Mid-cycle โ watch for announcements before buying
๐ง Upgrade kit available โ 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 โFirst-generation product โ no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Makers who want an enclosed CoreXY at a prosumer price for PLA, PETG, ABS, and ASA โ and prefer the Anycubic ecosystem. For reliable PA or PC printing, consider the Kobra S1 Max or Qidi Q2 which offer active chamber heating.
Full details โ| Prusa Research MK4S | Anycubic Kobra S1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 ร 210 ร 220 mm | 250 ร 250 ร 250 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | โ No | โ No |
| Enclosure | โ | โ |
| Auto Calibration | โ | โ |
| Open Source | โ | โ |
| Upgrade Kit | ๐ง From MK4, MK3.5 | โ |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA |
| Released | Mar 20, 2024 | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | โ |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Caution |
| Deals advice | Caution | Caution |
| Next model | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) | โ |
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 Kobra S1 combines an enclosed build chamber with 600 mm/s CoreXY motion โ offering improved heat retention over open-frame printers for ABS and ASA.
Brings Anycubic's value-focused approach to the enclosed CoreXY segment โ competing with Qidi Q2C and Bambu P2S at a lower price point.
A practical cubic build volume well-suited for functional mechanical parts, enclosures, and prototypes.