Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro vs Prusa Research MK4S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Anyone after a first FDM printer without spending much looks at the Neptune 3 Pro; anyone who wants multicolor printing through a dedicated accessory and a higher rated speed pays the jump to the MK4S. The price gap, over four times, is what really separates the two machines.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~199–259 € | 999 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.1 kg | — |
| Work area (mm) | 225 × 225 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 280 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 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 | — |
| Build height Z (mm) | 280 mm | — |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | — |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | — |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 180 mm/s | — |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | — |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | — |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | No | — |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | Yes |
| Max colors | 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. | PrusaSlicer (optimized) and Prusa Connect for remote control. The machine accepts G-code from any slicer (Cura, Simplify3D) and communicates via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi using an open Marlin-based protocol. Compatible with OctoPrint and offline management. Does not require a Prusa account to print, unlike machines with proprietary firmware that block features without connection. |
The differences that matter
- Price: €229 vs €999 → the Neptune 3 Pro fits a tight budget, the MK4S a bigger one.
- Multicolor printing: only the MK4S supports it, via a dedicated accessory → anyone wanting color changes without manual swaps needs the MK4S.
- Rated speed: 180 mm/s vs 500 mm/s → rated print times drop noticeably on the MK4S.
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
The Neptune 3 Pro suits single-color parts in PLA or PETG, prototypes and everyday replacement pieces, with no claim to speed. You give up multicolor printing and rated top speed, capped at 180 mm/s against the MK4S's 500 mm/s.
Choose MK4S if…
The MK4S makes sense if you want to add multicolor printing through its dedicated accessory and work at a higher rated speed, while still being able to print offline without an account. The trade-off is price: nearly €1,000, over four times the Neptune 3 Pro.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.