Prusa Mini Plus 2021 Review: What I like, What I DON'T like, issues and fixes
I bought the Prusa MK3S+. I was really impressed by its overall performance, high quality brand name parts, as well as every small detail they put in the design and how convenient it is as a 3D printer. The only downside is the price. It’s more expensive than all the other budget 3D printers I have. The printer itself is $750 and the shipping to the US is $50, so I had to pay $800 for this printer. However, I did make another video to compare it with the $155 Ender-3 and I still think that it’s worth it.
I also got interested in their Prusa Mini Plus, which is a more budget friendly 3D printer that has a price of $349. If you want a filament sensor, you need to add $20, and shipping would be another $50. The total price I paid was $419 for this printer to be delivered to California. It’s about half the size of the Prusa MK3S+. I expect this Prusa Mini plus to be the same quality, and be just as convenient to use but with a smaller print volume. Today I will assemble it, do some test prints, and talk about what I think about this printer.
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You guys make the best reviews, hitting points for everything a prospect buyer is looking for while also being super detailed so that experienced users can still learn something new, and evaluate other aspects. I tell there’s been a lot of work put into the videos! Please consider making a Patreon, would love to support future videos.
This was such a good review. My favorite part is where you compare the costs. You always go into detail compared to other industry printers. I appreciate that.
OK, best review of this printer I've seen yet. Seriously good work. Thank you for your work.
The most informative video I've seen yet! I just ordered one a few minutes ago because of your review. Thank you!
I’m researching purchasing my first 3D printer and I’ve watched several of your videos. You provide BY FAR the most information in a crisp format. Congrats!
Which printer did you end up going with?
Aurora, thanks a bunch for including your build process! I'm someone with next to no printing experience so I'm glad you pointed out that the $50 for the prebuilt version would be the better option. Very concise and no-nonsense review, really appreciate it. 👍
It's better to build, then you are familiar with every part of the printer and aren't scared to take it apart when necessary for maintainance, repair, or upgrade. Especially considering that you are inexperienced.
I love your reviews! I just went to get myself a mini+, it's my first printer!
This is, by far, the best vid I've watched on the Prusa Mini +. Great work!
Thanks for a very useful and down-to-earth review! I am a beginner in 3D printing and I have a Mini+ since about a month now. I bought it pre-assembled and it works just great. But it does have some problem with the higher than 100mm print hight like you described in your video. So thanks a lot for the fix you've showed ! Good luck for you and your brother in making more good videos! Linas
Awesome review! This is by far the best review on the prusa mini I have found.
Thank you Aurora and Helios for this great review. You bring up all the points we need to know in an informative and entertaining way. I even learn new things and tricks from your reviews. FAN-TAS-TIC. I still can not understand how you can make these quality videos week after week.
I've seen a few review from you and your parents must be very proud having a kid like you :) Really articulate. I see a bright future for you. Keep it going!
Excellent review. Very clear speech, not too fast. Thanks for sharing
Absolutely LOVE your videos! Keep up the great work!
Great review as always. I hope you were able to pick up the printer during the anniversary sale, and get the additional free spools of filament. I agree with your assessment in the end. It is odd that the network feature is not enabled yet. Maybe they are waiting on release the farm software to control it. It's also about time to update the display to a touch screen.
Thank you for your excellent review. I found it very helpful and very well done.
The very bast reviewer by far re any 3D printer. Because of you and your brother ( re kit construction MK3S+), I am purchasing the MK3S+ confident I can build the kit. Thanks so much.
This might be the highest quality presentation of information I remember seeing since the McNeil-Lehrer Report on PBS--first class brain activity on your part, Aurora! I think you nailed it! All the information is there is your very thorough rundown! Much obliged!
Hope the big companies soon open their eyes to you and give you such a great salary that you can just continue to develop you do not think there is better on the net :-)
The Mini+ will be my second Prusa printer and it will be my 5th 3D printer. I purchased the kit (because I enjoy building them - ha) and this video was not only very helpful but also, it was professionally crafted. THANK YOU!!!
The most honest review, please go ahead!
Now that's an honest review! I think I'm sold.
Very informative and professional video! Well done! I would love to see a video how you set up the raspberry pie so you can print via network. Cheers!
Fantastic review. Thanks a lot for this video!
Hello, I think you and your brother do an outstanding job making the video. I thank you for the information regarding this printer, it's very helpful. Take care and I look forward to watching more of your videos. 73
Superb job young lady! Brilliant! I have subscribed.
