ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer Reviews: The Ultimate High-Speed Workhorse for Makers
In the world of 3D printing, speed and precision rarely go hand in hand. For years, enthusiasts had to choose between a fast printer that sacrificed detail or a slow printer that delivered accuracy. But with the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus, those compromises are finally fading away.
The Neptune 4 Plus is a 500mm/s high-speed FDM 3D printer equipped with Klipper firmware, a direct drive extruder, and a 300°C high-temperature nozzle, wrapped in a robust metal frame. It’s designed for makers who want professional-level performance without breaking the bank or spending hours tinkering.
Whether you’re printing functional prototypes, cosplay armor, or intricate miniatures, the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus promises to deliver both speed and quality — a combination that’s hard to find in its price range.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything from setup and performance to reliability and usability, giving you a clear picture of whether this machine deserves a place in your workshop.
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus Reviews
First Impressions: Built for Power and Performance
The moment you unbox the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus, it’s clear that this is not a beginner toy — it’s a serious piece of equipment.
The sturdy metal construction provides a stable foundation, crucial for high-speed printing. Despite its size, setup is remarkably simple. Most of the machine comes pre-assembled, and getting it ready takes roughly 15–20 minutes — mostly tightening screws, plugging connectors, and running the automatic bed leveling.
At 14.4 kilograms (around 31 pounds), the Neptune 4 Plus feels solid and well-built. The design is sleek and industrial, with an emphasis on function rather than flash. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate settings, load files, and start prints.
Right out of the box, it feels premium — not flashy, but purposeful.
Massive Build Volume for Bigger Ideas
One of the first standout features is its impressive build volume of 320 × 320 × 385 mm (12.6 × 12.6 × 15.1 inches).
For hobbyists, that’s a game changer. It allows you to print:
- Full-size cosplay helmets
- Multi-part assemblies in one go
- Larger functional prototypes
- Or simply print multiple smaller models at once
This large format provides flexibility — something often missing in smaller, more affordable printers. For those upgrading from a Neptune 2 or smaller machine, the jump in capacity is immediately noticeable and liberating.
Klipper Firmware: The Secret to 500mm/s Speed
Under the hood, the Neptune 4 Plus runs Klipper firmware, pre-installed and optimized for performance. Klipper is the same open-source system used by advanced 3D printing enthusiasts to push their machines to higher speeds and smoother results.
ELEGOO has taken the extra step of integrating it out of the box — no manual flashing, no complicated configuration.
With up to 500mm/s printing speed (default 250mm/s) and 12,000mm/s² acceleration, this machine is one of the fastest in its class. To put that into perspective, it’s nearly four to five times faster than typical hobby-grade printers.
What makes this speed possible is more than just firmware. The printer’s ARM 64-bit 1.5GHz quad-core processor and acceleration sensors on both X and Y axes enable automatic calibration and input shaping, a feature that reduces vibration-induced print artifacts. The result? Smooth surfaces even at breakneck speeds.
Speed doesn’t come at the cost of quality — and that’s where the Neptune 4 Plus truly shines.
Extrusion System: Reliable and Consistent Filament Flow
At the heart of every good FDM printer is its extruder, and the Neptune 4 Plus doesn’t disappoint.
ELEGOO developed a dual-gear direct drive extruder with a 5.2:1 reduction ratio, ensuring steady filament feeding and better retraction control. Direct drive systems are favored for their ability to handle flexible materials like TPU and deliver precise extrusion during detailed prints.
In practical use, this setup means:
- Less filament slipping
- Better control of stringing and oozing
- Cleaner layer transitions
- And improved reliability during long prints
The titanium alloy throat pipe enhances heat dissipation, reducing the risk of clogging, while the metal hotend assembly ensures thermal stability even during long, high-temperature prints.
For those who’ve struggled with Bowden-style setups on older machines, this is a major upgrade in consistency and performance.
300°C Nozzle: Unlocking Material Versatility
Material compatibility is a big deal for creators. While most budget printers top out around 260°C, the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus can reach 300°C, opening the door to a broader range of filaments.
It supports:
- PLA and PLA+ – for fast, reliable prints
- PETG – for tough, weather-resistant models
- ABS and ASA – for durable functional parts (with enclosure recommended)
- TPU – for flexible prints
- Nylon – for advanced engineering applications
The 60W ceramic heating element and extended hotend design allow faster and more uniform heat distribution, while PID auto-calibration ensures the temperature remains stable — crucial for consistent extrusion.
This high-temp capacity also future-proofs the printer for upcoming filament innovations, making it an excellent investment for long-term use.
Auto Bed Leveling: Precision Made Simple
The Neptune 4 Plus uses a 121-point (11×11) auto bed leveling system, which measures the print bed at multiple points to create an accurate mesh.
This means you can forget the frustration of manual leveling. Even slight bed irregularities are compensated automatically, ensuring your first layer adheres perfectly — the foundation for every successful print.
Users who’ve tested the system report that once calibrated, it stays consistent across multiple prints with minimal adjustment needed.
There’s also a manual fine-tuning option, giving you the flexibility to make micro-adjustments if desired.
Cooling System: Engineered for Speed and Stability
High-speed printing generates heat, and ELEGOO clearly understood that when designing this printer. The Neptune 4 Plus features:
- Dual-sided part cooling fans
- Dedicated model cooling blower fans
- Optimized air ducting for even airflow
This setup minimizes warping and layer separation, ensuring prints stay dimensionally accurate even at fast speeds. Whether printing PLA or PETG, cooling remains consistent across the entire build plate.
