Get ready for a thrilling matchup in the world of 3D printing! Enter the battle of Sovol SV08 vs Prusa MK4, each priding itself as the machine to end all machines. Both offer impressive features that could change how you print, but which one will reign supreme? After countless hours of testing and too much coffee, I’m here with a detailed comparison of these two printers.
Meet the Sovol SV08, a determined newcomer that joined the competition in April 2024. With its Voron 2.4-inspired design and a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry ($579), it’s been turning heads faster than a well-tuned stepper motor.
Enter the Prusa MK4, the eagerly anticipated replacement for the popular MK3S+. Released in March 2023 with a heftier price of $1,099 for the assembled version, it’s here to prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks (and yes, I’m calling Prusa old – but in the most respectful way possible).
So, grab your favorite drink, find your most comfy spot, and prepare to explore the world of build volumes, print quality, and even the exciting realm of firmware features. Whether you’re a seasoned maker who dreams in G-code or a 3D printing beginner still trying to figure out why your prints look like spaghetti, this comparison will help you choose which of these plastic-melting wonders is right for you. Let’s get printing!
Assembly and Setup
Both printers aim to simplify the setup process, but they take different approaches:
The Sovol SV08 comes about 90% pre-assembled. In my testing, I was able to get it up and running in just under an hour. The process is straightforward, with major components like the Z-axis assemblies coming pre-built. However, there are still some fiddly bits, like attaching the flying gantry, that might intimidate absolute beginners.
User-friendly setups continue the Prusa tradition with both kit and pre-assembled versions available of the MK4. The pre-assembled version I tested was truly plug-and-play, with a guided setup process that had me printing within 15 minutes of unboxing. Even the kit version boasts Prusa’s famously detailed assembly instructions.
Winner: Prusa MK4 – While both are relatively easy to set up, the Prusa’s polished out-of-box experience gives it the edge here.
Build Volume and Design
When it comes to print volume, the SV08 takes a decisive lead with its generous 350x350x345mm build area. This dwarfs the MK4’s more modest 250x210x220mm offering. If you’re looking to tackle larger projects or batch prints, the SV08 gives you significantly more room to play.
The SV08’s CoreXY design allows for potentially faster print speeds and better precision, especially at higher speeds. The Prusa MK4, on the other hand, sticks with the tried-and-true i3-style “bed slinger” design. While this limits its top speed compared to the SV08, it does make for a more compact footprint that might be preferable for those with limited desk space.
Winner: Sovol SV08 – The larger build volume and CoreXY kinematics give it a clear advantage in this category.
Features and Technology
Both printers come packed with modern features, but there are some key differences:
The Sovol SV08 boasts:
- Klipper firmware with input shaping and pressure advance out of the box
- Built-in ADXL accelerometer for resonance compensation
- Quad gantry leveling for precise first layers
- Full AC powered heated bed
- Built-in camera for print monitoring
The Prusa MK4 offers:
- New load cell-based auto bed leveling system
- Custom 32-bit control board
- Wi-Fi connectivity (though the implementation is a bit clunky)
- Power panic feature for resuming prints after power loss
- Filament sensor
Both printers feature removable magnetic build plates, though I found the Prusa’s PEI spring steel sheet to be slightly more durable and easier to remove prints from.
Winner: Sovol SV08 – While both are feature-rich, the SV08’s implementation of Klipper and its built-in camera give it a slight edge in terms of advanced features.
Speed and Performance
If speed is your primary concern, the Sovol SV08 is the clear winner. In my testing, I was able to consistently print at speeds of 150-200mm/s while maintaining good quality. With some tuning, you can push it even further – I managed a decent 12-minute benchy at 300mm/s, though with some visible quality loss.
The Prusa MK4, while significantly faster than its predecessor, can’t quite keep up with the SV08’s raw speed. However, it’s no slouch – I comfortably printed quality benchies in the 45-60 minute range. The MK4 also seemed to handle rapid direction changes more gracefully, likely due to its lighter moving mass.
It’s worth noting that Prusa has released an alpha firmware with improved input shaping, which promises to boost the MK4’s speed capabilities. However, at the time of testing, this wasn’t fully implemented.
Winner: Sovol SV08 – Its CoreXY design and Klipper firmware allow it to achieve significantly higher speeds without sacrificing too much quality.
Print Quality
This is where things get interesting. Both printers are capable of producing excellent prints, but they each have their strengths:
The Sovol SV08, with its CoreXY design and high-flow hotend, excels at speed. In my testing, I was consistently able to print high-quality benchies in under 30 minutes without significant quality loss. The cooling system, featuring a 5020 blower fan in the toolhead and an additional 4010 fan, allows for crisp overhangs and bridges even at higher speeds.
