Prusa Core One vs Prusa MK4S: print cost head-to-head
Side-by-side specs, energy and amortization numbers for the Prusa Core One and the Prusa MK4S, plus a quick verdict on the dimensions that move per-part cost.
Specs side by side
Prusa · 2024
- Average power
- 180 W
- Useful life
- 30,000 h
- Build volume
- 250 × 220 × 270 mm
- Best for
- Professionals
Prusa · 2024
- Average power
- 130 W
- Useful life
- 25,000 h
- Build volume
- 250 × 210 × 220 mm
- Best for
- Professionals
Sample calculation
Same input on both columns: 50 g PLA part, 6 h print time, 8% failure rate. Energy cost held at $0.18/kWh so the only thing changing is the printer.
Prusa Core One
- Energy$0.19
- Amortization$0.10
- Unit Cost$1.51
- Final Consumer Price$6.55
Prusa MK4S
- Energy$0.14
- Amortization$0.12
- Unit Cost$1.47
- Final Consumer Price$6.39
Verdict by dimension
Cheaper to run
Prusa MK4SPrusa MK4S draws 130 W on average vs 180 W for the Prusa Core One — lower power means a smaller energy line in every print.
Longer useful life
Prusa Core OnePrusa Core One is rated at 30,000 h vs 25,000 h for the Prusa MK4S, so amortization spreads over more printing hours.
Larger build volume
Prusa Core OnePrusa Core One ships with 250 × 220 × 270 mm build volume vs 250 × 210 × 220 mm on the Prusa MK4S — bigger plates or batched parts fit without splitting.
More recent release
TieBoth printers land within the noise threshold for this dimension.
Both target Professionals buyers, so the decision usually comes down to brand ecosystem and after-sale service.
Over a 5-year horizon, the Prusa Core One amortizes 1.2× more print-hours than the Prusa MK4S.