๐Ÿ–จ 3D Printer Radar

Prusa Research Mini+vsPrusa Research Core One

Same ecosystem (Prusa Research): Both printers share the same software, slicer, and filament ecosystem. This is a tier step-up comparison โ€” consider whether the extra features justify the price difference.
Prusa Research Mini+
Buy/Wait:Wait

Late in cycle โ€” a new model is likely coming soon

Best for: Beginners who prioritize open-source hardware, community support, and long-term reliability over speed โ€” and don't mind a slower, more deliberate printing experience.

Full details โ†’
Prusa Research Core One
Buy/Wait:Caution

Mid-cycle โ€” watch for announcements before buying

Best for: Makers who want CoreXY speed and precision with Prusa's open-source ethos, community support, and long-term repairability โ€” without Bambu's closed ecosystem.

Full details โ†’
Prusa Research Mini+Prusa Research Core One
TierEntryProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume180 ร— 180 ร— 180 mm250 ร— 220 ร— 270 mm
Max Speed200 mm/s600 mm/s
MulticolorโŒ NoโŒ No
EnclosureโŒโŒ
Auto Calibrationโœ…โœ…
Open Sourceโœ…โœ…
Upgrade Kitโ€”โ€”
MaterialsPLA, PETG, ASA, TPUPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC
ReleasedApr 25, 2021Jan 14, 2025
Cycle length~730 days~730 days
Cycle adviceWaitCaution
Deals adviceBuyCaution
Next modelPrusa Mini 2 (Expected 2026)Core One S (enclosed) (Expected 2027)

Why buy each?

Prusa Research Mini+

Proven reliability over 5+ years

The Mini+ has been on the market since 2021 and has proven its durability with thousands of community print-hours logged.

Fully open source and repairable

Prusa stocks replacement parts for all Mini+ components. Community guides cover every repair scenario.

Affordable Prusa entry point

The lowest-cost way to enter the Prusa ecosystem with a fully supported printer.

Prusa Research Core One

Prusa's answer to Bambu P-series

The Core One matches Bambu CoreXY speed (600 mm/s) while keeping everything open source โ€” firmware, hardware, slicing profiles.

Fully open source

Unlike Bambu's closed ecosystem, every component of the Core One can be modified, repaired, or community-improved.

MMU3 multicolor compatible

Existing MMU3 units and the new MMU3 for Core One bring 5-color multicolor printing to the CoreXY platform.