Another great Review, keep it up!
Great Review, and good points Thanks for sharing your expirences with all of us :-)
This is literally the best review on KZhead. Not the best 3D printer review, I mean it’s the best review on any subject on KZhead!
Very well-made video. Great work! By the way, why don't you try the orbiter extruder? I would like to know your opinion on it and you can even make tutorials on installing it on various printers.
Great review! Very well done.
Well presented, interesting and informative. Thanks from Orlando Florida
What a well done video... Congratulations
I like your detailed videos. Thank you so much
Awesome review. I think I'm sold. Would be interested to see any additional mods you'd recommend.
Great review! So many youtubers could learn from you.
I just want to say you're phenomenal!
killer presentation. 🤙🏼
such a nice and smart young lady! very eloquent. Keep those reviews coming!
Thank you, keep up the good work
Thanks a lot for all greats video !!!!!! Greetings Cedric France
I commented in the last Prusa video that you made a lot of great points that basically convinced me to invest into the Prusa brand as my first 3D printer w/out any info on the Prusa Mini+, and now you made a video about the Mini+! Awesome video! You touch on so many important points that many of the bigger content creators don’t bother to mention! Can you share an affiliate link for it?
Thanks for your comment and reminding me about the affiliate link, I just add it under the description. shop.prusa3d.com/#a_aid=auroratech
I got the same Z axis issue on one of my 2 mini+ and was investigating the extruder gear, turns out it is the Z-axis in the Z-bottom. Thanks! By the time I got my 2 mini+ assembled, I agree that it is a must to take the pre-assembled version, those square slots came in stringy and caused me troubles in the Z-bottom. But as soon as I started printing with it I just unplugged my Ender 3 V2 as those smooth rods, the super PINDA and 38mm size steppers makes it way more reliable for 24-7 operations.
I just paid $567 for the semi assembled MINI+ w/ satin sheet and sensor, great video!
nice review !
great review..and not like many yanks..you dont talk 100mph and loads of BS..refreshing
Great video! I would love to know more details on how you set up a Raspberry Pi to enable WiFi printing. How much effort is involved?
Prusa finally has the beta firmware update allowing printing over the network, and it works pretty well! Basic so far but great for people that don't want to do a Raspberry pi / octoprint.
For a 2 year old review, this was surprisingly accurate. I've got the original mini that was released in the initial batch and many of the things you experienced, I also shared as well. It's still my go-to printer because it just works... Rarely do I need to do anything other than clean the bed and occasionally lube the bearings. I've upgraded the PINDA probe since and I'm running the 5.1 firmware with input shaping and it's great. I don't like the web interface and you can only sort by name and not upload time. I hope the next mini does away with the Pinda probe and live z calibration like the mk4... And if they sold a plug and play version, I could see it making 3d printing a mainstream affair.
Amazing content
To add onto bullet point #3 of “the differences between MK3S vs Mini+,” I noticed that the mini is listed as not supporting the Power Panic hardware based feature. This feature allows the MK3S to recover from power failure. Instead the Mini+ will have “Future software upgrade, single layer accuracy” (whatever that means)
As an older Systems Engineer, I have to say, I'm impressed with this channel. Professional, thorough, and useful! If she wants to be an engineer, some school needs to be throwing a scholarship her way.
This small printer is larger than yourself, lol. I love your channel.
Great video! Thank you for the insights and solid considerations. I am currently shopping around and I am stuck between the Prusa Mini Plus, Creality Ender S1 and the Kywoo Tycoon. What do you think is the best quality, features and reliability? Also is Cura better than Prusa's proprietary slicer or do you prefer PrusaSlicer?
Which one did you pick up?
The Prusa slicer is not proprietary, it works for all printers and other slicers work for Prussia printers. You don't have to use it, therefore it's not proprietary.
Great video, thanks a lot.
As always a great review! Your calculation should be added by a factor, that‘s impossible to express in numbers: chinese printers prices are possible because of a very low standard of salaries and social safety. So I think that everyone, who enjoys prosperity, should consider buying a Prusa printer. They are developed and build under much higher standards and there is a 24/7 support staff, you don’t have to pay on top if you need them. In my opinion Prusa printers are far away from perfect, but they are not expensive!
Your the best. Keep it up please.
