with a 420 × 420 mm bed and 480 mm of height, running Klipper with the Fluidd web interface. You accept a bed up to 85 °C and a 66 × 63 × 74 cm footprint; you spend about 270 euro less.
Choose MK4S kit if…
you print parts within 250 × 210 × 220 mm, with a bed up to 120 °C and up to 5 colours with the accessory, starting from ready-made PrusaSlicer profiles, Prusament ones included, offline. You give up volume and spend about 270 euro more.
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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