Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and QIDI X-Plus 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $259 vs $499. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro saves you $240 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259 | $499 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
+Linear rails at $259 is a feature you normally pay $400+ for
+Klipper pre-installed with decent out-of-box profiles
+500mm/s sustained prints well with stock settings
+Build quality feels more solid than the price suggests
−Early units shipped with firmware bugs that needed patching
−Elegoo's support community is a fraction of Creality's size
−No WiFi means USB-only printing
QIDI X-Plus 3
+60C active chamber heating is the real feature: ABS stops warping, Nylon actually sticks
+Handles PA, PC, and carbon-fiber composites without drama
+CoreXY at 600mm/s inside a heated enclosure is genuinely rare under $600
+280mm build volume is larger than most enclosed competitors at this price
−QIDI's slicer software feels like 2020: functional but not pleasant
−Community is small; problems require more DIY solving than Bambu or Creality
−Some components are proprietary, which makes upgrades harder
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Choose the QIDI X-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro or QIDI X-Plus 3?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $240 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8/10). The extra $240 gets you 60c active chamber heating is the real feature: abs stops warping, nylon actually sticks.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Build volume (225x225x265mm vs 280x280x270mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is best for budget; the QIDI X-Plus 3 targets engineering.