The Prusa MK4, while not as blazingly fast, produced some of the cleanest and most consistent prints I’ve seen from an FDM printer. The new “Nextruder” direct drive extruder and 0.9° stepper motors result in exceptionally crisp details and smooth surfaces. I found it particularly excelled with complex geometries and fine details.
Both printers handled a variety of materials well, from basic PLA to more demanding filaments like PETG and TPU. However, the SV08 struggled a bit with flexible filaments in my tests, likely due to its longer filament path optimized for high-speed PLA printing.
Winner: Tie – The SV08 wins on speed, while the MK4 takes the crown for overall print quality and consistency. Your priority will determine the winner here.
Ease of Use and Software
Both printers aim to be user-friendly, but they cater to slightly different audiences:
The Prusa MK4 continues the company’s focus on a polished user experience. The setup wizard walks you through calibration and first prints, and the included PrusaSlicer software comes with well-tuned profiles that produce great results out of the box. The color screen, while not touch-enabled, is easy to navigate.
The Sovol SV08, running Klipper, offers a steeper learning curve but more room for tinkering. The web interface allows for easy print management and real-time adjustments. However, one experience I had though, is the whole process of getting Wi-Fi setup is quite a pain.
Winner: Prusa MK4 – For ease of use, especially for beginners, the Prusa’s refined ecosystem is hard to beat.
Noise Levels
Neither printer is silent, but there are noticeable differences:
The Sovol SV08, especially when printing at high speeds, can get quite loud. The powerful cooling fans, while excellent for print quality, contribute significantly to the noise level. In my testing, I measured peak noise levels around 65dB when printing at 200mm/s.
The Prusa MK4, while not whisper-quiet, is noticeably more subdued. Its redesigned fan system and vibration-dampening feet help keep noise levels down. I recorded peak levels around 52dB during normal printing.
Winner: Prusa MK4 – If you’re sensitive to noise or plan to print in a living space, the MK4 is the better choice.
Sovol SV08 vs Prusa MK4 Specification Chart
| Specification | Sovol SV08 | Prusa MK4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $579.00 | $1,099 |
| Release Date | April 18, 2024 | March 2023 |
| Build Volume | 350 x 350 x 345 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Printer Type | CoreXY | i3 style (Cartesian) |
| Assembly | 90% Pre-assembled (1-hour setup) | Available assembled or as a kit |
| Max Print Speed | 700 mm/s | Not specified (2x faster than MK3S+) |
| Max Acceleration | 40,000 mm/s² | 5000 mm/s² |
| Extruder | Direct Drive | Direct Drive (Nextruder) |
| Heated Bed | AC heated bed | Magnetic heatbed with removable PEI sheet |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C | 290°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 110°C | 120°C |
| Bed Leveling | Auto-leveling with 4 independent Z motors | Automatic Mesh Bed Leveling |
| Linear Motion | Linear rails on all axes | LM8UU bearings on smooth rods |
| Display | 5″ Touchscreen (optional) | 3.5″ color LCD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | USB, LAN, Wi-Fi (optional) |
| Camera | Built-in | Not included |
| Firmware | Klipper | Custom 32-bit firmware |
| Slicer | OrcaSlicer (open-source) | PrusaSlicer (open-source) |
| Power Supply | 350W | 240W |
| Enclosure | Optional open enclosure | Optional (separate purchase) |
| Open Source | Yes (hardware, software, firmware) | Yes (hardware, software, firmware) |
| Support | 24/7 support | 24/7 support in 7 languages |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year (+ optional 1 year extension) |
Upgradability and Community Support
Both printers benefit from strong community support, but in different ways:
The Sovol SV08, being open-source and Voron-inspired, has access to a wealth of community-developed mods and upgrades. Sovol has promised to release all hardware designs and software, allowing for extensive customization. However, some proprietary parts like the hotend may limit certain modifications.
The Prusa MK4, while not fully open-source, has a long history of official upgrades and a massive user base. Prusa’s commitment to backwards compatibility means there’s a good chance of future official upgrades. The community has also developed numerous mods for previous Prusa models, many of which may be adaptable to the MK4.
Winner: Tie – The SV08 offers more potential for deep customization, while the Prusa ecosystem provides a more curated upgrade path. Your tinkering preferences will determine the winner here.
Value for Money
This is perhaps the most subjective category, but let’s break it down:
The Sovol SV08, priced at $579, offers an incredible amount of printer for the money. You’re getting a large-format, high-speed machine with many advanced features typically found on much more expensive printers.
