Kobra 3 vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Kobra 3 and Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.1×). Kobra 3 costs less (~€260) and is the entry-level choice; Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit offers more capability at a higher price (~€819). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Kobra 3
Anycubic
F1 · Entry
|
Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Riconoscimenti | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F1 — Entry | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~220–300 € | 819 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 45.3 × 50.5 × 48.3 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 9.2 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 250 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 260 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 400 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 250 mm | 250 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 260 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | True | False |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | — | True |
| Requires external accessory | — | True |
| Maximum colors | 1 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Operated via AnycubicSlicer and compatible with the proprietary cloud app. It leverages a Klipper-based firmware, natively integrating Input Shaping algorithms to reduce vibrations at high speeds. | The MK4S runs proprietary Prusa firmware based on Marlin, not GRBL. It is managed through PrusaSlicer (with over 180 official profiles included), Simplify3D, or Cura with community profiles. Files are loaded via USB, local network, or PrusaConnect and the Prusa mobile app; it is not compatible with LightBurn or LaserGRBL, being a filament printer. The machine can run fully offline with no cloud dependency, and receives regular firmware updates along with pre-tuned profiles for Prusament materials. |
MakerSpecs Awards
Best value Entry
At €260 it offers the best performance-to-price ratio among the 6 entry-level Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM) machines, with a technical score of 90/100.
How we assign awards →Nessun riconoscimento in questa fascia.
The differences that matter
- Price: Kobra 3 260 € vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — Kobra 3 wins (+215%)
- Maximum colors: Kobra 3 1 vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+400%)
- Native Klipper: Kobra 3 yes, Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit no
- Max print speed: Kobra 3 600 mm/s vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 500 mm/s — Kobra 3 wins (+20%)
- Work area: Kobra 3 250×250 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm — Kobra 3 wins (+19%)
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra 3 if…
you value price, native klipper and max print speed. «Klipper is an open-source firmware that offloads trajectory calculations from the microcontroller to a host computer, enabling all advanced features including input shaper and pressure advance. Native support eliminates the need to replace the firmware, a process that voids the warranty on some machines. Relevant for users who intend to tune advanced parameters; for basic use the difference from Marlin is minimal.»
Choose Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value maximum colors and max bed temperature. «The maximum number of colors indicates how many distinct color zones or materials can be used in one print without manual intervention. Two colors cover most practical uses, including soluble support. Higher values are useful for complex decorative models or color-coded prototypes. Each additional color increases print time due to transition purges, so the practical benefit should be weighed against the added time cost.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.