Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) vs Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Oct 27, 2026
As of Oct 27, 2026, the Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) costs $1,299 and the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S costs $999, so the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S is $300 cheaper. The Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S scores higher in our ranking (7.7 vs 6.5 out of 10). Pick the Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) for makers who want an open, repairable enclosed printer. Pick the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S for quality focused makers who like to tinker.
- Build volume
- 250 x 220 x 270 mm
- Multicolor
- Optional
- Enclosure
- Yes
The CORE One+ is Prusa's enclosed CoreXY printer, with a heated chamber, load cell leveling and screws instead of glue, so it is easy to repair. It suits makers who print ABS, ASA or PC and want an open, serviceable machine with no forced cloud account. Skip it if you are on a tight budget or want multi color out of the box, since $1,299 buys no MMU or camera.
Full Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) review →- Build volume
- 250 x 210 x 220 mm
- Multicolor
- Optional MMU3
- Enclosure
- No
The MK4S is a proven open frame Prusa that prints very cleanly, runs quietly and can be bought as a kit for $709. It suits people who value print quality, repairability and support over the lowest price. Skip it if you want ABS without buying an enclosure or want multi color in the box.
Full Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S review →Side by side
| Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) | Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 | $999 |
| 3 year cost | $1,299 | $999 |
| Our score | 6.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank in 3D printers | #4 | #2 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 1 year for buyers outside the EU, including the US (Prusa knowledge base) | 1 year for buyers outside the EU, including the US (Prusa knowledge base) |
| Build volume | 250 x 220 x 270 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print speed | No max speed published; Tom's Hardware measured about 15 to 20% faster than the MK4S at default settings | No max speed published; Tom's Hardware measured 24 mm3/s volumetric flow with Prusament PLA |
| Multi color | Optional MMU3 (5 filaments) or INDX toolchanger (up to 8 filaments) | Optional MMU3 upgrade |
| Enclosure | Yes, with active chamber heating up to 55 C | No, open frame; optional Original Prusa Enclosure |
| Auto leveling | Yes, fully automatic first layer calibration with a load cell sensor | Yes, automatic mesh bed leveling with a load cell sensor |
| Max nozzle temp | 290 C (400 C with the HT hotend) | 290 C |
| Heated bed | Yes, up to 120 C | Yes, up to 120 C |
| Filament types | PLA, PETG, Flex, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB; advanced: ABS, ASA, HIPS, PA | PLA, PETG, Flex, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB; ABS, ASA, HIPS, PA with the enclosure and filtration add on |
| Connectivity | Ethernet and Wi-Fi, NFC, USB drive, Prusa Connect and Prusa app | Wi-Fi module included, NFC, USB drive |
| Camera | Optional in chamber camera | n/a |
| Noise | Tom's Hardware found it very quiet, though the motion system is a bit louder than the MK4S | Tom's Hardware found it very quiet, suitable for a shared office |
| Assembly | Sold assembled or as a kit | Sold assembled or as a kit; Tom's Hardware estimates about 8 hours to build the kit |
| Weight | 22.5 kg; 415 x 444 x 555 mm | 7 kg; 500 x 550 x 400 mm |
| Best for | makers who want an open, repairable enclosed printer | quality focused makers who like to tinker |
| Skip if | you want multi color or a camera included | you want an enclosure or multi color included |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2)
- Tom's Hardware (Editor's Choice): Tested the original CORE One. It ran about 15 to 20% faster than the MK4S and printed a speed Benchy in 28 minutes. A five color MMU3 print took 14 h 32 min with 100 g of waste, versus 20 h 57 min and 264 g on the H2D. Source
- CGMagazine (9/10): Tested the original CORE One and called it one of the best printers the reviewer had used. It was quiet in an office and handled ABS and ASA in the enclosure. Missing out of the box multi color and better camera hardware. Source
Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
- Tom's Hardware: Called it one of the best printers they have tested. Flow rose to 24 mm3/s with Prusament PLA, and a puzzle print took 2 h 59 min versus 3 h 23 min on a Bambu P1P with smoother parts that fit. Source
- TechRadar (5/5): Scored 30 of 30 in its print quality test with a combined dimensional error of 0.097 mm, and every Benchy in its multi print test finished. Noted the high price and open frame. Source
Pros and cons
Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2)
Pros
- Enclosed with active chamber heating
- Load cell first layer calibration
- Kit option saves $300
- No forced subscription or cloud account
- Editor's Choice at Tom's Hardware
Cons
- Expensive next to Bambu enclosed printers
- Camera and multi material are paid add ons
- Chamber can be slow to heat in a cold room
- Only a 1 year warranty in the US
Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
Pros
- Excellent print quality in reviews
- Very quiet in Tom's Hardware testing
- Kit option at $709
- Load cell auto leveling
- Free software and no subscription
Cons
- Costs more than Bambu printers of similar size
- No enclosure without an add on
- Multi color needs the paid MMU3
- Only a 1 year warranty in the US
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) or the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S?
The Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S scores higher in our ranking (7.7 vs 6.5 out of 10). Pick the Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2) for makers who want an open, repairable enclosed printer. Pick the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S for quality focused makers who like to tinker.
Which is cheaper?
The Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S at $999, versus $1,299 for the Prusa Research CORE One+ (Gen 2), checked Oct 27, 2026.
What is the difference between the CORE One+ (Gen 2) and the Original Prusa MK4S?
Build volume: 250 x 220 x 270 mm on the CORE One+ (Gen 2), 250 x 210 x 220 mm on the Original Prusa MK4S. Print speed: No max speed published; Tom's Hardware measured about 15 to 20% faster than the MK4S at… on the CORE One+ (Gen 2), No max speed published; Tom's Hardware measured 24 mm3/s volumetric flow with Prusament… on the Original Prusa MK4S. Multi color: Optional MMU3 (5 filaments) or INDX toolchanger (up to 8 filaments) on the CORE One+ (Gen 2), Optional MMU3 upgrade on the Original Prusa MK4S.
Also consider
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- Creality K2 Plus Combo vs Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
- Bambu Lab H2D vs Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
- Prusa Research Original Prusa MINI+ vs Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
All 3D printers, ranked
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