Prusa CORE One vs CORE One+: What’s New and Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you’re a fan of Prusa’s CORE One 3D printer, you’ve likely heard about the CORE One+ upgrade — and you might be wondering: What’s new? Is it worth upgrading? In this post, we’ll break down the differences, highlight the benefits, and help you decide whether the upgrade is right for you.

What Is the CORE One+ Upgrade?

The Prusa CORE One+ upgrade is an official kit released by Prusa to bring newer features to the original CORE One machine. Instead of buying a whole new printer, you can install this kit to gain improved performance and convenience.

Key Differences: CORE One vs CORE One+

What’s New in the CORE One+ Upgrade

🔧 1. Easier Filament Handling

The CORE One+ improves how filament is loaded and fed into the extruder.
This means less frustration and fewer failed prints — something every maker appreciates.

💨 2. Automatic Top Vent Control

A smart feature that adjusts airflow automatically — helping with temperature-sensitive filaments like PETG or flexible materials.

🧰 3. Better Spool Holder Design

The new bayonet-style spool mount makes changing filament quicker and smoother.
This small change can make a big difference in your daily printing workflow.

📡 4. Updated Firmware

The upgrade includes firmware tuned for the new hardware components — improving reliability and usability.

Performance Comparison

Print Quality:
Both the original CORE One and the upgraded CORE One+ deliver excellent print quality. However, the CORE One+ has a slight edge because of better filament control and airflow.

Reliability:
The CORE One+ is more reliable overall, especially when printing flexible or tricky filaments.

User Experience:
Users consistently report the CORE One+ is easier to use and feels more polished thanks to small but meaningful upgrades.

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Here’s how to decide:

✅ You Should Upgrade If:

• You already own a CORE One and want better performance.

• You print flexible filaments or detailed models.

• You want fewer print failures and smoother filament handling.

• You prefer improved usability and features without buying a new machine.

❌ You Might Not Need It If:

• You rarely print complex or flexible materials.

• You’re happy with your CORE One’s current performance.

• Upgrading feels unnecessary for occasional hobby printing.

Real-World User Feedback

Users upgrading to CORE One+ commonly report:

• Fewer filament jams

• Smoother loading experience

• Better airflow control

• More consistent prints

These may seem like small changes — but they add up to a better overall printing experience.

Conclusion: Upgrade or Not?

If you print frequently, experiment with different materials, or just want a more polished user experience, the Prusa CORE One+ upgrade kit is worth it.
It’s a cost-effective way to improve your machine without replacing it entirely.