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
| Feature | Neptune 4 Pro | Neptune 3 Pro |
| Maximum Nozzle Temperature | 300°C | 260°C |
| Maximum Bed Temperature | 110°C | 100°C |
| Printing Speed | Up to 500 mm/s | Up to 80 mm/s |
| Firmware | Pre-installed Klipper | Standard |
| Extruder Type | Dual-gear direct drive with 5.2:1 ratio | Dual-gear direct drive |
| Bed Leveling | 121-point automatic leveling | Automatic |
| Build Plate | Flexible magnetic PEI with segmented heating zones | PEI-coated |
| Cooling System | Multiple integrated fans | Standard |
| Connectivity | USB, microSD, Ethernet (LAN) | USB, microSD |
| Frame Construction | All-metal dual-axis guide rails | Standard |
| Supported Filaments | PLA, PLA+, TPU, PETG, Nylon, ABS | PLA, PETG, Tritan, Flex, ABS |
| Power Supply | 310W | 250W |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 225 x 225 x 280 mm |
| Price | Check Neptune 4 Pro Price | Check 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
| Feature | Neptune 4 Pro | Neptune 3 Pro |
| Printer Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Area | 225 x 225 mm | 225 x 225 mm |
| Extruder Type | Dual-gear direct drive | Dual-gear direct drive |
| Filament Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Display | 4.3-inch touchscreen | 4.3-inch touchscreen |
| Resume Printing Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Bed Leveling | Yes | Yes |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS |
| Silent Motherboard | Yes | Yes |
| Build Plate Material | PEI-coated | PEI-coated |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm | 0.4mm |
| Supported File Formats | STL, OBJ, AMF | STL, OBJ, AMF |
| Printing Method | USB, microSD | USB, microSD |
| Layer Resolution | 0.05 – 0.3 mm | 0.05 – 0.3 mm |
| Voltage Requirement | 100-240V | 100-240V |
| 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? Can both printers print flexible materials like TPU? Do both models support automatic bed leveling? What type of build plate do these printers have? Do the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro have touchscreen displays? What filaments can I use with these printers? Can I resume printing after a power outage? Do both models have a filament run-out sensor? What are the connectivity options for these printers? Are both printers easy to assemble and set up? How does the cooling system compare between the two models? Which printer is better for beginners? How durable is the frame construction of both printers? Which printer should I choose between the Neptune 3 Pro and Neptune 4 Pro? |