Prusa Research MK4S vs Snapmaker U1
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The U1 costs 150 € less than the MK4S and has four toolheads, while the MK4S has one and needs an accessory for multicolor. The choice depends on how much color matters and which ecosystem you prefer, Prusa or Snapmaker.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 999 € | 849 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 55 × 40 cm | 58.4 × 49.9 × 73 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 18.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 210 mm | 270 × 270 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 270 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 1150 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.04 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | — | 270 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | — | 270 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | — | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | — | 100 °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 | Yes |
| Native Klipper | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | — | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | No |
| Max colors | — | 4 |
| 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 primary software is Snapmaker Orca, an optimized version of the popular OrcaSlicer, which provides native management of the four toolheads and factory-calibrated material profiles. The printer can also be seamlessly managed via the Snapmaker mobile app for remote monitoring, taking advantage of the built-in 1080p camera. The internal firmware is built on Klipper, Moonraker, and Fluidd, which Snapmaker has made open-source, allowing experienced users to customize the machine and integrate it into complex workflows. |
The differences that matter
- Four toolheads vs one → the U1 prints in several colors with no accessory, the MK4S needs one.
- 270×270 mm vs 250×210 mm → the U1 bed is square and deeper.
- Open-source Klipper on the U1 vs Marlin-based firmware on the MK4S → on the U1 you tune through Fluidd and Moonraker.
- 849 € vs 999 € → the U1 costs 150 € less.
Which one to choose
Choose MK4S if…
Single-color prints with PrusaSlicer, even offline: no Prusa account is needed and G-code arrives by USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, with OctoPrint compatibility. The trade-off is 150 € more, a 250×210 mm bed and, for multicolor, an accessory to add.
Choose U1 if…
Up to 4 colors with no accessories, with four toolheads and factory-calibrated material profiles, on a 270×270 mm bed. The trade-off is adopting Snapmaker Orca and the Snapmaker app in place of PrusaSlicer and Prusa Connect.
Where to buy
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