Bambu Lab X2D vs Prusa Research MK4S kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Choosing between these two printers means choosing between a closed, ready-to-use machine (X2D) and an open-frame kit to assemble (MK4S kit): the enclosed chamber changes which materials print reliably, the assembly changes how long before the first print.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 629 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 39.2 × 40.6 × 47.8 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16.25 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 260 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 1600 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 1000 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 260 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 1000 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | Yes | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 25 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The X2D uses Bambu Studio as its official software, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also accepts standard G-code from third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Cura, though some advanced features — including automatic calibration and dual-nozzle workflow management — are only fully supported within Bambu Studio. | 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
- Declared max speed: 1000 mm/s on the X2D against 500 mm/s on the MK4S kit → different print times for the same model.
- Enclosed chamber: only on the X2D → the MK4S kit isn't suited to materials needing a controlled environment.
- Manageable colors: 25 on the X2D against 5 on the MK4S kit.
- Price: €629 on the X2D against €819 on the MK4S kit, which is a kit to assemble.
Which one to choose
Choose X2D if…
Anyone printing technical materials that need a controlled ambient temperature — ABS, ASA, nylon — uses the enclosed chamber and dual nozzle for multi-material, with a declared speed up to 1000 mm/s. The trade-off is staying inside Bambu Studio for the advanced features.
Choose MK4S kit if…
Anyone who prefers assembling the machine, customizing it, and staying on open Prusa firmware — manageable offline too, with pre-tuned profiles for Prusament filaments — accepts an open frame, a single extruder, and a declared speed cut in half (500 mm/s).
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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