Elegoo Neptune 4 vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Neptune 4 and QIDI X-Plus 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $199 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 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Neptune 4 saves you $300 and wins on Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $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 | 9.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
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-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 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-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 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 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Neptune 4 or QIDI X-Plus 3?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $300 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $300 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 and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Build volume (225x225x265mm vs 280x280x270mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 is best for budget; the QIDI X-Plus 3 targets engineering.