Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $259 vs $349. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro wins in Value, while the QIDI X-Smart 3 takes Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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-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 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-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 Pro better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
They tie at 8/10. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro suits budget and speed, while the QIDI X-Smart 3 is aimed at compact and enclosed.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro to save $90.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $90 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $90 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (225x225x265mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is best for budget; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.