Bambu Lab X1E vs Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and MK4S 3D Printer kit are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.1×). 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
|
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 | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (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 |
| Enclosed chamber | True | 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 | 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 MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+211%)
- Max colors: X1E 16 vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — X1E wins (+220%)
- Enclosed chamber: X1E yes, MK4S 3D Printer kit no
- Work area: X1E 256×256 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm — X1E wins (+25%)
- Build height Z: X1E 256 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — X1E wins (+16%)
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.