Elegoo started back in 2015 as a small electronics company and quickly grew into a key player in 3D printing. Their Mars series of resin printers put them on the map by making high-quality resin printing more affordable. Building on that success, they launched the Neptune series for FDM printing, focusing on larger build volumes and dependable performance that doesn’t break the bank.

Over time, the Neptune series has evolved with thoughtful updates. The early models brought in features like automatic bed leveling and filament runout detection, which weren’t always found in budget-friendly machines. The newer versions have made things even better, with quieter motors, improved extruders, and smarter heat management.

In this review, we’re digging into the Elegoo Neptune 4. We’ll cover its design, performance, and features to help you see how it stacks up in Elegoo’s growing lineup of 3D printers.

Design and Build Quality

The Elegoo Neptune 4 carries a familiar look of the Neptune 3 Pro. The sturdy CNC-machined aluminum frame and minimalist color scheme with gray and white accents looks consistent with Elegoo’s design style. One noticeable change, however, is the large cooling system mounted behind the X-axis gantry—hard to miss with its four ball-bearing fans designed to rapidly cool printed layers.

The overall build is solid, with dual Z-axis lead screws and a synchronization belt at the top to keep the print head stable. This design helps reduce wobbling during fast movements, which is essential for a printer rated to hit speeds up to 500 mm/s. The machine also features POM V-guide wheels for smoother motion along the axes while keeping noise levels below 50 dB. The removable magnetic touchscreen sits snugly on a magnetic base but can be detached if you need a better viewing angle. 

However, some choices feel like a step backward. The manual and automatic hybrid bed-leveling system—requiring both knob adjustments and a 121-point auto probe—appears more tedious than the fully automated approach used in previous models. While beginners may find it manageable, those who’ve used the Neptune 3 Pro might find this extra step unnecessary.

Key Features and Specifications

The Elegoo Neptune 4 introduces a pre-installed Klipper firmware combined with a quad-core processor. This helps the printer reach speeds of up to 500 mm/s by handling commands quickly and reducing lag. To keep up with this speed, the dual-gear direct extruder, with its 5.2:1 gear ratio, feeds the filament smoothly into the nozzle. The hotend can reach temperatures up to 300°C, making it capable of printing filaments like ABS, ASA, and nylon. The copper-titanium throat design also helps with heat dissipation and can reduce clogging issues during long prints.

To improve layer bonding at higher speeds, the Neptune 4 is equipped with six cooling fans. It’s designed to quickly cool each layer after extrusion. Two are on the sides and four behind the print head. The 121-point bed-leveling system uses an 11×11 grid to improve bed surface calibration. But it does require manual adjustments to get things right initially. The magnetic PEI-coated platform provides solid adhesion during printing and makes it easy to remove finished models by flexing the sheet. For connectivity, the printer supports both USB and LAN, although the lack of built-in Wi-Fi may be a drawback for users who prefer fully wireless control. There’s also filament runout detection and a resume-printing function, which can help prevent wasted prints if the filament runs out or the power cuts out mid-print.

Comparisons

Neptune 4 vs Neptune 3 Pro

The Neptune 4 builds on what made the Neptune 3 Pro popular but adds some major upgrades centered on speed.

• Printing System: The Neptune 4 comes with Klipper firmware pre-installed. This enables faster print speeds and features like input shaping and pressure advance for smoother prints. The Neptune 3 Pro, meanwhile, runs Marlin firmware and has more traditional print speed limits.
• Build Volume: Both printers have almost the same build space. But the Neptune 4 has a bit more height with 225 x 225 x 265 mm³.
• Print Speed: The Neptune 4 can hit speeds up to 500 mm/s. While the Neptune 3 Pro is built more for steady, moderate-speed prints.
• Material Compatibility: Thanks to its 300°C hotend, the Neptune 4 handles high-temp filaments like ABS and nylon. Unlike the Neptune 3 Pro, which is more limited.
• Bed Leveling: The Neptune 4 has a 121-point auto-leveling system but still requires manual fine-tuning. Whereas the Neptune 3 Pro uses a simpler setup that’s less hands-on.

Elegoo Neptune 4 vs Sovol SV07

The Sovol SV07 and the Neptune 4 both use Klipper firmware, but they’re set up a little differently.

• Printing System: The SV07 includes built-in Wi-Fi and a dedicated touchscreen interface for easy access to Klipper’s features. The Neptune 4 sticks with a more basic screen and requires a LAN connection for remote control.
• Build Volume: The Neptune 4’s build space is 225 x 225 x 265 mm³. The SV07 gives you a bit more room with 240 x 240 x 300 mm³.
• Cooling System: The Neptune 4’s six cooling fans help keep up with high-speed printing. On the other hand, SV07 has a more typical two-fan setup, which may affect performance for overhangs and bridge sections.
• Material Compatibility: Both printers can handle high-temp filaments, but the Neptune 4’s copper-titanium hotend helps reduce clogs during longer prints.

Real World Applications

The Elegoo Neptune 4 is built to print different projects, such as functional parts, hobby models, and decorative pieces. Here’s a look at how it performs with different types of prints:

• Prototypes and Functional Parts: Thanks to its 300°C nozzle and sturdy extruder, the Neptune 4 can handle tougher materials like ABS and nylon, which are commonly used for strong, durable parts. The high-speed printing capability helps cut down on wait times for large prototypes without compromising too much on strength.
• Hobby Models and Miniatures: While the Neptune 4 shines at high-speed printing, slowing down the outer layers can really improve surface quality for detailed prints. This makes it a good choice for printing tabletop miniatures, decorative models, or figurines where finer details matter.
• Flexible Filament Prints: With its dual-gear direct extruder, the Neptune 4 handles flexible materials like TPU well. This makes it useful for printing things like custom grips, shock-absorbing parts, or other flexible items. Just make sure to slow the print speed down for the best results.
• Bridges and Overhangs: The enhanced cooling system does a good job of supporting tricky features like bridges and steep overhangs, especially when paired with lightweight filaments like PLA. Fast layer cooling helps maintain cleaner shapes and minimizes sagging.

Final Note

The Elegoo Neptune 4 shows that speed doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag. It stands out with its pre-installed Klipper firmware, fast processing, and print speeds of up to 500 mm/s. The 300°C hotend and dual-gear direct extruder also make it easy to work with a range of materials, from standard PLA to tougher filaments like ABS and nylon.

However, not everything is about speed. If you’re after convenience, the hybrid bed-leveling system and lack of built-in Wi-Fi might feel like extra steps. But if you’re okay with a bit of manual setup and a wired connection, the Neptune 4 still delivers great value. For hobbyists printing models or functional parts, or for users looking to speed up prototyping, this printer checks a lot of boxes. It’s fast, flexible, and reliable where it counts.