X1E vs Neptune 3 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and Neptune 3 Pro are not direct competitors: very different prices (~11.1×). Neptune 3 Pro costs less (~€229) and is the entry-level choice; X1E offers more capability at a higher price (~€2550). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
X1E
Bambu Lab
F3 · Advanced
|
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2400–2700 € | ~199–259 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16 kg | 8.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 225 × 225 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 280 mm |
| Power (W) | 1350 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 7 μm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 256 mm | 225 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 256 mm | 280 mm |
| Kinematics | corexy | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 320 °C | 260 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | True | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | True | False |
| Multicolor printing | True | False |
| Requires external accessory | True | — |
| Maximum colors | 16 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The X1E works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer, which handles slicing, automatic calibration, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Orca Slicer, an open-source Bambu Studio fork with dedicated profiles, is also supported. The firmware is proprietary; Klipper is not natively supported. The printer can run in LAN-only mode, operating fully without an internet connection through the local network. | 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
- Price: X1E 2550 € vs Neptune 3 Pro 229 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+1014%)
- Max print speed: X1E 500 mm/s vs Neptune 3 Pro 180 mm/s — X1E wins (+178%)
- Maximum colors: X1E 16 vs Neptune 3 Pro 1 — X1E wins (+1500%)
- Closed chamber: X1E yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
- Work area: X1E 256×256 mm vs Neptune 3 Pro 225×225 mm — X1E wins (+29%)
Which one to choose
Choose X1E if…
you value max print speed, maximum colors and closed chamber. «The rated maximum speed indicates the theoretical hardware limit, not the everyday working speed. Faster machines reduce print times on simple geometries, but real-world speed depends on material, geometry, required surface finish, and slicer settings. Values above 200–300 mm/s are meaningful only on machines with CoreXY kinematics, active input shaping, and a stiffened mechanical frame.»
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
you value price and maximum z height. «The Z height determines how tall a part the machine can produce in one print. Vertical objects such as vases, load-bearing structures, or casting patterns require a high Z travel. A lower value does not affect quality but forces the user to split or reorient the model. Z height should be considered alongside the XY surface to assess total usable build volume.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.