Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro vs Qidi Tech X-Smart 3
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Neptune 4 Pro and X-Smart 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Neptune 4 Pro if work area and build height z matters more; choose X-Smart 3 if enclosed chamber matters more.
| Parameter |
Neptune 4 Pro
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
X-Smart 3
Qidi Tech
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~350–450 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm | 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.9 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 225 × 225 mm | 175 × 180 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 265 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) | 225 mm | 175 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 265 mm | 170 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °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 machine is driven by Klipper firmware pre-installed on a proprietary 64-bit motherboard, ensuring rapid processing for advanced features like input shaping and pressure advance. The manufacturer provides a customized version of Cura (Elegoo Cura), but the printer is fully compatible with major third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer and OrcaSlicer. Connectivity includes USB ports and a LAN network port, enabling remote management and direct print file transfers via the Fluidd or Mainsail web interfaces integrated into the system. | 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 Pro 225×225 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — Neptune 4 Pro wins (+61%)
- Build height Z: Neptune 4 Pro 265 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — Neptune 4 Pro wins (+56%)
- Price: Neptune 4 Pro 299 € vs X-Smart 3 400 € — Neptune 4 Pro wins (+34%)
- Enclosed chamber: X-Smart 3 yes, Neptune 4 Pro no
- Max bed temperature: Neptune 4 Pro 110 °C vs X-Smart 3 120 °C — X-Smart 3 wins (+9%)
Which one to choose
Choose Neptune 4 Pro if…
you value work area, build height z and price.
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