Side by side
Marlin vs Printrun
Both stand on 3d printing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Marlin if you need free, configurable firmware for a supported 3D printer, CNC machine, or laser engraver. Its motion controls, safety functions, and standalone operation are useful reasons to consider it. Look elsewhere if you need firmware that does not require configuration for the target machine and board.
Visit MarlinChoose Printrun if you want a free host suite with multiple ways to control printers, organize jobs, and customize the interface. Look elsewhere if you need cloud slicing or want STL loading without configuring an external slicer.
Visit PrintrunThe facts
| Marlin | Printrun | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | marlinfw.org | pronterface.com |
| On 3d printing software | #26 of 35 | #22 of 35 |
Marlin: what it does well
- Free under GPLv3 for all applications.
- Runs standalone on a printer’s mainboard.
- Supports 8-bit AVR through 32-bit ARM microcontrollers.
- Includes automatic bed leveling and input shaping.
- Lists thermal protection and power-loss recovery.
What to know first
- Firmware configuration and installation vary by board and version.
- Building and uploading requires a compatible setup such as PlatformIO or Arduino IDE.
Printrun: what it does well
- Includes graphical, interactive command-line, and standalone G-Code hosts.
- Supports serial and Ethernet connections.
- Can upload jobs to SD cards and run SD prints.
- Configurable interface includes 2D or 3D viewing options.
- Part excluder can isolate a failed object in a multi-object plate.
What to know first
- Loading STL files requires a separately installed slicer.
- Windows and macOS may block it as an unverified developer app.
Alternatives to Marlin Alternatives to Printrun The whole list