The MK4S (prosumer) and XL+ (professional) are a step-up decision within Prusa Research's lineup: same ecosystem, different class of machine. Both are open-frame printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The XL+ costs $1,570 more and gets you 304% more build volume and 5-slot multicolor.
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 →Next model announced — but an upgrade kit is available for existing owners
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from XL
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 MK4S | Prusa Research XL+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $729 | $2,299 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Professional |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | ★ 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ★ ✅ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 | 🔧 From XL |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Aug 13, 2024 | Aug 13, 2026 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~997 days |
| Cycle advice | Upgrade Kit | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026) |
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.
The XL+ was released on Aug 13, 2026, 91 days ago. Prusa Research has already announced what comes next: XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026). Because Prusa Research sells upgrade kits for this line, owners can move up without replacing the whole printer.
Neither is a clear buy-now on timing, so watch for announcements before committing. The MK4S is further along (112% vs 65%).
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The MK4S lists at $729 and the XL+ at $2,299 — $1,570 apart, so the XL+ costs 215% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $63 for the MK4S versus $49 for the XL+ — so the pricier XL+ actually gives you more build space per dollar.
Our pick for most buyers is the MK4S, for a lower price ($1,570 less), plus a higher editor score (8.9 vs 8.7). Go for the XL+ instead if you print large parts — its 360 × 360 × 360 mm build volume holds 304% more than the MK4S's 250 × 210 × 220 mm.
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
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 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.
One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point — suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.