First-generation product — recently released, still early days
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 →Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
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 →| Flashforge AD5X | Prusa Research XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 220 mm | 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PLA-CF, PA-CF, PETG-CF | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC |
| Released | Jun 15, 2025 | Nov 20, 2023 |
| Cycle length | — | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | — | Prusa XL 2 (Expected late 2026) |
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.
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.