Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
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 →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want Bambu's ease of use and multicolor printing in a compact footprint.
Full details →| Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | Bambu Lab A1 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 225 × 225 × 265 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU | PLA, PETG, TPU |
| Released | Jul 15, 2023 | Oct 19, 2023 |
| Cycle length | ~450 days | ~365 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | Neptune 5 Pro (Expected mid-2026) | — |
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.
The A1 Mini sets up in minutes with automatic calibration and Bambu's guided first-print workflow.
Up to 4 colors with the AMS Lite accessory — Bambu's filament switching system with minimal waste purging.
Fits on a desk or shelf without taking over your workspace, while still printing at 500 mm/s.