During long sessions, this cooling efficiency translates into smoother layer adhesion and sharper details — even on tall or complex prints.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Another highlight is the Neptune 4 Plus’s versatile connectivity options.
You can print via:
- Wi-Fi / LAN
- USB flash drive
- Direct network transfer
The web-based remote control system allows users to manage prints over a network, monitor progress, and even handle multiple printers in a workshop setting. For power users, that’s a huge productivity boost.
The touchscreen interface is clean and responsive, providing direct access to preheating, leveling, and filament management functions. There’s no lag or clunky menu navigation — everything feels modern and well thought out.
Print Quality: Speed Meets Precision
The big question: can it print fast and look good?
Yes — impressively so.
At standard settings (250mm/s), print surfaces are crisp, details are sharp, and overhangs hold their form well. When pushed to higher speeds (400–500mm/s), quality remains surprisingly stable thanks to input shaping and pressure advance compensation.
Vibrations are minimized, ghosting is reduced, and layer consistency is maintained even on large builds.
While some minor surface artifacts can appear at maximum speed, they’re minimal and easily managed with slicer tweaks. Overall, print quality easily competes with machines twice the price.
Noise and Stability
Despite its size and power, the Neptune 4 Plus runs quietly for a high-speed printer. The stepper drivers and fan design keep the noise level comfortable for home environments.
Its rigid metal frame absorbs vibration effectively, meaning you can print tall models without worrying about wobble or misalignment.
This makes it an excellent fit for makerspaces, offices, or home studios where noise can be a concern.
Maintenance and Reliability
ELEGOO has built its reputation on making user-friendly machines, and the Neptune 4 Plus continues that tradition.
Routine maintenance is minimal — regular lubrication of moving parts and occasional cleaning of the nozzle area are all that’s needed. The modular hotend design makes nozzle swaps or replacements simple.
The printer’s electronics and wiring are cleanly managed, and the community support around the Neptune series is strong, ensuring that troubleshooting help is always available.
Real-World Performance: Everyday Printing
After extended testing, the Neptune 4 Plus proves itself as a versatile all-rounder:
- Prototyping: Rapid iteration cycles thanks to fast speeds.
- Cosplay: Large props and armor pieces print in fewer sessions.
- Functional parts: PETG and ABS components fit with excellent tolerance.
- Artistic models: Fine detail preservation even on intricate surfaces.
For makers who want a printer that can do it all — from speed runs to detailed slow prints — the Neptune 4 Plus feels like a true “one-machine solution.”
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus Reviews
Who Is the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus For?
This printer is ideal for:
- Makers and hobbyists who want to level up from entry-level printers
- Small business owners or Etsy sellers producing high volumes
- Educators looking for reliable classroom equipment
- Engineers and designers needing quick prototyping
It’s not a “plug-and-play” toy — but it’s also far from intimidating. ELEGOO has struck a smart balance between professional capability and accessibility.
Comparison with Other Models
Compared to the Neptune 4 (standard), the Plus version offers:
- A significantly larger build volume (320mm vs 225mm base)
- Enhanced cooling
- Slightly upgraded structure and better thermal management
Against competitors like the Creality K1 or Anycubic Kobra 2 Max, the Neptune 4 Plus holds its own — often at a lower price point. It may lack enclosed housing, but it compensates with stability, ease of maintenance, and robust Klipper integration.
Final Verdict: A True All-Round Performer
The ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus isn’t just another incremental upgrade — it’s a major leap forward for mid-range FDM printers.
With blistering speed, professional precision, and dependable build quality, it redefines what users can expect at this price level. It’s a printer that grows with you — from your first PLA prints to advanced nylon or TPU projects.
If you want a 3D printer that delivers industrial-grade performance without the industrial price, the Neptune 4 Plus is one of the smartest investments you can make.
FAQs About the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus
1. How fast can the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus print?
It can reach speeds of up to 500mm/s, with a default setting of 250mm/s for best quality. Acceleration reaches up to 12,000mm/s².
2. What materials can I print with?
It supports PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, and nylon — basically all common consumer and semi-professional filaments.
3. Does it come with Klipper pre-installed?
Yes. Klipper firmware is pre-installed and optimized, so you can use advanced features like input shaping and pressure advance right away.
4. Is the Neptune 4 Plus beginner-friendly?
Yes — setup is quick, and the auto bed leveling makes it approachable. However, understanding Klipper’s advanced settings will enhance your results.
5. Can I print flexible materials like TPU?
Absolutely. The direct drive extruder handles flexible filaments much better than Bowden systems.
6. Is it noisy?
No — the printer operates quietly, with fan and stepper motor noise kept at comfortable levels.
7. What slicer software is recommended?
ELEGOO Cura and OrcaSlicer both work great. Many users prefer OrcaSlicer for Klipper integration.
8. Do I need an enclosure?
For most materials like PLA and PETG, it’s not required. But for ABS or ASA, an enclosure helps maintain consistent temperatures and prevent warping.
9. How’s the after-sales support?
ELEGOO has a strong reputation for customer service and a large online community offering support, mods, and slicer profiles.
Conclusion
The ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer combines everything modern makers want — speed, accuracy, flexibility, and value. It’s built for serious users who expect more from their machines, yet remains accessible enough for ambitious beginners.
Whether you’re running a side hustle, designing mechanical parts, or just exploring the world of rapid prototyping, the Neptune 4 Plus offers an outstanding blend of performance, reliability, and user-friendliness.
For the price and features it offers, this machine is simply one of the best high-speed 3D printers in its class today.
