Mid-cycle — watch for announcements before buying. Prusa MK5 is expected, but not imminent.
🔧 View upgrade kit →📅 Add launch to calendarPrusa Research does not participate in seasonal sales — the price you see is the price you pay. Why? →
An official upgrade kit is available for MK4, MK3.5 owners — letting you reach MK4S specs without buying a whole new printer. This is unique to Prusa and changes the buying calculus significantly.
🔧 View Upgrade Kit →Expected 2027
Prusa typically takes 2-3 years between MK-series generations. The MK5 is expected to introduce a new motion system or larger build volume. No announcement as of early 2026.
| Model/Config | Build Volume | Speed | Multicolor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MK4S (kit) | 250×210×220 mm | 500 mm/s | MMU3 add-on (5 colors, sold separately) | Budget build with hands-on assembly. |
| MK4S (assembled) | 250×210×220 mm | 500 mm/s | MMU3 add-on (5 colors, sold separately) | Ready to print, premium quality. |
| MK4S Upgrade Kit (from MK4) | 250×210×220 mm | 500 mm/s | Compatible with existing MMU3 | Existing MK4 owners — cheapest path to MK4S. |
The Prusa MK4S is the refined iteration of the MK4, featuring Prusa's Input Shaper upgrade for reduced vibration artifacts at high speeds, improved extruder components, and better reliability. Open source from firmware to hardware designs, it is backed by Prusa's industry-leading documentation and community. An upgrade kit is available for MK4 and MK3.5 owners.
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.
Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.
If you have an MK4, the upgrade kit is significantly cheaper than buying a new MK4S. The kit brings your existing printer to full MK4S spec. If you have an MK3.5, the upgrade kit is also available but at a higher cost — evaluate the total price versus a new MK4S.
Different philosophies. The Bambu A1 is faster, cheaper, and easier to set up. The MK4S is open source, reputable for long-term reliability, and has a larger community of documentation. If you value open source and repairability, Prusa. If you want the easiest experience, Bambu.
Almost never. Prusa does not participate in Black Friday or Prime Day sales. The price you see is the price you pay. This is a deliberate policy — Prusa maintains consistent pricing rather than creating sale pressure.
The MMU3 is more finicky than Bambu's AMS system and requires more calibration. However, it supports 5 colors and is open source. With proper setup, it works reliably for PLA and PETG multicolor prints.