Creality Ender-3 V3 KE vs Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Two open Cartesian printers with almost the same build volume, 220 and 225 mm per side. Firmware and speed differ: the Ender-3 V3 KE runs Klipper with input shaper, the Neptune 3 Pro runs Marlin, and costs €70 less.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~199–259 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 43.3 × 36.6 × 49 cm | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7.8 kg | 8.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 220 × 220 mm | 225 × 225 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 240 mm | 280 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 ±mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 220 mm | 225 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 240 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 | Yes | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | No |
| Multicolor printing | No | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | No | — |
| Max colors | 1 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Powered by Creality OS (based on Klipper), it supports LAN and cloud control via the Creality Print app. It remains compatible with major third-party slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer. | 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
- Speed: up to 500 mm/s against 180 mm/s (manufacturer's declared values), with Klipper and input shaper only on the KE → the Neptune 3 Pro prints far slower, and long parts take more hours.
- Nozzle: 300 °C against 260 °C → more temperature headroom on the KE only.
- Z height: 240 mm against 280 mm → parts between 240 and 280 mm tall fit only on the Neptune.
- Price: €299 against €229 → the Neptune costs €70 less.
Which one to choose
Choose Ender-3 V3 KE if…
You print many parts and want shorter print times: the declared peak speed is 500 mm/s against 180, on Klipper with input shaper, and the nozzle goes to 300 °C. The compromise: €70 more (€299 against €229) and 240 mm of height against 280.
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
You print occasionally, work from MicroSD or USB with no network, and need parts up to 280 mm tall, spending €229. The compromise: Marlin firmware with no input shaper, a nozzle to 260 °C, and a declared top speed of 180 mm/s.
Where to buy
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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 →
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