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 →Just released — full support runway ahead
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want CoreXY speed and optional multicolor printing in the trusted Ender 3 form factor — and are comfortable with a hands-on setup experience.
Full details →| Prusa Research MK4S | Creality Ender 3 V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Entry |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | 220 × 220 × 235 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, TPU |
| Released | Mar 20, 2024 | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~854 days |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Buy |
| Deals advice | Caution | Caution |
| 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.
The V4's rigid frame reduces vibration at high speeds, improving print quality over the V3 KE's lighter structure.
The Combo bundle includes Creality's CFS filament system for 4-color printing, expandable to 16 colors with additional CFS units — one of the most affordable multicolor setups available.
The Ender 3 family has the largest 3D printing community in the world, with extensive documentation, mods, and active Creality firmware updates.