The Prusa Research MK4S and Qidi Tech Q2 are cross-brand rivals: both are prosumer-tier printers, listed $230 apart. The MK4S costs $230 more and gets you an open-source design; the Q2 answers with 62% more build volume and an enclosed chamber (with PA-CF on its materials list).
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 →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Makers and engineers who need reliable printing in ABS, ASA, PA, or carbon-fiber composites and want the best-value enclosed printer under $500.
Full details →| Prusa Research MK4S | Qidi Tech Q2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $729 | ★ $499 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | ★ 270 × 270 × 256 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | ★ 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ★ ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ★ ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Aug 13, 2024 | Aug 20, 2025 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~518 days |
| Cycle advice | Upgrade Kit | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| 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 Q2 was released on Aug 20, 2025, 449 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 518 days, so it is 87% of the way through — roughly 69 days before a successor would be due at that pace.
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 Q2 is late in its cycle (87% through).
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Q2 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 $27 for the Q2 — the Q2 is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the Q2.
Our pick for most buyers is the Q2, for a lower price ($230 less) and 62% more build volume. Go for the MK4S instead if you want an open-source printer you can modify and repair yourself — the Q2 is not open source. One caveat: the Q2 is late in its cycle (87% through), so check the launch calendar before you buy. The Q2 is also in a sale window right now (Black Friday 2026, until Dec 5, 2026).
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 Q2 actively heats the print chamber — not just passively traps heat. This is the key differentiator for reliable ABS, ASA, PA-CF, and PC printing without warping.
Triple-stage filtration removes 99.5% of particulates and VOCs — essential for printing ABS and ASA in a home or office environment.
Handles the full spectrum of engineering filaments including carbon and glass fiber composites without a hotend upgrade.