X1E vs Neptune 4 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and Neptune 4 Pro are not direct competitors: very different prices (~8.5×). Neptune 4 Pro costs less (~€299) 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 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2400–2700 € | 299 € |
| 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 | 8.9 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 225 × 225 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 265 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 | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 256 mm | 225 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 256 mm | 265 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 |
| 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 | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | False |
| Requires external accessory | True | False |
| 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 machine is driven by Klipper firmware pre-installed on a proprietary 64-bit motherboard, ensuring rapid processing for advanced features like input shaping and pressure advance. The manufacturer provides a customized version of Cura (Elegoo Cura), but the printer is fully compatible with major third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer and OrcaSlicer. Connectivity includes USB ports and a LAN network port, enabling remote management and direct print file transfers via the Fluidd or Mainsail web interfaces integrated into the system. |
The differences that matter
- Price: X1E 2550 € vs Neptune 4 Pro 299 € — Neptune 4 Pro wins (+753%)
- Maximum colors: X1E 16 vs Neptune 4 Pro 1 — X1E wins (+1500%)
- Closed chamber: X1E yes, Neptune 4 Pro no
- Work area: X1E 256×256 mm vs Neptune 4 Pro 225×225 mm — X1E wins (+29%)
- Native Klipper: Neptune 4 Pro yes, X1E no
Which one to choose
Choose X1E if…
you value maximum colors, closed chamber and work area. «The maximum number of colors indicates how many distinct color zones or materials can be used in one print without manual intervention. Two colors cover most practical uses, including soluble support. Higher values are useful for complex decorative models or color-coded prototypes. Each additional color increases print time due to transition purges, so the practical benefit should be weighed against the added time cost.»
Choose Neptune 4 Pro if…
you value price and native klipper. «Klipper is an open-source firmware that offloads trajectory calculations from the microcontroller to a host computer, enabling all advanced features including input shaper and pressure advance. Native support eliminates the need to replace the firmware, a process that voids the warranty on some machines. Relevant for users who intend to tune advanced parameters; for basic use the difference from Marlin is minimal.»
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.