Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit vs Prusa Research XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
MK4S 3D Printer kit and XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer are not direct competitors: very different prices (~4.9×). MK4S 3D Printer kit costs less (~€819) and is the entry-level choice; XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer offers more capability at a higher price (~€3999). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 819 € | 3999 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 55 × 40 cm | 70 × 90 × 72 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 7 kg | 33.7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 210 mm | 360 × 360 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 360 mm |
| Power (W) | 240 W | 235 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 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 220 mm | 360 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 290 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 120 °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 | False |
| 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 machine is managed through PrusaSlicer, with dedicated profiles for multi-toolhead configuration and automatic calculation of purge towers or wipe-to-infill strategies. The firmware includes Input Shaper and Pressure Advance for vibration compensation at high speeds. Network connectivity allows job submission and remote monitoring via Prusa Connect, though this is not a requirement for using the machine. |
The differences that matter
- Price: MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € vs XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 3999 € — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+388%)
- Work area: MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm vs XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 360×360 mm — XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer wins (+147%)
- Build height Z: MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm vs XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 360 mm — XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer wins (+64%)
- Max print speed: MK4S 3D Printer kit 500 mm/s vs XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 400 mm/s — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+25%)
- Multi-extruder: XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer yes, MK4S 3D Printer kit no
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value price and max print speed.
Choose XL 5-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.