Bambu Lab A1 vs Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
A1 and MK4S 3D Printer kit are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose A1 if price matters more; choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if max colors and max bed temperature matters more.
| Parameter |
A1
Bambu Lab
F2 · Intermediate
|
MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 429 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.3 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 1300 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | True | True |
| Max colors | 4 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The A1 works natively with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows and macOS, which handles slicing, automatic calibrations, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Third-party slicers — including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Ultimaker Cura — are supported via standard G-code export, but advanced features such as vibration compensation and active flow control are only available within the Bambu ecosystem. | 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. |
The differences that matter
- Price: A1 429 € vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — A1 wins (+91%)
- Work area: A1 256×256 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm — A1 wins (+25%)
- Build height Z: A1 256 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — A1 wins (+16%)
- Max colors: A1 4 vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+25%)
- Max bed temperature: A1 100 °C vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 120 °C — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+20%)
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value max colors and max bed temperature.
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.