🖨 3D Printer Radar

Prusa Research MK4SvsPrusa Research XL

💰Prusa Research MK4S is $1370 cheaper (147% less)
📐Prusa Research XL has 304% more build volume
🎨Only Prusa Research XL supports multicolor printing (5 slots)
Same ecosystem (Prusa Research): Both printers share the same software, slicer, and filament ecosystem. This is a tier step-up comparison — consider whether the extra features justify the price difference.
Prusa Research MK4S
Buy/Wait:Upgrade Kit

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 XL
Buy/Wait:Wait

Next model already announced — wait for the new release

Best for: Professional makers, studios, and engineers who need large-format printing with genuine multi-material capability, open-source hardware, and Prusa's long-term support.

Full details →
Prusa Research MK4SPrusa Research XL
Pricing
Starting Price$929$2,299
Print Specs
TierProsumerProfessional
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume250 × 210 × 220 mm360 × 360 × 360 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
Multicolor❌ No✅ 5 slots
Enclosure
Auto Calibration
Open Source
Upgrade Kit🔧 From MK4, MK3.5
Buy Timing
ReleasedMar 20, 2024Nov 20, 2023
Cycle length~730 days~730 days
Cycle adviceUpgrade KitWait
Deals adviceBuyBuy
Next modelPrusa MK5 (Expected 2027)XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026)

Quick Winner

💰
Budget pick
Prusa Research MK4S
$929 starting
📐
Large prints
Prusa Research XL
360×360×360 mm
Fastest prints
Tie
🔓
Open ecosystem
Tie

Bottom Line

💰Prusa Research MK4S saves you $1370 — choose it if budget is your primary constraint
🎨Prusa Research XL is the pick if multicolor printing is important to you

Materials

Prusa Research MK4S only
Both
PLAEasy to print, no enclosure needed — everyday parts
PETGTougher, slightly flexible, moisture-resistant
ABSHeat and impact resistant — needs enclosure
ASAUV-stable ABS alternative — outdoor parts, needs enclosure
TPUFlexible rubber-like — phone cases, gaskets, wheels
PANylon — strong and wear-resistant, needs dry storage
PCPolycarbonate — extremely tough, challenging to print
Prusa Research XL only
PA-CFCarbon-fibre nylon — very stiff, abrasive to standard nozzles

Why buy each?

Prusa Research MK4S

Upgrade kit available — 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 XL

Tool-changer multicolor — no purge waste

Unlike filament-switching AMS/MMU systems, the XL physically swaps print heads. Each material has its own nozzle, eliminating purge towers entirely and enabling true multi-material prints.

360×360×360 mm build volume

One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point — suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.

Fully open source and serviceable

Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.