The Creality Ender 3 V4 and Prusa Research Mini+ are cross-brand rivals: both are entry-tier printers, listed $60 apart. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with automatic calibration. The Mini+ costs $60 more and gets you an open-source design and extra engineering materials (ASA); the Ender 3 V4 answers with 95% more build volume and a top speed of 500 mm/s (vs 200).
Early in release cycle — no urgency to wait
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want optional multicolor printing in the trusted Ender 3 form factor at an accessible price — and are comfortable with a hands-on setup experience.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Beginners who prioritize open-source hardware, community support, and long-term reliability over speed — and don't mind a slower, more deliberate printing experience.
Full details →| Creality Ender 3 V4 | Prusa Research Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $399 | $459 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Entry |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 220 × 220 × 235 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | ★ 500 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jan 15, 2026 | Apr 25, 2021 |
| Cycle length | ~854 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The Ender 3 V4 was released on Jan 15, 2026, 301 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 854 days, so it is 35% of the way through — roughly 553 days before a successor would be due at that pace.
The Mini+ was released on Apr 25, 2021, 2,027 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 1,297 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the Ender 3 V4 is the safer buy right now — it is only 35% of the way through its expected cycle, while the Mini+ is 1,297 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Ender 3 V4 lists at $399 and the Mini+ at $459 — $60 apart, so the Mini+ costs 15% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $35 for the Ender 3 V4 versus $79 for the Mini+ — the Ender 3 V4 is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the Ender 3 V4.
Our pick for most buyers is the Ender 3 V4, for 95% more build volume and a top speed of 500 mm/s (vs 200), plus a higher editor score (8.2 vs 7.9) and better buy-now timing. Go for the Mini+ instead if you want an open-source printer you can modify and repair yourself — the Ender 3 V4 is not open source. The Ender 3 V4 is also in a sale window right now (Black Friday 2026, until Dec 5, 2026).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The V4's rigid frame reduces vibration at high speeds, improving print quality over the V3 KE's lighter structure.
The Combo bundle includes Creality's CFS filament system for 4-color printing, expandable to 16 colors with additional CFS units — one of the most affordable multicolor setups available.
The Ender 3 family has the largest 3D printing community in the world, with extensive documentation, mods, and active Creality firmware updates.
The Mini+ has been on the market since 2021 and has proven its durability with thousands of community print-hours logged.
Prusa stocks replacement parts for all Mini+ components. Community guides cover every repair scenario.
The lowest-cost way to enter the Prusa ecosystem with a fully supported printer.