A1 mini vs Original Prusa MK4S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
A1 mini and Original Prusa MK4S are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.3×). A1 mini costs less (~€299) and is the entry-level choice; Original Prusa MK4S offers more capability at a higher price (~€999). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
A1 mini
Bambu Lab
F2 · Intermediate
|
Original Prusa MK4S
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | 999 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | — |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 180 mm | — |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 180 mm | — |
| Kinematics | cartesian | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | — |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | — |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | — |
| Closed chamber | false | False |
| Filament sensor | true | — |
| Auto leveling | mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | — |
| Multi-extruder | false | False |
| Native Klipper | false | False |
| Input shaper | true | — |
| Multicolor printing | true | True |
| Requires external accessory | true | True |
| Maximum colors | 4 | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. | PrusaSlicer (optimized) and Prusa Connect for remote control. The machine accepts G-code from any slicer (Cura, Simplify3D) and communicates via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi using an open Marlin-based protocol. Compatible with OctoPrint and offline management. Does not require a Prusa account to print, unlike machines with proprietary firmware that block features without connection. |
The differences that matter
- Price: A1 mini 299 € vs Original Prusa MK4S 999 € — A1 mini wins (+234%)
- Work area: A1 mini 180×180 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 250×210 mm — Original Prusa MK4S wins (+62%)
Which one to choose
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.