The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and Prusa Research MK4S are both prosumer-tier printers, but the MK4S costs 2.8× as much — so the question is what the extra money buys. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The MK4S costs $469 more and gets you extra engineering materials (PA and PC) and an open-source design; the Neptune 4 Pro answers with 16% more build volume.
Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want a capable bed-slinger 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $260 | $729 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | 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 |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jul 15, 2023 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~450 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The Neptune 4 Pro was released on Jul 15, 2023, 1,216 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 450 days; it is now 766 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
The MK4S was released on Aug 13, 2024, 821 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 91 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the MK4S is the safer buy right now — it is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced, while the Neptune 4 Pro is 766 days past its ~450-day cycle with no successor announced.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Neptune 4 Pro lists at $260 and the MK4S at $729 — $469 apart, so the MK4S costs 180% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $19 for the Neptune 4 Pro versus $63 for the MK4S — the Neptune 4 Pro is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the Neptune 4 Pro.
Our pick for most buyers is the MK4S, for extra engineering materials (PA and PC) and an open-source design, plus a higher editor score (8.9 vs 7.7) and better buy-now timing. Go for the Neptune 4 Pro instead if you want to spend less — it is $469 cheaper ($260 vs $729).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The Neptune 4 Pro ships with Klipper pre-installed — enabling advanced input shaping, pressure advance, and configuration flexibility without modding.
A 500 mm/s rated 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.