Do you guys have prusa slicer videos? I like your vids! My printer is already oin the way cant wait
Prusa slicer is the easiest to use slicer, you just need to select from the first tab(Plater), choose some simple options like 0.2 or 0.3mm layer height, infill percentage and you are good to go, if you are using with Prusa printers, the default settings print quite well 95% of the time. Unless the 3d model is very special, otherwise I will just go with default settings.
@@AuroraTech THanks!
I am a total noob in the 3d printer world would this be a good beginner printer? I will mostly use it to print parts for my RC hobby and such. Nice video btw!
I suspect this is a stop gap printer until they finally release a corexy. The bed is a good size too because I never use the whole bed on my ender or the clones.
Great review thank you for sharing. Considering the $419 price tag for the basic Mini+ setup, excluding shipping, what alternative could you suggest for an absolute beginner?
My very first printer i started with (several years ago) was a Flashforge Adventurer 3 and honestly the quality was superb and super beginner friendly.
Hi Aurora, I've been considering my second 3D printer for a long time, but I don't know which one to choose, whether the Ender 3 S1 Pro or the Original Prusa Mini +. My first printer is an Ender 3a, I don't have the best experience with it and it doesn't work for me at best, and everything is fine, so I don't believe Creality anymore. Which one would you choose, the Original Prusa Mini + or Ender 3 S1 Pro?
Nice job
Great review! How's the noise level on this printer? I have the impression it's louder than other printers, the steppers sound like they're on SpreadCycle. I'm looking for a small quiet printer to have in my living room.
It’s quieter than my Epson inkjet. Put it in the living room is totally fine.
Are you going to do another test run with more materials?
Any suggestions what filament to use for Mini+? Prusa filament is expensive here in USA. Thanks.
LOL! Yah, the preassembled version is definitely worth it! Mine works great!
so young and so talented
Thank you very much , I think I will buy 2 of these rather than buying one Prusa MK3S+ , its cheaper + parallel printing + its convenient for me as I am willing to print small things only .
Hey there, started watching your videos few days ago since I m looking to buy my first 3D printer. I just wanted to stop by and comment on this one since I find it extremely frustrating that prusa is a Czech company and it literally costs less money for you to have one of their printers shipped to California, than it would cost me here in Czech republic... The unassembled kit without the filament sensor costs approximately 440 USD without shipping here in Czech.
Who writes the scripts for these? They are good.
PrusaLink via WiFi or the Ethernet port are now finally available with a new Firmware version.
I really like the reprap and klipper firmwares. They are superior to marlin in every way. Both allow for wifi printing, which I find essential. Since most people are buying a $50 board and a $50 raspberry pi, why hasn’t anyone made a main board with the two combined? Prusa is in a prime position to do something like this. I get that creality is a budget printer, but why is Prusa still using 10 year old tech? They have the engineers to do it. Or even adopt Duet as their main board.
big treetech manta MP4/5/8 with CM1 is basically what ur looking for. its my go to for my printers
Do u still think its worth the extra 80 dollars price increase
Great video, thank you! Do you have a Patreon?
Like to know the best open end 3d printer that isn't real expensive
I need your help Does the mini has thé same précision like mk3s? It has the same layer thinkness?
Yes, most 3D printers have the same precision level, even an Ender-3, the layer thickness depends on your slicer settings and nozzle diameter. Generally, you can print from 0.1mm to 1mm layer height with most 3D printers.
She is more professional then most of my employees.
Excellent presentation. As a Mini+ owner, I agree with your opinion in general. But I think you shouldn't say "reliable", because you didn't make any long run tests with various filament types. And so the conclusion sounds like advertising -not objective, that is. That doesn't mean Mini+ isn't reliable (as long PLA filament is used).
I've had the Mini+ for 2 years and I print as much PETG as I do PLA. It has been nothing but reliable.
I think touch screens suck. Half the time the presses don't register and then it gets all nasty with fingerprints. I set my z offset to 1.75. Maybe that's why I got a clog?
Should I get this printer for my desk or is it too loud
It came with silent stepper drivers, it's not complete silent, but I would say my Epson Inkjet printer is louder than this Prusa Mini+.
The cost is 459€ in the EU for the kit only. Too bad, that's simply too much, because with shipping (and the filament sensor) I have to pay basically 500€. Way too much. I think I'll just get an Ender for half the price.
The Ender is worse though and missing comfortable features.
