Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $299 vs $349. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 320 x 320 x 385 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
+320×320×385mm at $299 — the largest build volume at this price point
+Stock Klipper means real input shaping, pressure advance, and Moonraker API access
+Direct-drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without clog risk
+Mainsail interface enables remote monitoring and print farm integration
+Dual Z-axis prevents gantry sag on tall prints
−Open-frame limits material compatibility — ABS/ASA require an enclosure
−500mm/s achievable but optimal quality typically at 200-300mm/s
−Large bed means longer homing and leveling cycles
−Elegoo's support and community is smaller than Creality's
QIDI X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering materials
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for speed
- Stock Klipper firmware with Mainsail web interface
- 320×320×385mm XL build volume
- 500mm/s max print speed with input shaping
Choose the QIDI X-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-Smart 3 may be the smarter buy if you need compact.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus to save $50.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $50 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $50 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (320x320x385mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus is best for large-format; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.