Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want a capable CoreXY with Klipper firmware for customization — without Bambu's closed ecosystem or Prusa's premium pricing.
Full details →Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from MK4, MK3.5
Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.
Full details →| Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 225 × 225 × 265 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Released | Jul 15, 2023 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~450 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) |
The Neptune 4 Pro ships with Klipper pre-installed — enabling advanced input shaping, pressure advance, and configuration flexibility without modding.
Competitive CoreXY speed at a price significantly below Bambu and Prusa alternatives.
Full automatic bed leveling reduces setup time and calibration friction.
MK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.
Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.