Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit vs Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit and Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer are not direct competitors: very different prices (~4.9×). Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit costs less (~€819) and is the entry-level choice; Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer offers more capability at a higher price (~€3999). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
Original Prusa 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 | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 250 mm | 360 mm |
| Maximum Z height (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 |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto 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 |
| Requires external accessory | True | False |
| Maximum 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: Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € vs Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 3999 € — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+388%)
- Work area: Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm vs Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 360×360 mm — Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer wins (+147%)
- Maximum Z height: Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm vs Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 360 mm — Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer wins (+64%)
- Max print speed: Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit 500 mm/s vs Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer 400 mm/s — Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+25%)
- Multi-extruder: Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer yes, Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit no
Which one to choose
Choose Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value price and max print speed.
Choose Original Prusa XL 5-toolhead 3D Printer if…
you value work area, maximum z height 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.