Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro vs Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 3 Pro and MK4S 3D Printer kit are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.6×). Neptune 3 Pro costs less (~€229) and is the entry-level choice; MK4S 3D Printer kit offers more capability at a higher price (~€819). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~199–259 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.1 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 225 × 225 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 280 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 180 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 225 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 280 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 180 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | False | True |
| Multicolor printing | False | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | True |
| Max colors | 1 | 5 |
| 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 MK4S runs proprietary Prusa firmware based on Marlin, not GRBL. It is managed through PrusaSlicer (with over 180 official profiles included), Simplify3D, or Cura with community profiles. Files are loaded via USB, local network, or PrusaConnect and the Prusa mobile app; it is not compatible with LightBurn or LaserGRBL, being a filament printer. The machine can run fully offline with no cloud dependency, and receives regular firmware updates along with pre-tuned profiles for Prusament materials. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Neptune 3 Pro 229 € vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+258%)
- Max print speed: Neptune 3 Pro 180 mm/s vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 500 mm/s — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+178%)
- Max colors: Neptune 3 Pro 1 vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+400%)
- Build height Z: Neptune 3 Pro 280 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+27%)
- Input shaper: MK4S 3D Printer kit yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value max print speed, max colors and input shaper.
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.