The Prusa Research MK4S (prosumer) and Qidi Tech Q1 Pro (entry) come from different brands and sit in different tiers, so this is less a head-to-head than a question of how much printer you need. Note that the Q1 Pro has been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new. The MK4S costs $230 more and gets you an open-source design; the Q1 Pro answers with an enclosed chamber (with PA-CF on its materials list) and 25% more build volume.
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 →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 It has been replaced by the Qidi Tech Q2.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 MK4S | Qidi Tech Q1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $729 | ★ $499 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Entry |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | ★ 245 × 245 × 240 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | ★ 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ★ ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Aug 13, 2024 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~518 days |
| Cycle advice | Upgrade Kit | Superseded |
| Deals advice | Buy | Clearance |
| Next model | — | — |
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The Q1 Pro has been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
On timing alone, the MK4S is the safer buy right now — it is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced, while the Q1 Pro has already been replaced by the Q2.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Q1 Pro lists at $499 and the MK4S at $729 — $230 apart, so the MK4S costs 46% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $63 for the MK4S versus $35 for the Q1 Pro — the Q1 Pro is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
Buy the MK4S. The Q1 Pro has already been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the Q1 Pro appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the MK4S against the Q2.
Compare Prusa Research MK4S vs Qidi Tech Q2 →
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.
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.
Same speed class as Bambu Lab printers at a fraction of the price for enclosed printing.