Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 3 Pro and X-Smart 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Neptune 3 Pro if price matters more; choose X-Smart 3 if max print speed matters more. On the category's overall technical index, X-Smart 3 scores 48/100 against 15/100 for Neptune 3 Pro.
| Parameter |
Neptune 3 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
X-Smart 3
Qidi Tech
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~199–259 € | ~350–450 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm | 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.1 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 225 × 225 mm | 175 × 180 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 280 mm | 170 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 180 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 225 mm | 175 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 280 mm | 170 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 180 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | True |
| 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 | True |
| Input shaper | False | True |
| Multicolor printing | False | False |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | False |
| Max colors | 1 | 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. | The QIDI X-Smart 3 is primarily managed via QIDI Slicer, a proprietary software based on the latest versions of PrusaSlicer, optimized to fully leverage the machine's high speeds and CoreXY structure. The interface offers both a beginner mode and an advanced mode for granular control of parameters. The printer comes with pre-installed Klipper firmware, allowing advanced users direct access to the Fluidd web interface for real-time monitoring, calibration, and macro customization. Nevertheless, compatibility is guaranteed with the most popular third-party slicing software, including Ultimaker Cura, Simplify3D, and standard PrusaSlicer, ensuring a flexible and adaptable workflow. |
The differences that matter
- Max print speed: Neptune 3 Pro 180 mm/s vs X-Smart 3 500 mm/s — X-Smart 3 wins (+178%)
- Price: Neptune 3 Pro 229 € vs X-Smart 3 400 € — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+75%)
- Build height Z: Neptune 3 Pro 280 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+65%)
- Work area: Neptune 3 Pro 225×225 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — Neptune 3 Pro wins (+61%)
- Enclosed chamber: X-Smart 3 yes, Neptune 3 Pro no
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
you value price, build height z and work area.
Choose X-Smart 3 if…
you value max print speed, enclosed chamber and native klipper.
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.