Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Prusa Research MK4S

Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)

In brief

Neptune 4 Max and MK4S are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Neptune 4 Max if work area and price matters more; choose MK4S if multicolor printing matters more. On the category's overall technical index, Neptune 4 Max scores 42/100 against 17/100 for MK4S.

Parameter
Elegoo Neptune 4 Max Neptune 4 Max Elegoo F2 · Intermediate
Prusa Research MK4S MK4S Prusa Research F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2023 2025
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) 549 € 999 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm 50 × 55 × 40 cm
Weight (kg) 18.1 kg
Work area (mm) 420 × 420 mm 250 × 210 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 480 mm 220 mm
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
Build height Z (mm) 480 mm
Kinematics Cartesian Cartesian
Max nozzle temperature (°C) 300 °C
Max bed temperature (°C) 85 °C
Max print speed (mm/s) 500 mm/s
Enclosed chamber False False
Filament sensor True
Auto bed leveling Mesh
Standard nozzle diameter (mm) 0.4 mm
Multi-extruder False False
Native Klipper True False
Input shaper True
Multicolor printing False True
Multicolor requires accessory False True
Max colors 1
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. PrusaSlicer (optimized) and Prusa Connect for remote control. The machine accepts G-code from any slicer (Cura, Simplify3D) and communicates via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi using an open Marlin-based protocol. Compatible with OctoPrint and offline management. Does not require a Prusa account to print, unlike machines with proprietary firmware that block features without connection.

The differences that matter

  • Work area: Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm vs MK4S 250×210 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+236%)
  • Price: Neptune 4 Max 549 € vs MK4S 999 € — Neptune 4 Max wins (+82%)
  • Native Klipper: Neptune 4 Max yes, MK4S no
  • Multicolor printing: MK4S yes, Neptune 4 Max no
  • Multicolor requires accessory: MK4S yes, Neptune 4 Max no

Which one to choose

Choose Neptune 4 Max if…

you value work area, price and native klipper.

See the Neptune 4 Max sheet →

Choose MK4S if…

you value multicolor printing.

See the MK4S sheet →

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.