In a world where there are so many different 3D printers to choose from, where do you even start looking, and how can you get the most value for your money? Unfortunately, it can be extremely difficult to find a low-priced printer with great print quality. However, in this day and age, two high-end hobbyist printers usually come to mind – The Prusa MK3S+/MK4, and the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon.
What are the pros and cons of these two printers, and which one is worth buying? Since I own both the Prusa MK3S+ and the Bambu Labs X1-Carbon, I can share my experience and learnings.
The similarities between Prusa and Bambu Labs:
- Both the Prusa MK3S+/MK4 and Bambu Labs X1-Carbon have a direct drive extruder. This means that the stepper motor that pushes the filament is mounted directly to the moving extruder. This allows for much more precise control of the filament compared to Bowden extruders. For example, when I print in flexible filaments like TPU, I notice a considerable increase in quality over my Ender 3, which does not have direct drive.
- They both have automatic bed leveling. In my experience, the Bambu Labs X1-Carbon does a better job with bed leveling than the Prusa MK3S+ does. This is most likely due to the LiDAR sensor it uses as well as the load cell. I do not know how well the MK4 performs bed leveling, so I won’t speak for its ability.
The differences:
- The X1-Carbon is enclosed. This means that the entire print area is resistant to external factors, such as wind or cold air temperature. Both the MK3 and MK4 are not enclosed. Enclosed printers have better consistency, but with low melting temperature filaments, such as PLA, the enclosure can get hot, which risks causing defects.
- The X1-Carbon has a more fleshed-out multi-material system. Now, both the MK3S+ and the MK4 have multi material upgrades, but I have not tried them out, and based on reviews from the community they seem more like marketing gimmicks than functional upgrades. The X1-Carbon, on the other hand, has a fully-fleshed multi-material system implemented both in the slicer and in the printer itself. With the X1-Carbon Combo, you receive an AMS (Automatic Material System) with the printer, allowing you to print with 4 different filaments at once.
- Speed. This one is less noticeable if you’re comparing the X1-Carbon to the MK4 (because both have input shaping), but compared to the Prusa MK3S+, the X1-Carbon’s printing speed is light-years ahead. The X1 can print 2X or even 3X as fast as the MK3S+. This is partially because of input shaping, but its also due to the X1-Carbon’s CoreXY build. The MK3S+ is a bed-slinger which causes stability and wobbling issues if the build plate moves too fast.
- The Bambu Labs X1-Carbon comes with a built-in camera. Its small but useful. The X1-Carbon has a camera, along with a mobile app, to allow you to monitor your printer from wherever. The Prusa does not have this.
Which one should I buy?
Overall, both of these printers are an incredible value for money. However, I strongly believe that if you’re looking for the absolute best of the best without emptying your pockets, the X1-Carbon is your best bet. Don’t get me wrong, the X1-Carbon is pricey, clocking in at $1200. However, it’s only $100 more expensive than a fully assembled MK4, and $300 more than a fully assembled MK3S+. I believe that the X1 is absolutely worth the price.
