Neptune 3 Vs Neptune 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Neptune 3 & Neptune 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, and design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Neptune 4 rather than the Neptune 3. 

Why Do I Recommend The Neptune 4

  • The Neptune 4 has a 500mm/s high-speed printing capability powered by Klipper Firmware for faster print times and smoother motion control compared to the Neptune 3’s standard 100mm/s speed with Marlin Firmware.
  • Neptune 4 has enhanced dual-gear direct drive extruder for providing more precise filament control and stronger extrusion force, while the Neptune 3’s Bowden extruder is less efficient.
  • It features a 121-point auto bed leveling system for ensuring higher precision and better first-layer adhesion, whereas the Neptune 3 only has a 16-point leveling system.
  • The Neptune 4’s high-flow hotend and 300°C maximum nozzle temperature enable compatibility with high-temperature filaments like Nylon and Carbon Fiber, whereas the Neptune 3’s 260°C limit.
  • Neptune 4 has dual part cooling fans for enhancing overhangs, bridging, and overall print quality, while the Neptune 3 has a single cooling fan.
  • The Neptune 4’s upgraded motion system with linear rods and belts ensures greater stability and precision at high speeds, whereas the Neptune 3 has a standard motion system.
  • It uses a PEI-coated flexible build plate for superior adhesion and durability, while the Neptune 3’s magnetic flexible bed provides less adhesion for high-speed or high-temperature prints.

Maybe the Neptune 3 3D Printer price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Neptune 4 3D Printer. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureNeptune 4 3D PrinterNeptune 3 3D Printer
Printing SpeedUp to 500mm/sStandard speed (~100mm/s)
FirmwareKlipper FirmwareMarlin Firmware
Build Volume225x225x265mm (~8.85″x8.85″x10.43″)220x220x280mm (~8.66″x8.66″x11″)
Auto Bed Leveling121-point auto leveling16-point auto leveling
Extruder TypeDual-Gear Direct Drive ExtruderDual-Gear Bowden Extruder
Filament CompatibilityPLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, Carbon FiberPLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Max Nozzle Temperature300°C260°C
Cooling SystemDual part cooling fansStandard cooling fan
Hotend TypeHigh-flow hotendStandard hotend
Motion SystemLinear rods & beltsStandard motion system
Build SurfacePEI-coated flexible plateMagnetic flexible bed
MainboardHigh-performance mainboard for KlipperStandard silent motherboard
Noise Level~50dB~40dB (Ultra-quiet printing)
Print AccuracyHigher accuracyStandard accuracy
Printing StabilityBetter stabilityStandard stability
PriceCheck Neptune 4 PriceCheck Neptune 3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Brand & Manufacturer: Both printers are designed and produced by ELEGOO, ensuring similar build quality, reliability, and support from the same company.
  • Printer Type: Both models use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, which builds objects layer by layer using melted filament.
  • Filament Compatibility: Both printers support PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, providing flexibility for different types of prints and material requirements.
  • Dual-Gear Extruder: Each printer features a dual-gear extruder, improving filament grip, ensuring consistent extrusion, and reducing the likelihood of filament slipping or clogging.
  • Auto Bed Leveling: Both models include automatic bed leveling, which helps create a uniform first layer by compensating for any unevenness in the print bed.
  • Heated Bed: Each printer has a heated print bed, allowing better adhesion for various filaments and preventing warping, especially for materials like ABS.
  • Flexible Build Plate: Both come with a flexible build plate, making it easier to remove finished prints without damaging them.
  • Power Loss Recovery: Both printers feature power loss recovery, allowing users to resume printing from where it left off in case of a power failure.
  • Filament Runout Sensor: Both models include a filament detection system that automatically pauses printing if the filament runs out or breaks, preventing print failures.
  • Touchscreen Display: Each printer has a touchscreen display, providing an intuitive interface for controlling and monitoring print settings.
  • Silent Motherboard: Both printers are equipped with a silent motherboard, reducing operational noise and making them suitable for home or office use.
  • Easy Assembly: Both models come partially pre-assembled, ensuring a straightforward and user-friendly setup process.
  • Resume Printing Feature: Each printer can resume printing after an unexpected stop, such as a power outage or filament jam, minimizing wasted filament and print time.
  • Open-Source Compatibility: Both printers support open-source slicing software like Cura and PrusaSlicer, allowing users to fine-tune print settings for optimal results.
  • Connectivity: Both models support USB and microSD card connections, enabling offline printing without the need for a constant computer connection.

