AstroPrint vs PrusaSlicer
AstroPrint
astroprint.com
PrusaSlicer
prusa3d.comSide by side
| Figure | AstroPrint | PrusaSlicer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9.90/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D Printing Software | 8.8 (#2) | 7.9 (#20) |
| Spec score · Additive Manufacturing Software | 8.6 (#2) | 7.8 (#10) |
| Founded | 2013 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California, United States | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Support | The Premium plan includes priority email support, while Business & Education includes priority single point-of-contact phone support. | Prusa provides a PrusaSlicer support section in its Knowledge Base. |
Plans
In their own words
AstroPrint
AstroPrint is a platform for managing 3D printers and printer fleets. Its cloud library stores STL and G-code files, and users can slice designs in a browser. A cloud dashboard tool generates printable models from text prompts. Users can monitor prints and remotely pause, resume, or cancel them from a computer or smartphone; analytics cover filament use, printer operating hours, and print success rates. Printers can connect through AstroBox Touch, AstroBox Gateway, a self-built AstroBox, or the OctoPrint plugin. The mobile app can search Thingiverse designs and start prints. AstroPrint Desktop is listed for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, alongside Android, iOS, web, API, and self-hosted platforms. Klipper is supported for slicing only, and live video streaming is not available in the mobile app; a browser is needed for that. The free Basic plan includes 2 printers, 1 user, and 1GB file storage. Premium costs $9.90/mo and includes the first 5 printers, with each additional printer costing $5.
PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer converts a 3D model into files for a 3D printer. It is free, open-source software based on the Slic3r project, and it performs slicing on the user's computer without requiring an account. The listed desktop downloads are for Windows, macOS, and Linux; the Windows download requires Windows 10 or later. Simple, Advanced, and Expert modes offer different levels of control. Users can create organic-shaped supports, paint support zones, and paint material regions. The software supports MMU3 and multi-extruder setups, plus layer-by-layer filament changes for basic multicolor prints. Its cut tool can divide a model and add alignment pins at the join. A built-in Printables.com browser supports finding and importing models for slicing. Printer connections include Prusa Connect, Klipper, and OctoPrint. A command-line interface supports batch slicing and custom manufacturing pipelines. Models, profiles, and G-code stay on the computer unless sent elsewhere. Prusa provides a support section in its Knowledge Base.