Neptune 3 Pro vs Original Prusa MK4S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 3 Pro and Original Prusa MK4S are not direct competitors: very different prices (~4.4×). Neptune 3 Pro costs less (~€229) and is the entry-level choice; Original Prusa MK4S offers more capability at a higher price (~€999). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
Original Prusa MK4S
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 225 mm | — |
| Maximum Z height (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 | — |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | — |
| Auto leveling | mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | — |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | False | — |
| Multicolor printing | False | True |
| Requires external accessory | — | True |
| Maximum 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: Neptune 3 Pro 229 € vs Original Prusa MK4S 999 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+336%)
- Multicolor printing: Original Prusa MK4S yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
Which one to choose
Choose Original Prusa MK4S if…
you value multicolor printing. «Multicolor printing produces objects with distinct color zones without manual post-print painting. The most common method involves swapping the filament before depositing different color areas. Result quality depends on the precision of the swap and how transitions are managed, since mixed-material purge is always involved. This parameter should be assessed together with the maximum number of colors and whether an external accessory is required.»
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.