Elegoo Neptune 4 vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Neptune 4 and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $199 vs $349. 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. The QIDI X-Smart 3 still puts up a fight in Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Neptune 4 | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $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 | 9.5 kg | 9.5 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-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 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-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 better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). 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 or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Neptune 4 to save $150.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $150 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $150 less. The QIDI X-Smart 3 only makes sense if you specifically need compact.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Neptune 4 and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (225x225x265mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Neptune 4 is best for budget; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.