Ender-3 V3 SE vs Neptune 3 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Ender-3 V3 SE and Neptune 3 Pro are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Ender-3 V3 SE if price and max print speed matters more; choose Neptune 3 Pro if filament sensor matters more.
| Parameter |
Ender-3 V3 SE
Creality
F2 · Intermediate
|
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Riconoscimenti | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~150–200 € | ~199–259 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 42 × 36.6 × 49 cm | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7.34 kg | 8.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 220 × 220 mm | 225 × 225 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 250 mm | 280 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 250 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 ±mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 220 mm | 225 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 250 mm | 280 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | 260 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 250 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | False | 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 | False | False |
| Multicolor printing | False | False |
| Maximum colors | 1 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The printer runs Creality's proprietary Marlin-based firmware. It is compatible with Creality Print and Cura 5.0 or later; Simplify3D support is documented by third-party resellers. Print files are transferred via SD card. Community guides exist for converting to Klipper, but this is not an officially supported configuration and requires manual hardware and firmware intervention. | 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. |
MakerSpecs Awards
Best price Intermediate
The lowest list price among intermediate Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM) machines: €175. The second cheapest starts at €285. (Excluding manufacturer or retailer discounts.)
How we assign awards →Nessun riconoscimento in questa fascia.
The differences that matter
- Price: Ender-3 V3 SE 175 € vs Neptune 3 Pro 229 € — Ender-3 V3 SE wins (+31%)
- Max print speed: Ender-3 V3 SE 250 mm/s vs Neptune 3 Pro 180 mm/s — Ender-3 V3 SE wins (+39%)
- Filament sensor: Neptune 3 Pro yes, Ender-3 V3 SE no
- Maximum Z height: Ender-3 V3 SE 250 mm vs Neptune 3 Pro 280 mm — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+12%)
- Work area: Ender-3 V3 SE 220×220 mm vs Neptune 3 Pro 225×225 mm — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+5%)
Which one to choose
Choose Ender-3 V3 SE if…
you value price and max print speed. «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 filament sensor, maximum z height and work area. «The filament sensor pauses the print when the material runs out or breaks, allowing the user to replace it before resuming. It reduces waste on long prints, where an unhandled interruption can waste hours of work. It is particularly valuable on machines used in unattended operation. For short or test prints its contribution is negligible.»
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.