Sovol SV06 or Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro? Which should you buy? Features compared! 

And why anyone would spend 900$ for the fugly prusa is just beyond me. With a screen from the 1950's

Q

where I live these are the prices 1. Elegoo Neptune 3 PRO [$309] 2. Soval SV06 [$404] (import from US) 3. Anycubic Kobra Neo[$189] 4. Ender-3 V2 Neo [$291] 5. your suggestion can you help choosing me my First printer, which should I pick?

@@AdityaKumar-cy2cr not the Ender. Then just pick your price point, and you’ll be happy with whatever you get (and unhappy, because no printer is perfect). Good luck!

@@AdityaKumar-cy2cr I've have owned the Neptune 3 (Non PRO) and the Ender 3 V2. The Ender 3 has been out longer so it has more of an "open source library" meaning that you can find files and parts to be able to upgrade your printer. The Neptune 3 pro is a newer, so upgrading it won't be as easy, but ultimately prints VERY GOOD right out of the box. Both are priced very reasonably priced but keep in mind that they are not without flaws. In my honest opinion I would go for the Neptune 3 because its more of a polished, out of the box printer, and getting started is super easy.

@@AdityaKumar-cy2cr That is easy. The Sovol SV06. The others are not in the same class. The Sovol Price should have come down by now. The Sovol is louder, but it will be printing, the whole time people are tinkering with the other ones.

Haha sorry 😉

Ugh I've got the crunchy bearings, they sound awful! Do you know what type of bearings I need to buy to replace them?

@@laprizzle7587 8x15x24 or LM8UU. it's a standard size found also on a Prusa.

@@laprizzle7587 I put lube on the rails and the noise went away after a few minutes of printing

@@mikeb1596 thank you! I'll try that next print!

Tensioner is the thing on the extruder?

lol fr L creality

The SV01 Pro is larger.

@Peter Callison Yes it is, but the comparison is between the SV06 and Neptune 3 Pro. 😉

I ordered the Neptune 2S because of the Neptune 3 Pro being out of stock and the link from Neptune's page sent me directly to the 2S which I originally mistook as the 3 Pro because Neptune's site said 140 for the S2 with a link to Amazon but then it costs 190 from Amazon (50.dollars more and ELEGOO site says 140 but only has Amazon links. Regardless it confused me and I thought I was getting the Pro 3 for 40 dollars less than through ELEGOO but instead I was paying 50 more than what elegoo advertises. I'm going to try it out but it's most likely going back due to somewhat deceptive marketing by either ELEGOO, Amazon, or both. Doesn't look like the Neptune 3 Pro is going to be back in stock in the US till around April 21st. Came across the SOVOL SV06 and while I would buy the Neptune 3 Pro right now (if available) I'm wondering if it's worth 250 for the SOVOL (minus tax) ordering directly through them as it's 300 on Amazon. I'm new to 3D printing. Will more than likely be doing just PLA, maybe some others but seriously doubt I'll be doing carbon or anything that requires close to 300C so might just use the S2 until the S3 pro is in stock and return it to Amazon. Not sure who is doing the shady redirects but if you click on a Neptune S3 pro Amazon link via a Google web search it redirects you to the S2 which is shady and if I had to speculate it's amazing doing those redirects. I have never had a redirect like that from a Google search to an Amazon product. I have gotten the product no longer in stock but not a redirect to another product entirely by the same company. The only thing that has me thinking about the SV06 is upgradability. Yes, it's my first 3d printer but I like upgrading electronics like computers and building my own smarthome devices for Home Assistant using ESP32 varienta and PIR and MmWave sensors so upgrading might win me over. Still, for first time use and the price the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro looks like the better solution. I'm a little off by the manual leveling bed on the S2 but it looks straight forward using the paper technique. At the same time, I thought it had auto leveling because of the shady web redirect. At the same time, neither of these have manual adjustments (or at least the SV06, plus the Z axis issue) and it looks like even with auto leveling printers you want to get the manual measurements as close as possible because it causes the printer to have to do less adjustments and neither sound like they really allow that. The captive touch screen is also much better in the Neptune 3 Pro

I’m looking at getting the Neptune 3 pro myself. I have 0 experience with 3d printing and have just been binging content to prepare myself. Would you say the sv06 is more upgradable? I see the biggest difference is the hot end going to 300. I have no idea how hard something like that is to change or if it is even possible. Sorry I’m rambling, but seeing how other people talk about 3d printers, I feel like I may be in the market for a second one sooner than later lol. So I figured I’d inquire your thoughts on the SV

@@TheReaper1 The upgrades for the Neptune to get it there shouldn't be that bad but it will require an all metal hot end. I am honestly not sure if the Neptune already has one or not as I have yet to get my son's setup. That is the biggest limiting factor in high temp material printing. Any PTFE tube by the hot end will have issues. Since the SV06 really is a prusa clone there you should be able to attach almost all Prusa mods to it with relative ease. Now without tearing it down completely I don't know that for sure and I would need one side by side or to pour over the cad files to see if the parts are truly compatible. There are a lot of extruders and hotends though that are made to bolt right onto a Prusa and as similar as they are this should also be the case. Something like a Revo 6 hotend for instance is a great upgrade.