Common Features

FeatureNeptune 4 Neptune 3
BrandELEGOOELEGOO
Printer TypeFDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Filament CompatibilityPLA, ABS, PETG, TPUPLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Extruder TypeDual-Gear ExtruderDual-Gear Extruder
Auto Bed LevelingYesYes
Heated BedYesYes
Flexible Build PlateYesYes
Power Loss RecoveryYesYes
Filament Runout SensorYesYes
Touchscreen DisplayYesYes
Silent MotherboardYesYes
AssemblyEasy AssemblyEasy Assembly
Resume PrintingYesYes
Open-Source CompatibilityYesYes
ConnectivityUSB, MicroSD CardUSB, MicroSD Card
Price Check Neptune 4 Price Check Neptune 3 Price

FAQ

What type of 3D printing technology do the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 use?
Both the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, which involves melting and extruding thermoplastic filament through a nozzle to create objects layer by layer.

Are the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 beginner-friendly?
Yes, both printers are beginner-friendly and come with partially pre-assembled parts for easy setup. The Neptune 3 is especially designed for beginners, while the Neptune 4 is better suited for users who want more advanced features and higher speed.

Do both printers have automatic bed leveling?
Yes, both models feature automatic bed leveling, which helps ensure an even first layer by compensating for any bed imperfections. However, the Neptune 4 has a more advanced 121-point leveling system compared to the 16-point leveling of the Neptune 3.

What type of extruder do these printers have?
Both printers feature a dual-gear extruder for improved filament grip and extrusion accuracy. However, the Neptune 4 uses a direct drive extruder, which provides better control for flexible filaments, while the Neptune 3 has a Bowden extruder.

What is the maximum nozzle temperature for both printers?
The Neptune 4 can reach a maximum nozzle temperature of 300°C, allowing it to print with high-temperature filaments like Nylon and Carbon Fiber. The Neptune 3 has a maximum temperature of 260°C, limiting it to standard materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.

Do these printers have a heated bed?
Yes, both the Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 come with a heated print bed, which improves print adhesion and reduces warping, especially for materials like ABS and PETG.

What is the print speed of the ELEGOO Neptune 4 compared to the Neptune 3?
The Neptune 4 is significantly faster, with a maximum print speed of 500mm/s, thanks to its Klipper firmware and improved motion system. The Neptune 3 prints at a standard speed of approximately 100mm/s, making it slower but more stable for beginners.

Do both printers support power loss recovery?
Yes, both printers have a power loss recovery feature, meaning they can resume printing from where they left off in case of a power outage, preventing wasted filament and print failures.

Can both printers detect filament runout?
Yes, both printers include a filament runout sensor that automatically pauses printing if the filament runs out or breaks. This prevents failed prints and allows the user to replace the filament before continuing.

Do the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 have silent printing?
Both printers have silent motherboards to minimize noise, but the Neptune 4 is slightly louder due to its higher print speeds and more powerful cooling fans. The Neptune 3 is optimized for ultra-quiet operation, making it more suitable for home and office environments.

What type of build surface do these printers have?
Both models come with a flexible build plate to make print removal easier. The Neptune 4 uses a PEI-coated flexible build plate, which provides better adhesion and durability, while the Neptune 3 has a magnetic flexible bed.

Are the touchscreen interfaces on both models the same?
Both printers feature touchscreen controls for easy navigation. However, the Neptune 3 has a removable touchscreen, allowing users to operate the printer from different angles, while the Neptune 4 has a fixed touchscreen.

What slicer software is compatible with these printers?
Both the Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 are compatible with open-source slicing software such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Users can customize print settings and optimize performance based on their needs.

What types of connectivity options do the Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 support?
Both printers support USB and microSD card connections for transferring print files. Neither model has built-in Wi-Fi, so remote printing would require additional third-party solutions.

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