Prusa Research CORE One+ kit vs Prusa Research MK4S kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The choice is between the CORE One+'s enclosed chamber, useful for materials like ABS and ASA that need a stable ambient temperature, and the MK4S's lower price, €230 less. The MK4S also declares a higher maximum print speed, 500 vs 200 mm/s.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 1049 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | — | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 220 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 270 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | — | 500 mm/s |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 220 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 270 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 290 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | — | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 200 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 | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 5 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Prusa firmware based on Marlin, fully open source, with built-in input shaper for faster and cleaner prints. Official slicer: PrusaSlicer (free, optimized profiles), compatible with Cura and Simplify3D. Control via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi with Prusa Connect (optional). No filament DRM: full freedom to use third-party materials. | 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
- Enclosed chamber: present on the CORE One+, absent on the MK4S → the CORE One+ suits materials needing a stable environment (ABS, ASA), the MK4S stays open.
- Declared maximum speed: 200 mm/s (CORE One+) vs 500 mm/s (MK4S) → the MK4S declares a markedly higher speed ceiling.
- Price: €1049 vs €819 → a €230 gap.
- Z height: 270 mm vs 220 mm → the CORE One+ prints taller models in one piece.
Which one to choose
Choose CORE One+ kit if…
Anyone printing ABS or ASA and needing an enclosed chamber to avoid warping gets that on the CORE One+, plus a 270 mm Z axis for taller parts. The trade-off is a €1049 price, €230 more than the MK4S, and a declared maximum speed of 200 mm/s against the MK4S's 500.
Choose MK4S kit if…
Anyone printing mostly PLA or PETG on an open bed and wanting to save money gets the MK4S at €819 with a declared maximum speed of 500 mm/s. You give up the CORE One+'s enclosed chamber and its 270 mm Z height, capped at 220 mm on the MK4S.
Where to buy
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.