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

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

Why Do I Recommend The Neptune 4 Pro

  • The Neptune 4 Pro 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 Pro’s 80mm/s speed with standard Firmware.
  • Neptune 4 Pro features industrial-grade metal rails and double-row ball U-shaped bearings on the X and Y axes for improving stability, precision, and reducing wear compared to the Neptune 3 Pro’s standard frame construction.
  • It features a 121-point auto bed leveling system for ensuring higher precision and better first-layer adhesion, whereas the Neptune 3 Pro features basic automatic leveling.
  • The Neptune 4 Pro’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 Pro’s 260°C limit.
  • Neptune 4 Pro has multi-fan cooling system for enhancing overhangs, bridging, and overall print quality, while the Neptune 3 Pro has a single cooling fan.
  • It uses a flexible PEI-coated bed with segmented heating for better adhesion, faster heating, and easy print removal, while the Neptune 3 Pro has a standard PEI-coated build plate without zoned heating.
  • The Neptune 4 Pro features Ethernet connectivity to control and monitor prints remotely, whereas the Neptune 3 Pro relies on USB and microSD only.
  • Neptune 4 Pro’s 310W power output delivers faster heat-up times, improved stability, and consistent performance, outperforming the Neptune 3 Pro’s 250W power supply.

Maybe the Neptune 3 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Neptune 4 Pro. 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 ProNeptune 3 Pro
Maximum Nozzle Temperature300°C260°C
Maximum Bed Temperature110°C100°C
Printing SpeedUp to 500 mm/sUp to 80 mm/s
FirmwarePre-installed KlipperStandard
Extruder TypeDual-gear direct drive with 5.2:1 ratioDual-gear direct drive
Bed Leveling121-point automatic levelingAutomatic
Build PlateFlexible magnetic PEI with segmented heating zonesPEI-coated
Cooling SystemMultiple integrated fansStandard
ConnectivityUSB, microSD, Ethernet (LAN)USB, microSD
Frame ConstructionAll-metal dual-axis guide railsStandard
Supported FilamentsPLA, PLA+, TPU, PETG, Nylon, ABSPLA, PETG, Tritan, Flex, ABS
Power Supply310W250W
Release Year20232022
Build Volume225 x 225 x 265 mm225 x 225 x 280 mm
PriceCheck Neptune 4 Pro PriceCheck Neptune 3 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Build Volume: Both printers feature a similar build volume of 225 x 225 mm on the X and Y axes, allowing users to print medium-sized models without space limitations.
  • Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder: Each model comes equipped with a dual-gear direct drive extruder, ensuring precise filament feeding and improving compatibility with flexible materials like TPU.
  • Automatic Bed Leveling: Both printers utilize automatic bed leveling technology, helping to create a more consistent first layer by compensating for slight variations in bed height.
  • PEI-Coated Heated Build Plate: Each model includes a PEI-coated heated bed, which enhances adhesion during printing and makes print removal easier once the job is complete.
  • 4.3-Inch Touchscreen Display: Both printers are equipped with a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, providing a user-friendly experience for navigating settings, initiating prints, and adjusting parameters.
  • Filament Run-Out Sensor: Each model features a filament sensor, which detects when filament runs out or breaks, automatically pausing the print to prevent incomplete projects.
  • Power Loss Recovery: Both printers support power loss recovery, allowing them to resume printing from the last known position after a power outage, reducing wasted materials and failed prints.
  • USB and microSD Connectivity: Each model includes USB and microSD card ports, offering multiple options for transferring print files and providing flexibility in workflow.
  • Multi-Filament Compatibility: Both printers support a variety of materials, including PLA, PETG, and ABS, making them versatile for different types of prints and applications.
  • Integrated Power Supply: Each model features an integrated power supply unit within the base, contributing to a compact design and reducing external cable clutter.