@@hanswurst9866 its its twice as worse though? I really want to know becase i can get a new cr6 for 300 in my area, but it would cost 750 to have this shipped to my door
Update. Got a Prusa Mini after 2 months of shipping. Works perfectly it of the box, with only slight tuning and one failed print in all this time (user error). A friend ordered an Ender 5 at the same time. He's still tuning his printer, and the quality of prints is nowhere near mine.
@@mikejones-vd3fg Just buy a Prusa Mini+ and be happy with it. I agree with waffles 100%
Am I tripping balls or is a 10yr old reviewing a 3D printer expertly here???
I think everyone except myself has had good luck with this printer. I bought it for a second printer, my first being an Anycubic Vyper, that has been great. Not so for this printer I have yet to get a print, extruder is terrible, replaced with Bondech, then leaking hotend and on and on, I should have purchased another Vyper, I can't say anything good about this printer
Hey Buz! Have you talked to their support? What Vyper were you interested in replacing it with?
6:20 No those Benchies are not identical
How old is she?
how old is this kid... clearly knows way more than 3d printers than me... damn
👍
Prusa MK3S+ or CR-6 SE ?
Prusa…….
Prusa for sure :)
i think i will still prefer my cr6 se... i got it for around 280$, and for the works i do , it is more than i could ask.It is not an all fancy prusa, but it works! so in the end it is all about how deep are your pockets, as usual!
Hi aurora, first off I want to say I love your channel and all you have to offer. If I may offer some friendly advice, don’t be afraid to add your personality and to go off script. You will go extremely far in this life, but I will say people listen more when you offer some feeling and passion into what you say. A morbid example, but there’s a reason there’s only one recording of hitlers normal voice.( it was recorded in secret) . People listen more when you say things with passion and feeling. I find it extremely unfortunate but if there’s one thing I’ve truly learned in this life, people prefer personality over smarts. But if you have both, it’s a killer combination.
6:14 waaat, the prusa mk3s+ looks so much worse to me! the mk3 is kinda bad tbh, the mini+ is far better! maybe it's the lightning?
It's crazy to me that a $475 machine like this (prebuilt, filament sensor, shipping) STILL is too cheap to include a touch screen. Jog wheels are so outdated and cumbersome, and there just doesn't seem to be any excuse especially when brands like Creality are selling the highly-polished CR-6 SE for example, which features all the same "perks" and then some (such as ABL, filament runout, pre-assembly and factory calibration/testing, dual Z-axis lead screws, etc...) but also is a full-size printbed and touchscreen with customizable firmware... for $50-100 less. Prusa still feels like buying half the printer for 25% more money,
I could care less about the touch screen functionality, but the direct drive extruder vs a finicky old school Bowden is no contest. Prusa wins hand down.
@@austintaylor7359 meanwhile I couldn't care less about Bowden vs direct, as 99% of my printing is PLA not flexibles. But if you're doing specialty print materials and you can't figure out how to get your Bowden set up correctly then sure, spend a hundred extra bucks on a machine that fits your needs
@@StormBurnX I too remember when people complained about that color TV, shaking their fists wildly in the air while yelling that the black and white worked perfectly well if you just got the bunny ears right lmao
@@austintaylor7359 An interesting yet flawed comparison - a well-tuned B&W tv and a color model do not output the same final result, not by a long shot - whereas the same cannot be said of an overpriced direct-drive machine and (in my case) a straight-out-of-the-box creality. But again - if you need specialty equipment, to do specialty jobs - such as a color television - then by all means, spend the extra to get it. It's just so disappointing to see the community shit on bowdens as if they're problematic in some way, when the community is the problem.
just 50 dollars, u can buy almost 3kg pla with that lmao
Much smaller? Its just 3 by 3 cm thats not that much for almost 1/3 of price and everything else about printing almost same. And 99% of buyers would never need bigger, and if do, ten 3x3cm more is still not enought and need to be glued. Or if they need more parts like keychains etc, it better to buy 2-3 Mini+ for price 1-1,3 price of 1 MK3S+ So mini is the win, even for new anounced XL.
Printing over LAN/Internet would be such a NO BRAINER Buying.
$250 not $350 savings.
Actually, it should be $325 since the shipping for the kit version of MK3S+ is $50, but the fully assembled version is $125. So, the total price including shipping is $750+$50=$800 for the kit and $1000+125=$1125 for the assembled printer.
@@AuroraTech You're doing great! I really love your videos! I just bought an Anycubic Kobra for $271. I already have a Prusa mini and it has been great but I wanted to try something different. What do you think of the Anycubic printers?
Payouts rjj