Creality Ender-3 V3 vs Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Two open Cartesian filament printers with a bed around 220 mm, from different generations: the Ender-3 V3 (2024) runs Klipper with input shaping, the Neptune 3 Pro (2022) stays on Marlin. The question is whether the software and the higher nozzle temperature are worth €190 more.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 419 € | ~199–259 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 35.8 × 37.4 × 49.8 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) | 250 mm | 280 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 600 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) | 250 mm | 280 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 260 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 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 | The native operating system is Creality OS, a customized version of Klipper. It supports Creality Print and major third-party slicers, along with WiFi connectivity and remote management. | 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 600 mm/s vs 180 mm/s declared, with Klipper and input shaping only on the Ender-3 V3 → long prints can finish sooner on the Ender; the Neptune trades time for price.
- Nozzle 300 °C vs 260 °C → filaments needing more than 260 °C print only on the Ender-3 V3.
- Price €419 vs €229 → the Neptune 3 Pro costs €190 less.
- Volume 225×225×280 mm vs 220×220×250 mm → parts up to 30 mm taller fit on the Neptune.
Which one to choose
Choose Ender-3 V3 if…
Pick the Ender-3 V3 if you print often and time matters: with Klipper and input shaping it declares up to 600 mm/s against 180 mm/s, a spec-sheet ceiling rather than everyday speed, and its 300 °C nozzle accepts filaments the Neptune's 260 °C does not reach. The trade-off: €190 more, and a 220×220 mm bed with 250 mm of height, slightly less than the Neptune.
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
Pick the Neptune 3 Pro if you print PLA and PETG without hurry and want to spend as little as possible: at €229 it also gives 225×225 mm and 280 mm of height. It works fully offline from a microSD card or USB cable, with no network or cloud. The trade-off: Marlin firmware with no input shaping, 260 °C at most, and 180 mm/s declared.
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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