Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Same brand, two generations: the Neptune 3 Pro costs around €229 and runs Marlin firmware, the Neptune 4 Max costs €549 and runs Klipper, with a much bigger bed. The question is whether you need volume and speed or a small machine will do.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 225 mm | 420 mm |
| Build height Z (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 |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | No | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | No |
| Max 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
- Bed 225×225 mm vs 420×420 mm → a 40 cm part prints whole only on the Neptune 4 Max.
- Marlin with microSD or USB vs Klipper with Fluidd over the network → on the 4 Max you follow and correct the job from a browser.
- No input shaper vs input shaper → on the 3 Pro the declared speed stays a spec-sheet limit, on the 4 Max the firmware compensates for it.
- Nozzle 260 °C vs 300 °C, bed 100 °C vs 85 °C → the 4 Max has more headroom on the nozzle, the 3 Pro on the bed.
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
For small parts within 225×225 mm at around €320 less. It works offline, from microSD or a USB cable, with no Wi-Fi. You accept a declared speed of up to 180 mm/s, without input shaper; the bed reaches 100 °C (manufacturer's declared values).
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
For parts up to 420×420 mm and up to 480 mm tall, printed faster: up to a declared 500 mm/s, with input shaper. Native Klipper with the Fluidd web interface over Wi-Fi or LAN. It costs around €320 more and the bed stops at 85 °C.
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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