ELEGOO Neptune 4 3D Printer for $159

TokenSid

Dec 03, 2025 10:30 PM

1,277 Posts

Joined Apr 2016

TokenSidDec 03, 2025 10:30 PM

1,277 Posts

Enjoy your printhead crashing into your plate as the Z access gets reset.

1

ZeeDuck

Pro

Dec 04, 2025 05:34 AM

2,213 Posts

Joined Feb 2013

ZeeDuck

Pro

Dec 04, 2025 05:34 AM

2,213 Posts

I've used the 300x300mm version of this printer. It works well enough but for basically the same money you can get the Flashforge 5M. I can't see getting this over the FF or perhaps one of the Creality refurb deals (usual disclaimer about refurb Creality machines). Basically this is a decent enough printer but there are much nicer options for more or less the same price.

GreyRiver608

Dec 05, 2025 02:35 AM

31 Posts

Joined May 2018

GreyRiver608Dec 05, 2025 02:35 AM

31 Posts

W all the sales recently on core xy, I'm sure if this would be a deal anymore?

kaScillade

Dec 06, 2025 12:28 PM

35 Posts

Joined Feb 2016

kaScilladeDec 06, 2025 12:28 PM

35 Posts

What about the "Pro", or "Max" variants, each just slightly more than this? ... I'm looking to get the best bank for the buck on what will be a 1st ever 3D printer. I've had Deal Alerts set for roughly 6mos now mainly to get a general idea on approx pricing and to analyze the organic feedback/opinions/suggestions/Q&As etc, and I had been under the impression that Elegoo was well respected and critically acclaimed, but the sparse comments here thus far have me wondering if it's the specific model of this post that lags behind other Elegoo products.

I have eyed the FlashForge AD5X deal that has been very popular, and have been particularly interested in the near universal praise for the specific model, the company overall, and especially the "1st timer friendly" aspects of that model. I had to go research what "4-color printing" even meant, and as with most such involved technical products the sheer volume of specs, pros & cons, features, additional accessories needed, filament compatibility (& the attributes of those raw materials in final product/prints) and corresponding relevant information can be.... daunting. More like overwhelming, self-doubt inducing, and above all else, paralyzing.

So much so that I'm shedding my "lurker" M.O. in order to submit to the communal wisdom of those here whom know far more than I, and even more importantly know what factors, specs, etc are merely distractions, which should form the foundation of any ultimate purchase, and which are more dependent on use-cases etc

Aside from this being a 1st 3D Printer, I have seen quite a lot of the intended use-cases having significant impact on recommendations and even consensus best models for that set of circumstances, and I think (from lurking & research) my use cases may be somewhat atypical.

I don't (ever) plan to print any figurines, game pieces, or anything along those lines, which I think means that I may not necessarily be needing best-in-class speed, or compatibility with myriad colors or even all filaments. I am much more aiming to print functional things (such as gridfinity designs as an example, and custom accessories, add-ons, mods, enhancements, and the like for use in photog and lighting gear and setups, to use with hand and power tools, and for (ideally) creating prints that can vary in terms of rigidity, flexibility, and functionality from a density and material standpoint (such as soft silicon-like, rubberized, or cushioned designs as well as much more rugged, durable, hard-plastic dense fabrications) and versatility in that area seems paramount (if such a combination is feasible)

Probably the most important attribute for my intended use-case in a 1st machine and the hobby overall would be the "just works right out-of-the-box" one, which seemingly can be distilled into the quality of the "self-leveling" capabilities, the reliability of the machine, the minimal need for maintenance and/or significant additional purchases, and the support provided.

Any and all opinions, suggestions, and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

(Sorry so long)

ZeeDuck

Pro

Dec 06, 2025 02:01 PM

2,213 Posts

Joined Feb 2013

ZeeDuck

Pro

Dec 06, 2025 02:01 PM

2,213 Posts

Given your proposed use cases I have a few thoughts.
1. You may want something on the bigger side (300x300 or larger). The old standard 220x220 can make a lot of great parts but you might find it small for grid panels.
2. As you move away from PLA and into higher performance materials the advantages of an enclosure go up. You can print with an open printer by doing something like placing a box over the thing. Not idea but can be done. I have a friend with the ~300x300 version of this printer. He prints ABS and ASA (or was it PETG) quite a bit. He uses a box to deal with air flow etc. He said in the summer it's generally not needed but in the winter the box is a must.
3. As you get into more advanced filaments keep air quality in mind. In general these don't spray out really toxic stuff but some resins release VOCs and most release micro plastic particles. It's best to use them in a room that doesn't share air with the rest of the house and that can be vented easily.

Other than size I think a 5M or 5M Pro would be great options. The Pro has a nice enclosure with a fan and filtration system. The 5M can be enclosed for just a few bucks. People have found "open box" enclosure kits on Amazon for under $20 (these are the factory DIY kit). You also need to print parts. They say it takes 1.5 spools but by changing the infill density I got it down to just 1. Call that another $15. The 5M enclosure keeps print temperatures up but has no filtration. When it was $230 for the Pro vs $160 for the 5M I would suggest the Pro. I got the 5M because at the time it was $240 vs $400.

The Elegoo Centari Carbon might be a good option. I've heard some unhappy customers but also many happy buyers. It's got a bit bigger build area (250x250) with an enclosure. It's a bit over $300.

I bought a Creality K1 Max for ~$300 refurb off ebay. So far so good but I've heard a lot of bad Creality refurb stories. Mine seemed to have been setup, used once then put back in the box and sold as refurb. So far so good.

Given you are just starting out I think I would suggest get something on the lower price end, learn it and then decide if you need to upgrade. The 5M would be a good choice in that regard. Mine has been rock solid. Yes, I've had prints fail but in almost all cases I was pushing my luck with part design. Once a design works it works repeatably.

The 5M will let you grow and do more materials and build an enclosure if you need one later. You can also network it and add a camera for remote monitoring (the 5M Pro includes the camera). Or you can just use the 5M as is and, when ready, get a more capable printer. That might mean larger size or one with a multi-material unit or higher printing temperatures (the 280C nozzle limit on the 5M is a boarder line limit as some resins want 280-300).

Or maybe after learning on the 5M you want a really big printer. The Neptune 4 Max, at 400x400 lets you print parts you just can't do on a lot of other models. While the Neptunes aren't as fast as the 5M, they aren't slow. A print that took 5hr on my 5M took 7hr on the Neptune 4 Plus. On the old Ender 3 pro that would be more like 12-15. I'm assuming the Max would be similar. However, such a large printer is often a special use case machine. Smaller printers are often nicer when you want to make smaller parts. They take less power (generally not an issue). Sometimes they heat up faster (less bed to heat). They take up less space and in some cases an otherwise similar smaller versions may print better because it's easier to make the printer's frame stiffer if you scale it down (same beams, half as long).

1

ELEGOO Neptune 4 3D Printer for $159

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