Neptune 4 Max vs i-Fast
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 4 Max and i-Fast are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.9×). Neptune 4 Max costs less (~€549) 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 4 Max
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
i-Fast
Qidi Tech
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2021 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 549 € | ~1800–2500 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm | 71 × 51 × 67 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18.1 kg | 33 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 420 × 420 mm | 330 × 250 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 480 mm | 320 mm |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 420 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 480 mm | 320 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 85 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 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 | True | False |
| Input shaper | True | False |
| Multicolor printing | False | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | False | False |
| Max colors | 1 | 2 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The system relies on an open ecosystem thanks to the motherboard with pre-installed Klipper. Users can manage the machine both through the 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface and via local network using the integrated web interface (Fluidd). Elegoo provides its own customized version of the Cura slicer, but the printer remains fully compatible with most third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Native support for Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity facilitates sending and monitoring G-code files without the need for physical media. | 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 4 Max 549 € vs i-Fast 2150 € — Neptune 4 Max wins (+292%)
- Max print speed: Neptune 4 Max 500 mm/s vs i-Fast 150 mm/s — Neptune 4 Max wins (+233%)
- Work area: Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm vs i-Fast 330×250 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+114%)
- Build height Z: Neptune 4 Max 480 mm vs i-Fast 320 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+50%)
- Enclosed chamber: i-Fast yes, Neptune 4 Max no
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
you value price, max print speed and work area.
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.