@Buzás András One of the first I would recommend on a Prusa or even and SV06 is a Revo 6 hotend. As I mentioned in the other reply as a Prusa clone that appears to be using the exact same frame and rod dimensions then I would imagine any Prusa upgrade would nearly bolt right on.

@@StrifeJester thank you very much for the insight. Unfortunately it does not appear to be an all metal hot end (it came with a spare ptfe tube) but for now I don’t think I will be dabbling with any materials over 260 c. I’ve had it going nonstop since it arrived. I was shocked at the amount of time for some prints but pleasantly surprised to see it complete them regardless ( I had a print go for just over 2 days)

@@StrifeJester The Sovol only requires a larger y axis motor and a heat bed insulator, and maybe some printable cooliing fan mods. The next set of mods would be electonics, like Klipper and a Raspberry Pi.

how did it go??? was it easy to get going?

@@silverbulletin846 Very pleased was up and printing within 1 hour after watching a few videos and choosing a file to print, took under 15 minutes to assemble very easy. The heat bed wasn't tightened all the way so leveling wouldn't remain correct but once I tightened it up (the screws on top of the magnetic plate) no issues and prints look great. It's a great 3D printer on a budget and any software glitches (screen froze once) fixed by doing a easy screen and firmware update. I also love using Polymaker Pro and reg PLA filaments, almost fool proof printing (failed prints are few and far in between now that I have gotten to know the printers limits and what slicer settings works best on what I need out of a print).

@@SK-me9by How is the printer holding up?

@@pingbot261 Very well and very pleased with it's overall performance (printed around 6Kg+ worth of a combination of matte PLA and PLA Pro firmaments at this point). I'm on my 3rd 0.4mm brass nozzle (stock ones are on the cheaper end). I do recommend especially for those just getting into 3D printing. Saving up for the newer Max sized model.

Did you end up getting the max model? And if so what do you think of it

dont forget to also order eyes lol

Using my SV06 for ABS, I didn't think I needed it, until suddenly I did. Nice option to have.

there is a valid use case for two printers haha

I have a review coming on the plus. I have one here 😁

@@LostInTech3D this made my day. While I’m excited for the printer, it’s great to see you getting plenty of products to review. Your videos provide a lot of value in an efficient amount of time. Thank you.

Neptune: quiet, but requires constant tinkering. Sovol: Prints like a Prusa, day in and day out without issues, but not as quiet.

It's insanely easy to flash Marlin images, you just stick it on the SD card and it picks it up. You can practically dual boot marlin and klipper, it's that simple.

That being said, the bit you're not asking but is part of the answer...is that touch screens tend to have their own proprietary firmware. If that isn't shared, it's a problem for marlin, less so for klipper.

@@LostInTech3D but is the marlin an easy compile for either? See if you can compile 2.1.1 and upload it. For me, being able to upgrade marlin myself is a huge selling point as it means I still get new features and bug fixes in the future even when the manufacturer has lost interest.

@@UnCoolDad worst comes to worst, the SV06 has a board with a footprint identical to the BTT SKR mini e3 boards will all the wires and connectors going to the same places. the board they're using is a lightly modified reality board to enable uart on the drivers, so it should be pretty plug and play

The Neptune is supposed to be back in stock shortly

@@LostInTech3D I asked elegoo support this question and they said mid January would be the time frame to be back in stock. Should I hold out hope for the next few days, or just get the SV06?

It’s back in stock!

It's back out of stock

Yep I can't help you, both are suited to your needs, go with whichever you like best aesthetically I guess!

@@LostInTech3D haha not super helpful.. but also a very common answer. Guess I will just have to flip a coin.. if nothing else I can take comfort in that there doesn't seem to be a 'wrong' choice. Thanks for the great review :)

And yet the Neptune's performance is hilariously bad.

Don't be deceived by its looks. The Sovol appears to be a copy of the Prusa which is regarded as the gold standard for hobbyist that normally goes for $1k.

@@allwoundup3574 in what ways is it bad?

@@allwoundup3574 the Neptune 3 or the Neptune 3 Pro?

@@allwoundup3574 I've yet to see a review which criticises the Neptune beyond nit-picking. I also note that someone else asked you to explain how it is "hilariously bad" 3 days ago and you haven't replied.

Cable? The ribbon cable? It's sorta like a floppy disk cable... IDC I think is the posh name

06 plus or Neptune 3 plus are both ideal for helmets

Err 🤣

Why?

