๐Ÿ–จ 3D Printer Radar

Prusa Research MK4SvsPrusa Research Mini+

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 MK4S
Buy/Wait:Caution

Mid-cycle โ€” watch for announcements before buying

๐Ÿ”ง Upgrade kit available โ€” 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 โ†’
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 MK4SPrusa Research Mini+
TierProsumerEntry
MotionBedSlingerBedSlinger
Build Volume250 ร— 210 ร— 220 mm180 ร— 180 ร— 180 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s200 mm/s
MulticolorโŒ NoโŒ No
EnclosureโŒโŒ
Auto Calibrationโœ…โœ…
Open Sourceโœ…โœ…
Upgrade Kit๐Ÿ”ง From MK4, MK3.5โ€”
MaterialsPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PCPLA, PETG, ASA, TPU
ReleasedMar 20, 2024Apr 25, 2021
Cycle length~730 days~730 days
Cycle adviceCautionWait
Deals adviceCautionBuy
Next modelPrusa MK5 (Expected 2027)Prusa Mini 2 (Expected 2026)

Why buy each?

Prusa Research MK4S

Upgrade kit available โ€” no need to buy new

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.

Fully open source

Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.

Best community and documentation

Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.

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.