Neptune 3 Pro vs Neptune 4 Max
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Max are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Neptune 3 Pro if price matters more; choose Neptune 4 Max if work area and max print speed matters more. On the category's overall technical index, Neptune 4 Max scores 40/100 against 11/100 for Neptune 3 Pro.
| Parameter |
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
Neptune 4 Max
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~199–259 € | 549 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.1 kg | 18.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 225 × 225 mm | 420 × 420 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 280 mm | 480 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 180 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 225 mm | 420 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 280 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) | 180 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | 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 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 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. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Neptune 3 Pro 229 € vs Neptune 4 Max 549 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+140%)
- Work area: Neptune 3 Pro 225×225 mm vs Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+248%)
- Max print speed: Neptune 3 Pro 180 mm/s vs Neptune 4 Max 500 mm/s — Neptune 4 Max wins (+178%)
- Maximum Z height: Neptune 3 Pro 280 mm vs Neptune 4 Max 480 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+71%)
- Native Klipper: Neptune 4 Max yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 3 Pro 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.