Sv01 pro is a great choice 🤷🏼‍♂️

not advisable with a ptfe tube

Haha good guess but not that exciting

I like your way of thinking. I'd add he probably didn't have a camera on at that moment, so we won't see that happening ;)

@@LostInTech3D do you know when you will release it ? I'm really curious if the tpu performance got any better.

Same - and both single sided

@@LostInTech3D thanks for the answer!

I only just put the new extruder hotend thingy on the SV06! Also not sure where eyes can fit

@@LostInTech3D I'd put it on that box with the board in it, so it would always give sideways glances ;)

I would have to agree I'm swapping out my Tevo for a SV06 Plus. I really dislike V wheels. I mean they work but over the years are much more finicky then rails.

Yes, the pfte does limit the printer a bit, but changing the heat break is relatively simple for anyone technical, I did exactly that in the plus review

@@LostInTech3D Hi LIT, thanks for your answer. Without changing the hear break can the Neptune 3 Pro print all the types of PLA (or most of them)?

there is a plug in the hotend, where a filament sensor can be added later, according to sovol

No it isn't!! 🙄

not especially no, both need maintenance but in my experience delrin wheels need less maintenance. The wheel hate is strange.

​@@LostInTech3D I think the wheel hate stems from durability. POM/Delrin is supposed to be long-lived, but I've seen several Creality printers that developed flat or worn spots on the wheels within a hundred or so hours of printing. Not to mention the insane amount of material shedding those wheels seem to do. Good linear rails are expensive, but they're more accurate than wheels and don't wear down as fast, in my experience. Of course, an aluminum extrusion bed slinger probably isn't going to be the most dimensionally accurate machine to begin with, so getting up in arms about motion systems is a bit silly.

Have you seen the Neptune 3 max 🤣

@@LostInTech3D lol I just bought one. Amazing machine

On the Neptune 3 Pro page on the Elegoo site it says: The nozzle kit contains a TC4 titanium alloy throat pipe

@@jeffreyepiscopo Yeah that's deceptive advertising, it's still ptfe lined they just made the throat out of titanium which seems pointless. They said the same thing about the base Neptune 3 and it's not all-metal either. In the case of the base 3 it is compatible with Ender 3 heatbreaks though. Not sure on the pro yet.

@@Lagmeister12382 that’s annoying

Probably a little late but the SV06 kinda sucks with TPU, from what I've heard it has a tendency to get stuck in the planetary drive, and as he said in the video all metal hot ends aren't as good for TPU.

if you hop on to discord you can help me test it? :)

There's a plug on the breakout board on the hotend. I'm not sure if sovol plans to sell one as an add on. I personally don't like runout sensors so I haven't really looked into it.

I watched a video about the Z Axis issue and it seems super easy to fix and verify after letting it do it's auto calibration. On another review the first prints were off, even though it was level. So much so that SOVOL sent the reviewer a new bed. Didn't fix it. He put 2 chicken noodle soup cans under the metal z axis bar and they were off. They have manual screws at the bottom for manual adjustment. After he got it level he said he had used it for a month straight almost 24/7 with zero issues. He also mentioned some higher end solvol models come with 2 rods or something similar to verify the Z axis issues but not all units have the issue but best to verify manually if possible IMO. Thanks for the warning about S2 and 3 Pro. Already kind of disappointed that ELEGOO shows the 2S for 140 on their site, but only has links to Amazon where it's 190. What's worse is Google search results for the S3 Pro show Amazon links clearly stating S3 Pro but redirects to the 2S which is shady by Amazon and ELEGOO also. At first glance it seems like you are getting the S3 Pro for 190 instead of 230.

And how much louder is it than the orange one?

Unfortunately I can't comment as I don't have an orange one. If you ask Nero3d, for example, he does.

you can ajust any probe speed in marlin ..th3d have some gr8 probes & sorted this along woth some firmware

Haha, now THAT is how you tell which is best. Unfortunately for you, I still have both :)

if you have no preferences..then by definition you have no preference of machine. So buy either.

I've changed my pro to all metal, check the plus/max review where I talk about it

@@LostInTech3D will do! We have purchased a lot of printers over the years and updated to all metal on all of them (usually v6 / bmg combos) but it’s nice to see some OEMs coming out with all metal from the factory. I am tired of all the upgrading.. just want to buy and put to work printing PETG immediately haha

Haha I doubt that

can the Neptune 3 print with all the PLA filaments or are there many restrictions due to temperature?

cmon, who doesn't want to create the future?

Watch for some news on that 😉

Why though? What real difference does it make for the average user? Would love some specific examples of what additional possibilities it opens with the slightly larger build volume.

@@somerandomperson8282 helmets probably go on 300

Hey I made a video about that, the wheels are fine.

Whereas this comment was worthwhile 😂

👀 where did you see this?

Dunno, where did you see this??

I saw it over on the github page for the V1_1.0.5-Beta version right at the bottom "Enable linear advance. Default: K=0 ."

@@rhetoo That's for the base 3, the pro firmware source isn't available yet.