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CAD · head to head

PrusaSlicer vs Ultimaker Cura

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

CAD

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ultimaker Cura logo

Ultimaker Cura

CAD

Powerful 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities; Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and Ultimaker Cura actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and Ultimaker Cura differ
AttributePrusaSlicerUltimaker Cura
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Founded20122011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers

Only in Ultimaker Cura

  • Universal printer support
  • Custom profiles
  • Plugin marketplace
  • Cloud integration
  • Tree supports
  • Arachne engine
  • Ultimaker printers
  • CAD software

Both cover

  • Most FDM printers
  • Open source
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

PrusaSlicer

  • Preparation of STL models for 3D printingnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot Ultimaker Cura
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura

  • 3D print slicingnot PrusaSlicer
  • Professional printingnot PrusaSlicer

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

Ultimaker Cura

  • Support varies by community contribution
  • No commercial technical support

Pricing, plan by plan

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Ultimaker Cura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.

Which should you pick?

Choose PrusaSlicer if

  • You need automatic supports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multi-material.
PrusaSlicer review

Choose Ultimaker Cura if

  • You need universal printer support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want custom profiles.
Ultimaker Cura review

Questions people ask

Is PrusaSlicer or Ultimaker Cura better?
Neither clearly leads. PrusaSlicer starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PrusaSlicer or Ultimaker Cura?
PrusaSlicer starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free.
Does PrusaSlicer or Ultimaker Cura run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is PrusaSlicer best used for?
PrusaSlicer is most often used for preparation of stl models for 3d printing, multi-material printing preparation, g-code generation and customisation via macros. Of those, preparation of stl models for 3d printing and multi-material printing preparation are not what Ultimaker Cura is typically brought in for.
What can PrusaSlicer do that Ultimaker Cura cannot?
PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. Both handle Most FDM printers, Open source, Windows support, MacOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

PrusaSlicer: How much does PrusaSlicer cost?

PrusaSlicer is completely free and open-source software developed by Prusa Research.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: Is Ultimaker Cura free?

Yes. Ultimaker Cura is completely free and open-source under the LGPL license. There are no premium versions, subscriptions, or hidden fees. All features are available to everyone.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: How many printers does Cura support?

Ultimaker Cura supports over 400 different 3D printer models with out-of-the-box configuration. Users can add custom printers and profiles.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What file formats does Cura import?

Ultimaker Cura converts STL, OBJ, 3MF, and other 3D file formats into G-code instructions that 3D printers can execute.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What features are available?

Cura offers 400+ configurable print settings, material profiles, intent profiles for specific applications, plugin support via the Ultimaker Marketplace, and active community development on GitHub.

Source
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