The Prusa MK4, at $1,099 for the assembled version, is nearly twice the price. However, you’re paying for Prusa’s reputation for reliability, excellent customer support, and a more polished out-of-box experience.
Winner: Sovol SV08 – The Prusa undoubtedly makes good on its price tag, but the SV08 also just delivers more basic capability per dollar spent.
Final Thoughts: The Moment of Truth
Wow! Now, by really putting these beastly 3D printers to their limit (and sometimes breaking some rules in the process), let’s get into which one makes it on top. But wait – it’s not as easy as picking a clear champion.
The Sovol SV08, priced at a wallet-friendly $579, is like that overachieving friend who’s annoyingly good at everything. With its enormous 350x350x345mm build volume (perfect for life-size Baby Yoda figures), blazing-fast print speeds, and a plethora of advanced features, this printer is a force to be reckoned with. If you’re the kind of person who gets a thrill from pushing your printer to its limits and doesn’t mind a bit of tinkering (read: occasional frustrated shouting at inanimate objects), the SV08 is your new best friend.
In contrast, the Prusa MK4 — more costly at $1,099 retail — is kind of like that steadfast old car you can always rely on (now with a few fancy upgrades). This is the printer for someone that doesn’t want to mess with levelling, bed adhesion and nozzles but would rather have a machine that works out of the box assuming you are willing to trade off speed in exchange. Prusa will literally always have your back in the world of 3D printing.
So, who should buy what? Let’s break it down:
Choose the Sovol SV08 if:
- Your motto is “go big or go home” (seriously, that build volume is no joke)
- You have a need for speed and patience is not your virtue
- You enjoy tinkering almost as much as actually printing
- You want to impress your friends with how much printer you got for your money
Choose the Prusa MK4 if:
- You’re all about that print quality life
- You want a machine that’s easier to use than your microwave
- Your workspace is more “cozy nook” than “sprawling workshop”
- You sleep better knowing you have top-notch support just a call away
Well, I think the Sovol SV08 wins this one. It comes with a ton of features and power at that price. Otherwise — it is equivalent to a mid-range sedan on the cost level, but nearly up there with a luxury car.
The Sovol SV08 vs Prusa MK4 3D printers are very impressive and top-of-the-line models representing a pinnacle in desktop printing technology. You are not going to make a mistake with any of these models as each one has everything you need in order to turn your wildest plastic ideas into reality. In the end, when you buy a Sovol or Prusa machine for your projects, this is worth it.
So, whether you go for the speed demon SV08 or the reliable workhorse MK4, remember the most important thing: have fun, keep learning, and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget to level your bed! Happy printing, folks!
FAQs
I’m a complete newbie. Which one should I choose?
If you’re a complete newbie to 3D printing and prefer minimal effort, the Prusa MK4 is just the ticket for you. That is more or less like an experienced guide through the fascinating world of 3D printing. But if you’re feeling adventurous and ready for battle SV08 can be a fun albeit frustrating route.
Can the Sovol SV08 really print as fast as they say?
In my testing, the SV08 was zipping around like a caffeinated squirrel, easily hitting 150-200mm/s while maintaining good quality. I even managed a decent 12-minute benchy at 300mm/s, though it looked a bit like it had been through a wind tunnel. So yes, it’s fast – just don’t expect miracles at ludicrous speed.
Is the Prusa MK4 worth the extra cost?
For print quality and reliability, absolutely. Its, well like the difference between a boring old homemade burger and one from some hipster gourmet restaurant — theyre still both burgers but… boujie. And, not to mention, Prusa’s customer service is honestly top-notch. This is kind of a 3D printing guru on speed dial.
Can I upgrade these printers later?
Absolutely! The SV08, being open-source and Voron-inspired, has a wealth of community mods available. It’s like the endless upgrade soup plantation. While the Prusa MK4s lack modularity, it has a long line of official upgrades as well as nearly all users modifying theirs in some way. It’s more like a fancy restaurant with seasonal menu changes.
Which one is quieter? I don’t want to wake the baby/spouse/cranky neighbor.
If noise is a concern, the Prusa MK4 is your friend. It’s not exactly whisper-quiet, but compared to the SV08 at full tilt, it’s like the difference between a purring kitten and a heavy metal concert. The SV08 can get quite loud when it’s showing off its speed (around 65dB in my tests), while the MK4 keeps things more civilized at around 52dB.
Nikko Jenkins is a technology journalist based in the US, covering tool reviews and comparisons across North America, Europe and Asia, particularly 3D Printers. His concise, insightful articles on the latest innovations help readers worldwide make informed tech decisions. Jenkins’ expertise and engaging style have made him a respected voice in the global technology landscape.
Feel free to reach out to me at nikkojenkins@360techinsights.com.
