Bambu Lab A1 vs Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The difference that matters most is print speed: the A1 reaches a declared 500 mm/s, the Neptune 3 Pro tops out at 180 mm/s, and on long prints that shows up as hours saved. Anyone chasing the cheapest machine goes for the Neptune, anyone wanting shorter print times goes for the A1.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 429 € | ~199–259 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.3 kg | 8.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 225 × 225 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 280 mm |
| Power (W) | 1300 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 225 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 280 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 260 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | No |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | — |
| Max colors | 4 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The A1 works natively with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows and macOS, which handles slicing, automatic calibrations, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Third-party slicers — including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Ultimaker Cura — are supported via standard G-code export, but advanced features such as vibration compensation and active flow control are only available within the Bambu ecosystem. | The operating system is based on the open-source Marlin firmware, ensuring broad compatibility and stability for the user. The printer is supported by major slicing software on the market, such as Ultimaker Cura and PrusaSlicer, for which official preset profiles or easily configurable community profiles exist. Operational management is handled via a practical removable capacitive touchscreen, featuring a simple interface for manual control and monitoring. The machine operates entirely offline, reading G-code files via a MicroSD card or direct USB cable connection, without any dependency on cloud services or wireless networks. |
The differences that matter
- Declared top speed: 500 mm/s on the A1 versus 180 mm/s on the Neptune 3 Pro → translates into hours saved on long prints.
- Price: the A1 costs €200 more.
- Multicolor: up to 4 colors on the A1 with the separate AMS lite, the Neptune 3 Pro prints single color only.
- Z height: 280 mm on the Neptune 3 Pro versus 256 mm on the A1 → extra headroom for narrow, tall parts.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 if…
Anyone printing large parts often or running batches benefits from the A1's speed, with input shaping compensating for vibration at the faster pace. The trade-off is a higher price than the Neptune 3 Pro.
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
Anyone wanting to spend the bare minimum and work offline picks the Neptune 3 Pro: the Marlin firmware reads G-code from an SD card or USB cable, with no account or network connection needed. The trade-off is single-color printing and a slower pace.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.