🖨 3D Printer Radar

Prusa Research MK4SvsPrusa Research CORE One+

Same ecosystem (Prusa Research): Both printers share the same software, slicer, and filament ecosystem. This is a tier step-up comparison — consider whether the extra features justify the price difference.
Prusa Research MK4S
Buy/Wait:Upgrade Kit

Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new

🔧 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.

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Prusa Research CORE One+
Buy/Wait:Buy

Early in release cycle — no urgency to wait

🔧 Upgrade kit available — from CORE One

Best for: Makers who want CoreXY speed and precision with Prusa's open-source ethos, community support, and long-term repairability — without Bambu's closed ecosystem.

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Prusa Research MK4SPrusa Research CORE One+
TierProsumerProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume250 × 210 × 220 mm250 × 220 × 270 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s600 mm/s
Multicolor❌ No❌ No
Enclosure
Auto Calibration
Open Source
Upgrade Kit🔧 From MK4, MK3.5🔧 From CORE One
MaterialsPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PCPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC
ReleasedMar 20, 2024Jan 16, 2026
Cycle length~730 days~310 days
Cycle adviceUpgrade KitBuy
Deals adviceBuyCaution
Next modelPrusa MK5 (Expected 2027)

Why buy each?

Prusa Research MK4S

Upgrade kit available — no need to buy new

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.

Fully open source

Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.

Best community and documentation

Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.

Prusa Research CORE One+

Prusa's answer to Bambu P-series

The CORE One+ matches Bambu CoreXY speed (600 mm/s) while keeping everything open source — firmware, hardware, slicing profiles.

Fully open source

Unlike Bambu's closed ecosystem, every component of the CORE One+ can be modified, repaired, or community-improved.

MMU3 multicolor compatible

Existing MMU3 units and the new MMU3 for CORE One bring 5-color multicolor printing to the CoreXY platform.