Neptune 3 Pro vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 3 Pro and Original Prusa 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; Original Prusa 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
|
Original Prusa 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 | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 225 mm | 250 mm |
| Maximum Z height (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 |
| 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 | False |
| Input shaper | False | True |
| Multicolor printing | False | True |
| Requires external accessory | — | True |
| Maximum 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 Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+258%)
- Max print speed: Neptune 3 Pro 180 mm/s vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 500 mm/s — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+178%)
- Maximum colors: Neptune 3 Pro 1 vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+400%)
- Maximum Z height: Neptune 3 Pro 280 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+27%)
- Input shaper: Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
you value price and maximum z height. «The Z height determines how tall a part the machine can produce in one print. Vertical objects such as vases, load-bearing structures, or casting patterns require a high Z travel. A lower value does not affect quality but forces the user to split or reorient the model. Z height should be considered alongside the XY surface to assess total usable build volume.»
Choose Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value max print speed, maximum colors and input shaper. «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.