At first glance, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max seems promising. Its packaging is neat, the setup is refreshingly simple, and for a brief moment, you might think you’ve found a winner. But don’t be fooled—those are the last positive things you’re likely to say about this printer. Once you power it on, the honeymoon ends, and the nightmare begins.
A Hotbed of Issues—Literally
From the moment it boots, the Neptune 4 Max introduces you to a parade of problems. Uneven or outright improper bed heating makes adhesion a constant battle. Prints fail not because of user error, but because of inconsistent hardware behavior. Layer shifts occur with no provocation. Perhaps most maddening of all: the printer forgets its Z-offset mid-print. That’s right—your perfectly leveled bed and carefully dialed settings might simply vanish halfway through a job, turning a 10-hour print into plastic spaghetti.
Firmware Update? Get Your Toolkit
Updating firmware on most modern printers is a breeze—many offer over-the-air (OTA) updates or at least a plug-and-play method via USB. Not the Neptune 4 Max. Here, you’re breaking out screwdrivers just to get started. Elegoo somehow turned what should be a standard procedure into a chore, and that’s assuming you don’t brick the unit trying to get it current.
Fixes That Shouldn’t Be Necessary
Can this printer be made reliable? Technically, yes—but not without significant aftermarket upgrades. Installing linear rails on the X and Z axes is almost a necessity. Without it, you’re gambling with every print. And if you’re tired of the stock firmware randomly derailing your work, third-party tools like Nep4Tune can be installed to disable the problematic Elegoo services. But again, you shouldn’t have to perform a Frankenstein-style rebuild just to get basic reliability.
Who Is This Printer For?
If you’re a beginner: run. This machine will not teach you how to 3D print—it will teach you how to troubleshoot hardware failure, reflash firmware, and question your purchasing decisions.
If you’re experienced: maybe. But only if you’re looking for a project rather than a printer. In its stock form, it’s more of a puzzle than a production tool. And even then, only consider it if the price drops significantly—and you already have parts on hand to fix its flaws.
Final Verdict
The Neptune 4 Max could have been a contender. Instead, it’s a cautionary tale. Until Elegoo addresses the core issues plaguing this model, it remains a machine to avoid. Don’t be seduced by the specs or the sleek unboxing—this printer is a lesson in why polish can’t replace performance.
