Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit vs Prusa Research XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
MK4S 3D Printer kit and XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if price matters more; choose XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer if work area matters more.
| Parameter |
MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 819 € | 2299 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 55 × 40 cm | 70 × 90 × 72 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7 kg | — |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 210 mm | 360 × 360 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 360 mm |
| Power (W) | 240 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.2 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 250 mm | 360.0 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 220 mm | 360.0 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 290 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | True |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | True | True |
| Max colors | 5 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 printer runs Marlin firmware customized by Prusa, heavily influenced by Klipper and natively compatible with PrusaSlicer for tool-change management, Input Shaper, and Pressure Advance. Other slicers such as Cura or Simplify3D produce standard G-code but don't support tool changing or the segmented bed. The G-code protocol is open, and control via OctoPrint or Pronterface is possible. PrusaConnect and Wi-Fi are built in for remote management, while the absence of a locked proprietary ecosystem allows the use of third-party filaments and spare parts. |
The differences that matter
- Price: MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € vs XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer 2299 € — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+181%)
- Work area: MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm vs XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer 360×360 mm — XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer wins (+147%)
- Build height Z: MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm vs XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer 360 mm — XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer wins (+64%)
- Max print speed: MK4S 3D Printer kit 500 mm/s vs XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer 400 mm/s — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+25%)
- Multi-extruder: XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer yes, MK4S 3D Printer kit no
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value price, max print speed and max bed temperature.
Choose XL Single-toolhead 3D Printer if…
you value work area, build height z and multi-extruder.
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.