Bambu Lab H2S vs Prusa Research MK4S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
H2S and MK4S sit in the same price bracket, but the MK4S bets on an open, proven design, while the H2S offers more build area and an enclosed chamber for technical materials. The €200 gap matters less than the choice between a fast closed system and an affordable open one.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~1150–1250 € | 999 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 49.2 × 51.4 × 62.6 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 30 kg | — |
| Work area (mm) | 340 × 320 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 340 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 1800 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 1000 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 320 mm | — |
| Build height Z (mm) | 340 mm | — |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 350 °C | — |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | — |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 1000 mm/s | — |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | — |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | — |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | — |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The H2S uses Bambu Studio as its primary slicer, with full support for proprietary features including automatic calibration, AI monitoring, and AMS management. It also accepts G-code exported from OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, and Cura, though some advanced functions may not be available with third-party slicers. Laser and cutting functions are managed exclusively through Bambu Suite. Developer Mode is available, exposing MQTT access for custom integrations. | 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
- Build area: 340×320 mm on the H2S versus 250×210 mm on the MK4S, more than double.
- Chamber: enclosed on the H2S, open on the MK4S — determines which materials you can print safely.
- Price: €1200 versus €999, the MK4S costs €200 less.
- Firmware: proprietary via Bambu Studio on the H2S, open Marlin and OctoPrint-compatible on the MK4S.
Which one to choose
Choose H2S if…
Pick the H2S if you print technical materials or large parts: the 120°C enclosed chamber handles ABS and ASA, the 340×320 mm build area is more than double the MK4S's, and 1000 mm/s cuts time on batch jobs.
Choose MK4S if…
Pick the MK4S if you want an open machine with no strings attached: Marlin firmware, OctoPrint compatibility, no mandatory Prusa account to print, and it costs €200 less. It's the choice for anyone who wants full control without paying for features they won't use.
Where to buy
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