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Comparison

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

Side-by-side specs, energy and amortization numbers for the Prusa MK4 and the Prusa MK4S, plus a quick verdict on the dimensions that move per-part cost.

Specs side by side

Prusa · 2023

Prusa MK4

Average power
120 W
Useful life
25,000 h
Build volume
250 × 210 × 220 mm
Best for
Professionals

Prusa · 2024

Prusa MK4S

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 MK4

  • Energy$0.13
  • Amortization$0.12
  • Unit Cost$1.46
  • Final Consumer Price$6.34

Prusa MK4S

  • Energy$0.14
  • Amortization$0.12
  • Unit Cost$1.47
  • Final Consumer Price$6.39

Verdict by dimension

  • 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.

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