Mid-cycle — watch for announcements before buying
🔧 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 →Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure — ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.
Full details →| Prusa Research MK4S | Bambu Lab A1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS |
| Released | Mar 20, 2024 | Oct 19, 2023 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~365 days |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) | A1 2026 Refresh (Expected Q4 2026) |
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.
Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.
The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger — great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.
Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.