Bambu Lab X1E vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and Neptune 4 Plus are not direct competitors: very different prices (~7.3×). Neptune 4 Plus costs less (~€350) 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 4 Plus
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2400–2700 € | ~300–400 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm | 53.3 × 51.7 × 63.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16 kg | 14.4 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 320 × 320 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 385 mm |
| Power (W) | 1350 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 7 μm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 320 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 385 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 320 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | True | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | False |
| Multicolor requires accessory | True | False |
| Max 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 printer operates with Klipper firmware pre-installed on a 64-bit ARM processor, enabling advanced standard features like input shaping and pressure advance. The user interface is managed via a removable capacitive touchscreen and a dedicated web interface (Fluidd or Mainsail) for remote control and monitoring via Wi-Fi or LAN connection. For file preparation, the machine is compatible with major slicers on the market, including Elegoo Cura (bundled by the manufacturer), UltiMaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer. |
The differences that matter
- Price: X1E 2550 € vs Neptune 4 Plus 350 € — Neptune 4 Plus wins (+629%)
- Max colors: X1E 16 vs Neptune 4 Plus 1 — X1E wins (+1500%)
- Work area: X1E 256×256 mm vs Neptune 4 Plus 320×320 mm — Neptune 4 Plus wins (+56%)
- Build height Z: X1E 256 mm vs Neptune 4 Plus 385 mm — Neptune 4 Plus wins (+50%)
- Enclosed chamber: X1E yes, Neptune 4 Plus no
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 4 Plus if…
you value price, work area and build height z.
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