First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want built-in 4-color multicolor printing under $400 — primarily for PLA and PETG. Open frame, so not suited for ABS or engineering filaments without the add-on enclosure.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Beginners who prioritize open-source hardware, community support, and long-term reliability over speed — and don't mind a slower, more deliberate printing experience.
Full details →| Flashforge AD5X | Prusa Research Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $399 | $459 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 220 × 220 × 220 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | ★ 600 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jun 15, 2025 | Apr 25, 2021 |
| Cycle length | — | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The AD5X undercuts comparable multicolor setups on price with IFS built directly into the printer — no separate accessory needed.
No cloud dependency or mandatory account. OrcaSlicer is community-standard open-source slicer software — familiar to most experienced makers.
Ships ready for PLA-CF and PETG-CF without requiring a nozzle upgrade — a genuine differentiator at this price point.
The Mini+ has been on the market since 2021 and has proven its durability with thousands of community print-hours logged.
Prusa stocks replacement parts for all Mini+ components. Community guides cover every repair scenario.
The lowest-cost way to enter the Prusa ecosystem with a fully supported printer.