X1E vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.1×). Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit costs less (~€819) and is the entry-level choice; X1E offers more capability at a higher price (~€2550). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
X1E
Bambu Lab
F3 · Advanced
|
Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2400–2700 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 1350 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 7 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 256 mm | 250 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 256 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | corexy | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 320 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | True | 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 | False | False |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Requires external accessory | True | True |
| Maximum colors | 16 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The X1E works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer, which handles slicing, automatic calibration, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Orca Slicer, an open-source Bambu Studio fork with dedicated profiles, is also supported. The firmware is proprietary; Klipper is not natively supported. The printer can run in LAN-only mode, operating fully without an internet connection through the local network. | 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: X1E 2550 € vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+211%)
- Maximum colors: X1E 16 vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — X1E wins (+220%)
- Closed chamber: X1E yes, Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit no
- Work area: X1E 256×256 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm — X1E wins (+25%)
- Maximum Z height: X1E 256 mm vs Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — X1E wins (+16%)
Which one to choose
Choose X1E if…
you value maximum colors, closed chamber and work area. «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.»
Choose Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value price.
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.