Mid-cycle — watch for announcements before buying
🔧 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 who need an enclosed printer for ABS, ASA, PA, and PC at prosumer price — now available at clearance pricing after P2S launch.
Full details →| Prusa Research MK4S | Bambu Lab P1S | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC |
| Released | Mar 20, 2024 | Jul 5, 2023 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~335 days |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) | — |
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.
Active chamber temperature control enables reliable ABS, ASA, PA, and PC printing without warping.
500 mm/s print speed with Bambu's vibration compensation delivers fast, accurate prints.
With the P2S released, P1S prices are at their lowest — an opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.