Original Prusa Mini+ Review
The Mini+ is pitched as the smaller, budget-friendly sibling of the Prusa i3 MK3S, but don't let "mini" fool you. It has built a reputation for dependable print quality in a compact footprint, with a laundry list of quality-of-life features no other printer in its price bracket can match.
Score breakdown
Prusa quality, scaled down
The much-loved Prusa Mini was first announced in late 2019 as a compact, lower-cost alternative to the i3 line, priced to be more accessible without cutting back on Prusa's trademark reliability. In 2020, the Mini+ update added the improved SuperPINDA probe for more accurate first layers, plus tweaks that made assembly even easier.
The launch reception was very positive, with reviewers praising its balance of affordability and consistent print quality. It quickly became known as an ideal entry-level printer that didn't feel cheap, and the community response was equally strong. Years later, the Mini+ remains a favorite among beginners and veterans who want a small, dependable printer in their lineup.
Unboxing and Setup
One of the best things about the Mini+ is how beginner-friendly it feels from the moment you open the box. It comes as a partially preassembled kit, with the base and vertical axis ready to bolt together. Clear instructions and Prusa's active community make setup approachable even if you've never touched a 3D printer. You'll have it printing within an hour, and the included sample filament gets you started immediately.
What's in the Box?
- ▪Mini+ (partially preassembled)
- ▪Base and vertical axis assemblies
- ▪Print head with pre-installed nozzle
- ▪Magnetic smooth PEI spring steel sheet
- ▪Power supply and cable
- ▪USB flash drive with drivers and models
- ▪Spool holder
- ▪Sample Prusament PLA filament
- ▪Allen keys and basic toolkit
- ▪Quick start guide and manual
Build Quality and Setup
True to Prusa's reputation, the Mini+ is built with sturdy parts that don't feel like cost-cutting compromises. Its compact 180 × 180 × 180 mm build volume is plenty for small-to-medium projects, especially for hobbyists, makers, and educators. The smaller build area means faster heat-up times and shorter prints, and the color LCD with its intuitive interface still holds up today. Assembly typically takes under an hour, even for first-timers.
| Stage | Time Estimate | Key Challenges | Tips / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attaching Base Frame | 10-15 min | Aligning the vertical axis | Tighten bolts evenly to avoid skew. |
| Mounting Print Head | 5-10 min | Securing wiring neatly | Follow the labels for quick connections. |
| Installing Display | 5 min | Routing cable without kinks | Use clips to keep wiring tidy. |
| Connecting PSU | 2-3 min | Handling cables carefully | Double-check polarity and fit. |
| Initial Calibration | 5-8 min | Setting Z-offset correctly | Follow the on-screen prompts. |
Design and Technical Specifications
The Mini+ packs Prusa's signature features into a small Cartesian frame: mesh bed leveling via the SuperPINDA probe, a removable magnetic PEI spring steel sheet, and a color LCD. A standard 0.4 mm nozzle handles everything from figurines to functional parts, and the Bowden setup keeps the print head light.
Specs at a Glance
- ▪Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180mm
- ▪Nozzle: 0.4mm
- ▪Extruder: Bowden
- ▪Bed Leveling: Mesh (SuperPINDA)
- ▪Build Plate: Magnetic PEI spring steel
- ▪Display: Color LCD
- ▪Practical Speed: ~150mm/s
- ▪Filaments: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU
- ▪Connectivity: USB drive
- ▪Slicer: PrusaSlicer
Print Performance and Quality
The Mini+ has always been known for crisp details and consistent output, and that hasn't changed. With its 0.4 mm nozzle, it handles figurines and functional parts with confidence: fine details print cleanly, bridging is respectable, and surfaces come out smoother than you'd expect at this price.
Competitors have pushed speeds higher, but the Mini+ focuses on reliability over raw pace. It won't out-sprint newer CoreXY models, but it remains a dependable workhorse if you value accuracy over speed.
Firmware, Tuning, and Support
Prusa continues to provide frequent firmware updates, extending the Mini+'s life well into 2025. Mesh bed leveling, reliable filament sensing, and intuitive calibration keep it competitive, and fine-tuning stays simple with PrusaSlicer, which is tightly integrated with the hardware. Thanks to its popularity, you'll always find updated profiles, guides, and community advice tailored to this printer.
Comparisons with Competitors
In today's market, the Mini+ faces stiff competition. Creality's Ender 3 V3 KE, Bambu Lab's P1P, and Anycubic's Vyper 2 bring higher speeds and, in some cases, larger build volumes. But the Mini+ holds its place with unmatched reliability, firmware support, and community resources.
| Prusa Mini+ | Bambu Lab P1P | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE | Anycubic Vyper 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 180 × 180 × 180 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 220 × 220 × 240 mm | 245 × 245 × 260 mm |
| Print Speed | ~150 mm/s | 500 mm/s peak | 300 mm/s peak | 300 mm/s peak |
| Leveling | Mesh bed leveling | Auto | Auto | Auto |
| Price Range | $429 – $459 | $599 – $699 | $299 – $349 | $379 – $429 |
What stands out is that while rivals lean into speed and volume, the Mini+ is still all about consistency. If you value set-it-and-forget-it printing more than racing through prints, it still has an edge.
Our Final Verdict
The Original Prusa Mini+ may not be the flashiest option in 2025, but it still delivers what matters most: reliable print quality, great community support, and long-term usability. It's an excellent choice for newcomers who want a dependable introduction to 3D printing, and for seasoned makers who want a compact secondary machine. If speed or massive build volume is your priority, newer options are worth considering, but for steady, reliable output without constant tinkering, the Mini+ is still a strong contender.
Scott Gabdullin is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and marketing expert who has successfully combined his passion for technology and innovation with a love for adventure and exploration.
Scott brings 12 years of digital marketing experience and a hardcore work ethic to his new passion for 3D printing. If he is not working on this business, he is likely travelling and Overlanding across North America with his wife and 2-year-old son in their Jeep Rubicon.
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