Budget 3D printers like Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3 are ideal for beginners and everyone who wants reliable yet affordable printers. While it doesn’t cost much, these printers can print well and produce good, clean printed objects with the correct setup and settings. If you want to know which to spend and which fits you best, let’s see what they offer below.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3?
- How are the Design of Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3
- How is the Build Volume of Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3
- How is the Building Bed in Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3
- How is the Print Quality from Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3
- Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3
- Which FDM Printer to Buy?
| Elegoo Neptune 2S | Creality Ender 3 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 21.65 x 14.57 x 8.27 inches | 16.14 x 16.54 x 18.31 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 17.6 pounds | 14.6 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3
The Ender 3 was a huge breakthrough when it was launched, thanks to the price point and the ability to print various items with the filament. These printers are ideal for beginners and everyone wanting to know the 3D printing advantages for their projects since starting with an entry-level model is best and working your way up to higher-end products. However, the Ender 3 is one of many choices because its success inspires many other brands, including Elegoo, which now has several budget printers. Read also: Ender 3 S1 Pro Vs Anycubic Vyper.
The Neptune 2S is one of the best budget printers from the company, and it is very similar to the Ender 3, both in price and features. But, the Ender 3 was launched in 2018, while Neptune 2S is a newer model in 2021, meaning it got some improvements, and one of them is the sensor features which you should add manually by upgrading the Ender 3. Still, you must manually add features like auto-leveling in these printers. Performance is equally good, but there is more effort to put into it than getting a printer at a higher price range.
Still, the Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 are versatile and fun printers for many people. They may not have all advanced features like speed and modern features, but they should work well for different purposes if you love learning new things. These machines are also upgradeable to achieve better performance and experience.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 Design
Before using or testing these printers, you must assemble the unit because both come pre-assembled. There is a manual to guide the process, but we suggest watching the video tutorial to save time, especially for the Ender 3 because some parts are less clear than the rest. Most people spend about an hour preparing the machine, but it is possible to do it faster if you are already familiar with it. The build quality is sturdy, but we like the touch-screen interface on Neptune 2S better.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 Build Volume
All printers in this price range have the same build volume because Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 also print at a maximum of 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches. This build volume is decent and good enough for an entry-level printer, but depending on the project, you may need more or less. Before buying any 3D printer, it is necessary to know what you will use the device for, as the choice may vary, and to prevent spending on another machine soon unless you require higher specs.
What’s interesting about the Ender 3 is the ability to increase the build volume because you can buy an extension kit for this machine, such as the 300XL extension kit, to increase the build volume in all axes to 300 x 300 x 400 mm. This kit costs the same as the printer but is still affordable if you like the Ender 3 and don’t need another machine with higher specs or more native features.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 Building Bed
The next part we want to see is the build plate because some printers in this price range, such as the Kobra, already have auto-leveling, which should improve convenience. Unfortunately, the Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 are entry-level models without this feature. Auto-leveling is good for cutting the preparation process when it is necessary to re-level the bed before printing. Depending on your machine, some printers only hold the bed level for a short time, so you may have to do it often in the future. Read also: Ender 3 S1 Pro Vs Ender 3 V2 NEO.
If this is your first 3D printer, leveling is simple, and many guides help you get the correct leveling. Those more experienced may also upgrade these printers with touch sensors to do auto-leveling, but it is more complicated. Overall getting the bed level is crucial for a successful print. The Neptune 2S uses a magnetic build plate which is an improvement over the original model and easier to maintain or replace if necessary.
Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 Print Quality
Lastly, we want to see the print quality and overall performance of Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3. The key to successful print is proper setting and setup, so it may take a few trials to get things right. But we like some features in Neptune 2S that make it a more fun machine. This printer has filament run-out and resumes features with a magnetic base which is more convenient to take off and clean than the base in Ender 3. The printed objects are good, and they look smooth with nice details.
Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3
The Elegoo Neptune 2S and Ender 3 are good printers for the price. The Ender 3 used to be the best budget printer out there, but now there are more with similar and even better features, like the Neptune 2S. The most notable difference is in the feature, as Neptune has an improved bed and sensors for the filament. This printer also uses a dual driver for a more stable extrusion. However, the Ender 3 wins on upgradeability, especially the build volume, since most printers need to be upgradeable in size. You can buy Ender Extender and upgrade this printer to a bigger capacity.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because not everyone has the same preferences and budget. We recommend the Neptune S2 because it is easier to assemble, and the building bed already uses a magnetic surface which is easier to maintain. The printer also comes with a resume function and a filament sensor or is upgradeable with a touch sensor for leveling. The dual driver also makes the extrusion more solid and reliable.