The Mini+ (entry) and MK4S (prosumer) are a step-up decision within Prusa Research's lineup: same ecosystem, different class of machine. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with automatic calibration. The MK4S costs $270 more and gets you 98% more build volume and a top speed of 500 mm/s (vs 200).
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 →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 →| Prusa Research Mini+ | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $459 | $729 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 180 × 180 × 180 mm | ★ 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | 200 mm/s | ★ 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Apr 25, 2021 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
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.
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.
On timing alone, the MK4S is the safer buy right now — it is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced, 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 Mini+ lists at $459 and the MK4S at $729 — $270 apart, so the MK4S costs 59% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $79 for the Mini+ versus $63 for the MK4S — so the pricier MK4S actually gives you more build space per dollar.
Our pick for most buyers is the MK4S, for 98% more build volume and a top speed of 500 mm/s (vs 200), plus a higher editor score (8.9 vs 7.9) and better buy-now timing. Go for the Mini+ instead if you want to spend less — it is $270 cheaper ($459 vs $729).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
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.
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.