The Prusa Research CORE One+ and Qidi Tech Q2 are both prosumer-tier printers, but the CORE One+ costs 2.0× as much — so the question is what the extra money buys. Both are enclosed CoreXY printers with a 600 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The CORE One+ costs $500 more and gets you an open-source design and 8 multicolor slots to the Q2's 4; the Q2 answers with 26% more build volume and extra engineering materials (PA-CF).
Early in release cycle — no urgency to wait
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from CORE One+, MK4S
Best for: Makers who want CoreXY speed and precision with Prusa's open-source ethos, community support, and long-term repairability — without Bambu's closed ecosystem.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Makers and engineers who need reliable printing in ABS, ASA, PA, or carbon-fiber composites and want the best-value enclosed printer under $500.
Full details →| Prusa Research CORE One+ | Qidi Tech Q2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $999 | ★ $499 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 × 220 × 270 mm | ★ 270 × 270 × 256 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 8 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ★ ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From CORE One+, MK4S | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Aug 13, 2026 | Aug 20, 2025 |
| Cycle length | ~209 days | ~518 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The CORE One+ was released on Aug 13, 2026, 91 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 209 days, so it is 44% of the way through — roughly 118 days before a successor would be due at that pace.
The Q2 was released on Aug 20, 2025, 449 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 518 days, so it is 87% of the way through — roughly 69 days before a successor would be due at that pace.
On timing alone, the CORE One+ is the safer buy right now — it is only 44% of the way through its expected cycle, while the Q2 is late in its cycle (87% through).
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Q2 lists at $499 and the CORE One+ at $999 — $500 apart, so the CORE One+ costs 100% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $67 for the CORE One+ versus $27 for the Q2 — the Q2 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 Q2.
Our pick for most buyers is the CORE One+, for an open-source design and 8 multicolor slots to the Q2's 4, plus a higher editor score (9.0 vs 8.2) and better buy-now timing. Go for the Q2 instead if you want to spend less — it is $500 cheaper ($499 vs $999).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The CORE One+ matches Bambu CoreXY speed (600 mm/s) while keeping everything open source — firmware, hardware, slicing profiles.
Unlike Bambu's closed ecosystem, every component of the CORE One+ can be modified, repaired, or community-improved.
The CORE One+ (Gen 2) can be ordered with Prusa's INDX toolchanger in 4- or 8-tool versions, shipping from 15 October 2026. Each material gets its own nozzle, with about 12 seconds per material change and almost no purge waste. The MMU3 remains compatible as a 5-color add-on.
The Q2 actively heats the print chamber — not just passively traps heat. This is the key differentiator for reliable ABS, ASA, PA-CF, and PC printing without warping.
Triple-stage filtration removes 99.5% of particulates and VOCs — essential for printing ABS and ASA in a home or office environment.
Handles the full spectrum of engineering filaments including carbon and glass fiber composites without a hotend upgrade.