The Prusa Mini and MK3S+ provide some of the best quality for under $1000 budgets. The Prusa Mini and MK3S+ are perfect for beginners and additive manufacturing veterans alike.
While the MK3S+ could be considered expensive if you are on a budget, it will be able to use engineering filaments with a hassle-free experience.
The Mini is a cheaper alternative that maintains the quality of life features such as mesh bed leveling.
Prusa Mini
$429/459
Assembly: Kit or Fully
Extruder: Bowden
Auto-Leveling: Yes
Max Nozzle Temp: 280°C
Max Bed Temp: 100°C
Print Volume: 180mm (L) 180mm (W) 180mm (H)
Prusa MK3S+
$649/899
Assembly: Kit or Fully
Extruder: Direct Drive
Auto-Leveling: Yes
Max Nozzle Temp: 300°C
Max Bed Temp: 120°C
Print Volume: 210mm (L) 250mm (W) 210mm (H)
Prusa Mini vs MK3S vs XL
Photo credits: (c) Prusa Research - prusa3d.com
Prusa Mini and MK3S+
- Both printers come with magnetic PEI steel sheets for the print surface.
- Both printers come with automatic mesh bed leveling.
- Prusa has a fantastic track record for customer service and quality - any issues you have should be solved by their 24/7 support + their warranty + the community.
Prusa Mini
- What filaments can it print at 280°C? PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, PC (low temps), and even flexibles like TPU.
- The Mini comes with a build volume cube of 180x180x180 mm.
- The Prusa Mini is the printer for you if: you are new to 3D printing and want to avoid tinkering, are wanting to start a print farm, or are an institution that wishes to implement FDM printers in the classroom or lab.
Prusa Mini Specifications
- Release Year: 2019
- Assembly: Kit or Assembled
- Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
- Extruder: Bowden
- PTFE-Lined: No
- Max Nozzle Temp: 280°C
- Max Bed Temp: 100°C
- Bed Material: PEI Spring Steel Sheet
- Auto-Leveling: Yes - Induction
- Z-Axis: Single
- Connections: SD, USB, and Ethernet
Prusa MK3S+
- What filaments can it print? Anything under 300°C including nylons, flexibles, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber blends.
- The MK3S sports more build area in addition to extra build height, 210x250x210 mm.
- The MK3S kit comes with a permanent 5% discount on filament, whereas the assembled variant has a 10% discount on filament and future printers.
- The Prusa MK3S is the printer for you if: you have an expanded budget, are wanting to use engineering filaments, or are a business or institution desiring to implement a single FDM printer as a workhorse for prototyping etc.
Prusa MK3S+ Specifications
- Release Year: 2020
- Assembly: Kit or Assembled
- Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 210 mm
- Extruder: Direct
- PTFE-Lined: No
- Max Nozzle Temp: 300°C
- Max Bed Temp: 120°C
- Bed Material: PEI Spring Steel Sheet
- Auto-Leveling: Yes - Induction
- Z-Axis: Dual
- Connections: SD & USB Type B
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