Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who need active chamber heating for ABS, ASA, and PA printing. Look for clearance deals — the Q2 is the better long-term buy if available.
Full details →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 →| Qidi Tech Q1 Pro | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 245 × 245 × 240 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ✅ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC |
| Released | Mar 20, 2024 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~518 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Caution |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | — | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) |
The Q1 Pro's heated chamber was groundbreaking at its price point. ABS, ASA, and PA prints come out without warping that plagues open-frame printers.
Same speed class as Bambu Lab printers at a fraction of the price for enclosed printing.
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.