Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 4 Max and X-Smart 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Neptune 4 Max if work area and build height z matters more; choose X-Smart 3 if price and enclosed chamber matters more.
| Parameter |
Neptune 4 Max
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
X-Smart 3
Qidi Tech
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 549 € | ~350–450 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm | 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18.1 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 420 × 420 mm | 175 × 180 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 480 mm | 170 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 350 W |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 420 mm | 175 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 480 mm | 170 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 85 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 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 | True | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | False | False |
| Multicolor requires accessory | False | False |
| Max colors | 1 | 1 |
| 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 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
- Work area: Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+460%)
- Build height Z: Neptune 4 Max 480 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+182%)
- Price: Neptune 4 Max 549 € vs X-Smart 3 400 € — X-Smart 3 wins (+37%)
- Enclosed chamber: X-Smart 3 yes, Neptune 4 Max no
- Max bed temperature: Neptune 4 Max 85 °C vs X-Smart 3 120 °C — X-Smart 3 wins (+41%)
Which one to choose
Choose X-Smart 3 if…
you value price, enclosed chamber and max bed temperature.
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