🖨 3D Printer Radar

Bambu Lab A1vsElegoo Neptune 4 Pro

💰Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is $139 cheaper (53% less)
📐Bambu Lab A1 has 25% more build volume
🎨Only Bambu Lab A1 supports multicolor printing (4 slots)
Cross-ecosystem comparison: These printers use different software ecosystems. Accessories, filament profiles, and community support are not interchangeable between brands. Consider the total ecosystem cost, not just the printer price.
Bambu Lab A1
Buy/Wait:Wait

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure — ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.

Full details →
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
Buy/Wait:Wait

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 →
Bambu Lab A1Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
Pricing
Starting Price$399$260
Print Specs
TierProsumerProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume256 × 256 × 256 mm225 × 225 × 265 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
Multicolor✅ 4 slots❌ No
Enclosure
Auto Calibration
Open Source
Upgrade Kit
Buy Timing
ReleasedOct 19, 2023Jul 15, 2023
Cycle length~365 days~450 days
Cycle adviceWaitWait
Deals adviceBuyBuy
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Quick Winner

💰
Budget pick
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
$260 starting
📐
Large prints
Bambu Lab A1
256×256×256 mm
Fastest prints
Tie
🔓
Open ecosystem
Tie

Bottom Line

💰Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro saves you $139 — choose it if budget is your primary constraint
🎨Bambu Lab A1 is the pick if multicolor printing is important to you

Materials

Bambu Lab A1 only
Both
PLAEasy to print, no enclosure needed — everyday parts
PETGTougher, slightly flexible, moisture-resistant
TPUFlexible rubber-like — phone cases, gaskets, wheels
ABSHeat and impact resistant — needs enclosure
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro only
ASAUV-stable ABS alternative — outdoor parts, needs enclosure

Why buy each?

Bambu Lab A1

Full AMS multicolor

Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.

256×256×256 mm build volume

The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger — great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.

Bambu ecosystem integration

Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.

Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro

Klipper firmware out of the box

The Neptune 4 Pro ships with Klipper pre-installed — enabling advanced input shaping, pressure advance, and configuration flexibility without modding.

500 mm/s at budget pricing

Competitive CoreXY speed at a price significantly below Bambu and Prusa alternatives.

Auto calibration

Full automatic bed leveling reduces setup time and calibration friction.