The Flashforge AD5X and Prusa Research MK4S are both prosumer-tier printers, but the MK4S costs 1.8× as much — so the question is what the extra money buys. Both are open-frame printers with automatic calibration. The MK4S costs $330 more and gets you extra engineering materials (ASA, PA and PC) and an open-source design; the AD5X answers with 4-slot multicolor and a top speed of 600 mm/s (vs 500).
First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want built-in 4-color multicolor printing under $400 — primarily for PLA and PETG. Open frame, so not suited for ABS or engineering filaments without the add-on enclosure.
Full details →Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from MK4, MK3.5
Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.
Full details →| Flashforge AD5X | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $399 | $729 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 220 mm | ★ 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | ★ 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jun 15, 2025 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | — | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The AD5X was released on Jun 15, 2025, 515 days ago. It is a first-generation product, so there is no earlier cycle to predict its successor from.
The MK4S was released on Aug 13, 2024, 821 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 91 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
Neither is a clear buy-now on timing, so watch for announcements before committing.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The AD5X lists at $399 and the MK4S at $729 — $330 apart, so the MK4S costs 83% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $37 for the AD5X versus $63 for the MK4S — the AD5X is the better value per litre as well.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the AD5X.
This one is close on paper. If you will stick to materials both printers list (PLA, PETG, ABS and TPU), save the $330; if you need ASA, PA and PC, the MK4S earns its premium. The AD5X also brings 4-slot multicolor and a top speed of 600 mm/s (vs 500).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The AD5X undercuts comparable multicolor setups on price with IFS built directly into the printer — no separate accessory needed.
No cloud dependency or mandatory account. OrcaSlicer is community-standard open-source slicer software — familiar to most experienced makers.
Ships ready for PLA-CF and PETG-CF without requiring a nozzle upgrade — a genuine differentiator at this price point.
MK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.
Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.