Ender-3 V3 SE vs Neptune 4 Max
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Ender-3 V3 SE and Neptune 4 Max are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.1×). Ender-3 V3 SE costs less (~€175) and is the entry-level choice; Neptune 4 Max offers more capability at a higher price (~€549). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Ender-3 V3 SE
Creality
F2 · Intermediate
|
Neptune 4 Max
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Riconoscimenti | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~150–200 € | 549 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 42 × 36.6 × 49 cm | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7.34 kg | 18.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 220 × 220 mm | 420 × 420 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 250 mm | 480 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 250 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 ±mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 220 mm | 420 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 250 mm | 480 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 85 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 250 mm/s | 500 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 | True |
| Input shaper | False | True |
| Multicolor printing | False | False |
| Requires external accessory | — | 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 system relies on an open ecosystem thanks to the motherboard with pre-installed Klipper. Users can manage the machine both through the 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface and via local network using the integrated web interface (Fluidd). Elegoo provides its own customized version of the Cura slicer, but the printer remains fully compatible with most third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Native support for Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity facilitates sending and monitoring G-code files without the need for physical media. |
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 4 Max 549 € — Ender-3 V3 SE wins (+214%)
- Work area: Ender-3 V3 SE 220×220 mm vs Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+264%)
- Max print speed: Ender-3 V3 SE 250 mm/s vs Neptune 4 Max 500 mm/s — Neptune 4 Max wins (+100%)
- Maximum Z height: Ender-3 V3 SE 250 mm vs Neptune 4 Max 480 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+92%)
- Filament sensor: Neptune 4 Max yes, Ender-3 V3 SE no
Which one to choose
Choose Ender-3 V3 SE if…
you value price and max bed temperature. «A heated bed reduces the thermal gradient between the part and the environment, limiting warping and delamination. Up to 60 °C covers PLA and flexible materials. Between 80 and 110 °C it enables PETG, ABS, and ASA. Above 110 °C it is necessary for PC and high-temperature technical materials. Bed temperature should be evaluated alongside nozzle temperature: a high-rated bed adds little value if the nozzle cannot reach the corresponding threshold.»
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
you value work area, max print speed and maximum z height. «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.»
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.