Elegoo Neptune 4 vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Neptune 4 and QIDI X-Max 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $199 vs $799. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The QIDI X-Max 3 still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Speed and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $799 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 225 x 225 x 265 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
QIDI X-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Choose the QIDI X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-Max 3 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 or QIDI X-Max 3?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $600 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $600 less. The QIDI X-Max 3 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 and QIDI X-Max 3?
Build volume (225x225x265mm vs 325x325x315mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 is best for budget; the QIDI X-Max 3 targets large-prints.