Elegoo Neptune 3D printer Review: The Best Budget 3D Printer You can Buy

There are loads of budget 3D printer options on the market. You can easily find cheap 3D printers, but sourcing one of the best 3D printers under $500 can be a challenge. Enter the Elegoo Neptune 3D printer, a quality device for makers of all skill levels. Learn why this may be the top entry-level 3D printer you can buy in my Elegoo Neptune 3D printer review!

What is the Elegoo Neptune 3D Printer?

From manufacturer Elegoo comes the Neptune 3D printer. It's a Prusa i3 size printer that boasts compatibility with PLA, ABS, and TPU filament. There's a carbine glass build platform and Titan extruder. Whereas many 3D printers come fully assembled, the Elegoo Neptune does require a bit of assembly. However, I was able to get my Elegoo Neptune configured in a jiffy. 

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• High-quality print jobs
• Glass print bed
• Compatible with PLA, TPU, ABS
• Titan extruder
• Prusa i3-size
• SD card reader
• Comes with a slew of accessories
• Includes Elegoo Cura

Cons:

• Fiddly screws
• Bed leveling is a pain

Elegoo Neptune 3D Printer Review Verdict

Like the Elegoo Arduino UNO starter kit, I was truly wowed by the Elegoo Neptune. A layer height of 50-300 microns allows for quality as well as speed. Essentially, layer height is the precise height of each layer of plastic in a 3D printed model. You'll find variable speed, smoothness, as well as resolution with different layer heights. Smaller heights range from around 50-100 microns, so its range of 50-300 is quite pleasing, especially for a budget printer. 

Upon opening the box, I was greeted with a mostly assembled 3D printer. As a semi-assembled 3D printer, I had everything I needed to put the Elegoo Neptune together. First, you'll need to screw the bed in with four screws, then plug in three plugs. You'll find loads of accessories including a backup nozzle, tweezers, and even a bit of sample filament. You'll definitely want to snag a bit more filament for projects though. Installation took me about 15 minutes, 10 of which were reading through the sparse but completely comprehensive set up pamphlet. There's even a section on leveling your 3D printer, and steps on how to run your first print. 

Unfortunately, leveling isn't the most enjoyable experience. How to level a 3D printer depends on what 3D printer you're using. Whereas some mid- to high-end 3D printers use software leveling, or even tout self-leveling, the Elegoo Neptune is a manual leveling get up. Typically, manual leveling a 3D printer requires thumbscrews. The number of screws depends on the printer, with as many as four screws. Sure enough, the Elegoo Neptune features four screws, one in each corner. Under the system menu, there's a leveling setting which checks five different points on the bed. What you'll want to do is place an A4 sheet of paper on the bed, then, test each point. It's best to keep the sheet of paper so that you can slide it out with a minimal amount of resistance. Too tight and no filament will stick to the bed. But too lose means your print job will come out sloppy. 

Features:

The Elegoo Neptune arrives with a slew of features. 

1. Semi-Assembly Kit

While the Elegoo Neptune doesn't come fully assembled, it's not a complete do-it-yourself job. Instead, it's a semi-assembly kit which is conducive to getting up and running. I was able to cobble my Elegoo Neptune together in under 30 minutes.

2. Titan Extruder

A Titan extruder makes for extremely precise 3D print jobs. 

3. Carbide Glass Build Platform

The glass print bed means you'll appreciate superb adhesion and simple removal of prints. 

4. Filament Detection and Print Resume

A convenient feature onboard the Elegoo Neptune 3D printer, you'll find a filament detection switch. Further, its print resume capability means if you run out during a print job, it automatically picks up from where it left off upon loading new filament. 

Elegoo Neptune 3D printer specs:

• PLA, ABS, TPU compatibility
• Prusa i3 print size 8" x 8" x 8X
• Titan extruder
• Carbine glass build area
• Filament detection switch
• 350W single output switching power supply
• Auto-resume feature
• USB connectivity
• SD card slot
• Heated bed

Cost: $260

Should You Buy the Elegoo Neptune 3D Printer?

If you're in the market for one a budget 3D printer, the Elegoo Neptune is a top choice. With excellent build quality, superb printing, and a slew of features found on higher-end devices, it's a 3D printer sure to wow makers of all skill levels. Beginners should have no issue actually assembling the device.

My only minor complaint is that leveling the Neptune remains a pain. Still, once it's properly leveled, the Neptune provides high-quality prints, and easily clocks in as the best cheap 3D printer you can buy. Quality of printed objects surpasses the Anet A8. In fact, it punches way above its weight class. Lack of features such as software leveling may leave power users wanting, though it's a fantastic printer overall. If you're looking for inspiration, try printing your own Arduino-based coin sorting machine or an Arduino-controlled, 3D printable BB8!