Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro vs Qidi Tech i-Fast
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 3 Pro and i-Fast are not direct competitors: very different prices (~9.4×). Neptune 3 Pro costs less (~€229) and is the entry-level choice; i-Fast offers more capability at a higher price (~€2150). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
i-Fast
Qidi Tech
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2021 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~199–259 € | ~1800–2500 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm | 71 × 51 × 67 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.1 kg | 33 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 225 × 225 mm | 330 × 250 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 280 mm | 320 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 180 mm/s | 150 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 | 320 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 180 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | True |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | True |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | False | False |
| Multicolor printing | False | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | False |
| Max colors | 1 | 2 |
| 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 machine comes with the proprietary Qidi Print software, a slicer based on proven open-source architectures, specifically optimized for the profiles of the technical materials supported by the printer. Users can still generate G-code using other widely adopted third-party slicers on the market, such as Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, after manual configuration of machine and extruder parameters. Although it lacks native cloud features or advanced remote connectivity for corporate fleet management, it supports direct file transfer via local Wi-Fi or USB drives, ensuring a secure offline workflow for intellectual property protection. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Neptune 3 Pro 229 € vs i-Fast 2150 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+839%)
- Work area: Neptune 3 Pro 225×225 mm vs i-Fast 330×250 mm — i-Fast wins (+63%)
- Enclosed chamber: i-Fast yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
- Max colors: Neptune 3 Pro 1 vs i-Fast 2 — i-Fast wins (+100%)
- Multi-extruder: i-Fast yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
Which one to choose
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.