3D & CAD · head to head
Ultimaker Cura vs PrusaSlicer
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution; PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
- They diverge on capability: Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Ultimaker Cura and PrusaSlicer actually diverge.
| Attribute | Ultimaker Cura | PrusaSlicer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | open-source |
| Founded | 2011 | 2012 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & 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 Ultimaker Cura
- Universal printer support
- Custom profiles
- Plugin marketplace
- Cloud integration
- Tree supports
- Arachne engine
- Ultimaker printers
- CAD software
Only in PrusaSlicer
- Automatic supports
- Multi-material
- Variable layer height
- Custom G-code
- Paint-on supports
- Ironing
- Prusa printers
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.
Ultimaker Cura
- 3D print slicingnot PrusaSlicer
- Professional printingnot PrusaSlicer
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
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Ultimaker Cura
- Support varies by community contribution
- No commercial technical support
PrusaSlicer
- Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
- Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies
Pricing, plan by plan
Ultimaker Cura
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.
PrusaSlicer
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose PrusaSlicer if
- You need automatic supports.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want multi-material.
Questions people ask
- Is Ultimaker Cura or PrusaSlicer better?
- Neither clearly leads. Ultimaker Cura starts at Free and PrusaSlicer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Ultimaker Cura or PrusaSlicer?
- Ultimaker Cura starts at Free and PrusaSlicer at Free.
- Does Ultimaker Cura or PrusaSlicer run on more platforms?
- Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use Ultimaker Cura for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Ultimaker Cura best used for?
- Ultimaker Cura is most often used for 3d print slicing, professional printing. Of those, 3d print slicing and professional printing are not what PrusaSlicer is typically brought in for.
- What can Ultimaker Cura do that PrusaSlicer cannot?
- Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Both handle Most FDM printers, Open source, Windows support, MacOS support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceUltimaker 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.
SourceUltimaker 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.
SourceUltimaker 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