Bambu Lab X1E vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro

Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)

In brief

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
Bambu Lab X1E X1E Bambu Lab F3 · Advanced
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro 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
Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) 256 mm 225 mm
Build height Z (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
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 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%)
  • Max colors: X1E 16 vs Neptune 4 Pro 1 — X1E wins (+1500%)
  • Enclosed 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 max colors, enclosed chamber and work area.

See the X1E sheet →

Choose Neptune 4 Pro if…

you value price and native klipper.

See the Neptune 4 Pro sheet →

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.