Prusa MK4 vs Prusa MK4S: print cost head-to-head

Specs side by side

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, amortization uses each printer's regional price — so both the machine and its price drive the numbers.

Verdict by dimension

• Cheaper to buy

  Prusa MK4

  Prusa MK4 costs $799 vs $899 for the Prusa MK4S — a lower upfront price also means less amortization per print.

• Cheaper to run

  Prusa MK4

  Prusa MK4 draws 120 W on average vs 130 W for the Prusa MK4S — lower power means a smaller energy line in every print.

• Longer useful life

  Tie

  Both printers land within the noise threshold for this dimension.

• Larger build volume

  Tie

  Both printers land within the noise threshold for this dimension.

• More recent release

  Prusa MK4S

  Prusa MK4S is from 2024 while the Prusa MK4 is from 2023 — more recent firmware, motion-system and ecosystem updates.

Both target Professionals buyers, so the decision usually comes down to brand ecosystem and after-sale service.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Prusa MK4 better than the Prusa MK4S?

Neither is strictly better — it depends on what you print. The Prusa MK4 is cheaper to run, the Prusa MK4 has the larger build volume, and the Prusa MK4S is the more recent release. Match the winner on the dimension you care about most.

What's the difference between the Prusa MK4 and the Prusa MK4S?

The Prusa MK4 is priced at $799 with a 250 × 210 × 220 mm build volume; the Prusa MK4S is $899 with 250 × 210 × 220 mm. Beyond price and volume, they differ in power draw, rated life and release year — see the verdict table above.

Which is cheaper, the Prusa MK4 or the Prusa MK4S?

The Prusa MK4 is cheaper to buy at $799 vs $899 for the Prusa MK4S. Factoring energy and amortization, the Prusa MK4 also has the lower per-print running cost — run your own numbers in the calculator to be sure.