🖨 3D Printer Radar

Prusa Research MK4SvsQidi Tech Q1 Pro

💰Qidi Tech Q1 Pro is $430 cheaper (86% less)
📐Qidi Tech Q1 Pro has 25% more build volume
Qidi Tech Q1 Pro tops out at 600 mm/s vs 500 mm/s
🏠Only Qidi Tech Q1 Pro has an enclosure — required for ABS, ASA, PA engineering filaments
Cross-ecosystem comparison: These printers use different software ecosystems. Accessories, filament profiles, and community support are not interchangeable between brands. Consider the total ecosystem cost, not just the printer price.
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 →
Qidi Tech Q1 Pro
Buy/Wait:Superseded

This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Qidi Tech Q2.

Best for: Budget-conscious makers who need active chamber heating for ABS, ASA, and PA printing. Look for clearance deals — the Q2 is the better long-term buy if available.

Full details →
Prusa Research MK4SQidi Tech Q1 Pro
Pricing
Starting Price$929$499
Print Specs
TierProsumerEntry
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume250 × 210 × 220 mm245 × 245 × 240 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s600 mm/s
Multicolor❌ No❌ No
Enclosure
Auto Calibration
Open Source
Upgrade Kit🔧 From MK4, MK3.5
Buy Timing
ReleasedMar 20, 2024Mar 20, 2024
Cycle length~730 days~518 days
Cycle adviceUpgrade KitSuperseded
Deals adviceBuyClearance
Next modelPrusa MK5 (Expected 2027)

Quick Winner

💰
Budget pick
Qidi Tech Q1 Pro
$499 starting
📐
Large prints
Qidi Tech Q1 Pro
245×245×240 mm
Fastest prints
Qidi Tech Q1 Pro
600 mm/s
🔓
Open ecosystem
Prusa Research MK4S
Open source

Bottom Line

💰Qidi Tech Q1 Pro saves you $430 — choose it if budget is your primary constraint
🏠Qidi Tech Q1 Pro is the only choice if you print ABS, ASA, PA, or PC — those materials require an enclosure
🔓Prusa Research MK4S is the pick for open firmware, community mods, and long-term repairability

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
Qidi Tech Q1 Pro 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.

Qidi Tech Q1 Pro

Active 60°C chamber heating

The Q1 Pro's heated chamber was groundbreaking at its price point. ABS, ASA, and PA prints come out without warping that plagues open-frame printers.

600 mm/s CoreXY speed

Same speed class as Bambu Lab printers at a fraction of the price for enclosed printing.