MK4S vs X-Plus 3

Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)

In brief

MK4S and X-Plus 3 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose MK4S if multicolor printing matters more; choose X-Plus 3 if enclosed chamber and work area matters more. On the category's overall technical index, X-Plus 3 scores 55/100 against 17/100 for MK4S.

Parameter
Prusa Research MK4S MK4S Prusa Research F2 · Intermediate
Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 X-Plus 3 Qidi Tech F3 · Advanced
Identity
Launch year 2025 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F3 — Advanced
Price
Price (€) 999 € 799 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 50 × 55 × 40 cm 51.1 × 52.7 × 52.9 cm
Weight (kg) 24.3 kg
Work area (mm) 250 × 210 mm 280 × 280 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 220 mm 270 mm
Power (W) 800 W
Voltage (V) 230 V 230 V
Maximum speed 500 mm/s 600 mm/s
Category specs
Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) 280 mm
Build height Z (mm) 270 mm
Kinematics Cartesian CoreXY
Max nozzle temperature (°C) 350 °C
Max bed temperature (°C) 120 °C
Max print speed (mm/s) 600 mm/s
Enclosed chamber False True
Filament sensor True
Auto bed leveling Mesh
Standard nozzle diameter (mm) 0.4 mm
Multi-extruder False False
Native Klipper False True
Input shaper True
Multicolor printing True False
Multicolor requires accessory True
Max colors 1
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 X-Plus 3 is natively supported by QIDI Print, the company's official slicer based on PrusaSlicer, which offers pre-configured and optimized profiles for supported materials, ensuring a ready-to-use experience. The software's user interface is designed to simplify the print preparation process, from support generation to advanced cooling configuration. Because the printer uses Klipper-based firmware, advanced users can interact directly via the integrated web interface (Fluidd or Mainsail), allowing for in-depth monitoring and fine-tuning of print parameters in real time. The system is also fully compatible with third-party software such as Ultimaker Cura, Simplify3D, standard PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer, offering maximum flexibility in workflows.

The differences that matter

  • Enclosed chamber: X-Plus 3 yes, MK4S no
  • Work area: MK4S 250×210 mm vs X-Plus 3 280×280 mm — X-Plus 3 wins (+49%)
  • Price: MK4S 999 € vs X-Plus 3 799 € — X-Plus 3 wins (+25%)
  • Native Klipper: X-Plus 3 yes, MK4S no
  • Multicolor printing: MK4S yes, X-Plus 3 no

Which one to choose

Choose MK4S if…

you value multicolor printing.

See the MK4S sheet →

Choose X-Plus 3 if…

you value enclosed chamber, work area and price.

See the X-Plus 3 sheet →

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.