Prusa Research MK4S vs Prusa Research MK4S kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The MK4S and the MK4S kit are the same printer; what changes is who builds it. The kit costs €180 less (€819 against €999), in exchange for assembly done at home.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 999 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 55 × 40 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 210 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | — | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | — | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | — | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | — | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | — | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | — | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | — | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | — | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | — | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | — | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | PrusaSlicer (optimized) and Prusa Connect for remote control. The machine accepts G-code from any slicer (Cura, Simplify3D) and communicates via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi using an open Marlin-based protocol. Compatible with OctoPrint and offline management. Does not require a Prusa account to print, unlike machines with proprietary firmware that block features without connection. | 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
- €819 against €999 → the kit costs €180 less; that is the whole saving on offer.
- 250×210 mm bed, 220 mm height, same kinematics → identical: building it yourself doesn't change what you can print.
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S if…
You need a printer that works from day one, say in a workshop where machine time matters more than €180: it arrives assembled and you go straight to loading filament. The trade-off is paying €180 more for assembly work you don't do yourself.
Choose MK4S kit if…
You want to know how the machine you'll rely on is put together, or keep €180 for spools and spares: the kit gives the same machine with the same print dimensions. You accept building it yourself before the first print, and the time that takes.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
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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.