Common Features

FeatureNeptune 4 ProNeptune 3 Pro
Printer TypeFDMFDM
Build Area225 x 225 mm225 x 225 mm
Extruder TypeDual-gear direct driveDual-gear direct drive
Filament SensorYesYes
Touchscreen Display4.3-inch touchscreen4.3-inch touchscreen
Resume Printing FeatureYesYes
Automatic Bed LevelingYesYes
Filament CompatibilityPLA, PETG, TPU, ABSPLA, PETG, TPU, ABS
Silent MotherboardYesYes
Build Plate MaterialPEI-coatedPEI-coated
Nozzle Diameter0.4mm0.4mm
Supported File FormatsSTL, OBJ, AMFSTL, OBJ, AMF
Printing MethodUSB, microSDUSB, microSD
Layer Resolution0.05 – 0.3 mm0.05 – 0.3 mm
Voltage Requirement100-240V100-240V
Price Check Neptune 4 Pro Price Check Neptune 3 Pro Price

FAQ

Does the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro have better print quality than the Neptune 3 Pro?
Both printers deliver high-quality prints, but the Neptune 4 Pro provides better precision and stability due to its all-metal dual-axis guide rails with double-row ball U-shaped bearings. The enhanced cooling system and Klipper firmware also contribute to better high-speed printing without compromising print detail.

Can both printers print flexible materials like TPU?
Yes, both the Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro feature a dual-gear direct drive extruder, which provides better filament control and makes them compatible with flexible materials like TPU.

Do both models support automatic bed leveling?
Yes, both printers include automatic bed leveling systems, ensuring a properly calibrated first layer without the need for manual adjustments. The Neptune 4 Pro features a 121-point leveling system, which provides more accuracy compared to the Neptune 3 Pro.

What type of build plate do these printers have?
Both models come with PEI-coated heated build plates, allowing for strong adhesion during printing and easy removal of finished prints. The Neptune 4 Pro improves upon this by including a flexible magnetic PEI sheet with segmented heating zones, which optimizes power usage.

Do the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro have touchscreen displays?
Yes, both models feature a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, making it easy to navigate settings, initiate prints, and monitor progress.

What filaments can I use with these printers?
Both the Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro support PLA, PETG, and ABS, among others. However, due to its higher 300°C nozzle temperature, the Neptune 4 Pro can also print high-temperature filaments like Nylon and Carbon Fiber-infused materials.

Can I resume printing after a power outage?
Yes, both models feature power loss recovery, which allows them to resume printing from where they left off in the event of a power failure.

Do both models have a filament run-out sensor?
Yes, both printers come with a filament run-out sensor, ensuring that the print pauses when the filament runs out or breaks, allowing for filament replacement without wasting a print.

What are the connectivity options for these printers?
Both printers support USB and microSD card connectivity. However, the Neptune 4 Pro adds an Ethernet (LAN) port, allowing for networked printing and remote control capabilities.

Are both printers easy to assemble and set up?
Yes, both the Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro come partially assembled and require minimal effort to set up. The detailed instruction manual and touchscreen interface make the process straightforward for beginners.

How does the cooling system compare between the two models?
The Neptune 4 Pro has an improved cooling system with multiple integrated fans, which helps in better cooling for high-speed printing and prevents overheating. The Neptune 3 Pro has standard cooling fans that work well at lower speeds but may struggle at very high speeds.

Which printer is better for beginners?
Both models are beginner-friendly, but the Neptune 3 Pro is the better option for those new to 3D printing due to its slower print speeds and simpler firmware. The Neptune 4 Pro is better suited for advanced users who need high-speed printing and additional features like Ethernet connectivity.

How durable is the frame construction of both printers?
Both printers have sturdy designs, but the Neptune 4 Pro features all-metal dual-axis guide rails with double-row ball U-shaped bearings, which provide better durability, stability, and smoother motion than the Neptune 3 Pro.

Which printer should I choose between the Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro?
If you prioritize high-speed printing, enhanced cooling, better frame stability, and higher temperature support for advanced materials, the Neptune 4 Pro is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and reliable 3D printer with standard features, the Neptune 3 Pro is still a solid option.