๐Ÿ–จ 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 โ€” consider whether the extra features justify the price difference.
Prusa Research MK4S
Buy/Wait:Caution

Mid-cycle โ€” watch for announcements before buying

๐Ÿ”ง 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 โ†’
Prusa Research Core One
Buy/Wait:Caution

Mid-cycle โ€” watch for announcements before buying

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

Full details โ†’
Prusa Research MK4SPrusa Research Core One
TierProsumerProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume250 ร— 210 ร— 220 mm250 ร— 220 ร— 270 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s600 mm/s
MulticolorโŒ NoโŒ No
EnclosureโŒโŒ
Auto Calibrationโœ…โœ…
Open Sourceโœ…โœ…
Upgrade Kit๐Ÿ”ง From MK4, MK3.5โ€”
MaterialsPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PCPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC
ReleasedMar 20, 2024Jan 14, 2025
Cycle length~730 days~730 days
Cycle adviceCautionCaution
Deals adviceCautionCaution
Next modelPrusa MK5 (Expected 2027)Core One S (enclosed) (Expected 2027)

Why buy each?

Prusa Research MK4S

Upgrade kit available โ€” 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 โ€” 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.