Budget printers like the famous Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3 V2 are affordable and reliable, especially if you recently got into the hobby and want to know how a 3D printer works. These machines are relatively easy to start with, have a good printing performance, and are upgradeable. However, there are also some differences that you may want to know, so let’s dig in and see what the two can offer here.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2?
- How is the Design of Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2?
- How is the Build Volume of Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2?
- How is the Building Plate on Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2?
- How is the Performance of Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2?
- Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3 V2
- Which FDM Printer to Buy?
| Elegoo Neptune 2S | Ender 3 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 21.65 x 14.57 x 8.27 inches | 18.5 x 18.7 x 24.41 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 17.6 pounds | 17.19 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2
Do you need a 3D printer? This machine used to be a niche product, but not anymore because it has become more affordable and easier to access for most people. The machine is optional for a regular household but can be a great hobby or tool to support your business. The 3D printer dispenses hot filament allowing it to cool down and form a certain object depending on the design. There are also 3D printers that work with liquid resin.
Many budget printers, such as the Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2, are reliable and fun to work with. These printers are usually below $300 and can be cheaper depending on ongoing sales. Both printers are new iterations of the original model with some improvements, so they can be a good alternative for those interested in buying Neptune 2 or the original Ender 3. Some differences that may affect your decision are the build plate and price because the Ender 3 V2 has a glass plate and is a bit more expensive than Neptune 2S. Read also: Anycubic Kobra Vs Elegoo Neptune 2S.
The Ender 3 V2 is perfecting the original Ender 3, and overall, it also has better build quality, but Neptune 2S is also pretty impressive at the price point. It even comes with a resume and filament sensor out of the box. From the performance part, both printers are impressive, but since the setup is mostly manual, new users may have to spend more time tweaking the printers before getting the best performance out of the two.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 Design
The first thing you must do before testing these printers is assemble the unit. Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 are printer kits requiring manual assembly, which should take about an hour or so. A manual is in the box as a guide, but you can always look for the video tutorial as it is easier to follow. The build quality is good, and if you have the Ender 3, this V2 variant feels sturdier with improved material.
As for the interface, these printers are more modern with a bigger display, but the Neptune 2S is better because it already uses a touch interface like your smart device. At the same time, the Ender 3 V2 still requires a knob button to navigate the menu. There is a small drawer in the Ender 3 V2’s base that you can use to store small items or tools.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 Print Capacity
The capacity stays mostly the same across the Ender 3 series because it is still 220 x 220 x 250 mm, the same for Neptune S2. Depending on what you want to print, this size should be enough for most people who plan to make small items like toys or practical objects. You may want to know a way to upgrade the build volume, which is possible by tweaking the frame with an extension kit; yes, there is an Ender extender sold separately for several Ender 3 machines.
For example, you can buy the Ender Extender 400, which costs about $199, and as the name suggests, it will increase the build volume to 400 x 400 x 250 mm; it doesn’t extend the height. This kit includes all the necessary parts, including a bigger build plate for Ender 3 V2. Elegoo Neptune 2S is not upgradeable on the volume, but Elegoo offers Neptune 3 Max with a bigger build capacity at a higher price.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 Build Plate
Let’s see the build plate, which differs between the Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2. The original printers of these current models have some flaws that get improved on the next version; the Neptune 2S with a PEI magnetic bed sheet and Ender 3 V2 with a textured glass bed. Both layers have pros and cons. For example, a magnetic bed is more difficult to clean if a material sticks to the surface, while a glass bed is easier to maintain. Read also: Anycubic Kobra Vs Ender 3.
But, the glass bed is not flexible, so it may get damaged when it meets with an impact. Still, both materials are better than the original bed and perform well on the adhesion and ease of use. These printers use manual bed leveling, so you must manually adjust the distance between the nozzle and the bed. This process is required to ensure that your printing process is successful. You can also upgrade these printers with touch sensors for automatic bed leveling.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 Print Quality
As for the print quality, Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 are impressive and work well in most cases with the correct settings. Like most entry-level machines, users must fine-tune the settings to get the best results and do some trials to find the best settings for the project. There is no notable difference between the two besides Neptune 2S being easier to navigate thanks to the touch interface. If you have the Ender 3 Pro, the V2 performs the same.
Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3 V2
The Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 V2 are more similar than different despite coming from a different manufacturers. Both printers have the same build capacity and performance and are priced in the same range. The main difference is the building bed and interface because Neptune 2S is more intuitive, while the Ender 3 V2 has a glass bed and an extension kit if you want to upgrade the print capacity.
Conclusion
Depending on which you like better, the choice may vary. We recommend the Ender 3 V2 if you want to upgrade the print capacity because there are various extension kits you can buy separately for the model. On the other hand, the Neptune 2S is a bit cheaper and has a more intuitive interface, but you can’t upgrade the capacity. The print quality is equally good, but users may have to tweak the printer manually.