ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro Review: Speed, Precision, and Value in 3D Printing

The ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro has quickly emerged as a strong contender in the competitive budget 3D printer market, boasting impressive speeds, advanced features, and a user-friendly experience. Designed for both beginners and experienced hobbyists, this FDM 3D printer aims to deliver high-quality results without breaking the bank. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let's dive into the pros and cons to help you decide if the Neptune 4 Pro is the right fit for your 3D printing needs.

Pros:

• Blazing Fast Printing Speeds: With pre-installed Klipper firmware and an ARM 64-bit 1.5G quad-core processor, the Neptune 4 Pro can reach a maximum printing speed of 500mm/s (recommended 250mm/s). This significantly reduces print times, allowing you to complete projects much faster than traditional FDM printers.
• Exceptional Print Quality: Thanks to advanced features like input shaping and pressure advance, the printer effectively minimizes artifacts such as ringing, rippling, and ghosting, resulting in remarkably smooth and accurate models. The dual-gear direct drive extruder with a 5.2:1 reduction ratio ensures consistent and powerful filament extrusion, crucial for high-quality prints.
• Intelligent Segmented Heat bed: A standout feature is the smart dual-zone heated bed (100W + 150W). It automatically activates only the necessary heating zone based on the model's size, saving energy for smaller prints while providing full coverage for larger objects. This also contributes to faster heat-up times for smaller prints.

• High-Temperature Capability: Equipped with a 300°C high-temp nozzle and a copper-titanium bi-metal throat pipe, the Neptune 4 Pro supports a wide range of filaments, including common ones like PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, and even high-temperature nylon, expanding your creative possibilities.
• Efficient Cooling System: The print head features two thickened 4015 ball bearing cooling fans and four 4020 ball bearing auxiliary blower fans, providing omnidirectional rapid cooling. This robust cooling system helps prevent warping and improves overhang and bridging performance, even at high speeds.
• User-Friendly Experience: Assembly is straightforward, and the 4.3-inch detachable magnetic touchscreen offers an intuitive interface with real-time controls for various printing parameters. The inclusion of 121-point (11x11) auto bed leveling with auxiliary leveling knobs simplifies bed calibration, ensuring a perfect first layer.
• Open-Source Klipper Integration: The pre-installed Klipper firmware offers extensive customization and control via a web interface (Fluidd/Mainsail), allowing advanced users to fine-tune every aspect of their printing experience.
• Reliable Filament Handling: Features like a filament run out sensor and power loss recovery help prevent failed prints and wasted material, adding to the printer's reliability.
• Solid Build Quality: The printer boasts a sturdy construction with CNC aluminum frames and metal linear guide rails on the X and Y axes (Pro version), contributing to stable and precise movement.

Cons: 

• Fan Noise: Despite efficient cooling, the numerous fans can be quite noisy during operation, which might be a concern if the printer is located in a living space.
• Manual Auxiliary Leveling: While it has 121-point auto-leveling, the need for manual auxiliary leveling with hand-twist knobs can be a bit redundant or tedious for some users who prefer a fully automated process.
• Proprietary Slicer Profiles: Elegoo provides its own version of Cura, but some users report that the included slicer profiles might not always be fully optimized or generate thumbnails correctly, leading them to use OrcaSlicer with custom settings.
• Connectivity Quirks: While it supports USB and LAN, some users have noted minor issues with USB connectivity or a desire for built-in Wi-Fi without needing an external dongle.
• Hotbed and Nozzle Pre-heating Time: Despite the segmented heatbed, some users find the initial pre-heating time for the hotbed and nozzle to be relatively long compared to some competitors.
• Customer Support Responsiveness: A few users have reported slow response times from Elegoo's email-based customer support, which can be frustrating when troubleshooting complex issues.
• No Multi-Color Printing: The Neptune 4 Pro is a single-extruder printer and does not offer native multicolor printing capabilities or an Automatic Material System (AMS). While manual filament changes are possible, it lacks the integrated multi-material functionality found in some other printers.

User Reviews:

Based on more than 70% positive reviews, the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro is celebrated as an exceptional value for its price. Users consistently highlight it as a remarkable entry-level 3D printer that delivers high-quality prints with impressive speed right out of the box. Many express genuine excitement and satisfaction with its performance, commending its ability to produce intricate and detailed models quickly—often outperforming older and pricier models. Key features that receive high praise include the magnetic and flexible PEI build plate, the effectiveness of the auto bed leveling (with only a minor manual adjustment required), and the advantages of the pre-installed Klipper firmware, which enhances printing speed and offers web-based control. While some users mention a slight learning curve or minor quirks, such as fan noise or the intricacies of initial setup, the overall consensus is that the Neptune 4 Pro provides an intuitive and dependable printing experience, making the 3D printing hobby both enjoyable and accessible.

Conversely, many users have expressed frustration and disappointment with the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro, labeling it as "expensive junk" or "fundamentally defective." Common issues highlighted in negative reviews include significant reliability concerns, frequent print failures, and severe clogs leading to the notorious "blob of death." Some units arrive "dead on arrival," while others malfunction shortly after due to wiring issues or mechanical failures. Users have also voiced dissatisfaction with Elegoo's customer service, describing it as unhelpful and slow, leaving many feeling abandoned with malfunctioning equipment. Complaints extend to the outdated Klipper firmware and quality control problems, including reports of receiving used or incomplete printers. In conclusion, while the ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro has garnered praise for its affordability and performance, many users also face considerable challenges and disappointments. The mixed reviews indicate that potential buyers should carefully consider their options, as the printer's reliability and customer support issues lead many to suggest looking for more dependable alternatives, even if those come at a higher price.

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